Alexis & Jack’s – First Look

A Freezing January Wedding at The Nash in Calgary: Embracing Winter Magic for Alexis & Jack's - First Look.

Winter weddings have a charm of their own, and there's no better place to experience this magic than at The Nash Calgary. Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Inglewood, The Nash combines historic charm with modern elegance, making it an ideal venue for a cozy and intimate winter wedding. Despite the freezing temperatures, a January wedding at The Nash can be a warm and enchanting celebration filled with unforgettable moments.

Firstly, I would like to thank Ol' Beautiful Brewery for letting us into their space early to do this for Alexis & Jack's - First Look. It was -35°C outside, so we are all very grateful for their hospitality. The warmth of their venue was a much-needed reprieve from the frigid weather and set the tone for what would be an extraordinary day.

The Nash Calgary: A Historic Gem

The Nash, situated in the heart of Inglewood, is a Calgary landmark with a history that dates back to 1907. Originally a hotel, this beautifully restored building now houses a sophisticated restaurant and event space. The Nash’s unique blend of historic architecture and contemporary design provides a stunning backdrop for weddings, making it one of the most sought-after venues in Calgary.

Setting the Scene: A Winter Wonderland

As January blankets Calgary in snow, The Nash transforms into a winter wonderland. The crisp, frosty air and the sparkling snow create a picturesque setting that enhances the beauty of a wedding. Imagine the bride, wrapped in a luxurious fur stole, stepping out into the snow-covered courtyard for a first look, or the couple sharing a kiss beneath a canopy of twinkling fairy lights. These are the moments that make a winter wedding at The Nash truly magical.

Embracing the Cold: Warmth and Comfort

While a January wedding at The Nash in Calgary means braving the cold for Alexis & Jack's - First Look, there are plenty of ways to ensure warmth and comfort for everyone involved. The venue's cozy interiors, with their warm lighting and inviting decor, provide a perfect contrast to the chilly outdoors. Guests can enjoy hot beverages like mulled wine or hot chocolate as they arrive, and strategically placed heaters can keep outdoor areas comfortable.

The Nash’s interior spaces, such as the dining room and private event rooms, offer a warm and elegant setting for the ceremony and reception. The use of rich, dark wood, plush furnishings, and soft lighting creates an intimate atmosphere that is perfect for a winter wedding. Additionally, The Nash’s attentive staff ensures that every detail is taken care of, allowing the couple and their guests to relax and enjoy the celebration.

Ceremony and Reception: Capturing the Magic

The versatility of The Nash Calgary allows for a seamless transition from ceremony to reception, all within the same venue. Couples can choose to exchange vows in the cozy, intimate setting of the private dining room, surrounded by their closest family and friends. The elegant decor, featuring candlelit tables and floral arrangements with winter accents like pinecones and evergreens, enhances the romantic ambiance.

Following the ceremony, guests can enjoy a cocktail hour in the main restaurant area. The Nash’s skilled bartenders can create custom winter cocktails, adding a personal touch to the celebration. Signature drinks like spiced apple cider, hot toddies, or cranberry margaritas can be a delightful way to warm up and start the festivities.

For the reception, The Nash’s main dining room provides a sophisticated and welcoming space. The restaurant’s renowned culinary team can create a customized menu that highlights the best of seasonal ingredients. A winter menu might feature hearty dishes such as roasted butternut squash soup, braised beef short ribs, or wild mushroom risotto. Desserts like warm chocolate fondant or apple crumble with vanilla bean ice cream can provide a sweet ending to the meal.

Alexis & Jack's Special Day: A Snapshot

It was an absolute pleasure to be part of Alexis & Jack's wedding day. Despite the harsh cold, their love and joy radiated warmth throughout the day. We began the day with a first look in Calgary, where the couple shared a private, emotional moment before the ceremony. The backdrop of snow and the cityscape created a beautiful contrast, highlighting the couple’s elegance and happiness.

An indoor ceremony at The Nash followed. If you haven't been already, it's a must-visit. The decor and food are spot on and worth a visit. The Nash’s historic charm and modern amenities provided a perfect setting for Alexis & Jack’s vows, witnessed by their closest family and friends. The candlelit room added a touch of romance and intimacy, making the ceremony a heartfelt and memorable experience.

