A Banff Wedding to Remember: Zari and Cam's Timeless Wedding at The BlueBird Wood-Fired Steakhouse

Love Story

We all have that one place that feels like home. For Zari and Cam, that place has always been each other. Cam and Zari have been inseparable since they were teenagers, brought together by their shared childhood and a friendship that bloomed into a beautiful love story. "Cam and I dated when I was 16 and he was 17. We have known each other our whole lives and getting married to him just felt like home," Zari shared with a sparkling smile.

Their engagement was as heartfelt as their story—Cam proposed by the fire at Crowsnest Pass, a beloved camping spot from their childhood. “It was very special," Zari recalled, her eyes lighting up with the memory.

On January 12, 2024, Zari and Cam exchanged vows in the picturesque setting of Banff, Alberta, with 40 of their closest friends and family. Their wedding was a culmination of about six months of planning, reflecting a style that was naturally elegant—modern yet timeless. "I loved enjoying God's beautiful creation and taking pictures with Cam, Ray and I," Zari reflected.

She added, with heartfelt emotion, "My mum Shyla did all the planning and I’m so so thankful to have someone like her in my life. She is the definition of a beautiful mom inside and out and what she has done for me she will never even know. I strive to be a mom and wife just like her -- she is so precious."

Morning details

The morning buzzed with excitement. Zari took on the creative task of designing their wedding invitations, which were beautifully printed by Vistaprint. Their rings, symbols of their unending love, were meticulously chosen from Maretas Fine Jewelry. Every detail was a testament to their personal touch.

Bride getting ready

The anticipation in the air was tangible as Zari prepared for the most significant day of her life in a quaint lodge nestled in Banff's scenic landscape. Her wedding gown, an exquisite piece by designer Rita Vinieris, procured from Blush and Raven, seemed to capture the essence of her spirit perfectly.

Surrounded by her bridesmaids, adorned in elegant dresses from Aritzia, Zari added the finishing touches: a delicate veil and a beautifully arranged bouquet, which together completed her enchanting bridal look.

Ceremony

The heartfelt vows were exchanged at St Paul’s Presbyterian Church, a setting that resonated with timeless grace. As Zari made her entrance, the chords of 'Until I Found Her' filled the air, soulfully performed by her uncle Solomon Chhiv. The most stirring moment for Zari was the genuine joy on Cam’s face as he watched her walk down the aisle. "It was so special to me," she recounted. The church's hallowed walls echoed with the sweet sounds of commitment and love, making every second unforgettable for the couple and their guests.

Photoshoot after the ceremony

After the ceremony, the newlyweds headed to Lake Minnewanka for a photoshoot. The serene setting of the lake provided a perfect backdrop for their wedding photos, capturing the essence of their day and the natural beauty surrounding them.

Wedding Venue & Decor

The celebration unfolded at The BlueBird Wood-Fired Steakhouse, a venue that exuded rustic charm and elegance in the heart of Banff. The decor scheme featured a palette of whites and neutrals, creating a serene and stylish atmosphere that perfectly complemented the natural beauty surrounding the venue. The thoughtful touches and personalized details brought an intimate and bespoke feel to the space, making the venue not just a backdrop but a pivotal part of their wedding story.

Reception

Though they opted out of a traditional first dance, the reception was filled with love, laughter, and dancing. Each moment was a celebration of their journey and the new life they were embarking on together.

Zari expressed her deep satisfaction with the collaboration and execution of their wedding day plans, saying, "I’m so happy with the way my wedding turned out. My photographer made Cam and I so comfortable and gave us true pieces of art to look at for years. The venue was perfect and the employees were so kind. The church was lovely and perfectly timeless and old school, just how I wanted it. " Her words encapsulated the gratitude and joy that filled their special day, making it an unforgettable celebration.