The cutest engagement session in the heart of Calgary! This is definitely my new favourite spot for all my clients wanting something a little edgier and wanting to keep it local. Congratulations on your engagement Greg and Kassy! I hope you love these shots as much as I do.
This Badlands Elopement will be featured in print in Rocky Mountain Bride in their 2024 spring print edition. Stay tuned for all the beautiful details from this gorgeous elopement.
Photographer: MaxineLaGarde Photography
Stylist/ Planner: The Blondie Bride
Florals: The Blondie Bride
Cake: The Blondie Bride
Hair: The Blondie Bride
Makeup: Makeup by Ruz
Jewelry/Rings: Blu Boho
Stationary: Hooray Weddings
Rentals: https: Modern Rentals
Shoes: GoizHandmadeShoes
Menswear: Ed Williams Menswear
Dress: The Bridal Boutique
Table Numbers: Her Modern Artistry
This mountain elopement was inspired by the raw beauty of the Rocky Mountains, and Canada’s best and most sustainable bridal and engagement jewelry, Blu Boho. Our gorgeous redhead bride, Naomi Jane radiated in this vintage cream lace bohemian dress by We Are Reclamation. The theme features elegant, luscious hair and flawless makeup by Mountain beauties, charming French inspired florals by Posy Floral and fine jewelry engagement wedding rings by Blue Boho. Eloping in the Alberta’s Rocky Mountains never looked so beautiful.
In Calgary, the first snowfall always comes too soon, and with our chinook winds, we are often lucky enough to see the snow melt away just as quickly as it came. But the weather can be deceiving. Just when you think it’s too cold out for a family photoshoot because its November and it’s been chilly all week, Calgary turns around and gifts you the most beautiful weekend alongside the warmest sunset. These are one of my favourite conditions for outdoor photoshoots, making all of mother nature’s earth tones pop with warmth. Hope you guys like all the yummy warm tones in this family session as much as I do.
Warm Alberta temperatures lead to lazy river baths in Calgary’s Sandy Beach recreational area. Check out this beautiful family photo shoot where are my clients splashed around in the Elbow River to make these photos extra special. Sandy Beach’s shallow waters are perfect for families with young children. The soft and lightly wooded landscape make the perfect backdrop for a true Alberta summer family photo shoot. I wore my rubber Birkenstocks for this photo shoot, but I wish I had worn my bathing suit to take a quick dip after the shoot. Would you do family photos at this location? I love how Eriel’s golden dress matche’s the yellow wildflowers on the background.
Being re invited to photograph a client is the sincerest form of flattery a photographer can receive. I have had the pleasure of photographing this family many times through all the exciting chapters of their lives, through both of their pregnancies commas births, and the photos and memories we create together I will cherish forever. I love these clients so much because they always approach life with gratitude joy and love. Thank you Kendra and Krasen for re inviting me to photograph you and your family, time and again.
If you’re looking for a maternity session that feels unique from the typical mountain backdrop, the Alberta Badlands offer a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Just outside of Drumheller, the various landscapes that the Badlands offer have a warm, desert-like feel—often compared to Palm Springs—with creamy earth tones, soft skies, and warm glowing golden light that photographs beautifully.
Here’s why so many of my clients choose the Badlands for their maternity, family, or even engagement or elopement sessions:
A Picturesque, Desert-Inspired Landscape
Unlike the forests, mountains and the Rockies around Calgary, the Badlands feel expansive, minimal, and editorial. The textures and tones create images that feel organic, modern, and timeless.
The in-between moments always say the most.
The feeling that everything about to change.
Letting the light, the movement, and this season speak for itself. Maternity sessions in the Badlands feel effortless, warm, and deeply personal.
A little adventure, a lot of love, and the start of something new. These are the moments you’ll want to remember forever.
Iconic Locations Like the Hoodoos, Horseshoe Canyon & Royal Tyrrell Museum
From the dramatic curves of Horseshoe Canyon to the striking hoodoos and the surrounding landscapes near the Royal Tyrrell Museum, the Badlands offer a variety of backdrops within a short distance—giving your gallery a diversity, depth and a fresh approach that doesn’t look like anything else in Canada.
A Romantic Stop at the Little Church
For couples wanting a softer, more intimate setting, the Little Church in Drumheller adds a quiet, romantic touch to your session. It’s a beautiful contrast to the rugged landscape and works perfectly for more emotional, close-up moments. It’s intimate setting is also popular destination in the Badlands.
