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\nSarah Haines<\/a> and Amy Webber<\/a> met on Tinder in 2017 and hit it off immediately; they talked for hours on their first date at a cocktail bar. \u201cI felt so comfortable<\/a> with Sarah,\u201d Amy remembers. \u201cOn that first date, I opened up to her about things I had never really told to my previous partners<\/a>. At the end of the night, we kissed under the soft drifting snow.\u201d Sarah agrees. \u201cI found Amy so easy to talk to, I could have spent another six hours with her that night and still not wanted to leave,\u201d she says.\n<\/p>\n \nThat was all it took: The two were a couple from that moment forward. Two and half years later, in March 2020, Amy was ready to propose<\/a>, and she had the perfect plan\u2014only to have it derailed by the global shutdown.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n \n\u201cI had bought us surprise<\/a> tickets to Portland, Oregon, and was going to pop the question on the beautifully scenic Cannon Beach,\u201d she says. \u201cI had enlisted two of our friends to come along on the trip to secretly take photos and bring Champagne<\/a>.\u201d Amy continues, \u201cThen the pandemic happened. Traveling was not an option at that point, and I considered putting off the proposal<\/a> altogether so that we could have our moment the way I had planned. But, if there\u2019s one thing I had learned in recent years it\u2019s that life can change<\/a> in an instant, so I didn\u2019t want to put it off. And, with Sarah working on the front line as an ICU nurse, I knew we needed something to lift some of the heaviness and give us something hopeful to focus on.\u201d\n<\/p>\n \nSo, much like the rest of the world, she pivoted. \u201cI was awaiting Sarah\u2019s custom ring<\/a> in the mail, and the day it arrived, I couldn\u2019t wait any longer\u2014I was so excited to make her my fiance,\u201d Amy remembers. \u201cIt was absolutely freezing cold that day, but nonetheless I took her down to a nearby lake and told her I wanted to take some cute couple photos<\/a>, something we do every now and then anyway, so she wasn\u2019t suspicious. I set up my tripod and camera and set it to automatically snap photos, and positioned us in front of some snowy trees.\u201d Then, as the shutter clicked, she got down on one knee<\/a>. \u201cSarah thought I was bending down to tie my shoe! Once she realized what was actually happening, she said yes. Then we quickly ran to the car to warm up and take it all in. It wasn\u2019t perfect, but we were engaged<\/a> and that\u2019s all that mattered.\u201d\n<\/p>\n \nFor their wedding, the brides-to-be also hoped to be in nature<\/a>. \u201cWe knew we wanted to get married with the mountains<\/a> as our backdrop,\u201d the Vancouver-based couple shares. \u201cSince our relationship began in Alberta, and we were lucky enough to be surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountains in the world, it felt like the obvious choice.\u201d Their wedding planner<\/a> suggested Elbow Falls, a section of waterfalls along a crook in the Elbow River in the gorgeous Canadian hamlet of Bragg Creek. \u201cIt was the perfect setting, with the river, mountains, and trees,\u201d the couple says. Their reception was outdoors as well, at nearby Camp Horizon<\/a>.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n \nThey invited just 10 close friends and family, and headed outdoors, saying \u201cI do\u201d on September 8, 2021. Read on to see all the beautiful custom details of their big day, planned by Kay Bank at Social + Co. Design<\/a> and photographed by Justine Milton Photography<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> \nTheir color scheme was neutral<\/a> and complementary with nature: dusty pink and champagne hues, with accents of marigold and burgundy. A deckled-edge invitation suite on natural paper by Paper Ocelot Studio<\/a> set the romantic tone.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> \n\u201cOur skincare is fairly simple: gentle cleanser, glycolic acid toner, vitamin C eye cream, a hydrating face lotion<\/a>, and sunscreen,\u201d the couple shares. Leading up to the wedding, they upped their regimen with nourishing clay masks and got gel manicures<\/a>\u2014Sarah in mauve and Amy in a soft pink shade. For their scent, they both donned Tom Ford\u2019s Vanille Fatale<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> \nBoth brides worked with Vancouver-based bridal designer Stesha Ho<\/a> to create something custom from start to finish. \u201cShe gathered our Pinterest bridal inspiration boards and came up with a custom design for each of us that incorporated similar fabrics<\/a> but with completely different silhouettes, so that our dresses<\/a> complemented each other but reflected our individual personality and style,\u201d the couple shares. \u201cStesha is super talented, so we knew whatever she created for us would be stunning.\u201d Bonus, the process was fun. \u201c<\/strong>It was really cool to get custom<\/a> sketches and be able to make tweaks here and there to make the gowns perfect down to every detail.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> \nThe results? A long-sleeve<\/a> fit-and-flare in French tulle for Sarah, with a deep V front and back, sheer lace appliqu\u00e9, and train. Amy\u2019s was A-line<\/a>, with spaghetti straps, a low scoop back, and sheer lace bodice. It featured a similar lace appliqu\u00e9 to Sarah\u2019s, and a French tulle<\/a> skirt with a train.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> \n\u201cOur jewelry was all custom made by Joanna Bisley Designs<\/a>,\u201d the couple shares. \u201cWe sent her a Pinterest board of inspiration and she came up with custom hair pieces, necklaces<\/a>, earrings, and bracelets<\/a> for both of us that complemented each other.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> It was a naturally stunning scene.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> \nElbow Falls, of course, didn\u2019t need much decor; the mountains<\/a> provided an epic backdrop for their ceremony. Still, planner Kay Bank\u2014who does florals in-house\u2014added a few natural<\/a> touches. \u201cWe had a beautiful archway<\/a> with flower arrangements,\u201d the couple shares. \u201cIt included lots of greenery and light and dark flowers arranged in a way that felt wild and free-spirited. It was set on a rocky beach next to a river, with a backdrop of mountains and trees<\/a>. It was a naturally stunning scene.