An Intimate Autumn Wedding at Alloy Restaurant in Calgary

Ashley & Brian’s fall wedding at the Alloy Restaurant in Calgary was everything my heart and soul craves on a wedding day. From start to finish, the day felt like a warm hug. It was uncomplicated, intentional and full of good food, good loving and a whole lot of good jokes (but I won’t mention the questionable dance floor moves). When I arrived at their house in the morning for some getting ready photos I had no expectations of how the day would go. Ashley & Brian (and their friends and parents!) were so relaxed and welcoming that I felt like I was photographing old friends. They’re the kind of clients we all dream of having. BUT I DIGRESS! Let’s continue with the wedding shall we??

Alright. So, imagine this. A sweet as pie backyard at the peak of it’s autumn foliage. For all those who need to know, fall is my favourite season in Calgary for weddings. Well, probably my favourite season for weddings anywhere really. I love the cooler weather, the longer light and shorter days, the way the air smells and that you can be comfortable wearing long sleeves or an extra layer on your wedding day! And I don’t know what those tiny red-orange berries are called but I also adore them! So many things to love. 

Ashley looked amazing with her hair & makeup done by the talented Studio Haven. It looked flawless and lasted all day. After a few getting ready photos, dad arrives to the house for a first look with his daughter. (my fave). BUT FIRST, we do a first look with his wife, the brides mom. It’s adorable. I love cute parents on wedding days. Okay, next comes the bride for her first look with dad. Dad sees daughter in her wedding dress. TEARS ENSUE. (I’m not crying, you’re crying!). Finally, its Brian’s turn to see his bride-to-be. The bride and groom see each other for the first time (that day, not an arranged marriage to my knowledge), and they are just as cute as the parents - maybe even cuter. It’s a tough call to be honest. 

Because Ashley & Brian are most excellent and possibly ahead of the 2024 trends, they opted out of having a wedding party. If you’re a wedding photographer then there is most likely a tiny leprechaun doing a happy jig inside your heart when you learn this sort of news from your couple. My tiny leprechaun was dancing up a storm. (If you’re not a wedding photographer you may not understand). So, because it was just the 3 of us, we went for a stroll down to Bowness park just a couple blocks down the street to do their wedding portraits somewhere that felt meaningful and familiar to them - the place where they used to walk their sweet dog Ruger, who was very missed that day. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love an epic view or a cool aesthetic for wedding portraits. But, there is nothing I love more than wedding portraits (or any portraits really) taken somewhere that my clients have a genuine connection to. The photos look and feel different. It’s like I can sense the connection between my clients and the place, and my camera finds a way to reflect that. I think the combination of Ashley & Brian’s soft and gentle love, our mutual appreciation for the old growth trees of Bowness park, and a relaxed wedding timeline - plus the magic of a partly cloudy day (chefs kiss) - all created a magical wedding portrait session of images that are some of my favourites of recent years. 

After we finished our walk in the woods and photo session, we headed to Alloy Restaurant in Calgary for the ceremony and reception. To be honest, I had never heard of Alloy before this wedding but I am already so excited to be returning to photograph another wedding this summer! Alloy has a very cool, unexpected vibe for a fine dining restaurant. Located in a somewhat industrial part of Calgary, it’s an unassuming place to arrive to and kind of gives the feel of being part of a secret club. Although you’re in a part of Calgary where you wouldn’t expect an upscale restaurant that can host weddings, let me tell you, these guys know what they’re doing. The ceremony was held on the outdoor covered patio - complete with water features and plants and which I nearly fell into a few times. It’s hard to look at where you’re putting your feet when you’re photographing a ceremony. 

The ceremony was beautiful and we all cried at different points during the vows - especially when Brian teared up and got emotional talking about Ruger. My favourite (and the most hilarious) officiant in Calgary, Judy (www.vowsbyjudy.ca) led the ceremony and she is a GEM. Hire her for all your wedding officiant needs okay? 

Following the ceremony, we took family photos, which by the way don’t have to be torture. I will gently poke fun at whoever isn’t smiling and we will all have a great time. And then… the real party starts. For the rest of the evening, Ashley, Brian and their guests enjoyed the finer things in life: the good wine, the good food, good music (by the one and only Dance!Shout! who kept the dancefloor lit up all night long) and I know I said it before but I’ll say it again - good love and good laughter. 

Alloy Restaurant was the perfect venue for this intimate fall wedding. From their warm, ambient lighting, to the hip back bar area, to the efficient and attentive staff, they really know how to host an all-inclusive wedding in Calgary. There is abundant free parking for guests, a cool layout and the food was amazing. If you’re looking for a restaurant wedding venue in Calgary that is unique, classy but also knows how to have a good time - this might be the spot for you. 

Thanks again to Ashley & Brian for including me as part of your day. Every guest I chatted with felt like an old friend and I could have easily stayed on the dancefloor with the bandmates for the rest of the night!! I love your love and I love your parents love and I loved everything about your wedding day. 

xox Bree