A Whimsical Elven Party: Rachel & Max’s Lord of the Rings Inspired Wedding | Calgary Wedding Photographer

Chelsea Pagé
Jan 12
2 min read

Every once in a while, a wedding comes along that is so unique, so "them," and so full of life that it reminds me exactly why I love being a wedding photographer in Calgary. Rachel and Max’s day at the Meadow Muse Pavilion was exactly that—a magical blend of Lord of the Rings whimsy, Harry Potter charm, and a sunset color palette that was a filmmaker's dream.

An Enchanting Ceremony at Fish Creek Park

The day began at the gazebo at Bow Valley Ranche for a beautiful hand-tying ceremony. Rachel and Max described their vision as an "Elven party at golden hour," and they nailed it. From the processional to the heartfelt vows, every moment felt like a scene from a fantasy novel.

They even made sure that no one was left out—since one groomsman couldn't make it, a cardboard cutout took his place, providing some hilarious moments for the wedding film!

Sunset Hues and Hidden Surprises

One of the most touching moments I captured was a private, surprise picnic that Max planned for Rachel. It was a quiet, intimate contrast to the high-energy celebration that followed.

And speaking of energy—the reception was a blast! Rachel and Max introduced me to a new game where guests tried to sneak clothespins onto unsuspecting victims. By the end of the night, I think I was carrying about 15 pins on my gear! It made for some incredible candid footage of guests laughing and playing along.

Why We Love Meadow Muse Pavilion

The couple chose Meadow Muse Pavilion because it felt the most like the "Weasley Wedding" from Harry Potter—a beautiful tent that allowed nature to flow right into the party. Between the truffle potato stackers and the hopping dance floor, the atmosphere was, in their words: Enchanting, Heartwarming, and Timeless.

From the Couple: The Vision

What inspired your wedding decor? "Think 'Whimsical, Elven party at golden hour.' The Weasley wedding from Harry Potter was an inspiration. We are Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings nerds, and we tried to plan based around the photos and film, looking closely at color compositions."

What are you looking forward to the most? "Spending time with each other, and those that attend!"