The combination of cheerful colors and breathtaking scenery is always a winning combination for weddings. I absolutely adore Charlotte and Avery's blue and orange color scheme. I love how they incoporate their coloros into their attire, especially the combo of Avery's vest, tie and boutonniere. The photos with the mountains are simply stunning; make sure you check them out. Their reception is darling, using potted flowers and DIY  paper birds to make their reception colorful, fun and budget-savvy. Enjoy this vibrant blue and orange wedding from Canada! xoxo, Jessica

Charlotte + Avery

September 12, 2014

Kananaskis, AB | Delta Lodge at Kananaskis

What was your budget?

Our budget was $20,000.

Food & Alcohol: $7500 (plus an additional $3000 for breakfast the next day)

Reception Hall and Ceremony Location: $1400

Flowers: $600

Dress: $2000

Tux: $1400

Stationery: $300

Officiant & Marriage License: $250

Rings: $1000

Rentals (chairs for ceremony): $250

Hair and Makeup (5 people): $600

Photographer: $4000

Airport Shuttle: $200

How many guests did you have?

100

What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?

We tried to have every aspect mean something to us. The venue was important since we love the outdoor and the mountains and wanted to share that with our families.

All of the decorations were made by us or our family. We had Avery’s niece and nephew help with painting the flower pots and bird houses and with assembling the paper birds which was a really special touch.

I had made the cake and all the favours since I love to bake. We made the cake topper and the rock climbing figures, which was special because we met rock climbing.

We also asked our guests to write on ‘prayer flags,’ which we turned into the pennant banner behind us at the ceremony. We saved all of them in a scrapbook.

We designed mad-libs for all the guests to fill out at the reception. Everyone had a great time filling them out, and we asked people to read them out loud instead of clinking their glasses if they wanted us to stand up and kiss.

What was the biggest thing you did to save money?

All of the little DIYs added up to save us a lot of money, and create a really personal touch. All of the decorations were made by us or our family. Also, I made the cake and the favours.

We had potted plants, rather than arrangements, which let us have lots of flowers for a fraction of the cost and was more environmentally friendly.

We didn’t have a DJ, we just set up an iTunes playlist with our favourites.

What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?

Start early, especially with DIYs. The DIYs are totally worth it for a very personal wedding.

What was your biggest splurge?

Our photographer, and she was worth every penny!

We also decided to host a welcome reception and a day-after breakfast for all the guests, many who travelled from Ontario. It was a great opportunity to see friends and family who we didn’t get much chance to visit with on the wedding day.

What was your favorite detail?

All of the birds – our wedding took on a ‘lovebird’ theme and it was great to be able to carry the theme through everything, from the save-the-dates, to the shoes I wore and the feathers on my dress and in my hair.

What is the most memorable moment of your day?

When the officiant said ‘repeat after me’, I said ok, but then sort of ‘got lost in Avery’s eyes’ and forgot what I was supposed to be saying.

After the ceremony, everyone started clapping, and our dog (who was the flower-dog) barked along with everyone – I think she approved.

VENDORS

Photographer: Kim Payant Photography • Ceremony and reception location: Delta Kananaskis • Wedding Dress: Pronovias Duede bought at Ethos Bridal in Calgary • Hair and makeup: Makeup: Sheri Barclay (makeup) and Carrie at Beautiful Calgary Bride (hair) • Flowers: Mountain Lady’s Greenhouse in Canmore and Wendy Manahan • Cake: Made by the bride