Claudine & Bryce’s Winter Wedding at Laurier Baptist Church and The Lodge at Snow Valley
Claudine & Bryce’s Winter Wedding at Laurier Baptist Church and The Lodge at Snow Valley
A beautiful couple, a room full of people they love, and the first snowfall of the season. Claudine and Bryce’s wedding day had all the makings of a memorable Alberta wedding, even if the weather had other plans!
Megan photographed Claudine and Bryce’s wedding, documenting their celebration from their ceremony at Laurier Heights Baptist Church to their reception at The Lodge at Snow Valley in Edmonton. What started as a day with plans for outdoor photographs quickly turned into a very cold, snowy wedding day.
But the first snowfall on your wedding day has to be lucky, right?
Although the weather meant keeping most of their photographs and celebrations indoors, one thing was never in question: how absolutely gorgeous these two are!
What made this wedding particularly special was the couple’s focus on what mattered most to them. They wanted to celebrate not only their marriage but also the family and friends who had come together to make the day possible. With a relaxed timeline, thoughtful planning, incredible food, and a team of wonderful vendors, Claudine and Bryce created a wedding that was entirely their own.
A Wedding Ceremony at Laurier Heights Baptist Church
Claudine and Bryce exchanged vows at Laurier Heights Baptist Church in west Edmonton, surrounded by the people who mean the most to them.
Their pastor, Carol Henders, officiated the ceremony, making it an especially meaningful occasion for the couple.
When planning their wedding, Claudine and Bryce wanted their photographs to reflect the genuine moments throughout the day. Rather than focusing exclusively on posed portraits, they emphasized candid wedding photography and capturing the people who had gathered to celebrate with them.
This is something we love about wedding photography at RedTree Photography. While beautiful portraits are an important part of your wedding gallery, some of the most meaningful photographs happen when nobody is looking at the camera. A proud parent watching the ceremony, friends sharing a laugh, or an emotional moment between family members can become just as treasured as the photographs of the newlyweds.
For Claudine and Bryce, their wedding was a celebration for everyone in attendance, not just the two of them. They wanted to remember the people who made their day special, and that gave their wedding photography a wonderful sense of purpose.
The First Snowfall of the Season at The Lodge at Snow Valley
After their ceremony, the celebrations continued at The Lodge at Snow Valley, a beautiful wedding and event venue in south Edmonton.
If you know Alberta weather, you know that fall can be unpredictable. One minute you’re enjoying the last beautiful days of autumn, and the next you’re dealing with freezing temperatures, rain, and snow.
Claudine and Bryce experienced all of that!
The first snowfall arrived on their wedding day, bringing cold temperatures and wet conditions that made outdoor photographs less appealing. In fact, Claudine was already freezing, with wet feet and a wet wedding dress, before they had even arrived at the church!
Megan had hoped to encourage the couple to step outside for some outdoor portraits, but the weather had other ideas. Ultimately, the couple preferred to keep their photographs indoors as much as possible, and we completely understand why.
As wedding photographers in Edmonton, we’re always ready to adapt to changing weather. Beautiful outdoor photographs are wonderful when conditions allow, but your comfort and enjoyment of your wedding day matter, too.
And honestly, a little unexpected snow makes for a pretty memorable wedding story.
The Lodge at Snow Valley is a lovely setting for an Edmonton wedding reception, with its distinctive lodge atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. Claudine and Bryce kept their decorations relatively minimal because they wanted the venue itself to be the focal point. They didn’t feel the space needed much additional decoration, and their approach allowed the setting to speak for itself.
A Relaxed Wedding Day With Thoughtful Planning
One thing Claudine and Bryce did particularly well was build breathing room into their wedding-day timeline.
Having attended countless weddings, they understood how easily a day can become stressful when the schedule is too tight. Instead of rushing between activities and locations, they made sure there was enough time for everyone to move comfortably through the day.
They also prioritized feeding their wedding party.
With a full day of getting ready, travelling between locations, attending the ceremony, and celebrating at the reception, it’s easy for wedding parties to go hours without a proper meal. Claudine and Bryce made sure there was plenty of food available throughout the day.
For breakfast, they ordered breakfast sandwiches and fruit and vegetable trays from BOX’d YEG. They also picked up salad bowls and refreshments from Save-On-Foods the day before to make lunch easy and convenient.
These might seem like small details, but they can make a huge difference to how everyone feels throughout a wedding day.
Their advice to other couples planning an Edmonton wedding? Feed your wedding party and leave enough time in your schedule to actually enjoy your day.
With food available, a comfortable timeline, and an incredible group of vendors, Claudine and Bryce were able to focus on celebrating rather than worrying about what was coming next.
And despite the weather, they wouldn’t change a thing!
A Wedding Dress With Meaningful Personal Touches
Claudine found her wedding dress at Urban Bride, where she had a wonderful experience working with Christine and the team. She also had a second dress from Sara’s Fashion at West Edmonton Mall.
