After getting snowed out in March for an engagement session with these two, we were determined to forge ahead with the session this time – even if it was threatening to rain. We decided to head over to the Crowsnest Pass to use a few of the locations that we kept noticing every time that we drove through! If anybody is thinking of getting married in the Pass, make sure you let us know – there are so many great locations over that way that would make amazing backdrops for wedding photography!

Thankfully, Holly and Joe were pretty laid back and willing to do a little exploring with us. Good thing they were not in a rush either, because by the time we finished lunch with them it had turned into a four hour commitment! I think the time spent was well worth it though!

The first set of images was taken in some old abandoned buildings, and we decided to change things up a little bit by setting up some of our lights on stands and moving a little bit slower. It’s one of the reasons that I really like the engagement sessions – they are paced a lot slower, and offer a lot more flexibility than the busy pace of a wedding day.

Have you guys had enough Mexico yet? Me neither. Shannon and Kevin met up with us at our resort a couple of days after the wedding to do a ‘day after’ session. Just a chance to get more pictures with your wedding dress on, right? Having a chance to get out and work a little slower and not having to be quite as mindful of the dress was great!

We also had an opportunity to grab a refreshing beverage with them on the beach while we waited for the sun to to get in the right spot. The staff at Senor Frogs was pretty funny as you’ll see in the video below. Apparently it is the ‘Happy Wedding’ song. Who knew that we’ve been singing it wrong for all this time? And for the record, at the end of the video I am not flailing my arms because I am a spaz, but because I was worried about a wave coming up and swamping me and the camera which was totally unprotected.

We’re always thrilled when a client does up a testimonial for our website, but after this wedding I feel like I should be writing a testimonial for Shannon and Kevin and their family and friends! It was truly a pleasure to be able to spend time with them and witness the bond between them. I’m not going to lie – a week of 30 degree weather was a nice bonus as well! I tried to limit the number of images that I chose for this blog, but it was really tricky. So make sure that you check out their slideshow later on – I’ll post the link here shortly. Also, stay tuned for some shots from their day-after session – according to a comment that Shannon left over on the facebook page; apparently salt water really does clean a dress up! We’ll have some teasers up from that later this afternoon in the sneak-peek section.

They were married at the Barcelo Maya resort just south of Playa del Carmen. It was quite the place!

I love this portrait that Duane got of Shannon!

Because they chose to do their photos before the ceremony, we had lots of time to wander the property with them. I love how relaxed the day always seem when the pictures are done ahead of time!

The ceremony was done later in the day (around 5) and we lucked out with some clouds passing over, which made for soft even light!

Before, heading down to the reception dinner we asked if we could steal them for a few moments. They said sure; although I think they thought it was funny when we headed for the rocks instead of the sandy beach.

Last Friday we had the opportunity to meet up with Leanne and Pewh for their engagement session in Calgary.  We spent a few hours with them exploring the area and had a great time chasing some of the late afternoon light!

I really like the way the light plays off Leanne’s face in this next one!