A + M | A Study in Contrast

Fairmont Banff Springs | Banff, Alberta

Some weddings come together with a very clear vision from the beginning, while others take a little exploring to find exactly what feels right. For A + M's October wedding at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs, there was one word we kept coming back to: contrast.

The couple had originally discovered Lottie Weddings through another wedding we had designed at the Fairmont, drawn to its unconventional details and the way it embraced something a little different from traditional wedding design. They wanted that same sense of individuality for their own celebration, while creating an atmosphere that felt warm, welcoming, and full of memorable experiences for their guests.

With the historic architecture of the Fairmont Banff Springs as our backdrop, we set out to create a wedding that balanced romance with a little edge, bringing together rich florals, contemporary details, and an abundance of candlelight.

A + M exchange a kiss during their outdoor wedding ceremony at Fairmont Banff Springs, surrounded by romantic floral arrangements and the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Finding the Beauty in Contrast

Our first design concept wasn't quite hitting the mark. There was something about the colour palette that didn't feel entirely right, and although we couldn't immediately put our finger on it, A kept returning to the idea of contrast.

Sometimes that's the most important part of the design process: understanding not just what a couple likes, but how they want their wedding to feel. Rather than forcing the original concept, we continued refining the direction until everything began to make sense.

The final design embraced the contrast between the Fairmont's grand, historic architecture and a more contemporary, romantic aesthetic. Soft linens were paired with black chairs, rich floral arrangements brought colour and movement to the room, and an abundance of taper candles created a warm, intimate atmosphere beneath the soaring ceilings and chandeliers.

We wanted the reception to feel elegant without being overly traditional, allowing the venue's existing character to become part of the design rather than something we needed to compete with.

Throughout the process, A + M gave us the creative freedom to explore ideas, make adjustments, and bring the vision together. That trust made such a difference, allowing us to create something that felt distinctly theirs.

M+J's Behind the design article

An Experience Worth Remembering

While the design was an important part of the celebration, A + M were equally focused on making sure their guests had an incredible experience.

One of our favourite decisions was changing how guests entered the reception. Rather than directing everyone straight into the main hall, we guided them along the upper mezzanine, giving them an opportunity to take in the candlelit reception from above before making their way downstairs.

Beyond creating a beautiful first impression, this also helped manage the flow of guests arriving at the champagne seating display. By naturally spacing out arrivals, everyone had more time to find their glass and discover their seat without creating a long queue.

That same attention to hospitality carried throughout the evening. Two bars helped keep drinks flowing, comfortable gathering areas gave guests places to settle in and connect, and there was certainly no shortage of food, including a dedicated oyster bar. Every decision was made with the intention of creating a celebration that felt generous, relaxed, and enjoyable from beginning to end.

And then, of course, there was the weather.

Planning an outdoor October ceremony in Banff always comes with a little uncertainty, especially when the forecast is calling for temperatures well below freezing. A had even hired an Etsy witch in hopes of securing some better weather, which might be one of our favourite wedding planning details to date.

Whether it was luck, timing, or a little wedding-day magic, the clouds began to lift around the ceremony, revealing the Canadian Rockies behind A + M as they celebrated with their closest family and friends.

From the mountain ceremony to the candlelit dinner, A + M's wedding was such a wonderful reminder of why we love what we do. When couples trust the process, embrace their own style, and care just as much about how their guests feel as how everything looks, the result is something truly personal.

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