Real Wedding: Luisa and Bryan’s Summer Wedding at the Fairmont Palliser

Luisa was out for a walk in her neighbourhood when she first spotted him working in his front yard across the street. She was with both of her parents; Bryan noticed her too. A few more "spontaneous" outings, a couple of gentle nudges, an invitation to coffee — and the rest, as they say, is history.

The bride chose a classic palette of blush pink and champagne gold layered with cream. The soft pinks made the day feel romantic and summery; the gold and cream kept it timeless.

Luisa's family is a multi-generational Italian family that has called Calgary home for decades, so Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish — where both she and her brother were baptized — was the only choice for the ceremony. The reception followed in the historic Crystal Ballroom at the Fairmont Palliser downtown.

The groom and his groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos. The bride wore a sleeveless white gown with a lace illusion neckline, hair down in soft waves under a sheer veil and crystal tiara, and champagne gold sparkle shoes customized with a message from her groom on the soles. Her bouquet was a hand-tied nosegay — hydrangea base, Juliet garden roses, Eskimo roses, Jana spray roses, restrained greenery — while the bridesmaids carried whiter bouquets to contrast their blush gowns.

Luisa loves sparkle, and the room knew it. Champagne gold sequined linens on some tables, sequined runners on the rest. Crystal candelabras dressed with hydrangea and blush roses alternating with low arrangements in gold mercury glass. Gold Chiavari chairs, gold chargers, blush napkins and a menu card at every place setting.

This wedding was about family, and about traditions handed from one generation to the next. Guests were served an extraordinary eight-course Italian dinner by the Palliser culinary team before dancing the night away.

The team behind the day

Planning & Design: Cathy MacRae, Creative Weddings Planning & Design

Photography: White Dress Photography

Cinematography: Dream Day Films

Ceremony Venue: Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Roman Catholic Church

Reception Venue: Fairmont Palliser — Crystal Ballroom

Transportation: AmPm Limousine

Ceremony Music: DJ Paul, Split Circuit Sound

Reception Music: DJ Fayyaz, Pez Productions

Hair: Colleen Sams

Make-Up: Megan from Trena Laine Make-Up Artists

Flowers: Wedding Flowers With Love By Fiori Con Amore

Rentals: Bella Linens / Special Event Rentals