The Moldovan’s Engagement Session at Calgary’s Bebo Grove

Love at First Sight

In the spring of 2016, Nico and Laura met through online dating. They felt a spark, so they decided to meet up for a first date at Nose Hill Park. The connection was instantaneous. Nico remembers feeling it immediately. Laura, who was very particular about the people she dates, also knew there was something special about their connection.

Nico is a sheriff and is part of a new provincial division that has only existed in Alberta for a decade. He always wanted to serve, so law enforcement was always something he was interested in. Laura, is a teacher, also serving her community in her fourth-grade classroom. They share a lot of similar personality traits, which complement one another very well. They share the same internal compass and outlook on life, which is what drew them to each other in the first place.

So, by their third date, they knew they would get married. In October, Nico went out and bought a ring, completely unbeknownst to Laura. He asked her parents for her hand and saved the proposal until Christmas Day.

It was interesting that she was so caught off guard by the proposal because apparently, Nico can’t keep a secret to save his life! That rang true for the entire plan because absolutely everyone else was in on it except Laura. Everyone from their family, friends, her closest girlfriends, and even her coworkers knew!

Christmas morning finally rolled around, and she was starting to get suspicious, expecting a proposal sometime before her birthday in the spring. He took her out for a nice walk alone, and while they were out, he surprised her by dropping to one knee! Even though Laura is not an emotional person, she admits that there were tears when he proposed!

By the time Laura and Nico get married in March of 2018, it will have been almost two years since they first met.

The Engagement Session at Bebo Grove

Nico and Laura began their day at their house with Christina Kemp of Modern Makeovers. After hair and makeup, they met us at Bebo Grove in Fish Creek Park. Laura brought along a collection of outfits to coordinate with the different shooting locations. It helped us tailor the wardrobe to each site, personalizing the shoot even further.

In Bebo Grove, we found a lovely lilac bush and began the shoot in front of the purple flowers. We began to shoot, but it was quickly evident that we needed bug spray. The mosquitos were everywhere!

Reequipped with repellent, we popped back into the forest, where a group of people were roasting marshmallows for smores. Through the thick forest, we photographed the couple walking along a sun-dappled path, their adorable puppy Daisy at their heels. We found a small area with a few large trees on their sides, giving age and character to the forest. The trees were thick enough that only small patches of warm sunlight trickled through the leaves. Laura and Nico sat in the green grass, right in a patch of sun, giving the whole setup an enchanting quality. Daisy played around them, staying right by their side and making several guest appearances in the photos.

In another forested area, we came across a tree with a large bend in it, which made for really cool framing. We then slowly made our way to the shoreline of Fish Creek. Along the way, we made sure to photograph Laura and Nico in front of the sun as it shone through the towering trees. Once at the creek, Daisy explored the edge of the shore, tentatively dipping her tiny paws into the cool water. The lighting was perfect, sparkling off the river as it flowed past us.

Once we finished the shots at the creek, Laura and Nico changed out of their formal wear and something more casual. Laura wanted a big dramatic forest shot, so we amped up the contrast and made it happen. It turned out great, with lots of light and shadows mixing in the dense forest.

While the sun was hanging on the edge of the path, Laura and Nico sat down on a bridge and played with Daisy. We gave her some treats to keep her from running too far. Near the end of the shoot, she was a little tired and sat still so we could get some cute portrait shots.

Laura had a unique idea to photograph the rings. She put her hand in Nico’s back pocket, where the light from the setting sun set it sparkling. The shots turned out great! Down in a rock bed by the river, we set up the last few shots, using the sun to create some elegant silhouettes.

We had a beautiful day with Laura and Nico and are really looking forward to their wedding 🙂

Their Online Engagement Photo Gallery

This is an online gallery of all their images and it will be available for a limited time. 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 couple directly for their secure password.

Want to share in the experience? Contact us today for a free consultation or click here to book a portrait session! We also have a wickedly fun Calgary Photo Booth that is great for any event as well as Corporate and Event Photography for all sorts of events and corporate functions.

Calgary Wedding Photographers – JM Photography © 2017

The Moldovan’s Engagement Session Credits

Date | 6.21.17
Location – Bebo Grove
Hair and Makeup – Christina Kemp with Modern Makeovers
Photography by Jeremy Martel & Cally Arsenault

Learn more about our studio

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.