The Bartholet Wedding at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel in downtown Calgary

Sam and Alan Getting Ready

We began our day at the classically gorgeous Fairmont Palliser in downtown Calgary, where the one hundred year old luxury hotel set the backdrop for Sam and Alan’s beautiful wedding. The guys were ready for the camera when we arrived. We took some detail photos of Alan’s bowtie and cufflinks before seeing him open his gift from the Bride’s parents. Inside the box was a stylish Rado watch, an incredible piece of high quality Swiss design. We took a few more shots of the groom and his groomsmen, including Carl the ring bearer, before heading over to photograph the bride.

We began the bride’s getting ready shots with hair and makeup by Farrah Sanei of Farrah Makeup & Design, a talented makeup artist who we have been lucky enough to work alongside before. We photographed some of the detail surrounding Sam, including her beautiful necklace, earrings, tiara, and shoes. Her family presented her with a Rado watch as well, which, in a touching gesture, was the compliment to Alan’s. Her mom and dad helped her put it on. We then took advantage of a beautiful window in the room to photograph Sam against the lovely sheer curtains. We also used the window as a backdrop to photograph the wondrous detail of her stunning dress.

Sam and Alan’s First Look

The first look took place in front of the entrance to the Alberta Ballroom in the Fairmont Palliser, where the couple would later hold their reception. Sam hid around a corner while we lined up the family. Alan entered from the elevator, and while he waited, Sam snuck up behind him and tapped him on the left shoulder. When he looked over at her they shared an incredibly magical and sentimental moment.

Sofreh Aghd – The Traditional Persian Wedding Table Ceremony

We followed the first look with the traditional Persian wedding table ceremony, called the Aghd. This ceremony is an age-old tradition from the 2nd millennium BCE, and hasn’t changed much in two thousand years. The wedding table (Sofreh Aghd) was covered in items important to the couple, and this provided us with incredible details to include in their photos.

The Creative Formals at the Fairmont Palliser and along Stephen Avenue

The family photos in front of the Oval Room kicked off the formals. Pillars framed the shots wonderfully, creating a gorgeous backdrop for the family. Outside, we moved between 8th and 9th avenues in Calgary to take some creative shots of Sam and Alan. We found a coffee shop for a few reflective photos, and utilized some beautiful brick walls along the way. On Stephen Avenue, the historic pedestrian area downtown, we photographed the couple alongside their best man and maid of honour. The arches in front of Hudson’s Bay Company provided a gorgeous backdrop for a few intimate shots of the couple. Their formals were topped off with full group photos back at the Fairmont upon their gorgeous grand staircase.

Their Ceremony in the Oval Room at the Fairmont Palliser

We all entered the Oval Room after the formal shots, where officiant Don Seel provided a short and sweet ceremony for Sam and Alan. Following the ceremony, the newlyweds shared an absolutely epic kiss, which was accompanied by clapping and cheering from the elated crowd. Right before the reception we headed into the grand Crystal Ballroom to shoot some reflection shots off of the Fairmont’s stately grand piano.

The Bartholet Reception in the Alberta Ballroom at the Fairmont Palliser

The couple entered the beautiful blue Alberta Ballroom for the reception to great applause. The incredibly talented chefs at the Palliser created an immaculate and amazing meal for the dinner. Dinner was followed by speeches, which were followed by a beautiful choreographed dance from the newlyweds. Following the beautiful dance, the techno started and everyone from the children to the grandparents were on their feet. A traditional Persian knife dance was incorporated into the party, where Alan had to pay to get the knife for the cake cutting. Money fluttered around the dance floor in a flurry of laughter and excitement. DJ Chris Minor from Revolution Entertainment kept everyone up and partying into the night. It was a truly unforgettable celebration.

Online Gallery

An online gallery of all their images is available for the next 90 days. From the online gallery you are able to favourite images, order prints and share the gallery with your family and friends. The gallery can be accessed via the link below and you can contact the couple directly for their secure password.

Additional Blog Posts for Sam and Alan

In addition to their incredible wedding day celebration, they also have other blog posts you can enjoy. Click the links below to check out those posts.

We are so fortunate to have had the opportunity to share this special day with them and all their family and friends. We wish them many years of happiness together.

Want to share in the experience? Contact us today to book your family session, corporate and event photography, or to set up your free wedding consultation with Jeremy! We also have a wickedly fun Calgary Photo Booth that is great for any event.

Calgary Wedding Photographers © JM Photography

The Bartholet Wedding Credits

Date | 3.27.16
Wedding Venue – Fairmont Palliser Hotel
Hair and Makeup – Farrah Sanei with Farrah Makeup & Design
Wedding Cake – Culinary Staff at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel
DJ – Chris Minor with Revolution Entertainment
Photography by Jeremy Martel & Sharyar Memon

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JM Photography offers Calgary brides the very best in wedding photography! Our unique style and best in class experience is one of a kind. Each wedding is treated with the greatest of care and creativity, resulting in breathtaking imagery. We also offer Calgary newborn photography, capture maternity sessions as well as family portraits.

We are one of the top studios in Western Canada, servicing the Calgary area, including but not limited to, Canmore, Banff, Cochrane, Chestermere, Airdrie, Lethbridge, and Red Deer. We also offer coverage in Edmonton, Vancouver and to destinations worldwide.