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As you may have noticed, there’s a running theme to my blogs. I love Saskatchewan. There is a beauty that is practically indescribable — though I’ve tried my best throughout these pieces to try to capture it. From Saskatoon to Prince Albert and everything in between, there are about a million places that I could spend my days happily exploring around the region. This is probably why it's one of my favourite places to recommend to couples looking for wedding locations — getting married in Saskatchewan is ideal! There is SO much to explore, so many places to choose from and an amazing juxtaposition between the city and the rural areas, so you end up with the best of both worlds at your disposal. There’s no shortage of natural wonder. The rivers that run through the boreal forests. The rolling hills and prairies that create a sprawling landscape. Dotted amidst the natural beauty are small towns like Waskesiu, which is the only community located within Prince Albert Park, or the larger towns like Saskatoon, which combine city living with natural surroundings. All of these components, plus a ton more, are what make Saskatchewan such an incredible place to get married. It’s the perfect place for any couple that loves a little culture, a little adventure and a lot of beauty. Instead of an epic ode though, I decided I really wanted to take some time out and write a detailed guide to all the things you need to know for getting married in Saskatchewan. A guide that touches on a variety of topics that any couple would need to think about when planning for their Saskatchewan wedding adventure: Where to get married in Saskatchewan The best time to get married in Saskatchewan How to plan a wedding in Saskatchewan What are some of the best wedding venues in Saskatchewan Finding Saskatchewan wedding vendors The best places for Saskatchewan wedding photography shoots Those topics only scratch the surface of all the things we’ll be talking about, so without further ado, here is your comprehensive guide to weddings in Saskatchewan… Setting The Tone When it comes to setting the tone of your wedding, it’s best to try to do it as early as possible. Though there are a ton of factors to consider when looking at the tone of your wedding, there isn’t one quite as important as choosing the right time to get married. Winter, Spring, Summer or Autumn — there are plenty of reasons to choose either of the seasons to get married in Saskatchewan. Let me break it down by season. A Frozen Wonderland: A Saskatchewan Winter Wedding I love the silence that seems to fall over the Saskatchewan landscape as the snowfall of Canada winters takes over — and considering the winters in Saskatchewan generally last between November to mid-March, the snowfall lasts a while. The coldest months of the year tend to be January and February though, so aiming for before or after gives you the opportunity to frolic amidst the snow drifts without having to completely worry about the arctic temperatures. In fact, the colder it gets, the less snow there is, so if you envision a winter wonderland, we probably want to aim more for late November, to early December. There is ONE major benefit to a winter wedding though: the groomed trails that Saskatchewan has to offer. Groomed trails give you the chance to cover miles upon miles of terrain that would normally take hours upon hours to cover all with the added benefit of being blanketed by a thick layer of snow and ice. Lakes end up completely frozen over, and forests become barren. It’s otherworldly, and I definitely encourage you to take a look at some of the amazing groomed trails that would be available should a winter wedding be your thing. Blooms And Blossoms: A Saskatchewan Spring Wedding Contrasting to the waning sunlight and the barren landscapes of winter, a Spring wedding in Saskatchewan gives you bursts of glorious light, chance sightings of rainbows after spring showers and colourful blooms of flora and foliage as far as the eyes can see. The rivers are brimming with life as the melting snow turns into freshwater flowing down the waterfalls in Prince Albert National Park. The weather is also fairly contrasting, as the temperatures spring up into the warmer ranges, making both an outdoor and indoor wedding possible. Warm And Wonderful: A Saskatchewan Summer Wedding The days are long, the weather is warm and the season is prime for festivals, outdoor events and hiking. It’s safe to say that the summer in Saskatchewan is an amazing time to visit, and an even more amazing time to get married. There are plenty of outdoor adventures to take part in while you enjoy your time, like ziplining (I’ve never done a wedding photo shoot on a zipline but I’m down to try!) and hiking along the variety of trails Saskatchewan has to offer. Summer is also the best time to capture outdoor wedding photography under the glow of the golden hour — that magical hour that happens one hour after sunrise, and one hour before sunset, that somehow manages to cast everything it touches in liquid gold. The Transformation: A Saskatchewan Autumn Wedding In Autumn, you get the benefit of fairly warm temperatures, coupled with the arrays of reds, oranges, yellows and bronzes that explode from the trees as the season begins to change. When you pair that with the golden hour that I just talked about, you find yourself in a setting so naturally beautiful that even Bob Ross himself couldn’t accurately capture it on canvas! Another thing to consider when it comes to the different seasons of Saskatchewan is what the peak tourism times are. While that may not affect your plans in terms of when you want to get married, it might impact the costs of the travel, so it’s best to get ahead of it as early as possible. The peak times for travel to Saskatchewan is June-September, mostly because of the weather and the variety of outdoor events that the area has to offer. Food festivals, farmers markets, things of that nature. Inside, Outside, And Everywhere In Between As I mentioned earlier, there is no shortage of beauty when it comes to Saskatchewan. It somehow manages to exist in the middle of nowhere, while maintaining a small but thriving cultural scene in places like Saskatoon or Regina. Then, of course, there’s Prince Albert National Park, and the town of Waskesiu, which gives you the ability to stargaze, and take in a farmer’s market and art gallery the next day — all before you jump into a paddle boat ride along a lily covered channel of water. It’s that ability to exist in both places at the same time that makes Saskatchewan wedding photographers so excited about the assignment. We get the chance to traverse all over with you, telling the story of your epic romance while being simultaneously surrounded by epic land and life. One of the highlights, in my mind, is Saskatoon, and the focus that the area puts on the local Indigenous cultures, as well as their contributions to the land, the food and the arts of the region. There are a variety of small galleries in the area that would make for an amazing side trip as we scout out locations. When it comes to Saskatchewan destination weddings, though, any of the aforementioned places provide plenty of reasons to plan your special day there, and that’s only scratching the surface of what this beautiful place has to offer. Unfortunately, if I tried to dig deeper into every place, this blog would never end, so in the interest of time, we’ll move on. Who Should Get Married In Saskatchewan – And, How To Do It! We’ve talked about the when, and some of the where, but now we should talk about a couple of the other key components. The who and the how: who should get married in Saskatchewan, and how do you go about doing it? Getting married in Saskatchewan requires couples to purchase a Saskatchewan marriage license, which is only valid for 90 days after purchase. You’ll need to provide two forms of identification, both must be government issued, and one must be a form of a photo ID. Any clergy or marriage commissioners who are registered in Saskatchewan can perform marriages, so just make sure whomever you choose registers in the area if they aren’t already. You can find full information on the process here. Now, who should get married in Saskatchewan? That’s an easy question to answer. Everyone and anyone! I’m not just saying that because I love it there, I’m saying it because it truly does have something for everyone. Whether you love a grand outdoor adventure or laid-back leisure, natural wonder or small-city life, it really does have it all. So the answer to who should get married here, is, absolutely and unequivocally, everyone. Well, we’ve covered nearly all of it. Where to go, what to do, when you can do it, and who should do it. I wanted to add a little bonus section though. One that has my own personal recommendations of local artisans in the Saskatchewan area that can assist in making all your wedding dreams a reality, from the hair and make-up to the flowers, dress and everything in between that will help paint the wedding picture for you. W Bridal W Bridal in Saskatoon is an absolutely gorgeous bridal shop that offers a wide range of bridal dresses that somehow manages to fit every budget. What I love most about them is that their selection is just as amazing as their staff — as is evidenced by the pages-long “love letters” section of their website, a place where their customers go to leave gushing reviews of their experience at W Bridal. Michelle’s Flowers Also located in Saskatoon, Michelle’s Flowers is a great place for all your floral needs. They offer services where you can just choose to get your wedding party flowers there, or you can put together an entire package that includes the wedding party, reception, ceremony or full-day services. Elite Wedding Productions Elite Wedding Productions is a family-owned and operated wedding videography production company that is there to capture all the goofy dances, the coordinated entrances and all the laughter, smiles and speeches that sprinkle their way throughout your big day. As much as I love photography, I think videography is the perfect complement to it. Kelsey Rae Makeup From bold and bright, to smoke and sultry, the magical makeup abilities that Kelsey Rae possesses can easily traverse any of the moods you are hoping to strike for your big day. She can design a makeup look based on the tone, the setting and the aesthetic — take a look at her portfolio to get a better idea. The H Company HAIR! Sorry, I’m not trying to yell, but that’s how important it is to think about your hair when it comes to your big day, and all the photographic evidence you plan on capturing leading up to that big day. Which is why I love The H Company in Prince Albert. They have a full-service salon at your disposal and specialize in special occasion looks. Well, we did it! We got through my comprehensive, all-inclusive, everything-you-need-to-know guide to weddings in Saskatchewan. From the gorgeous scenery to the planning and the partying, all the bases have been covered. All except one. What Kind Of Wedding Photography Packages In Saskatchewan Can You Provide? Well, considering I can’t wait to be your wedding photographer, why don’t you reach out and we can talk about all the types of photo packages I can offer you, along with some of the hidden gems of Saskatchewan that I couldn’t list here. A girl has to have some secret weapons, right? I can’t wait to talk to you.

