A Surprise Wedding at Reader Rock Garden & A Sunset Session in Irricana | Calgary Wedding Photographer

If there is one thing I love more than a beautiful wedding, it’s a surprise wedding! Natalie and Colin pulled off the ultimate "gotcha" for their friends and family, and being their Calgary wedding photographer for this secret mission was a highlight of my year.

Part One: The "Engagement Party" Reveal

The guests arrived at the historic Reader Rock Garden in Calgary under the impression they were celebrating an engagement. While Colin worked the crowd and kept everyone distracted, Natalie snuck away to change into her stunning Monica Loretti gown.

The moment Colin gathered everyone’s attention to announce that they weren’t just engaged—they were getting married right now—was pure magic. The look of utter shock and joy on their guests' faces is exactly why I love what I do. Surrounded by the lush "garden vibes" and spring colors of the park, they said their "I dos."

Even a little Calgary rain couldn't dampen the mood. We snuck away for some moody, romantic portraits in the gardens before heading back to the party. The celebration was filled with personal touches, including incredible handmade treats from Bonney Chocolates (the groom’s father’s business!). Guests snapped photos on film cameras, ate Crave cupcakes, and cheered as Natalie tossed her bouquet.

Part Two: The Irricana Family Farm

Because one day of magic wasn't enough, we did a "Part Two" session out at Natalie’s family farm near Irricana. This gave the couple a chance to get back into their wedding attire for a relaxed, golden-hour session.

The Irricana landscape provided a completely different backdrop—wide open skies, glowing light, and a few guest appearances by the family farm dogs! It was the perfect, quiet contrast to the excitement of their Calgary surprise.

From the Couple: The Inside Scoop

What was the most anticipated moment of the day? "The surprise! We were looking forward to the reveal and just spending time with our friends and family."

Why did you choose Reader Rock Garden? "We bike to this garden all the time during the spring and summer. We’ve planned for this to be our venue since we moved downtown in 2022!"

What was the inspiration behind the day? "Simplicity, spring colors, and garden vibes."

The Creative Team (IG Tags)

• Photography: @lovestruck_portraits

• Ceremony Venue: @readerrockgarden

• Wedding Dress: @embracebridal (Designer: Monica Loretti)

• Suit: @indochino

• Hair: @jliaoo.hair

• Makeup: @julia_makeup.artist

• Chocolates: @bonney_chocolates

• Cupcakes: @cravecupcakes

• Rings: @marlowdesign

• Necklace: @marsnstars_

• Decor Rentals: @specialeventrentals_calgary

• Florals: Costco

Planning a Surprise Wedding in Calgary?

Whether you're planning a secret ceremony at a Calgary landmark or a sunset session in Irricana, I would love to capture your story. Contact me today to chat about your vision!