Her accessories included second-hand and borrowed earrings and a necklace from her sister, who served as her Maid of Honour. One of her bridesmaids also gifted her a permanent gold vermeil bracelet from Leah Alexandra as her something blue.
We love details like these because they add a personal layer to a wedding day. Not every meaningful accessory needs to be brand new or expensive. Sometimes, the pieces with the most sentimental value are the ones connected to the people closest to you.
Claudine also chose her bridesmaids’ dresses in a way that allowed each person to express her own style. She provided the colour and length and let her bridesmaids select their own dress designs. Her sister, as Maid of Honour, wore a slightly different and more elaborate dress.
It’s a great option for couples who want a cohesive wedding-party look while still allowing their closest friends and family to feel comfortable in what they’re wearing.
Bryce wore a custom-made suit from Mr. Derk in Edmonton, with white pocket squares from Tip Top at West Edmonton Mall. The couple’s wedding and engagement rings were custom-designed and made at Independent Jewellers in west Edmonton.
Beautiful Florals and Minimal Wedding Decor
Claudine and Bryce’s wedding decor reflected their preference for keeping things simple and letting the venue shine.
Sam, the florist at Safeway Riverbend, created the bridal and bridesmaids’ bouquets, and Claudine was thrilled with the results.
For the remaining decorations, the couple sourced table runners from AliExpress and dried flowers from Etsy. They designed their table cards and seating chart using Canva, with small easels purchased from Amazon. The venue provided the LED and faux candles.
It was a thoughtful approach to decorating that kept the focus on the celebration rather than elaborate styling.
For couples planning their own wedding, this is a great reminder that you don’t need to fill every surface with decorations. Choosing a venue you genuinely love and adding a few personal touches can create a beautiful atmosphere without an overwhelming amount of extra work.
An Incredible Reception Dinner at The Lodge at Snow Valley
One of the highlights of Claudine and Bryce’s reception was the food.
The Lodge at Snow Valley provided in-house catering through Snow Valley Ski Resort, and the couple had nothing but wonderful things to say about their experience.
They opted to pay extra for prime rib and Yorkshire pudding, a decision they felt was absolutely worth it.
And then there was dessert.
The Lodge’s sticky toffee pudding received a solid 10 out of 10 from Claudine, who said she genuinely wished she could order it separately because it was that good!
Their wedding cake was another memorable detail. They ordered a haskap berry cake from Freson Bros. and requested that it be covered entirely in white icing. The result was a delicious, simple cake that cost just $33.
It’s a lovely example of how a wedding doesn’t need to be extravagant in every area to feel special. The couple chose the things that mattered to them and found ways to make their celebration personal.
From the reception meal to the cake, the day was full of thoughtful choices that reflected their priorities.
Candid Wedding Photography That Captures Everyone
One of the things Claudine and Bryce emphasized when discussing their wedding photography was their preference for candid photographs over heavily choreographed poses.
They wanted their wedding gallery to tell the story of the day, including the moments involving their guests.
At RedTree Photography, we believe your wedding photographs should be about more than a collection of portraits. They should help you remember how your wedding felt, who was there, and the little moments that might otherwise fade with time.
Of course, we’ll still make time for beautiful portraits of the two of you, along with family and wedding-party photographs. But some of the most meaningful images are often the ones you didn’t know were happening.
A spontaneous laugh during the reception. A conversation between friends who haven’t seen each other in years. A parent watching their child begin a new chapter. These are the moments that help tell the complete story of a wedding.
Megan’s approach to documenting Claudine and Bryce’s celebration was centred on capturing those genuine interactions while adapting to the cold and snowy conditions.
Even when the weather changes your plans, there’s still so much to photograph. Sometimes, the best wedding galleries are the ones that embrace the day as it actually unfolded.
Wedding Vendors: Claudine & Bryce’s Edmonton Wedding
Claudine and Bryce worked with a wonderful group of vendors to bring their wedding together. If you’re planning your own wedding in Edmonton, here are the businesses and artists who helped make their celebration special.
Ceremony and Reception
Ceremony Venue: Laurier Heights Baptist Church
Located in west Edmonton, this was the setting for Claudine and Bryce’s wedding ceremony.
Officiant: Carol Henders
Carol, the couple’s pastor from Laurier Heights Baptist Church, officiated their ceremony.
Reception Venue and Catering: The Lodge at Snow Valley
The couple celebrated their reception at this Edmonton venue, with in-house catering provided by Snow Valley Ski Resort. Their menu included prime rib, Yorkshire pudding, and the much-loved sticky toffee pudding.
Photography
Wedding Photography: RedTree Photography
Megan photographed Claudine and Bryce’s wedding day, capturing the ceremony, reception, portraits, and candid moments throughout the celebration.
Visit RedTree Photography to learn more about our Edmonton wedding photography collections.