Did you just get engaged and you don't even know where to start? Let's be honest, no one is an expert on getting married! BUT, with 10 years of shooting weddings I have some tips on creating a wedding timeline that will work for you! 1. What is the most important thing to you? When you think of your wedding day, what is the most important thing that comes to your mind? Is it an epic party, an intimate first look with vows, or maybe photos at sunset? Think of the most important thing to you and plan around that! 2. Golden Hour Depending on the time of year, "Golden Hour" is the hour before the sun goes down. This creates that soft and warm light that you see on all those Pinterest photos. 3. Daylight If you are getting married in the winter months, your daylight timeline is shorter than summer months, so if you are getting photos, or your ceremony is outdoors make sure you have enough daylight to that isn't happening in the dark! 4. Getting the shots you want! My couples always allot 2-2.5 hours for formal photos. This means, photos with you and your babe, your crew, and anyone else that is special to you. We always have enough time, in fact they always have a little bit of time to hang out and take in the day, because I always finish early. 5. Get rid of all the noise! Everyone will have an opinion about what they think is best! But don't let that steer you away from what you want! If someone says, "2,5 hours is such a long time for guests to wait while you take photos." Simply provide an activity, for guests to experience during that time before cocktail hour. For example, if you are getting married in Waskesiu, SK provides guests with a list of attractions they can check out. If you are getting married in Saskatoon, SK provide your guests with passes to check out the Remai Modern. Just remember...it's your day! My couples always comment about how effortless their day felt, how amazing it was to have someone who organized everyone, be their hype girl, and put out any little fires that came up! If you want to that experience to, let's chat! Click on the button below to send me a message and I will follow up in 12-48 hours with more info! Jas

