Sections

A Romantic Garden Wedding In Calgary

Updated Mar 23, 2016

| By Mackenzie Patterson

Chelsea and Jason had been living together for four years when he proposed after a relaxing night of movies and junk food. "We are pretty low-key, so it felt fitting. I also cried an embarrassing amount," Chelsea laughs. "I planned for it to be in private because I figured she would be emotional," Jason notes.

For their wedding, the coupled envisioned a romantic feel with rich, dramatic touches, and a colour palette of nude, blush, gold and marsala did the trick. Chelsea and Jason also drew inspiration from the natural world for their decor, infusing it with earthy elements like the wood and glass ring display boxes and quartz detailing on the tables and the bridal party's jewellery. "That was how we wanted people to remember the day: light, natural and romantic," Chelsea says.

While these details were beautiful, the real show-stoppers of the day were the lush floral arrangements. Garlands featuring rich roses and textured greenery punctuated the rustic ceremony arbour, the reception tables and even the cake. "I was completely confident in the florist's work and I knew that whatever she prepared would look amazing," the bride says.

Chelsea and Jason kept their day as simple and intimate as the proposal with just 30 guests and a violin soloist for music. "Opting for a soloist best fit the size of the ceremony, and added a special touch without being overwhelming," Chelsea remembers. The small size of the wedding also allowed Jason to personally thank each guest one at a time, adding an element of charm and sincerity to the event. "Everyone who was there had to travel from somewhere else, so we wanted our guests to know they were very special to us and we appreciated them taking the time to come."

The couple was able to hold their ceremony at Reader Rock Garden, which contributed to the unique and intimate vibe of the day. "To preserve the historical value of the gardens they only allow a few weddings a year, so it made it feel that much more special when we were able to obtain a park permit," Chelsea says.

Although the day was filled with special moments, both the bride and the groom agree that their favourite moment was an unexpected one. A mix-up left them stranded at the ceremony location for an hour, but instead of letting the mishap ruin their day, the couple made the most of it and cherished the impromptu one-on-one time. "We sat on the grass and talked about each other’s mornings and thoughts on the day," Chelsea says. "Having an entire hour to just be together and relax really gave us an opportunity to reflect on everything."

Chelsea Bass and Jason Stomp, August 29, 2015, Calgary, Alberta.

Photography courtesy of Natalie Andrusiak of Heart & Sparrow Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony location: Reader Rock Garden
Reception location: Vintage Chophouse
Bridal gown: Carol Hannah from Frocks Bride's shoes: Givenchy
Groom's suit: Banana Republic
Cake: Handmade Cake Company Wedding planner: Alexandra Slawek of Boutiq Weddings & Events
Hair: Lindsay Larsen
Makeup: Teslin Ward
Flowers: Janie Gerestein from Flowers by Janie
Stationery: Minted
Groom's wedding band: OriginHG
Bride and bridesmaid's jewellery: Blue Sunflowers