Avery & Justin - A Windy, Wild & Wonderful Saskatchewan Wedding
I love unique wedding days like Avery and Justin’s. Where the wind howls, champagne corks have a mind of their own, a beachgoer refuses to surrender her lawn chair, and the newly married couple literally rides off into the sunset...on a golf cart, of course!
For Avery, this wedding day was rooted in home. She grew up in Dilke, Saskatchewan, and so many of the places and people woven into her life became part of the celebration. From getting ready at a cabin in Alice Beach to saying “I do” at Dilke’s golf course, the entire day felt deeply personal, relaxed, meaningful, and unmistakably theirs.
A Morning at Alice Beach
The girls started the day at a cabin in Alice Beach, surrounded by all the usual wedding-day excitement: getting ready, laughing, soaking in the anticipation, and spending time together before everything officially began. And, of course, there had to be champagne.
What was supposed to be a fun champagne-pop moment quickly became a much better story when the cork decided it was done waiting. It popped off unusually fast, catching everyone completely off guard and sending the girls into a fit of laughter. A perfect beginning to the day, really.
Not long after, one of Avery’s friends arrived with something incredibly special: hand-grown flower bouquets. She had spent time growing and gardening these flowers specifically for Avery, giving her a bouquet that wasn't simply beautiful... it carried hours of thought, care, and love. It was one of those little details that says everything about the kind of people Avery has surrounding her.
That seemed to be a theme throughout the entire wedding.
So many people had pitched in to make the day special, each contributing something personal and meaningful. It wasn't about making everything elaborate. It was about making everything theirs.
Meanwhile, With the Guys...
The guys were getting ready at a nearby hunting lodge, and the atmosphere couldn't have been more different.
Cigars. Scotch. Beer. A pocket watch for the groom.
Very rugged. Very Justin.
While the girls were surrounded by flowers and champagne, the guys had their own version of wedding-day tradition unfolding at the lodge; relaxed, comfortable, and full of anticipation for what was coming next.
And then it was time for the first look!
First Look by the Water
Avery and Justin met for their first look right on the beach.
There were smiles. There were tears. There was that unmistakable moment when the busyness of the morning seemed to disappear and it was suddenly just the two of them.
Well... mostly just the two of them.
There was also one very dedicated lady sitting in a lawn chair who apparently had absolutely no intention of giving up her prime beach real estate for a wedding photo.
We can't blame her. The day was sunny, the lake was beautiful, and the wind was... very windy.
As much as we would have loved to spend the entire afternoon photographing Avery and Justin along the beach, Mother Nature had other plans. The wind was howling, making extended beach portraits a bit of a challenge. We managed to capture a few along the water's edge before retreating to a more sheltered location where we could slow things down and let the couple simply enjoy being together.
And when a different perspective was needed, sometimes you just have to get in the water.
So yes, there was some wading involved. My clothes were soaked. Oh well! Anything for the shot!
A Wedding Day Full of Their People
The wedding party and family formals were filled with plenty of laughter and personality, before everyone headed over to Avery's parents' cabin for a small, intimate dinner.
It wasn't a huge formal affair. jJust family and the wedding party gathered together for pizza, ribs, and an absolutely amazing Caesar salad.
It felt fitting. This wasn't a day about putting on a show. It was a day about bringing together the people who mattered most. It was so nice to be included in it.
And then it was time to head to the golf course.
Saying "I Do" Among the Rolling Hills
The ceremony took place at Dilke's golf course, with rolling valley stretching out behind the arch. It made for a stunning backdrop!
The wind was still howling, but Avery and Justin didn't seem particularly bothered by it. If anything, the wind became another part of the story of their day.
They exchanged their vows, officially became husband and wife, and then did something that felt like the perfect transition into the next chapter of the day.
They headed off toward the sunset!!
Riding Into the Sunset
We followed them for sunset portraits, letting the pace of the day slow down for a little while. After all the anticipation, getting ready, ceremony, family photos, and celebrations, this was a chance for Avery and Justin to simply be newlyweds.
And the Saskatchewan sunset did the rest. Well, Sherry and I too. haha!
Then Came the Party
Once the sun went down, it was time to celebrate.
There wasn't a traditional formal dinner. Instead, guests were treated to homemade cake and cupcakes. Made by someone special, because apparently even the desserts come made with love! While a poutine food truck parked outside the tent to keep everyone fueled once the party got underway.
What a party it was!
Because Avery and Justin did something you don't see nearly often enough at weddings: They hired a live band.
Tequila Mockingbird took the stage and played covers as the dance floor filled up. There is something about a live band at a wedding that changes the entire energy of the room. The music feels bigger, the party feels more spontaneous, and before long, everyone is dancing. Which is exactly what happened!!
Thank you to Avery and Justin for having Sherry and I. We had an amazing time celebrating with you and your loved ones. We know your marriage will be filled with love, happiness and lots of laughter!!
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