Perfect for Families, Too
The Badlands aren’t just for maternity sessions—they’re also an incredible option for family photography. With wide open space and unique terrain, kids have room to explore, climb, and play naturally, which leads to more candid, joy-filled images. Not to mention, the Royal Tyrell Museum is just 10 minutes from the Hoodoos, this destination can make the perfect family day trip.
Endless Exploring & Natural “Hiking” Trails
The area is filled with easy walking paths and natural ridges, making your session feel more like an adventure than a posed shoot. This movement creates authentic connection and relaxed, storytelling images. Pairing this rugged landscape with a beautiful flowy bohemian dress and some fun hiking boots adds an element of dichotomy that creates unique content and stand out images.
Consistently Beautiful Light
The open landscape allows for uninterrupted golden hour light, creating soft, flattering tones and that dreamy glow that makes every image feel magical. My favourite type of light in the Badlands are warm sunset and soft pillowy clouds, creating the dreamiest and moodiest background.
Dreaming of a maternity session that feels natural, elevated, and completely unique?
Let’s plan your Alberta Badlands session.
Warmer, Drier Climate
The Badlands are often warmer and sunnier than Calgary or the mountains, making it a more comfortable and predictable option—especially for expecting moms and young families.
A True “Getaway” Experience
The short drive to Drumheller turns your session into more than just photos—it becomes a memory in itself. Many clients make a day of it, which naturally leads to more relaxed, connected images.
Less Crowded Than Popular Mountain Locations
While places like Banff can be busy, the Badlands offer more space and privacy—perfect for an intimate, stress-free experience.
Sarah and Jer are seriously one of the cutest couples I’ve ever photographed. I just love their relaxed vibe and easy going nature that just seemed to translate so well on camera. Sarah really wanted a styled session, so we worked together to give her a bohemian feeling, casual maternity photoshoot and I think the pictures turned out great. Sarah’s wearing one of my white lace dresses from my personal collection in my “Client Closet” and we styled the rest of her’s and Jer’s outfits based on the weather and bohemian, relaxed vibe they were going for. For more look from my client closet, check out my Instagram stories entitled. ”Client Closet”.
Eloping is so underrated. With an elopement you get more connection, more time for photos, more private special and moments, more freedom with your timeline, more savings, more time and you get to do exactly what you want on your wedding day. You also get less pressure to conform to others expectations of what YOUR wedding should be or look like, you get to save so much money and spend it where you value it the most, and you get to do exactly what you want, no explanation needed.
Working with Teagan from @theblondiebride on this rustic Cremona wedding was real treat. Check out all the other amazing vendors who made this special day even more unforgettable.
Caterer: Meraki Cuisine, Bar: The Bottled Bronco, Photographer: Maxine Legarde, Flowers: Blush Blooms Faux & Frond, Rentals: The Blondie Bride, Special Event Rentals, Hair & Makeup: Bloom Bridal & Beauty Co., Band: Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, Transportation: AMPM Limo
Johnny and Sam are always a fun time to photograph, no explanation needed. Hope you enjoy this gallery as much as I enjoyed photographing these two east coasters chilling in the mountains. PS: Johnny and Sam, I want to photograph your wedding day!
Being reinvented to photograph a client over and over is the most sincere compliment. Erika is always such a joy and photographing her and her family as it grows has been really special for me. I hope you enjoy this south Calgary Maternity session or the Yarmolys.
Thank you Ryan and Tamara for re-inviting me to photography out family again and again!
Mountain weddings always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you Nicole and Cole for letting me help you plan the elopement of your dreams in beautiful Canmore, Alberta. Hope you guys enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed photographing you both!
This B.C. wedding was one for the books. Picture an open air, mountain top ceremony, paired with a reception in a repurposed barn in beautiful Salmon Arm. Thank you Michelle and Aaron for trusting me to capture your big day and letting me create such beautiful content and images. I hope you enjoy!
I’ve had the pleasure of photographing Bree and her now husband Joe so many times, I can’t even count! I seriously can’t tell you enough, when you get re-invited to photograph your clients. time and again, it’s the truest form of flattery. What a special day we had shooting their wedding days along side this beautiful fall sunset. Hope you guys enjoy this warm bohemian inspired fall elopement photo session !
