Venue: Obviously one of the most important pieces of the wedding day puzzle. This sets up your setting for you and all your guests. Do you go with a hotel conference room? They can make those especially nice if they have experience with it and you can stay there for everything. Do you go with a preferred wedding venue that specializes in weddings? They know all the right things to do, have preferred vendors, and planners, and know exactly how to make it your day. Do you go with a community hall? Small, quiet, and filled with the most important people in your life? Do you find a property outdoors (some community halls are also able to accommodate this) where the scenery is your background. Warm sun, light breeze, amazing views all at your fingertips. You can get a tent and have every served there for the reception and add a dance floor to it. Do you quietly take a backyard at your place, or a friend or family member's house? Comfortable, familiar and surrounded with only the best people? All questions to ask yourselves.

Catering: Finding the food you want for your day is important. It's one of the usual talking points from guests. Was the food good? Was it bad? Hot? Cold? Did it take forever to come out? Some venues have preferred caterers. These caterers will usually be tried and tested and are familiar with the venue. Not just in how to set up for it, but also for what facilities they have on site, whether they have to bring prepared food, bring warming dishes, pre-heat any food, if utensils are provided for serving, how much room is provided? This is all things they already know and will have sorted out. But that doesn't mean another caterer wouldn't be able to assist you either. If you're not happy with that caterer the vendor provides, then shop around; providing the venue allows. Some do not allow outside caterers into their venue. This may impact your choice of venue as well!

Photo/Video: Everyone has a different thought on how high up photo and/or video is on their priorities list. And all those thoughts are correct. Some people don't care about high quality photo/video. They just want to experience their day. With phones now as well, they have the option of just having everyone send them their photos and videos and for them that's all they need. Others have a high priority on photo and/or video. They want high quality and all the moments possible captured. Those are my kind of people. Though it doesn't make them any better or worse people. Just different priorities. Choosing your photographer or videographer for those people with it high on their list, is extremely important and I'll make a blog about how to choose the person that's right for you, shortly! But knowing that their calendars fill up quickly is important to know. Also, in general, you get what you pay for. Though, there are definitely exceptions to this, remember that they are exceptions and not the rule. Capturing the moments and emotions from your day is what's important. It's important to choose your photographer and videographers wisely but quickly to ensure your date is secured.

Cake: Deciding on a cake can be simple or it can be difficult. It all depends on where in your priorities it lies. You can have a simple, elegant cake that you just bring home a few leftover pieces at the end. Or you can have a statement centerpiece made out of your cake. It's all up to you. Sometimes you can even have a little of both, as seen below. What goes into the cake is the most important though. What kind of cake do you want? Chocolate? Vanilla? Or maybe you go with a Tiramisu with aged rum and truffle or Saffron and pistachio. In either case, the choice is your but the bakers need time to design and source ingredients for your cake. So be sure to give them enough time to do so. Lately the trend I've been seeing is simple, elegant cakes with loads of tasty treats for guests.

Flowers: Florists can be a super important element of your wedding. They can either lead you to choosing your colours of the wedding. Or they can accent your already chosen colours. But if they aren't chosen well, they can very easily clash with your colours. Florists are very good at helping you accent those colours, so use them well! But they also need time to plant your specific flowers or acquire them so be sure to book them early.

As the flowers are getting ready to start to bloom in a couple month, this signals the warmer months are coming, there&rsquo;s another significant event that many of us start anticipating - the wedding season. How many of you are excited for marrying your favourite person? How many of you are excited to watch your favourite people get married? I can sense the excitement and anticipation of many couples who are ready to walk down the aisle this year and next.
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This blog post is dedicated to all those who are gearing up for their big day in 2026 and 2027, and those who are just as excited to attend these joyous occasions. Whether you're the one saying 'I do' or you're a guest, let's dive in and find out how to make the most of the wedding season.
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It all starts with nailing down your dates. The earlier you secure your dates, the smoother the planning process will be. Whether it's booking your venue or scheduling your honeymoon, having a set date makes everything else fall into place. For those attending weddings, knowing the dates early enables you to plan your travel and accommodation, especially if it's a destination wedding.
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Next it's about securing your vendors.
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Whether you're recently engaged or been engaged for a few years and just deciding to start planning the wedding this year, it's important to start planning early. Lock in your vendors early and the small things will be much easier to work on. The small details. the personal touch you add to your day.
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I'll be posting this on Facebook on my page there, feel free to comment your favourite Calgary vendors if you've been married before. Or the ones you've already booked!