Photos by JC Photography Planning a wedding can be stressful, I get it. From planning your decor, searching for accommodations, finding a caterer, setting up and taking down - the list can go on and on and on... What if I told you that there is a place right here in Saskatchewan that solves all of these problems for you! Yes, it's true! Nestled in the boreal forest, just 45 minutes north of Prince Albert, lies the beautiful Elk Ridge Resort. The resort offers so much that will not only make you and your guests feel relaxed, entertained, and close to nature, but they will also take the stress out of planning your wedding!. Elkridge Resort offers a vast amount of amenities for you and your guests. You just simply need to show up and relax. Accommodations: The resort offers an ample amount of places to rest your head! There is no shortage of spaces for you and your guests to stay. Lodge: Stay in the hotel guest rooms with a pool, spa, fitness room, and fine dining right at your fingertips. They offer full suites with king, or queen beds. Cabins: 2, 3, or 4 bedroom cabins offer a spacious and comfortable spot to stay. It's a perfect place for families, friends, and of course bridal parties. Townhouses: 2-3 bedroom townhouses that make you feel right at home. Cottages: These are located right beside the golf course in a quaint little culdesac. They are cozy 2 or 3 bedroom modern cabins. Elk Ridge on the Lake: If you want all of the amenities of Elk Ridge, but also want to be right in the townsite of Waskesiu, this is the spot for you! These beautiful condo-like spaces are located right in the heart of Waskesiu in Prince Albert National Park. * Bonus! The resort is PET FRIENDLY! Be sure to check out which accommodations offer pet friendly rooms. So bring your fur baby and enjoy the resort and all it has to offer! 2. Dining: Let's talk about the food -my favourite! The resort offers two restaurants, as well as catering for events (ie. your wedding!) The Wyld: Connected to the Golf Clubhouse, this is a perfect place to unwind after a round of golf or a hike. The restaurant offers a very delicious menu including an elk burger and locally caught walleye. Take the entire family as they also offer a kids menu, and daily specials. The Wyld is open from 11am-10pm daily. The Fredrich: Immerse yourself in a fine dining experience that brings in the beauty of the Boreal Forest through dishes that tell a story of the flavours of northern Saskatchewan. Red seal chefs Kyle Novicki and Dan Neumeier combine art and food to create a tasty celebration of flavours for all guests. The Fredrich hours are extended for the summer months, but I strongly suggest booking reservations as they book up quite quickly. Catering: The resort will take care of all your food needs on your wedding day! Whether your wedding is big or small they will happily create a memorable and delicious experience for everyone! While also accommodating any dietary needs. 3. Venue Spaces: The resort has so many places to say your "I do's", eat, dance, or whatever your celebration may entail - Six locations to be exact! The Pond: The Pond Patio is a beautiful location for an outdoor ceremony. It can accommodate up to 250 guests and is located just behind the lodge. The Gazebo: Located just to the right of the Pond Patio, the Gazebo is a cute and intimate space that overlooks the pond and has space for up to 25 people. The Church: If you want to get married in a church but don't want to commute from the city to the resort, Elkridge offers an intimate church that welcomes all religious celebrations. The Pavilion: The Pavilion or "Pav" as most call it, is a beautiful rustic, chic space that brings the feeling of the boreal forest to your wedding. It can accommodate up to 225 guests and is open from May-September. The Wapiti Ballrooms: Located right in the Lodge, these rooms offer space for 50 to over 200 guests. They are your typical ballrooms, and all include an ample amount of natural light through an entire wall of windows that back onto the pond and green space. Each has access to the outdoor space as well. 4. Activities and Entertainment: The resort offers so many activities such as golf, hiking, zip-lining, and more. It really is a place for EVERYONE! It really is a breathtaking place to say your, "I do's" Golf: With three different courses, a putting green, AND a driving range, this resort is a golfer's paradise. These pristine courses are great for all golfers, from beginners to pros. Be sure to take in the beverage cart service that will serve you right on the course, or keep your eye open for the fawns curled up on the fairway in July. It truly is an experience in itself! The Pro Shop: Get all of your golfing gear at the Pro Shop while you book in your tee times. If you are a first time golfer, book in with an expert for a lesson. Drift Spa: Enjoy a relaxing day at the spa. They offer so many different services from pedicures to body wraps, you will walk away feeling so refreshed! An added bonus is that you can book your service online! The Pool: The pool area offers a hot tub, pool, and waterslide. It is perfect for the entire family! This is located in the Lodge, but is available for any guests staying at the resort. Hiking: Elkridge has many hiking trails that guests can enjoy that will allow them to explore the entire resort! Events: Elkridge offers many special events throughout the year. You can check these out on the resort’s website. . Limo: Ummmm what?! The resort has their own Limo. Seriously, if you want to cruise around with your wedding party, they have just the ride for you! So pop that champagne and toast to your beautiful love story while riding in style. 5. Planning your Day! Don't fret about your day - seriously. Ashley and her team are rockstars when it comes to making your dreams come true. You work together to create a wedding day you will love! From set up to take down, you don't have to worry about a thing. So no rushing to get things set up in the morning, no waking up early to get everything taken down and put away the next day. You get to enjoy and embrace every moment, which is how it should be! Elk Ridge Resort offers a unique and romantic wedding experience that is unrivalled in Saskatchewan. It is a breathtaking place to say your, “I do’s”, and create unforgettable memories with family and friends. Get in touch with Elk Ridge Resort today to plan the wedding of your dreams! www.elkridgeresort.com

