He Said: Winter Wedding In Banff

Last November in the frigid weather we went up to the Rimrock Hotel In Banff for an amazing winter wedding.  After we passed the interviews with the private security team (yup, 6 private security officers guarded our couple all weekend) we packed up the truck and headed out into the mountains.  When we arrived, the ski hills were closed and it was -42 C.  We wanted to incorporate the fantastic views of the mountains by bringing the outside in, but create a warm atmosphere for the guests and our couple.

The ceremony room was 70 feet long and we lined the aisle with willow branches in vases and large pillar candles, each housed in the own hurricane vase.

We brought in a faux fireplace for the couple to be married in front of and lined the fireplace and windows with approx 200 candles

In the corners of the room we placed two beautiful willow trees that were lit with twinkle lights

In the cocktail area we brought in an old school photo booth that was so much fun, the guests left their photos for the couple to add to their wedding day scrap book.  We also added two winter trees with all the guests name cards attached to crystal orniments

We brought in Firefly Occasions’ signature custom trees for the reception, keeping with the theme of bringing the outside in doors, we lit the trees in the couples color of purple

We used the same chairs from the ceremony but added an eggplant sash with a single diamond pin to hold it in place.  The centre pieces were provided by Willowhaven and we altrernated the heights on the tables, we used clear vases so the guests view wasn’t impeaded in any way

We brought in the willow trees from the ceremony and flanked the head table with them.  We also added two of our trees to create a nice backdrop behind the head table, great for photos

During dinner we kept a 3rd of the room closed off with a collapsable wall.  After the dinner was over the couple left the dinner area, with no explanation to the guests.  I took the couple into the closed off area were we set up a lounge and a 13 piece band

As the couple took to the dancefloor for their first dance, we had the hotel staff pull back the wall to reveal the lounge area, the band and another bar area.  The trick was to have the band play a longer intro to the first dance so the guests could hear the music but not see the couple.  About 20 seconds into the intro, the wall came back, and the couple were revealed to a flurry of flashes

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