The Narang’s Wedding at Chateau Lake Louise

The Narang’s Wedding at the Chateau Lake Louise in Banff National Park

An Elegant Snow-Capped Winter Wedding

At the request of the bride and groom, in order to protect their privacy we have used alias names in their wedding story.

Chandan and Mina Getting Ready

The Guys Getting Ready at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

It was a cold Saturday out in the Rockies on the day of Mina and Chandan’s wedding. The daytime weather hovered around -20C, but at night we hit a frosty -31C! We drove up to Lake Louise early in the crisp morning. Greeting us were beautiful clear blue skies and trees created with fluffy white snow.

Upon our arrival at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, we met up with the groom in his suite on the third floor. This wing of the building looks out across the lake itself, and the window gave us sweeping views of the soaring mountains. The pillowy snow around the lake was pristine as if it came straight out of a movie. Here, we also met up with the talented Sergey and Alex of Milky Way Films, who were a great team to spend the day with.

Since August, Chandan had been growing a rather epic beard, much to the chagrin of Mina. So on the morning of their wedding, he finally shaved it off! His heart was racing, but everyone in the room was supportive; after all, he was doing this for his bride. Mina’s father is a stylist, so with his help, and that of his own father, Chandan began to trim away. It was a huge beard, so it took quite a bit of time to remove. Thankfully, he had a lot of fatherly support. Once the main part came off, it was time for the razor. While he was shaving, we photographed the details of his stellar wedding attire, including a Gucci belt and a pair of Prada shoes. (He was excited about the shoes, so we made a point later to take a lot of shots of him slipping them on). He had a crimson tie to wear against his dark navy suit, and the combo looked sharp.

With Chandan clean-shaven and ready to go, the sun began to peek over the mountains. Like magic, it shone right into the sitting room through the open window. We got some great shots of the groom relaxing before the ceremony, tying his tie, and getting into his jacket.
Once he finished suiting up, some of his family stopped in to visit. We spent a little more time with Chandan before it was time to head up to the bride.

The Girls Getting Ready at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

We got a message from Mina letting us know that she was ready for us to move upstairs. We headed up into the gorgeous honeymoon suite that looks out onto a balcony. The whole space is gorgeous, and it was a pleasure to photograph in. When we arrived, the girls from Mira Pucchi Maquillage were putting the finishing touches on Mina. Rola was completing the makeup, and Khitam was just wrapping up with the hair. They had a nice ring light set up, which added a nice soft light to the photographs. Mina looked like a rock star in the light, likely felt like it too, with two stylists, two photographers, a film crew, and her family in the room!

With her fabulous hair and makeup complete, Mina’s mother helped her into her dress. Her gown, from The Bridal Centre in Calgary, was a stunning piece by Pronovias, with lace features and a delicate illusion neckline. To top it all off, she wore an incredible floor-length veil. And, because this was a winter wedding, she accessorized with an amazing white cape, with fluffy earmuffs and a hand muff to match. She looked phenomenal like she came straight out of a fairy-tale.

Their Ceremony at in the Sun Room at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

After Mina, we moved down to set up in the Sun Room, a smaller room that backs onto the grand Victoria Ballroom. Once inside, the Sheikh brought the family in. About 50 people were in attendance for the service, and they all stood around the walls of the room. Mina entered, and her father escorted her over to the table. The Sheikh began the service, in a mix of both English and Arabic. The ceremony was quick and lovely. Chandan gave Mina her ring, and each of the families exchanged their intentions for the marriage. The ceremony was conducted according to their cultural tradition. It focused on the union being a positive one, in both the eyes of the families and in the eyes of God.

After the ceremony, the family thanked everyone for being present. Out in the foyer, the Fairmont set up a nice light cocktail lunch.

The Family Photos in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Right after lunch, we began family photos. We started in the main lobby, where everyone could stand on the grand oak staircase. The backdrop was gorgeous and was the perfect place for a main group shot of the family. Another staircase down the hall provided another great backdrop for some individual groupings.

There were so many beautiful places to shoot inside the building. A historic photograph of mountaineers hung on the wall, harkening back to the history of Lake Louise and of the Chateau. The Canadian Pacific Railway built the hotel in the early 1900s to serve as a destination for mountaineers. Since it’s inception, it has served as a stopping point for people from around the world, from mountaineers and celebrities to family holidaymakers and royalty. It is truly one of those magical places that exists as a testament to the incredible magnetism of the Canadian Rockies.

Once we wrapped up on the stairs, everyone was feeling brave and fancied a taste of the fresh mountain air. So outside into the cold, we went! We set up a group shot in front of the frozen lake, and the majestic Victoria Glacier resting in the crook of the mountain.