Prepping for Wedding Season: A Comprehensive Guide for 2026

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It was an absolute pleasure to venture into the world of Medium Format mirrorless photography with the Hasselblad X2D camera for the first time. This Swedish-made beauty has been on my radar for quite some time, and finally getting my hands on it was nothing short of a thrilling experience. The Hasselblad X2D is known for its exceptional image quality and elegant design. Picking up the camera, the first thing that struck me was its weight. Despite its large sensor, it was surprisingly light and compact. It felt comfortable and well-balanced in my hands, a sign of the thoughtful design that went into creating this masterpiece.
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The next thing that caught my attention was the X2D's minimalist design. The camera body is sleek and devoid of unnecessary buttons; its controls are intuitive and easy to master. The images it produced were fantastic. The colors were rich and saturated, the details were crisp, and the dynamic range was impressive. Though it would take some getting used to with the medium format focus. It was quite difficult to really nail focus at F1.9 on the 80mm lens.
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Shooting with the Hasselblad X2D for the first time was an enlightening experience. The camera's exceptional image quality, sleek design, and intuitive controls make it an excellent choice for both professional photographers and enthusiasts, though it's cost may scare some away at a whopping $11,374 CAD. I'm still looking forward to capturing more moments with this extraordinary medium format camera in the future, given the chance! Here's a couple photos below.

My First Experience with the Hasselblad X2D Camera

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A day at MAS Studios is never just an ordinary day, especially when you have a model like Emma who brings an extraordinary energy to the room. This blog post will take you behind the scenes of one such photoshoot that made everyone exclaim, 'Emma is absolutely killing this shoot!'
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As a YYC photographer, I have had the privilege of working with numerous models, but Emma's blend of natural beauty and professional attitude made the session at MAS Studios stand out. Emma's effortless confidence in front of the camera, combined with her stunning fashion style, made for a captivating photoshoot. It was a perfect blend of model and photographer, both striving for the same goal &ndash; to create something beautiful and memorable.
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One of the most impressive things about Emma is her ability to communicate with the camera. She knows exactly how to portray emotion, making my job as a portrait photographer a lot easier. With each click of my camera, Emma was able to bring a new mood, a new story.
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The fashion element of the shoot was equally exciting. Emma's fashion style is unique, edgy, and sophisticated, reflecting her vibrant personality. Each outfit she donned seemed to tell a story of its own, adding depth to the photographs.
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Every photoshoot has its own rhythm, its own vibe. This one was a symphony of perfect elements &ndash; a talented model, a photographer in sync with his subject, high-quality camera equipment, and the most fashionable outfits. This was not just another day at MAS Studios, it was a day where everything fell into place, and magic was created.
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As a YYC photographer, days like these make me realize how lucky I am to be in this profession. Capturing beautiful moments, working with amazing models like Emma, and creating art through my lens.
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Looking back at the shoot, all I can say is, Emma was absolutely killing it at MAS Studios. Here's to many more such thrilling photoshoots and amazing models.

A Glimpse Into a Thrilling Photoshoot with Model Emma at MAS Studios

There's something electrifying about live music, especially when it comes to the metal genre. It's a sensory overload - the blistering guitar riffs, the thunderous drum beats, the guttural vocals, and the frenetic energy of the crowd. On a beautiful evening in September, we were lucky enough to witness such an event at Deerfoot City's renowned venue, The Rec Room. The spotlight was on Syryn, a local band making waves in the Calgary metal scene, who absolutely slayed their tune Succubus Queen.
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What makes Syryn stand out among many metal bands is their unique genre &ndash; Pirate Metal. A niche within a niche, Pirate Metal combines traditional heavy metal elements with thematic and musical flourishes reminiscent of the Golden Age of Piracy. It's a unique fusion that makes for an immersive and exhilarating live experience.
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The band's performance of 'Succubus Queen' was nothing short of spectacular. With a dramatic chorus and rhythmic verses, the song exemplifies the band's ability to merge storytelling with hard-hitting metal music. The band members' chemistry was palpable as they played off one another's energy, delivering a performance that was both technically proficient and emotionally resonant.
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The venue, The Rec Room, is an integral part of the live music scene in Calgary. Its impressive layout and top-notch sound system provided the perfect backdrop for Syryn's explosive performance. The resulting atmosphere, coupled with the band&rsquo;s talent and passion, made for a memorable night of live music.
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In conclusion, the live performance of Syryn at Deerfoot City was a testament to the power of live music. With their hard-hitting tunes, charismatic performance, and the audience's palpable energy, it was an evening that truly embodied the hashtag #LiveMusic. Syryn's performance proved once again that music, especially metal music, is best experienced live, where one can truly feel the raw energy and passion of the performers. So, here's to more such nights of #LiveMusic in the future. Till then, keep rocking and supporting your local bands!