Stayed tuned over the coming weeks for a more detailed post of their wedding day, with all the extra bits. This glimpse only scratches the surface of the beauty and emotion captured throughout their special day.

Winter Wedding Attire: Elegance Meets Practicality

A winter wedding at The Nash in Calgary allows for some creative and stylish wardrobe choices. Brides can embrace the season with long-sleeved gowns, luxurious fabrics like velvet or satin, and elegant accessories such as faux fur wraps or capes. Grooms can opt for classic suits in darker hues, complemented by cozy woolen scarves or tailored overcoats.

Bridal parties can also get creative with their attire. Bridesmaids in deep jewel tones or metallic fabrics can add a touch of glamour, while groomsmen in classic suits paired with warm accessories can maintain a sophisticated look. Footwear is an important consideration as well; stylish boots can keep feet warm without sacrificing style.

Capturing the Moments: Photography Tips

Winter weddings provide unique opportunities for stunning photography. The contrast of the snowy landscape against the warm, inviting interiors of The Nash creates a beautiful backdrop for wedding photos. Here are some tips for capturing the best moments:

First Look in the Snow: Arrange for a first look in the snow-covered courtyard. The bride and groom's reactions are beautifully highlighted against the pristine white backdrop.
Twinkling Lights: Utilize the twinkling fairy lights and candlelit interiors for romantic, intimate shots. The warm glow adds a magical touch to the photos.
Winter Landscape: Take advantage of the snowy surroundings for outdoor portraits. The Nash’s historic exterior and the snow-covered streets of Inglewood provide a picturesque setting.
Details and Decor: Capture the details of the winter-themed decor, from the floral arrangements to the place settings. These small touches add to the overall narrative of the wedding day.
Candid Moments: The cozy atmosphere of The Nash encourages candid moments of joy and laughter among guests. Be ready to capture these spontaneous interactions.

Entertainment and Activities: Keeping Guests Engaged

A winter wedding at The Nash in Calgary can offer unique entertainment options to keep guests engaged and entertained. Here are some ideas:

Ice Carving: Hire an ice sculptor to create beautiful ice carvings on-site. This can be a mesmerizing activity for guests to watch and adds an elegant touch to the decor.
Hot Beverage Station: Set up a hot beverage station with a variety of options such as hot chocolate, coffee, and tea. Include toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and flavored syrups for guests to customize their drinks.
Photo Booth: Create a winter-themed photo booth with props like faux fur hats, scarves, and mittens. This fun activity allows guests to capture their own memories of the day.
Live Music: Consider hiring a live band or a string quartet to provide entertainment throughout the evening. Live music adds to the festive atmosphere and keeps guests entertained.

The Nash Calgary: A Venue for All Seasons

While a January wedding at The Nash Calgary is undoubtedly enchanting, it’s important to remember that The Nash is a versatile venue that can accommodate weddings in any season. Its historic charm, combined with modern amenities and exceptional service, makes it a top choice for couples looking to celebrate their special day in style.

Well that's it

A freezing January wedding at The Nash in Calgary is a celebration of warmth and love amidst the cold. The historic charm of the venue, combined with its modern elegance and exceptional service, creates an unforgettable experience for couples and their guests. From the intimate ceremony to the elegant reception, every detail is thoughtfully curated to ensure a magical winter wedding.

Despite the freezing temperatures, the warmth of The Nash’s interiors, the love shared between the couple, and the joy of the guests come together to create a truly special day. For couples considering a winter wedding, The Nash Calgary offers the perfect blend of charm, elegance, and coziness, making it a top choice for a memorable celebration.

If you’re planning your wedding and looking for a venue that combines historic charm with modern sophistication, consider The Nash Calgary. Its unique ambiance and exceptional service will ensure that your wedding day is as magical and unforgettable as you’ve always dreamed. Stay tuned over the coming weeks for a more detailed post about Alexis & Jack's wedding day, with all the extra bits and more stunning photographs.