Take Me Anywhere: Rachel & Riley’s Mountain Wedding at Lizard Creek Lodge

Do you travel?”

That was the question Rachel asked me when we met at a bridal show.

My answer? “Hell ya! Take me anywhere.”

And, well… she did.

A little while later, I found myself packing up my gear and heading west to Fernie, British Columbia, for Rachel and Riley’s gorgeous mountain wedding at Lizard Creek Lodge.

And I couldn't have been happier about it.

The mountains weren’t just a pretty backdrop for Rachel and Riley. They held meaning and history for the couple, which made being there to document their wedding feel even more special. Around 60 of their closest family members and friends travelled from all over to celebrate with them, with most making the trip from Regina. And naturally, we brought a little Regina weather with us.

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

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Rachel graciously put my family and me up in a beautiful room at the resort, which meant I got to be right there on site when the wedding day began.

I started in the bridal suite with Rachel, her mom, and her sister, Emily. It was one of those quieter pockets of the day that I always love documenting. It's the little conversations, the anticipation, the laughter, and all the emotions that happen before anyone else gets to see the bride. Then, Rachel’s dad arrived for their first look, and it was one of those moments where everything suddenly felt very real.

Meanwhile, Riley was getting ready nearby with his brother Ryan, his mom, and his dad. Help with a tie, a cold beer by the bar and some heartfelt hugs from excited parents.

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Before the ceremony, I orchestrated a first look for Rachel and Riley just outside the lodge. There’s something about a first look in a place like Fernie. The mountains, the trees, the lodge, the anticipation... it all creates this incredible sense that you’re somewhere completely removed from everyday life.

After they saw each other, we spent some time exploring the property and taking portraits. We were fighting the heat, the wind, and smoke drifting in from nearby forest fires. The conditions were definitely giving us a little bit of a challenge, but Rachel and Riley rolled with it.

And honestly? Those imperfect conditions became part of the story. Because wedding days don't have to be perfectly controlled to be beautiful. Sometimes the wind blows your hair and scarf everywhere. Sometimes the mountains disappear behind smoke. Sometimes you’re sweating through your outfit.

And sometimes those are the photographs you end up loving the most.

We also spent sometime with the wedding party. The official wedding party was small and perfectly personal: Riley’s brother Ryan and Rachel’s sister Emily, with Rosie serving as the cutest honorary member. The couple’s adorable puppy was an important part of the day and, quite frankly, was more than qualified to be included in the wedding party.

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Then it was time for the ceremony.

Short, sweet, full of laughter, and two families very happily becoming one.

Rachel had thoughtfully made fans for the guests to keep everyone cool during the ceremony.They were adorable! And were also a little unnecessary, since mother nature brought her own fan. Sometimes, thats just how things go.

The wind picked up just before the ceremony began, creating some genuinely hilarious moments as everyone tried to keep things together. Signs moved indoors, scarves were handed off. But somehow, it made the whole thing even more memorable.

There was laughter. There was movement. And there was so much love.

Exactly what a wedding day should have.

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Immediately following the ceremony came cocktail hour, and while everyone else enjoyed some drinks and mingling, Rachel and Riley and I slipped away for more portraits. It gave us another little pocket of time together. Just the two of them, the mountains, and everything they had just experienced.

These are some of my favourite parts of a wedding day. Once the ceremony is over, there’s often this beautiful shift. The nerves are gone. The promises have been made. The couple can finally breathe.

And Rachel and Riley were just… happy. Really, really happy.

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Then came dinner. And let me tell you.. mmm... Lizard Creek Lodge did not disappoint.

The meal was an incredible multi-course, sit-down dinner with the choice of steak or salmon. Obviously, I chose steak. And as I sat at the table, eating dinner alongside everyone else, I couldn't help but feel like I wasn't just the photographer. I felt like family.

Rachel and Riley had made me feel so welcome from the beginning, and that feeling carried throughout the entire day. I wasn't treated like hired help who happened to be there with a camera. I was included.

And that meant more to me than they probably realized.

Then came the speeches. Heartfelt. Funny. Emotional. The kind that have everyone laughing one minute and reaching for a Kleenex the next. And then Rachel and Riley thanked me in their speeches. That one got me. It's one thing to be invited to document someone's wedding. It's another thing entirely to feel genuinely appreciated and welcomed into the celebration. By that point, I really did feel like a guest of honour.

After the speeches came the dances, and they were every bit as adorable as you'd expect. I stayed for a while longer, even though I'd already gone over my contracted time. Because, honestly, I wasn't quite ready to leave. Eventually, I headed back to my room, then went to relax in the hot tub with my oldest daughter. From there, I could still see and hear enough of the celebration to know the party was very much continuing. And it looked like the absolute best time. Which felt like the perfect ending.

Im truly greatful to Rachel and Riley (and their families) for choosing me to capture their beautiful wedding day. In the mountains, which have their own special place in my heart, to celebrate two wonderful people. So, Rachel… If you ever ask me again, “Do you travel?”

You already know the answer.