Cornerstone Theatre is a rustic wedding venue in Canmore that perfectly matches the rugged and wild feel of the Canadian Rockies. I was thrilled when Sarah and David asked me to be their Cornerstone Theatre wedding photographer because this is one of my favourite local wedding venues. One reason is because there's so many great photo locations nearby featuring rivers, mountains and forests which ultimately minimizes driving time and maximizes our time spent taking amazing photos.
Getting Ready for Their Cornerstone Theatre Wedding
Since there's no accommodations for a Cornerstone Theatre wedding, I arrived at Stone Ridge Mountain Resort to photograph Sarah getting her hair and makeup done by her talented bridesmaids. There's something special about having your best friends by your side helping you get ready and keeping any nervousness about the wedding ceremony in check. Sarah's family arrived at one point and I was just in the right place to capture her father's reaction when he saw her all dressed up. As a Cornerstone Theatre wedding photographer in Canmore, I've photographed a lot of first looks with the father of the bride and there's always tears of joy flowing, so it's a magical moment to be a part of.
After I finished with Sarah, I drove out to David's AirBnB in another part of Canmore and saw the guys hanging out, having a drink and relaxing. I snapped some photos of the groomsmen hanging out in the backyard, cracking jokes and doing what guys do. Some really funny candid shots were captured after I told each groomsman to pose with the groom and crack a joke or give him a hard time.
Rowdy Wedding Party Made For a Fun Time
Seeing that it was a beautiful summer's day and the sun was shining, I decided that the Canmore Engine Bridge would be the perfect place for a first look and some group shots. This spot is fantastic for wedding photographers in Canmore since the views of the mountains are amazing in every direction, the Bow River is a stone's throw away and the geometric lines of the historic Engine Bridge make for an interesting background.
I really enjoy when couples choose to do a first look because it always result in really intimate and emotional photos, especially if you're worried about being nervous during the ceremony. This can be one of the most powerful moments of the wedding day and as a Canmore wedding photographer its moments like these that I look for!
They had their first look before the wedding ceremony, but a lot of couples choose to wait until they walk down the aisle to have their first look. There's no right or wrong way to do it.
Take a look at what this looks like by having a peek at this wedding
The wedding party was super patient as I photographed some couples photos of the bride and groom but I could tell that they wanted to be a part of the fun. They weren't going to let Sarah and David get off that easy–things were about to get crazy! With beers in hand the guys did their best Reservoir Dogs impression and the girls did a fun urban-inspired pose. Song were sung and everyone was laughing. I would be lying if I said this wasn't one of the most fun and entertaining wedding parties that I've photographed during my time as a Cornerstone Theatre wedding photographer.
Festive Cornerstone Theatre Wedding Reception
After a beautiful sunny and warm outdoor reception at the Canmore Ranch we went to the Cornerstone Theatre wedding reception. If you're looking for a one of a kind wedding venue in Canmore this has to be it. Beautiful wood trim and exposed timbers adorn this theatre which doubles as an intimate wedding venue. The decoration, spot lights and large signs made you feel like you were a part of a theatrical production and indeed the guests were in for a great show that night.
Toasts, a few fun games and some wild dancing was the theme of the evening for this Canmore wedding photographer at Cornerstone Theatre. The cake cutting was hilarious with Sarah smashing a piece of cake onto David's face. The food was amazing and I can honestly say that both Cat (my second shooter) and I came away from this wedding feeling that we were a part of the festivities and had a really fun time getting to know the bride, groom and wedding party over the course of the day. Not a single dull moment was had at this Cornerstone Theatre wedding reception!
Learn more about Canmore wedding photography by Alex Popov Photography
Vendors that made this wedding amazing
Venue: Cornerstone Theatre | Ceremony Site: Canmore Ranch | Hotel: Stone Ridge Mountain Resort
