The Rodgers’ Wedding at Sunshine Mountain Lodge

The Rodgers’ Wedding at Banff’s Sunshine Mountain Lodge

An Intimate Snowy Mountain Wedding in Sunshine Village

Maxine and Andrew Getting Ready at the Lodge

Our morning began at Sunshine Mountain Lodge, where we met the groom, his two sons, and his best man. Sunshine Mountain Lodge is the only ski-in, ski-out hotel in Banff National Park, and is completely surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. From the groom’s ready room we had gorgeous views of the snowy ski hill. The atmosphere was very relaxed, so we photographed Andrew and his best man Steve sharing a beer and enjoying the view. Andrew’s son Declan helped him into his suit before we headed off to photograph the girls.

When we arrived on the fourth floor we met Maxine, who hadn’t had a chance to give Andrew his gift. We delivered a gorgeous watch to Andrew, and he was so excited that he put it on immediately.

Back in the bride’s room, the girls were getting ready. Maxine’s daughter Kaelee and maid of honor Sylvie joined her in the room. Dante, Maxine and Andrew’s young son also joined us. He was a lot of fun, running around, and helping his mom put on her jewelry. We photographed the rings, which were set in a unique box engraved with their names and wedding date. While we were shooting the details, Maxine slipped into her gorgeous lace up dress. Sylvie and Kaelee got into their dresses as well, both wearing beautiful deep red dresses tied with bows.

Several visitors popped by to say hello, but Maxine didn’t want to be seen yet! Whenever a knock would sound on the door, she would hide and say hello from around the corner so she could stay hidden until the ceremony.

Their Ceremony at the Eagle’s Nest Restaurant at Sunshine Mountain Lodge

At the base of the mountain, we were met with rain, which was extremely unusual for a winter in Alberta! And of course, we hadn’t prepared for rain at all, so needless to say we were a little worried. Thankfully, as we ascended the mountain, the rain turned to snow. Even better, by the time of the ceremony, the snow had turned into romantic pillowy soft flakes. Once everyone was ready inside the Eagles Nest Lounge, they all popped outside, braving the snow to witness the union of Maxine and Andrew.

Officiant Tamara Jones of Weddings by Tamara put on a beautiful ceremony. Maxine entered the space through a set of double doors, past a stone fireplace that everyone had crowded around. Andrew saw her for the first time, surrounded by their family and friends. The atmosphere in the puffy snow was peaceful and insulating, and for a moment, there was no one else in the world but Maxine and Andrew.

They headed inside to sign their documents; Maxine’s dress trailed a mountain of snow. Then, they officially became husband and wife! A nice cocktail lunch followed the ceremony.

The Creative Formals at Sunshine Mountain Lodge

The best thing about the day was the atmosphere, and how slow paced and relaxed the wedding was. No one seemed to be in any rush, which kept the day calm and easy. We hovered around for a bit, taking shots of the guests enjoying the delicious lunch. The wedding party snuck off into a side room to share a drink with the couple. Because most of the hotel guests were out skiing during the day, the wedding had the quiet hotel to themselves.

While Maxine and Andrew were sharing a drink, we took some reflection shots off of the bar. Leah, at Sunshine Mountain Lodge, was so gracious. She and her team set up one of the mountain-view rooms for some of the creative formal shots. We took the wedding party and the kids up to photograph them. The lighting was gorgeous inside, and the backdrop was incredible. One of the lampshades became an impromptu flash diffuser for a nice soft light. At the end of the formals we popped outside for a brief minute to photograph Maxine in front of the mountain.

The Reception in the Eagle’s Nest Restaurant at Sunshine Mountain Lodge

Dinner started around 6 pm, and the exquisite six-course meal looked delicious. The whole reception wonderfully decorated, and with help from the bride, it was personal and unique. Speeches punctuated the dinner and included many heartfelt and touching moments. A mini birthday celebration took place for a few of the kids.

The slideshow by Maxine’s sister in law followed dinner. It showed the newlyweds in several stages of their lives: growing up, as a couple, and finally as a family.

They danced their first dance to a Randy Travis song, both being big country music fans. They DJ-ed their own party on an iPod, and even though the group was small, they were super interactive. They kept on their feet throughout the entire night!

Online Gallery

An online gallery of all their images is available for the next 30 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 Maxine and Andrew directly for their secure password.

http://JMphotosCA.shootproof.com/RodgersWED

The Rodgers’ Wedding Day Slideshow

Above is the beautiful Wedding Slideshow that came with Maxine and Andrew’s wedding package. It was created from a selection of their best photos captured on their special day, mixed to their wedding song Forever and Ever Amen by Randy Travis.
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/forever-and-ever-amen/id307031151?i=307031224

We are so fortunate to have had the opportunity to share Maxine and Andrew’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 Maxine and Andrew’s Wedding

The Rodgers’ Wedding Credits

Date | 02.16.17
Ceremony & Reception Venue – Sunshine Mountain Lodge
Cake – Chelsea Rae
Photography by Jeremy Martel & Sharyar

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.