An Epic Night with Syryn: The Succubus Queen Live Performance

On August 13, I found myself in the midst of an unexpected adventure. The night had been reserved for a casual outing at @therecroomca at Deerfoot City, but little did I know that I was about to witness a jaw-dropping live performance by the band @theanchorofficial.
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The high point of the night? Their electrifying cover of Fallout Boy's iconic hit, 'Sugar, We're Going Down.' The band's raw energy and powerful rendition of the song had the audience hooked from the first note, myself included.
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Here's the surprising part - I hadn't planned on recording any audio that night. Being a photographer and videographer by profession, I usually carry my trusty audio gear with me, as I was filming for a music video but the video was using previously recorded audio. However, when the first chord of 'Sugar, We're Going Down' hit the air, I knew I couldn't miss the chance to capture this moment. So, out came my camera, ready to record. What you hear in the recording is the unfiltered, raw sound straight from the camera - real and undiluted.
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The show was an absolute blast! The band's charisma and the crowd's infectious energy created a vibrant atmosphere that's hard to describe. It was one of those nights where you could feel the sheer love for music pulsating in the room.
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As a professional in the field, I have attended and documented live shows before, but this impromptu recording session stands out for its spontaneity and authenticity. It was a humbling reminder that sometimes, the best moments in life are the unplanned ones. It also made me appreciate the power of raw, unedited sound even more.
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In the end, it was more than just a live music show. It was a celebration of music, spontaneous adventures, and the magic that happens when the two come together. Here's to many more unexpected nights of great music!
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#YYC #yycphotographer #YYCvideographer #falloutboy #TheAnchor #Videography #Music #RockShow #SugarWereGoingDown

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An Unexpected Night of Live Music: The Anchor Covers Fallout Boy at The Rec Room

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As I reflect on my journey as a photographer, there are certain moments that stand out more than others. One such moment was when I had the opportunity to serve as the official photographer at OtaFest 2023. Little did I know, this experience would end up being an absolute game-changer for me. I'd like to take you with me on this phenomenal journey that took place in May, 2023.
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OtaFest, for those who may not be aware, is an annual anime festival that attracts thousands of fans from all over. Being an official photographer at such a grand event was a completely new experience for me, but I was ready to embrace the challenge.
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The first day was a whirlwind of colour and excitement. Everywhere I looked, there were people in vibrant costumes, their passion for anime palpable. I was amazed at the effort attendees had put into their costumes, the intricate details of each character flawlessly represented. It was the perfect playground for a photographer.
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As the days went on, I found myself completely immersed in the festival. My camera became an extension of my arm, capturing every emotion, every moment, and every interaction in its true essence.
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But it wasn&rsquo;t just about the photography. It was about being part of a community that shares a common love for anime. I was not just a photographer, but also a participant, engaging in conversations, sharing laughs, and making memories. These interactions enriched my experience, making the event even more special.
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The festival concluded with a promise to return the following year. As I packed up my gear, I was filled with a sense of accomplishment and excitement for what the next year would bring. I couldn&rsquo;t wait to do it all over again!
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Looking back, being an official photographer at OtaFest was more than just an assignment. It was an experience that broadened my horizons, pushing me out of my comfort zone and allowing me to explore new avenues in photography. It was an experience that I will cherish forever, and I can't wait to see what OtaFest 2024 has in store!
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Will I see you there? Stay tuned for more updates and remember to mark your calendars for May 10-12, 2024. Until then, keep the anime spirit alive!
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#OtaFest #Canon #CanonCanada #Sigma #SigmaLenses #R5 #CanonR5 #CanadianPhotographer #yycphotographer #YYC #Event #EventPhotography #Anime #AnimeFestival

My Unforgettable Experience as an Official Photographer at OtaFest 2023

Thank you so much for spending the afternoon with our family and for taking such wonderful and artistic pictures ! Despite the weather, we had a lot fun! You certainly know how to put our little ones at ease, and made it so much fun for them. The photos and the video are really good. We really appreciate your speedy delivery of the digital photos. We certainly look forward to working with you again in the near future. Thank you again for your help in creating a happy memory for our family.

Tulian T.

Brad did a bang up job for our wedding. Plus he sprinkled in some extra bits of “him” that just added a fantastic, real, and personal touch to everything. Thanks again Brad.

Sarah and Phil

Very professional and fun at the same time! Brad captured our wedding day perfectly we could not be happier with how all the photos turned out. everyone had so much fun with our photo shoot! 10/10

Kathryn and Jeremy

My husband and I were lucky enough to have Brad be our photographer on our wedding day. From the smallest details to the largest ones he had everything covered, really going out of his way to get the best shots. His passion for photography really shines through!!! The best part about the whole experience was how much fun we had… my husband is not much for photos but Brad was making him smile and laugh with his jokes and amazing personality, I never would have thought hours of photos would be so much fun and the best part is that we have proof…. Brad captured every smile, all the laughter and love that we were experiencing that day more than we could have hoped.

Jennifer & Andrew

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The perfect package for couples looking for a little more coverage! Our Classic Wedding Package includes a full day of coverage as well as a complimentary engagement session.

Classic Wedding

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All You Need (Website + Booking System) Plan

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Capturing Life's Moments, One Frame at a Time.

A quick wedding highlight reel. I'm a hybrid video/photo shooter. So I can capture your wedding with both photo and video! There's info about this in the packages section!