Searching for your wedding dress is an experience! Today, Kim the owner from W Bridal in Saskatoon is sharing all the goodies with finding your dream dress! She is all about the experience, I have brides continually rave about how wonderful their experience was at her shop! I am so thankful she has shared some helpful tips to find your beautiful gown! Tip #1 - shop early We suggest starting the shopping process one year in advance and making sure your gown is ordered with no less than ten months in advance to avoid additional fees. With that said, there are many other ways to find a dress that make shorter timeframes still very easy to work with! The tightest timeframes we’ve worked with is less than 24 hours! Tip #2 - give yourself some time Ordering in a wedding gown takes six months, now this answer can vary from shop-to-shop It's best to confirm those details before booking your appointment. Also, there are gowns available for immediate purchase to side step the ordering process! "Ordering in a wedding gown takes six months." – Kim, W Bridal Tip #3 - Alterations In Saskatoon the average time for the alteration process is 2.5-3 months, I suggest reaching out to schedule your first fitting about 4.5 months in advance of your wedding to ensure maximum appointment flexibility. Tip #4 - bring all the things A solid crew, a positive attitude, an open mind and wear underwear! Tip #5 - tell us what you want Communicate… that goes for life too! As consultants we want to know if there is something more or different we could be doing to ensure your experience is the best possible, never is it our intention for it to be less than the best for you! If we seem to be missing the mark of picking dress styles, not engaging enough with your guests, not asking enough questions… we want to do and be the best for you and communication is such a key part of making that happen! There you have it! AMAZING!!! I hope you found these helpful! If you want to visit Kim and all the wonderful consultants at W Bridal you can visit their website at www.wbridals.ca connect of social @wbridal or go right to the shop 142 2nd Ave Saskatoon, SK.

