Zach & Laura downtown loft wedding
Anti-bride energy, fashion moments,
and a dance floor that did not quit.
Some weddings are iconic from the jump — not because of grand ballrooms or seven-tiered cakes, but because they feel so unapologetically them. That’s how we’ll always remember Zach and Laura’s celebration at The Garret Loft: non-traditional in all the right ways, joyfully unpretentious, and impossibly stylish from beginning to end.
Venue | The Garret Loft Photographer | Jo Photo Florist | Jarman Flower Shop Caterer | Meraki Catering Bar | Sugar Water Live Music | Angela Smart Music Planning + Design | Lovebirds Co.
Getting Ready Together: A Morning Built for Two
Before the vows, before the first dance, before the parade of tequila sodas — Zach and Laura spent the morning exactly how they wanted to: together, at home. In their original wedding plans, they had thought about hosting their wedding at home. After a quick scan of the to-do list (and cleaning list!) it was decided that their home would instead be the place for their written personal vows. No dramatic first look, no logistics to separate them — just calm coffee, sweet moments, and the quiet kind of intimacy you rarely get on a day this big. It was the perfect start to a day designed around connection.
A House Party Disguised as a Wedding
This wasn’t your average wedding — and that was the point. These two created a celebration that felt like inviting your most beloved people over for the best night of your life. Think “house party, but elevated.” The music was unapologetic (judgment-free zone, thank you very much), the vibe was casual cool, and no one had to pretend to be anyone they weren’t.
The energy in the room? Warm, present, playful, real. Don’t forget, even in a room with 40 people, the dancefloor is what you make it. And these two made it fun.
The Fashion Files
Let’s talk looks — because Laura’s take on bridal fashion sent us. A crisp button-down dress paired with pearl details? Say less. Her style was effortless, unfussy, and the perfect reminder that “bridal” doesn’t have to mean ballgown, or anything specific in any way. We live for a hair moment - the pearl applique on a chic, slick bun is the perfect WOW moment to an otherwise classic and timeless hairstyle.
Meanwhile, Zach’s custom suit was giving timeless-with-a-twist — sharp tailoring, personal details, and just the right dose of swagger. This suit was designed with our favourite team Atelier Munroe. Trust us when we say, if you know Elbert, you’re in the best hands in the city.
These two wore their wedding outfits the way they wear their hearts: confidently and together.
P.S.: The Shoes! Don’t even get us started on the shoes - we could write a whole blog about the shoes.
The Space That Transformed With Them
The Garret Loft is the kind of venue that molds to the moment — and this one? It bloomed. Under high ceilings and soft light, guests were welcomed into a space that felt as cool as it was cozy. Jarman Flower Shop brought the entire place to life with warm, timeless florals set against cinderblock pedestals and glowing candlelight. It was both industrial and intimate, with just the right amount of softness to anchor the joy in the room. The Garret Loft is one of a kind - previously the Calgary Herald and the iconic Divino Private Dining Room, this space is the perfect blend of Western heritage meets New York style loft.
The Details That Made It Theirs
From signature cocktails by Sugar Water to a meal guests are still dreaming about from Meraki Catering, every detail was curated to bring joy and ease to the day. No fuss really meant no fuss - oysters? Absolutely. Massive chocolate chip cookies for dessert? Must have. Angela Smart laid down a dreamy soundscape during the ceremony (hello Nickelback cover) before passing the baton to a playlist of guilty pleasures (heavy on the guilty, light on the shame).
The dancing started early and ended late. Just how we like it.
The Lovebirds Touch
At Lovebirds, we’re guided by how you want to feel on your wedding day — and for Zach and Laura, that meant stripping away expectations and focusing on the good stuff. We couldn’t be more honoured to bring their vision to life and build a celebration that looked, sounded, and felt like them. One that didn’t need the rulebook — just a whole lot of love, intention, and a few cheeky tracks.
We love you, Z+L — thank you for trusting us with your story.
