When Terra and Randy asked me to be their Banff wedding photographer I was elated because I'd never photographed a Viking-inspired wedding before! You have to see this ceremony because it's unlike anything you've probably ever seen before. There were several Viking props and unique rituals that made this Mount Norquay wedding unforgettable!
A Viking Wedding Ceremony was a First for This Banff Wedding Photographer
I doubt many Banff wedding photographers can say that they've photographed a Viking-inspired wedding before! The ceremony started like any other, with vows, ring exchange and the first kiss but finished with a symbolic tying of the hands upon the sword which was planted into the ground between them. The bride and groom finished the ceremony by drinking mead from an engraved bull's horn. Have a look at the images below to see all the beautiful details that made this viking-inspired wedding unique. I felt privileged to experience this unique wedding as their Banff wedding photographer on this beautiful September day!
Photobombed by the Local Residents of Banff National Park
After the ceremony, we went to take couples photos at a few locations in Banff including Bow Falls and the Mount Norquay lookout. To our surprise, a few local residents of Banff National Park showed up to the party and proceeded to photobomb our shots! The female bighorn sheep and it's offspring casually walked in front of the bride and groom and, using my telephoto lens so not to disturb them, I snapped the photo below of the amazing scene unfolding before our eyes. Working in Banff National Park definitely has its moments! I think that Terra and Randy will cherish this moment and photo for a long time because it's not everyday that bighorn sheep show up to your Banff wedding!
Banff isn't the only place to see wildlife around here
Check out this Kananaskis engagement session where we saw a wolf, moose and two bears!
A Warm Wedding Reception at Mount Norquay's Cliffhouse Bistro
It was my first time photographing a wedding reception at the Mount Norquay Cliffhouse Bistro as a Banff wedding photographer but I was pleasantly surprised by how nice the venue was! Beautiful timber framing and a large window facing the ski hill made this venue feel rustic and homey, like a cabin in the woods. Outside, a warm campfire burned on the patio and guests were chatting, laughing and staying warm. The night carried on with toasts, speeches and cake cutting. Live music and dancing carried on well into the night during this fun and intimate wedding reception at Mount Norquay's Cliffhouse Bistro!
Learn more about Banff wedding photographer Alex Popov Photography
Vendors that made this wedding incredible
Venue: Tunnel Mountain Reservoir | Reception Venue: Cliffhouse Bistro | Officiant: Vows by Judy | Makeup and Hair: The Pretty Haus | Flowers: Willow Flower Co. | Bakery: Kake by Darci
