Ulana & Sam

September 1, 2024 Package: Precious Peony

The Wedding

My day began with an early morning drive out to Big Whiteshell Lodge. When I arrived, the Groom, Groomsmen, and a few other people were already working on setting up in the tent for the reception. After showing me around the area and locating all the items I would need for the day, Sam and the Groomsmen left to go get ready for the ceremony. I continued prepping and soon, the two designated “runners” arrived to help out. These two guys were super helpful with doing all kinds of tasks I gave them, which allowed me to ensure everything was set up and ready to go on time.

The ceremony took place up on a rocky hill. It overlooked the lake and was stunningly beautiful. Since I was in charge of coordinating the reception only, the wedding party and family had set up for the ceremony. I took a brisk walk up the hill before the ceremony to check it out and snap some photos. It was absolutely breathtaking! Seriously, photos don’t capture just how gorgeous it was!

As the ceremony began, I continued to prep for cocktail hour with the bartenders. Soon, I could hear cheering coming from the direction of the hill, which meant that the ceremony was wrapping up. Guests strolled down the hill to sip champagne and snack on homemade chips and dip. The chairs were brought down from the ceremony and were added to the tables in the tent, completing the reception set-up. The caterer was busy preparing the food in the tent ‘next door’.

The reception was a typical one, filled with delicious food, heart-warming and funny speeches, and of course, dessert. The first dance and family dances kicked off the evening of dance party fun. Guests enjoyed glow sticks while dancing and taking selfies for the Polaroid guest book. The late night snack wrapped up the evening of celebration.

Special touches of the reception were Ulana dedicated her bouquet to her mom and the beautiful table number images that were painted by Sam’s sister, each one representing a place that Sam and Ulana have been to together.

Congratulations, Ulana and Sam!

Their Story

Many years ago, Ulana left Manitoba to embark on a new adventure and moved to the United Kingdom. During her four years of living in the UK, she met Sam and their two worlds collided. With Sam being born and raised in the UK and Ulana being from Manitoba, their worlds were quite different. Their shared love for the outdoors and adventures allowed their love to blossom. In the fall of 2019, Ulana moved back to Canada with Sam joining her four months later. Next, they decided to move to Ottawa and another new adventure began… in the midst of the pandemic!

Ulana’s family cabin, nestled along the shores of Big Whiteshell Lake in Manitoba, is a special place for her family. Many summers were spent at the lake with three generations of family and friends. Then, while spending time with family at the cabin, Sam proposed to Ulana on the dock, making this place even more special for this couple. Naturally, this became the location for their wedding!