Bridal Attire and Accessories
Wedding Dress: Urban Bride
Claudine found her wedding dress here and praised Christine, the manager, and the team for their helpfulness throughout the process.
Second Dress: Sara’s Fashion
Claudine’s second dress was purchased at West Edmonton Mall.
Shoes: Sam Edelman
Claudine wore the Daniella Block Heeled Sandal with a 3.5-inch heel.
Jewellery and Something Blue: Leah Alexandra
Claudine’s something blue was a permanent gold vermeil bracelet gifted by one of her bridesmaids.
Dress Alterations: Manal Faraj
Manal completed alterations for both Claudine’s wedding dress and the bridesmaids’ dresses. She is located near Whyte Avenue and can be reached at 780-224-1850.
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Azazie Canada
Claudine selected the colour and length, then let her bridesmaids choose their own dress styles.
Groom’s Suit and Groomsmen’s Suits: Mr. Derk
Bryce wore a custom-made suit from this Edmonton menswear business.
Groomsmen’s Pocket Squares: Tip Top
The couple gifted the groomsmen white pocket squares purchased at West Edmonton Mall.
Hair, Makeup and Nails
Bride’s Makeup, Maid of Honour’s Makeup, and Mother of the Bride’s Makeup: Kristen Aggrey, Blush Artistry
Website: Blush Artistry
Instagram: @kristenaggrey
Claudine was especially impressed with how well her makeup lasted throughout the day, including through tears and dancing.
Bride’s Hair, Maid of Honour’s Hair, and Mother of the Bride’s Hair: Kristina Ziober, Blush Artistry
Website: Blush Artistry
Instagram: @thatkrizioginger
Despite the rain, snow, and unpredictable weather, Claudine’s hair stayed beautifully in place.
Bridal Party Makeup: Sophie Ericksen
Instagram: @makeupbysophiemarie
Bridal Party Hair: Kristin Lingstadt
Nails: The Nail Block
An Edmonton nail salon.
Flowers and Wedding Decor
Bridal and Bridesmaids’ Bouquets: Safeway Riverbend
Sam created the bouquets, which Claudine described as absolutely beautiful.
Table Runners: AliExpress
Dried Flowers: Etsy
Table Cards and Seating Chart: Canva
The couple designed their own table cards and seating chart.
Table Card Easels: Amazon Canada
LED and Faux Candles: Provided by The Lodge at Snow Valley.
Food, Cake and Drinks
Getting-Ready Breakfast: BOX’d YEG
Breakfast sandwiches and fruit and vegetable trays helped keep the wedding party fed throughout the morning.
Wedding Cake: Freson Bros.
The couple ordered a haskap berry cake covered in white icing. At just $33, it was an affordable and delicious choice.
Wedding Party Lunch: Save-On-Foods
The couple picked up salad bowls and refreshments the day before to make lunch simple and convenient.
Reception Catering: The Lodge at Snow Valley
The in-house catering team served the couple’s prime rib and Yorkshire pudding dinner, along with the sticky toffee pudding that earned a glowing review.
Transportation
Limousine: Air Limousine
Entertainment
DJs: Dave Assaly and Sahib Quraishi
The duo are personal friends of Bryce who also DJ weddings for friends. Sahib’s profile is available through AGNT.
Wedding Rings and Engagement Ring
Custom Jewellery: Independent Jewellers
Located in west Edmonton, Independent Jewellers custom-designed and made the couple’s wedding and engagement rings. Claudine and Bryce worked with Emily and were delighted with the experience.
Wedding Planning
Planning: Claudine and Bryce
The couple planned the wedding themselves without a professional wedding planner. As Claudine joked, it was simply two brains working together!
Their relaxed timeline, attention to guest comfort, and thoughtful vendor choices helped everything come together beautifully.
Congratulations, Claudine & Bryce!
Claudine and Bryce, thank you for trusting Megan and RedTree Photography to document your wedding day.
Your celebration was a wonderful reminder that a meaningful wedding isn’t about having perfect weather or following every detail of an original plan. It’s about being surrounded by the people you love, making time to enjoy the experience, and creating memories that will stay with you for years to come.
The first snowfall may have brought a few unexpected changes, but it also gave your wedding day a story you’ll always remember. And with a couple as gorgeous as you two, a little Alberta weather was never going to take away from how beautiful your celebration was.
Congratulations on your marriage! We hope you enjoy looking back on all the moments that made your day uniquely yours.
Looking for an Edmonton wedding photographer?
At RedTree Photography, we specialize in photojournalistic wedding storytelling and timeless portraits throughout Edmonton, Sherwood Park, and Alberta. Whether your wedding brings sunshine, rain, or the first snowfall of the season, we’ll help preserve the genuine moments and connections that make your celebration yours.
Visit RedTree Photography to explore our wedding photography collections and get in touch about your date.
