The Gem Event Centre Wedding // Jennifer + Michael, Banff, Alberta

October 5, 2024 was a gorgeous day to get married in the mountains, with a reception at The Gem Event Centre.

The Gem Event Centre Wedding reception for the James’, and Rocky Mountain ceremony was a dream to photograph. The couple, the company and everywhere we went.

Now I’m going to warn you that Mike and Jen are some of Jesse and I’s very best friends. As such, this blog post includes a lot of candids. I love this couple, and also many of the guests. Thus, I can’t help but to include some of the countless gut laughs and tears experienced on their day. We are an emotional bunch.

Their weekend was 100% them. It started on Friday night at the Banff Gate Mountain Resort with a performance by the Ditch Pigs. Mike shred his guitar and they put on an unbelievable show for all of us! We sang, we head banged, we laughed, we cried. Never more so when Mike came off to dance with Jen to the song “Faithfully” by Journey. “Oh girl, you stand by me. I’m forever yours, faithfully”. Yeah. It was good.

The Day of the Wedding.

Saturday morning gave way to a beautiful, fall day. After their mornings apart, these two opted for a first look and private vows. Very. Emotional. Private vows. As witness (and fellow crier) to their declarations of love, all I will say is that I feel completely honoured to have been present. I will remember it forever, my friends.

Spending time together and being present was a top priority for these two. And thus, the crew (in drool worthy colour coordinated outfits) joined for a few pics before we were off to Tank 310. The entire restaurant cheered for them when they arrived (so fun). With a glass of champagne, a snack and plenty of laughs later, it was time to head back to Banff Gate to make things official.

At this point I’d like to insert myself in again to share a story. When covid moved Jesse and I’s wedding, we eloped to Switzerland. We needed someone to marry us on the day, and I asked Jennifer. She looked beautiful, did an amazing job, and we will forever be grateful. And so! When she asked Jesse to marry them on their big day?? It was a full circle moment.

The ceremony was sunny and full of happy faces for these two. Jen’s hard work collecting decor came to fruition at The Gem Event Centre Wedding. It was truly stunning. I loved the inclusion of Mike’s home province of Newfoundland with their twist on clinking glasses to kiss. Guests had to read a Newfie phrase to the crowd wearing a fisherman’s hat to get them to do so. It was a riot. Their parents had the crowd weeping during speeches, and the wedding party had us howling. Mike’s mom taking a shot of Newfoundland’s infamous “screech” was too good as well. Our friend Mark performed their first dance song, and the party went until we were kicked out.

In conclusion:

Their day was the most fun, heartfelt, and honest reflection of who they are as a couple. And I couldn’t be more stoked that I was the one to capture it for them.

So please enjoy the goodness that is the wedding of Mr and Mrs. James! I hope all the emotions come through xxo

To see their beautiful Ha-Ling Peak after wedding session please click here

Venue: The Gem Event Centre Wedding

MUA: Simply Me Hair and Makeup

Florals: Pampas Outlet

Suit: Indochino

Dress: Essence of Australia via Bridal Boutique

Boots: Oasis Society