Let's chat all things hair and wedding! sitting in that chair and getting your hair done for you wedding is all part of the magic of your wedding day! Hairstylist, Nicole from The H Company in Prince Albert, SK has shared some tips that will help you prepare for hair for your wedding! Tip #1 - Book your stylist asap! Brides should book their wedding hair as soon as they know their date! Summer weddings often book a year in advance, fall there is a bit more availability for short notice. Tip #2 - Get your hair ready to go To prep your hair, it is best to wash your hair the night before! (Do not come in for your appointment with wet hair, it will not hold curl, as it’s still holding a lot of moisture even after a good blow-dry! It also cuts into our time to perfect your style.) If you find your hair doesn’t hold well, apply some mousse from roots to ends. Either blow-dry or let air dry and it will be ready for us to work with in the morning! "it is best to wash your hair the night before!" – Nicole, The H Company Tip #3 - book a trial Booking a trial for your hair is up to you! A trial can help you decide what to you want done with your hair if you’re unsure what you want. A trial also helps us work with your hair and get a feel for what it needs to hold best from products to different hot tools. Tip #4 - give yourself time I like to book 1 hour per client. 1 hour may be more then enough for some but I rather have extra time then not enough! Tip #5 - best tip ever! My advice to you on your wedding day is just be in the moment! Enjoy your morning with your people and don’t stress the little things. Your day is going to be amazing! Boom! There they are 5 tips and tricks to help you prepare your hair for your wedding day! if you have more questions or want to get in contact with Nicole, reach out to The H Company on IG or Facebook!

