Words cannot describe the splendor of your ceremony and reception at Azuridge. The weather was absolutely perfect, and venue was amazing, and the decor was spectacular.

As they say in show business, location, location, location. About 20 minutes west of Calgary, Azuridge is a brand new, just opened, never before used facility surrounded by forest and within view of the Rocky Mountains. It was perfect for your special day. With a modern look of wood and stone, the facility consists of a main banquet hall, kitchen, theatre and meeting room, with a separate three story building for guest accommodations to the south west. To the north west stands a three story gazebo with bar, while overlooking the entire grounds towers a lighthouse-like structure from which the Rocky Mountains are visible. In front of the main hall is are beautifully landscaped and rolling grounds complete with a babbling stream and foot bridge, two ponds, gorgeous stone retaining walls, and an immaculate lawn great for bacchi balls.

Around the grounds were set up three stations: Sip, Sample, and Savour at which guests could sample 12 different wines in total. In addition to the wine stations, there was an area within a stand of trees where guests could type their well wishes and messages to Ben and Rachel on an old school typewriter surrounded by photos of the bride and groom hanging from the trees. And of course, our photo booth was on site in the ground floor of the gazebo and entertained everyone from cocktails until the early morning hours.

It was on the hill overlooking the main pond that Rachel’s and Ben’s ceremony took place. Guests sat on clear acrylic chairs in front of a decorative iron wrought framework topped with a large arrangement of white flowers. The centre aisle was carpeted with white rose petals and each chair along the aisle was accented with a large turquoise bow. Each end of the aisle had two tall silver vases filled with large white bouquets of azaleas and roses. The ceremony commenced with vocals and acoustic guitar by Aimee-Jo Benoit and Keith Smith, respectively, and Rachel proceeded up the aisle arm in arm with her parents to stand next to Ben. Following the inspiring words by officiant Gary Mar, Rachel and Ben recited the vows that they wrote for each other and exchanged rings. After the signing of the register and proclamation of marriage, guests applauded as Rachel and Ben celebrated their marriage with a kiss. And right after this conclusion, everyone turned around to face the photographers from F8 Photography for a large group picture.

Inside the main building, the decor continued with tall silver candelabras topped with arrangements of white flowers and hanging votive candles. Organized around the candelabras were numerous roman candles of varying heights with other smaller vases of azaleas. All of these were situated upon embroidered white table cloths upon bases of white.  Opting to dispense with a head table, Rachel and Ben enjoyed each others company at a round table underneath the wrought iron huppa from their ceremony. Behind them was displayed their unique wedding; a cake in the shape of a greyhound resting with his head upon three stacked stones.

Dinner was also exceptional. Served in eight individual courses, each course was accompanied with a wine specifically selected to complement the course. Interspersed between the courses were speeches, hilighted by Rachael’s fathers speech were he officially celebrated cutting up her credit card. Recounting the origins of their relationship in a pizza eatery, Rachel and Ben spoke about the ingredients to a successful wedding, thanked those responsible for creating such a memorable day, and those whom travelled from afar.

After dinner and after dark, the grounds took on a new life as the buildings and walkways were alit with accent lighting. LED tea lights and oil lamps decorated retaining walls and white patio lanterns turned the second floor of the gazebo into a proper dance floor. As the DJs Geordy Carson & Jay Smylski skillfully mixed and mashed the tracks, guests below enjoyed the late lunch served with a selection of teas and cookies that kept them warm as the cool mountain air descended.

The entire day was something special to behold. Everyone had a thoroughly good time. Thanks to Michele, Veronica and their assistants for all their hard work in putting together such a stunning event!

Rachel and Ben, Flashworks Photobooth would like to wish you bountiful blessings as you begin your journey together.

To view Rachel’s and Ben’s photobooth gallery, CLICK HERE.