The Proposal
“Brett planned a mountain retreat over the Canada Day long weekend for the two of us,” says Melanie.

“Brett is a geologist and we often hike a lot while he picks up rocks, sharing their geographical origin and rock type with me (yawn)!”

It was a beautiful sunny day and after hiking in the mountains for an hour Brett and Melanie stopped for lunch at the peak of the mountain.

Brett pulled the rocks out he had been collecting while they were hiking from his back pack and began describing them excitedly to Melanie. After the third rock description, Melanie started rolling her eyes at the anticipation of another rock analysis.

But this time, Brett reached into his bag and said to Melanie, “I have another rock here, I think you’re going to like it,” he pulled out a ring box and dropped down on one knee, “Will you marry me?” Her reply, “Of course!”

After spending sometime at the peak of the mountain imagining their future together, they departed back down the trail. The whole time though Melanie says, “I couldn’t take my eyes off my brilliant gleaming rock.”

The Wedding Attire
Melanie’s ivory A-line silk gown, designed by Maggie Sottero, featured a strapless sweetheart neckline. The organza overlay embellished with heirloom designed lace appliqués was adorned with beading and a chapel train.

The bridesmaids wore a strapless fitted cocktail dress designed by Jenny Yoo, in charcoal grey that featured a contrasting silver self-tie sash at the natural waist.

The groom, Brett, wore a black tux designed by Perry Ellis, ivory dress shirt, silver vest and coordinating striped tie.

The Most Memorable Moment
The most memorable moment of Melanie and Brett wedding day was not even planned. The bridal group were headed to the photo location for pictures when the photographer noticed the Rocky Mountaineer train coming down the tracks.

This luxury train travels through the Canadian Rockies and only passes through Canmore once a month.

Melanie said, “We pulled up into the rail yard and scrambled out of our vehicles frantically hoping to get a group picture with the train behind us as a back drop.”

“We just made it in time for a quick snap shot before the train roared by, blowing its horn while passengers waved at us.”

“It turned out to be one of our coolest and most candid photographs of the entire wedding,” says Melanie.

Wedding Advice
Melanie has three tips for future brides, first get a wedding planner. It makes the planning easier and more enjoyable and that reflects on the wedding day.

Second, brides, don’t worry if you can’t sleep the night before you will look fine the next day and everything will still work out great.

Finally, the wedding day goes by so fast, extend it by enjoying time with friends and family the day before and the day after the wedding.