1. Real Weddings

An Intimate Vintage-Inspired Wedding at River Cafe in Calgary, Alberta

On their first date, Jennifer Schuster (31) and Jason Ogilvie (36) shared cake at a cafe, so it was only fitting to repeat that at their wedding. Thei

On their first date, Jennifer Schuster (31) and Jason Ogilvie (36) shared cake at a cafe, so it was only fitting to repeat that at their wedding. Their daytime celebration unfolded at their favorite place to bike and dine in Calgary, Albert, the River Cafe, settled among the trees of Princess Island Park. Their day took on a 1940s-inspired vintage flair, with Jennifer donning a Justin Alexander tea-length dress and a pin-curl updo and Jason in a suit with a patterned tie and pocket-square duo. Retro marquee symbols and DIY chalkboard art decorated the stone mantel backdrop as they exchanged vows before their 50 guests. After the couple said “I do,” guests found their seats on a vintage door-frame seating chart and enjoyed a meal catered by the River Cafe—all tailored to Jennifer’s dairy-free request. The cafe even created a chocolate zucchini wedding cake for the newlyweds. But that’s not all. River Cafe made Jennifer and Jason “hers” and “his” cupcakes and passed mini ice cream cones too. Our favorite detail? Since Jennifer and Jason love bike rides through the park around their venue, they continued the motif with a mini silver bicycle cake topper. They even made their grand exit in a surrey bike. (Who says you need a getaway car to ride in style?) Nicole Sarah Photography captured this sweet moment and more, below.

Jennifer's hair and makeup, done by stylist Erica at Lather and makeup artist Erin Winters, evoked a 1940s feel. She wore her hair in a classic updo with romantic pin curls and an embellished accessory on one side. As for her makeup, emphasis around her eyes and a bold red lip completed her style.
Jennifer's bouquet included tea roses, craspedia and succulents to reflect her palette. Corinna from the Dutch Touch, whom she's known for years, was her florist.
It was all about retro patterns for Jason's tie and floral pocket square, both in bright hues including orange, red and blue. His boutonniere continued the natural palette of green, white and yellow, set against his light gray suit.
Jennifer and Jason got married at their favorite spot to bike and eat, the River Cafe in Calgary, Alberta. Their ceremony was supposed to take place outside, but they moved indoors and exchanged vows in front of the stone fireplace instead. (Rain on the wedding day is supposed to be good luck, after all.) As an added DIY touch, Jennifer drew the "Mrs." and "Mr." chalkboard art on the mantel, placed beside retro marquee symbols.
Jennifer and Jason arranged their seating chart on a vintage door with glass panels and chicken wire. They painted names, laurels and arrows onto the glass and pinned rustic brown-paper tags to the chicken wire so guests could find their seat.
"Because the River Cafe is very rustic all on its own, it was a perfect location to have a wedding with a vintage feel," Jennifer says. Wooden chairs on a distressed wooden floor enhanced the natural coziness of the cafe. White table linens and canary yellow flowers lightened the ambience.
Twisted vintage forks held each table number, a black calligraphy numeral surrounded by a laurel. Love how this ties back to the homey cafe style too.
Jennifer and Jason's first date took place in a cafe over tea and cake, and from that moment on, they knew they were meant to be together. They also got married sharing cake at their favorite cafe in Calgary, Alberta, the rustic River Cafe.
The River Cafe catered to Jennifer's dairy allergy, and even made a delicious chocolate zucchini cake. A silver wire bicycle topper highlighted Jennifer and Jason's love of biking through Princess Island Park.
We're totally on board with these mini ice cream cones—ice cream is timeless! In addition to their wedding cake and "hers" and his" cupcakes, Jennifer and Jason had these tiny treats for their guests, passed in wooden paddles. Yum!
In the months leading up to their wedding, Jennifer and Jason took dance lessons to prepare for their first dance. They selected "I Found You" by the Alabama Shakes.
Jennifer and Justin took their love of biking to a whole level. They made their grand exit on a surrey bike with a "just married" banner and heart balloons. Who needs a getaway car when you can tandem bike?!