Everyone loves fall family photos. The cool crisp air, the beautiful colours in the leaves mixed in with a warm sunset and cool breeze always make for stunning photos. Oh, and it’s also my personal opinion that this weather makes for the best Christmas card photos too. This blog post is a friendly reminder to all families wanting to book a fall photoshoot for Christmas card photos, that fall is my busiest time of year for family photos. Please don’t wait too long to book your family session, booking 3-4 weeks in advance will secure you a spot this fall season!
Featured in Rocky Mountain Bride
Featured in Rocky Mountain Bride Magazine
Calgary City Skyline
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.
Engagement Photography in Calgary
How to Plan Your Dream Elopement in the Alberta Badlands -Drumheller Photo Guide
A Complete Guide to Planning a Romantic, Intimate Photoshoot in Wild and rugged Drumheller, Alberta
There’s something undeniably magical about the Alberta Badlands. With its soft desert tones, rolling hills, and endless cotton candy skies, it’s one of the most breathtaking—and often overlooked—locations for couples dreaming of an intimate, romantic elopement.
This Badlands elopement will be featured in print in Rocky Mountain Bride (Spring 2024 edition), and it perfectly captures what’s possible when thoughtful planning meets intentional storytelling.
If you’re dreaming of a deeply personal experience, here’s exactly how to recreate your own unforgettable elopement in the Badlands.
Choose the Right Photographer + Styling Experience
Before choosing a location, a dress, or even a date, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right photographer—someone who understands your vision and helps bring it to life from start to finish.
Your photographer isn’t just documenting your elopement—they’re helping shape the entire experience.
Look for someone who:
Understands your vision and aesthetic
Aligns with the feeling you want your photos to have
Can guide you through location, timing, and flow of the day
Offers an experience that fits within your overall investment and priorities
In a place like the Alberta Badlands, where light, movement, and landscape all play a key role, having a photographer who can bring all of those elements together seamlessly makes a meaningful difference.
A Fully Styled, Elevated Experience
At Maxine LaGarde Photography, the experience goes beyond photography—it’s about creating something intentional, romantic, and visually cohesive from beginning to end.
In addition to photographing your elopement, I also act as a stylist, helping you refine and elevate your overall look so it aligns beautifully with your setting.
Clients have access to a curated client closet, featuring a wide range of dresses and accessories chosen specifically for how they:
Move naturally in the wind
Photograph in soft, golden light
Complement the tones of the Badlands landscape
To make the process feel seamless and personal, I offer private, bespoke fittings, where we:
Explore different dress options and silhouettes
Align your wardrobe with your vision and location
Style your look to enhance movement, texture, and emotion
Ensure everything feels cohesive and true to you
This approach removes the guesswork and allows you to step into your session feeling confident, comfortable, and fully present.
More Than Photos—A Guided Experience
From location scouting and timeline planning to styling and creating space for meaningful moments, the goal is to ensure your elopement feels effortless and deeply personal.
The result is not just beautiful imagery—but an experience that feels intentional, connected, and true to your story.
When you choose a photographer who also supports the creative direction and experience, everything comes together with ease—and your photos reflect that.
Choose the Right Timing: Golden Hour is Everything
If there’s one decision that will transform your photos, it’s timing.
The Badlands landscape can feel harsh in midday light—but as the sun begins to set, everything softens. The tones become warm and golden, shadows stretch across the hills, and the entire environment feels cinematic.
For the most romantic and flattering images:
Plan your session 1–2 hours before sunset
Stay through golden hour into blue hour
Embrace slower pacing so moments can unfold naturally
This is where the magic happens—and where your photos truly come to life.
Work With a Photographer Who Helps You Create the Experience
Your elopement isn’t just about photos—it’s about how it feels.
Working with a photographer who also helps guide the experience makes all the difference. At Maxine LaGarde Photography, the focus goes beyond capturing images—we help create an environment where you can be fully present, connected, and at ease.
From location scouting to timeline guidance and styling direction, having someone who understands both visual storytelling and emotional experience ensures your elopement feels effortless and deeply personal.
Styling Support + Client Closet Experience
One of the most impactful parts of your elopement experience is what you wear—and how it all comes together visually.
At Maxine LaGarde Photography, I don’t just document your day—I also step into the role of stylist, helping you create a look that feels elevated, cohesive, and true to you.
Clients have access to a thoughtfully curated client closet, featuring a wide range of dresses and accessories chosen specifically for how they move, photograph, and complement the natural tones of the Alberta Badlands.
To make the process feel effortless and personal, I offer private, bespoke fittings where we:
Explore different dress options and silhouettes
Style your look to match your vision and location
Select pieces that enhance movement, texture, and light
Ensure everything feels aligned with the mood you want your photos to reflect
This experience is designed to remove stress and help you feel completely confident stepping into your session—so your photos reflect not just how everything looked, but how it felt.
Whether your vision is romantic and flowing, minimal and modern, or soft and editorial, styling is approached with intention to bring your entire story together seamlessly.
Consider Bringing in a Planner or Stylist
While elopements are often simple by nature, that doesn’t mean they can’t feel elevated.
A planner or stylist can help you:
Design a cohesive aesthetic
Set up a romantic ceremony space
Coordinate details so you can stay present
Hire a chef and organize an intimate meal for your ceremony
Collaborating with creatives like The Blondie Bride brings intention and beauty into every detail—from florals to tablescapes—without overwhelming the experience.
Add Meaningful Ceremony Elements
One of the most beautiful parts of an elopement is the freedom to make it your own.