The Creative Formals at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

When the family was back in the warmth of the Chateau, it was time for the creative formals with the newlyweds. We photographed them in front of the lake, the snow-dusted trees and mountains creating an incredible backdrop. Mina was wrapped up in her cape and white earmuffs, while Chandan wore a black coat and black earmuffs. A horse-drawn carriage pulled up, and in went the newlyweds for a ride around the Chateau. Again, the cold weather couldn’t stop them. We photographed the bride and groom in the sleigh, crossing over the bridges and under the snowy evergreens. Near the woods is a beautiful arched bridge that lies over a runoff stream that doesn’t completely freeze. Milky Way Films got a gorgeous shot of the trickling water beneath the couple. We ended the creative formals with a beautiful shot of the newlyweds on the bridge, with the pillowy snow all around them. At that point, it was time to move back into the warmth of the chateau and get ready for the reception!

The Reception in the Victoria Ballroom at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

The bride and groom took a bit of a break before the reception, to rest their feet and warm their hands. Before the guests arrived we were lucky to have the opportunity to photograph the newly refurbished Victoria Ballroom in all its glory. The room features gigantic fireplaces and vaulted ceilings. The wedding décor by Naomi with Mountainscape Weddings was absolutely gorgeous. The intricate details were endless. The tables all featured beautiful candles, flowers, menus, and sweets.

Then, the guests began to arrive. The family greeted them as they entered, and led them to tables surrounding Mina and Chandan’s sweetheart table. The music started, and it was time for the entrance of the newlyweds. Everyone joined in on the dance! Immediately after, Mina and Chandan cut their cake, a beautiful 5-tier creation made by the Fairmont.

The Dinner provided by the talented culinary staff at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

After the cake cutting, dinner was served. There were a few different choices on the menu for the plated dinner. Three courses began with a salad, followed by a soup, and finished with the main course. Dinner was amazing, and everything was beautifully plated. After dinner, the espresso bar opened up! Elle Nguyen of Latte Art Love, a pop-up espresso bar service, was an incredibly talented barista. She created gorgeous works of art on every cup of coffee. She served the special lattes all evening, but she presented the first intricately decorated cup to Chandan’s father.

Dancing the night away to the sounds of DJ Rami

Along with videographer Sergey, we braved the cold one final time to set up a grand shot through the window. The building was all lit up from the inside, and the couple stood together in front of their table.

When we were back indoors, the first dance began. Mina and Chandan chose to dance to an acoustic version of ‘Little Talks’ by Of Monsters and Men. Their dance was a choreographed waltz that they had been taking lessons for, and it added a touch of elegance to the dance.

After the first dance, DJ Rami kicked off the party. His music throughout the night was unique and fun. For dinner music, he chose songs like “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt, and “Love You Like a Love Song” by Selena Gomez & The Scene. It wasn’t standard dinner music, but the unique flair worked perfectly. He had everyone up dancing all night long, and before the end, he busted out some Backstreet Boys. When the song began, the whole dance floor lit up, and Chandan’s mother even joked that we were having too much fun at work! All in all, it was an amazing wedding. Midnight lunch came out, featuring pizza, slider, chicken bites, éclairs, and a tower of macarons!

The newlyweds made their grand exit just after 11 pm. In the boutique hallway on the west end of the hotel we grabbed a few parting shots. The videographers completed the evening with a simple shot of the elevator doors closing. It was an epic, elegant, and wonderful wedding.

Online Gallery

At the request of the bride and groom, their gallery will remain private.

The Narang Wedding Day Slideshow

Above is the beautiful Wedding Slideshow that came with Chandan and Mina’s wedding package. It was created from a selection of their best photos captured on their special day, mixed to their wedding song Little Talks by Of Monsters And Men.
https://itun.es/ca/PbgWT?i=767582355

We are so fortunate to have had the opportunity to share Chandan and Mina’s special day with them and we wish them many years of happiness together.

Want to share in the experience? Contact us today for a free consultation or to book a portrait session!

Some of my Favourite Photos from Chandan and Mina’s Wedding

The Narang’s Wedding Credits

Date | 12.17.16
Officiant – Jamal Hammoud
Ceremony & Reception Location – Chateau Lake Louise
Hair – Khitam Salloum with Mira Pucchi
Makeup – Rola Muhieddine with Mira Pucchi
Wedding Cake – Chateau Lake Louise
Decor & Florist – Mountainscape Weddings
DJ – Rami Hussein
Videographer – Sergey Abramob with Milky Way Films
Photography by Jeremy Martel & Sharyar Memon

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.

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.

Jeremy Martel

A Calgary based wedding, family and event photographer that specializes in capturing the real moments of a couples story or event. He runs JM Studios and they offer couples, families, companies, corporations and brands the very best in modern photography. He began taking photos at 17 and has been captivated by mastering this art form ever since.