Saskatchewan winters can be brutal to shoot in, but with the right preparations it can be so enjoyable! Tip #1 - Bring winter boots Wear your sorels or hunter boots to the location and then switch to your cute booties once you get to the place where your session will take place. This will prevent your pants and shoes from getting full of snow! Tip #2 - Wear your jacket Wear your jacket and mitts right up until you get your photo taken and in between if you need too. There is no sense in freezing on the way to your session. Tip #3 - Bring hand + feet warmers Seriously! Stick them in your shoes, bra, and hold them in your hands! This will make the cold so much more manageable. Tip #4 - Layer up If you have leggings or a long johns, but them under your pants or dress. AS long as they don't bulk up in any places, go for it. Everyone is happier when they are warm, so layer up my friend! Tip #5 - Reschedule if you need too If the weather is just too cold, reschedule! In fact, camera gear can freeze up if it is not properly taken care of during the session. So, if you can reschedule to a warmer day you fingers and toes will thank you! Capture the magic of a Saskatchewan winter I am always up for a winter engagement session! Although, if the weather is freezing, reschedule! And always remember to layer up, bring your boots and winter jacket, and pack hand warmers.

Sometimes the thought of doing a photo session near water seems like a recipe for disaster....that is so far from the truth! It actually sets the scene for a romantic, almost whimsical experience. 1. The reflection The water is like a natural reflector! It is can bounce off light, mirror subject or the sky. Which creates a really beautiful effect for couples, and ultimately leads to a gorgeous canvas image. 2. Fun and Flirty Getting in the water with your babes is always a good idea! splash, run, and dancing in the water gives all, "The Notebook" vibes! 3. The contrast The contrast between the water and the greens is so rich and beautiful! It adds a definite romantic element to every image! If you have the choice, choose your engagement session near water! The images will be AMAZING! Image above was taken along in the North Saskatchewan River in Prince Albert, SK

You want to pull off the ultimate surprise?! Plan a wedding without any friends are family knowing. Seriously! The look of shock and excitement on their faces will be something you will NEVER forget. That is exactly what Mic + Nicole did. They planned what everyone thought was a birthday party for Nicole, but actually was a wedding. How freakin' cool is that?! We kept this secret for months! With only a handful of people knowing. The day of the wedding, myself along with a team of wonderful creatives surrounded Nicole with love and support while she got ready. I tied her into her dress, and away she went to do personal and heartfelt vows with Mic and her little girls right by their side. Following Mic went ahead and greeted all the guests and made everyone believe this was a gathering for Nicole's birthday. When Nicole arrived, she wanted to surprise her parents first, so they could then walk her down the aisle. This moment brought tears to my eyes, the look of excitement, joy, and pride they had for her was indescribable. After the tears were wiped and the initial shock that their daughter was getting married settled, they walked her down the aisle. This is when is gets even better! As Nicole and her parents came down the aisle the room filed with gasps and cheers! Everyone was so surprised. I had goosebumps from my heads to my toes. They continued the evening with saying, "I Do's" and dancing the night away, and signing off with a sparkler exit. Together they pulled off the ultimate surprise. Mic + Nicole celebrated at Rock Trout Event Centre in PRince Albert, SK.

I have had the pleasure of photographing this wonderful family for years! I have capture all three of their graduations and every year just gets more and more exciting! Despite the bugs, Casey rocked her session. She ventured through trees, ran in bare feet, and surrounded herself by branches to get the shots we wanted. She was a trooper! I wish Casey all the best in the future!

I am so honoured when families ask me back to capture another graduation. Years before I took her brother's grad photos and this year was Meghan's turn. We shot her session deep in the Pines were we were surrounded by moss that looked like fresh snow fall. To say it was beautiful, is understatement. I am so happy to share these images and I wish Meghan all the best in the future!

We spent the evening at Kristi Lake Trail, just outside of Prince Albert, SK. The light was so soft and beautiful, and when it reflected off of Darian's blue dress it created magic! Darian was so fun to shoot with and the session was so much fun! I wish Darian all the best in the future!

The evening was perfect! The sun was setting and the weather was warm. Along with his family, escort, and grandparents, We ventured to the outskirts of town to capture Gunner's grad photos. His family brought along not only Gunner's car, but dirt bike, and harley. These represented what Gunner was so passionate about. Having the Chance to capture such special memories for him and his family was truly and honour and I wish Gunner all the best in his future!