You can keep it simple—or create a deeply intentional experience with meaningful touches like:
Private vow readings at sunset
Hiring an officiant for a legal or symbolic ceremony
A quiet moment to exchange rings
Personal letters or shared reflections
These moments not only deepen your experience—they create powerful, emotional imagery that tells your story authentically.
Create a Moment to Celebrate
Elopements deserve celebration too.
Consider adding a simple but elevated experience like:
A romantic cake cutting moment
A styled picnic with champagne
Hiring a private chef for an intimate dinner
A beautifully curated table setup in the landscape
These elements add variety to your gallery and create space for genuine interaction—laughter, connection, and those in-between moments that feel the most real.
Why the Drumheller Badlands Are Perfect for Elopements
The Badlands offer something truly unique:
A desert-like landscape without leaving Canada
Soft, neutral tones that photograph beautifully
Wide open space for privacy and intimacy
Multiple locations within a short distance
Whether you’re planning an elopement, engagement session, maternity shoot, or family photos, this area offers endless versatility in one setting.
Featured Creative Team
This elopement was brought to life by an incredible group of artists:
Photographer: Maxine LaGarde Photography
Planner + Florals: The Blondie Bride
Cake: The Blondie Bride
Hair: The Blondie Bride
Makeup: Makeup by Ruz
Jewelry/Rings: Blu Boho
Stationery: Hooray Weddings
Rentals: Modern Rentals
Shoes: Goiz Handmade Shoes
Menswear: Ed Williams Menswear
Dress: The Bridal Boutique
Table Numbers: Her Modern Artistry
Ready to Plan Your Own Badlands Elopement?
If you’re dreaming of an intimate, romantic experience in the Alberta Badlands, I’d love to help you bring it to life.
Whether you’re planning an elopement, engagement session, or simply want photos that feel like you, I’ll guide you through every step—from location to light to creating moments that matter.
✨ Inquire here with Maxine LaGarde Photography to start planning your Badlands session
Ethereal French Country Inspired Mountain Elopement
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.
Elopement Style Photoshoot in Calgary
LATE FALL FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT
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.
Late Fall Family Photoshoot in Calgary
Gratitude, Love and Bubbles - Family Photography Session
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.
Family Photography in Calgary
BOHO STYLED SUNSET MATERNITY PHOTOSHOOT
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”.
Maternity Photography By Maxine
Rocky Mountain Bride Feature
Featured in Rocky Mountain Bride Magazine
9 Ways to Incorporate Floral into your Big Day
WINNIPEG PAVILLION ELOPEMENT
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.
Elopement Photography Calgary
RUSTIC, CREMONA, COWBOY TRAIL WEDDING
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
Wedding Photography Calgary
SOUTH CALGARY GOLDEN HOUR MATERNITY PHOTOSHOOT
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.
South Calgary Maternity Photoshoot
COYBOY LOVE STORY MATERNITY PHOTOS
BADLANDS FAMILY ADVENTURE PHOTOSHOOT
Calgary Family Photoshoot
Thank you Ryan and Tamara for re-inviting me to photography out family again and again!
Calgary Family Photography Mini Sessions
Intimate, Canmore Wedding
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!
Canmore Outdoor Wedding Photography
OPEN AIR, B.C. MOUNTAIN TOP WEDDING
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!
Kelowna Alpine Wedding Photographer
Warm Fall Boho Elopement
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 !
Autumn Boho Elopement Session
NEWBORN'S FIRST PHOTOSHOOT
Congrats! You’re about to welcome your new baby into the world, which means you’ll have your hands full with feeding, bonding, and trying to squeeze some time to sleep and care for yourself too. Planning your newborn photoshoot with your photographer in advance is key. Photographing your new baby for the first time is a big deal, and whether you’re perfectionist planner, or a super chill mama, here are some tips and tricks to minimize stress for baby’s first photoshoot. After photographing hundreds of babies, I’ve accumulated some knowledge that I want to share with you to ensure you get the newborn photoshoot of your dreams.
Newborn Photography Preparation Guide
Share your due date. I like to photograph my newborn within the first 10 days of life. It might seem a bit early, but in my experience, the best time to capture those “snuggly baby” vibes is within that time frame. Since every birth story is different, I’ve reserved some time in my schedule to photograph you and your new addition around your due date. Simply call or text me once baby arrives, and we can figure it out from there. If you need more time to heal, that’s ok too. We can really plan your photoshoot any time, but your baby’s personality will start to develop with each day, so consider this when planning your session.
Keep it clean. Let’s be honest, you’re probably going to be sleep deprived and won’t have much time to clean the house, especially if you already have other munchkins kicking around. If there ever was a time to hire a cleaner, it’s probably within the first month of having a new baby. If you already have a cleaner, arrange for them to clean your home the day before your session. If it’s not within your budget, hide the mess. That’s right, just stash all the clutter away in a closet and keep it out of sight. I like to photograph from all angle, so moving the mess to that corner in the room won’t do.
Let baby call the shots. Trying to do anything else usually fails. Let your baby decide when they are ready to be photographed. If baby is hungry, feed her, is baby needs to be swaddled, go with it. A happy baby means a comfortable baby, which means they will likely go with the flow and maybe even fall asleep during our shoot.
Plan ahead. Have your outfits and accessories all planned out ahead of time, including those for baby and husband too. Lay them out on your bed ahead of time to make sure they go together. The same thing goes for chatting about the photoshoot with baby’s siblings in advance. If they know what yo expect, they will feel prepared and open up!
Have fun with your kids. Kiss them, tickle them, talk to them and interact with them as you normally would when you’re having fun. If they feel comfortable, they will open up, I promise!