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> \nGuests sat in cane chairs and held cones of biodegradable confetti to toss<\/a> after the ceremony.\n<\/p>\n Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> \n\u201cNeither of us wear a ton of makeup in our day-to-day, so we wanted to look fairly natural<\/a>\u2014but polished and just a little extra glammed up and special,\u201d the couple shares of their beauty looks. \u201c<\/strong>Amy wanted to emphasize the eyes<\/a> with a soft smoky look, and Sarah wanted to keep things classic with a soft lip<\/a> and cheek color and neutral eye.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n \nLike their gowns, their hairstyles were complementary of each other. \u201cWe both wanted a half-up look<\/a>, but had to be careful to not make them too similar. We also wanted to incorporate the custom hair pieces, so the simple half updo worked great for that.”<\/p>\n Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> \nEach bride walked herself down the aisle<\/a>\u2014to the tune of Ben E. King\u2019s \u201cStand By Me\u201d\u2014and met their friend and officiant, Mahyar, at the altar.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> It was such a magical moment that we will never forget.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> \n\u201cI was first to walk down<\/a> the aisle, and as I watched my wife-to-be come down the aisle toward me, she began to shed some happy tears<\/a>,\u201d Sarah remembers. \u201cAs we held hands and prepared to say \u2018I do,\u2019 the sun came out from behind the clouds and cast a golden halo around us. It was such a magical moment that we will never forget.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> \nMahyar recited a ceremony written by celebrant Cathy Yost of Love Speaks<\/a>, and the brides exchanged personal vows<\/a>. \u201c<\/strong>We kept them short and sweet, and full of love.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> \n\u201cTry to take it all in as much as you can, because it\u2019ll pass by so quickly,\u201d Amy and Sara advise other couples. \u201cBefore you know it, it\u2019ll all be memories<\/a>.\u201d They created some beautiful ones, including their celebratory recessional<\/a> to \u201cMy Girl\u201d by The Temptations.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> \n\u201cOur wedding party consisted solely of our joint maid of honor<\/a>: my sister, Lily Haines,\u201d Sarah says. \u201cShe wore a dusty pink deep-V wrap gown by Maide<\/a>, which we chose because it went perfectly with the soft neutral florals<\/a> and decor.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> \nAll three carried bouquets of roses<\/a> and other flowers in shades of dusty pink, deep burgundy, champagne, and white. The traditional florals were interspersed with wildflowers<\/a> and various greenery.\n<\/p>\n Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> \nPlanning was \u201cbreezy,\u201d Amy says. \u201cWe left creative control to our planner<\/a>, Kay, because neither Sarah nor I had a super specific idea of how we wanted things to be, and we fully trusted Kay\u2019s talent. We discussed our general aesthetic<\/a> preferences, and what aspects were and were not important to us, and Kay went from there.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> \nThe aesthetic vision<\/a> they shared? \u201cWe wanted our wedding to be earthy, natural, intimate, free-spirited, and elegant.\u201d Check and check.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> \nFor the reception, the intimate party moved just a few miles up the river to Camp Horizon<\/a>, an Alberta summer camp with event spaces available for weddings. \u201cIt was perfect because we were able to set up in the middle of the forest<\/a>, which felt intimate, secluded, and magical,\u201d the couple says.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> \n\u201c<\/strong>We kept decor simple and elegant with an off-white tablecloth, floral centerpiece<\/a> arrangements in feminine vases, and dusty pink and neutral accents throughout,\u201d the couple shares. \u201cThe plates were white with a gold rim. There were candles<\/a> that added a beautiful ambiance, especially as the sun went down over the course of the evening.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> \nTheir signature drinks were an experience all their own. \u201cWe had two signature cocktails<\/a> created for us by the talented people at Spirits with Smoke<\/a>: a nectarine gin sour and a smoked Old Fashioned,” share the brides.\n<\/p>\n Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> \n\u201cWe had a custom four-course meal made with in-season ingredients and very beautifully plated,\u201d Amy and Sarah share. \u201cIt started with individual charcuterie<\/a> on elegant wood platters, followed by an heirloom tomato and burrata salad, and spring pea pecorino risotto. The main course was a Korean braised beef short rib and it was absolutely delicious. Dessert<\/a> was a sour cherry cheesecake mille-feuille.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> One of our favorite memories was after all of the hustle and bustle of the day, sitting down for dinner among our closest friends.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> \nGuests dug in as the sun went down. \u201cOne of our favorite memories was after all of the hustle and bustle of the day? Sitting down for dinner<\/a> among our closest friends, and just being able to sit back and enjoy a beautiful meal and cocktails<\/a>, laugh, and feel all of the love around us.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> \nImpressive sugar flowers topping their Whippt Kitchen<\/a> cake were modeled after the brides\u2019 bouquets<\/a>. Inside, passionfruit, rum, and vanilla came together in a delicious combination.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> Photo by Justine Milton Photography<\/p>\n <\/span> \n\u201c<\/strong>Our first dance<\/a> was in the middle of the forest, surrounded by our closest friends<\/a>, with \u2018Harvest Moon\u2019 by Neil Young playing in the background.\u201d the couple remembers. \u201cIt felt so magical and romantic. At the end, Sarah dipped Amy down for a kiss<\/a>.\u201d The sweetest ending to their chic celebration.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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