Spectacular Western Weddings Part III

Published in the January/ February 2012 edition of Western Horse Review.

BY DAINYA SAPERGIA & DEANNA BECKLEY

A western wedding exhibits ample opportunities for stunning and expressive photography. With blossoming western culture molding beauty and elegance with tradition, the choices for modern day brides and grooms are endless. Here\’s one of three weddings we featured in the Jan/Feb, 2012 issue of Western Horse Review.

Brook McGovern & Clint Buhler

Venue: A photographer’s dream, Manning Park provided the ultimate in stunning backdrops, for western wedding photographer, Krista Kay. The couple chose dramatic the Park as the setting for their vows. The ceremony was held at Lightning Lake, and the dinner was hosted in the Cascade Room of the Pinewoods Lodge, also located in Manning Park. For dancing and festivities, the wedding migrated to the Bears Den Pub where they danced the rest of the night away.

Colour Scheme: Simple and elegant, with chocolate brown and black.

Jewelry: A simply stated Victorian-esque necklace with a tear drop design adorned Brook’s neck. For a very personal touch, Clint had Brook’s platinum engagement and wedding rings designed especially for her, and Brook chose a strong carbine tungsten band for Clint, inscribed with the promise “Will Love You Forever.”

Men’s Attire: Clint and the groomsmen wore black western influenced blazers, crisp white collared shirts, dark wash jeans, black hats and brown boots.

Ladies’ Attire: The bridesmaids pulled in the chocolate brown element with their cotton halter dresses with brown cowboy boots. The two flower girls looked pristine in white ‘princess’ dresses accented with a wide brown sash and cowboy boots.

Wedding Dress: Keeping her outdoor plans in mind, Brook went with a hardy taffeta material that would easily shed dirt and grasses which could cling and snag traditional materials. It was a princess ball gown, with a modest train and a beautiful back. Knowing that the ceremony would involve horses, she made sure it had plenty of body and flowed nicely when she was riding.

Flowers: Brook chose Abby Florist of Abbotsford, British Columbia to create her unique arrangements. Wanting something completely different, she went with fresh white roses, and accented with white gerbera daisies, dried grasses and wheat.

Centerpieces: The tables were adorned with a clear glass votive holder with a rose set in pebbles underwater and a tea light floating in the center. Spread throughout the center of the table were dried leaves to tie in the strong outdoor presence laced through the day.

Favours: Tying in Clint’s profession as a farrier along with a shot of whimsy, Brook chose a pony shoe with fine wire for a hanger, making a unique and useable momento for guests to remember the day. Cake. Personal and simple, the cake was a small nineinch round carrot cake (Clint’s favourite), decorated with a pretty paisley pattern.

Something Borrowed: Brook filled the old adage “something blue” with a blue garter. Also hidden under her beautiful gown was “something borrowed” – her mother’s garter.

Last year we featured three western weddings for readers to derive inspiration from for their upcoming nuptials. This year is no different! You are going to want to pick up the Jan/Feb issue of Western Horse Review, or purchase the current issue online