A Cork and Crate Wedding Filled with Rustic Charm

Sometimes the biggest challenge in planning an Alberta wedding is finding the perfect venue. With dates booking quickly, it can be hard to find a space that truly fits your vision. For Riley and Jared, Cork and Crate Farms were already close to home. Not only was the venue owned by a family friend, but Riley also had strong ties to Olds after graduating from Olds College in 2020. The town of Olds already held a special place in the couple’s hearts, making Cork & Crate feel like the perfect setting for their wedding day. Surrounded by a community and location that meant so much to them, the celebration was filled with joy, connection, and meaningful moments they’ll cherish for years to come.

It all started with a “suggested friend.” 

For many people, 2020 felt like a blur. For Riley + Jared, it was one small moment that would quietly lead to wedding bells years later. Like many modern couples, their love story started with an Instagram follow before late night messages on Snapchat turned into something more. 

Riley and Jared's first date took place in Riley’s one bedroom apartment over craft beers and easy conversation. Riley described Jared as charming from the start. While it may not have been love at first sight for her, that didn’t stop Jared and his friendly persistence. Their relationship is one for the books. Jared knows how to challenge Riley in all the right ways while also understanding when to give her the space she needs to simply be herself. 

Travel has played a huge role in Riley and Jared's relationship. From two trips to Hawaii to adventuring through Portugal in 2021, exploring the world together quickly became one of their favourite things. While Portugal became a trip they’ll never forget, Hawaii will always hold a special place in their hearts as the place where Jared proposed. 

The road to their Alberta wedding 

After years of adventures together, Jared proposed in January 2025 during a day trip to Pololū Valley while visiting his grandparents in Hawaii. Sitting together on a driftwood log overlooking the black sand beach and ocean, Jared casually pulled the ring from his backpack and asked, “Do you want to get married?” No grand spectacle, no big production, just the two of them completely in love and ready for the next chapter together.

As they prepared for their wedding day, the couple shared that what they were most excited for was seeing each other at the aisle for the very first time. Skipping a first look felt the most true to them, making that walk down the aisle even more meaningful.

From Follow Request to Wedding Bells 

As the very first wedding of the 2026 season, Riley + Jared’s day set the tone in the best possible way. From the moment the morning began, there was an energy around this wedding that felt impossible to ignore.

Jared’s groomsmen brought nonstop laughter, inside jokes, and the kind of friendship that only comes from years of knowing each other. They were effortlessly fun to photograph because nothing felt forced. Every interaction was natural, playful, and full of genuine love for one another. You could instantly tell how deeply they cared for Jared and how excited they were to stand beside him on one of the biggest days of his life.

The bridesmaids brought that same warmth and support to Riley throughout the day. From helping her get ready to making sure she felt calm, excited, and fully present, they created such a comforting atmosphere around her. They truly showed up for her in every possible way. These are the kinds of genuine moments that make our jobs as Calgary wedding photographers feel so meaningful and effortless. 

The emotion throughout the entire wedding day was undeniable. Riley’s parents were incredibly emotional and so proud of their daughter, and it felt like every single guest was fully invested in this love story. There were tears throughout the ceremony, heartfelt hugs, constant laughter, and this overwhelming sense that everyone in the room knew just how special this couple was together.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbXjetIjGN0

One thing mentioned throughout the day was how long this wedding had been anticipated, and once the ceremony began, it was easy to understand why. Their officiant created a ceremony that felt deeply personal, emotional, and uniquely them. Between the laughter and tears, there were so many moments where the bridal party and parents could barely hold back their emotions. It was one of those ceremonies where you could physically feel the love in the room.

One of the most unforgettable moments of the night came during the maid of honour speech when she shared the quote about how the final seven seconds of life are made up of your most important memories. She then said that Riley would likely be in almost every single one of hers. There truly was not a dry eye in the room.

From beginning to end, this wedding felt like more than just two people getting married. It felt like two families fully embracing one another, a room full of people celebrating a love story they deeply believed in, and a couple completely surrounded by joy.

If there were three words to describe Riley + Jared’s wedding day, they would be simple: fun, joy and love.

Inside a Romantic Rustic Wedding Venue | Why Couples Trust Fly Free Photography 

Nothing speaks louder than a real love story. After their experience, Riley and Jared shared:

“Working with Fly Free was an absolute dream. When we first got engaged and were looking for a photo & video team, we were so glad our venue listed them as a recommendation. We assumed their job would simply be to show up and take some photos and we’d get them back later… that just scratches the surface. Krystal was so involved and helpful during the planning process! She helped up plan our entire day around us and their team to ensure we got the MOST out of their talents. I felt so relaxed coming into our wedding day knowing they were going to be there. Jessica and Mike were our photographer and videographer! They were kind, funny and created such a comforting environment that helped ease so much of the pre wedding jitters, and we can’t thank them enough. We got out sneak peek photos while on our honeymoon and were so much more than I could’ve imagined. They truly captured the love we share on the best day of our lives. These memories will follow up for the rest of our lives and for that we are so grateful 🤍 “ 

A Beautiful Cork and Crate Wedding Through the Eyes of Olds Wedding Photographers

If you are dreaming of a Cork and Crate Farms wedding filled with rustic charm, heartfelt moments, and a relaxed atmosphere, having a photographer who knows how to capture both the emotion and the beauty of the day makes all the difference. Fly Free Photography approaches every wedding with intention, allowing couples to stay fully present while documenting the moments that matter most.  

Want to learn more about starting prices and what is included? You can explore collections and pricing details here, and if it feels like the right fit, head over to the contact page to start the conversation. I would love to hear about your vision and help bring your day to life in a way that feels effortless and true to you.

Planning a wedding filled with rustic charm and heartfelt moments? You might also love Wedding Venues You Will Love, Farm Wedding in Saskatchewan, or this romantic Spring Drumheller Wedding for even more inspiration. 

When you are ready to plan a wedding at a rustic wedding venue that feels true to you. filled with rustic charm, heartfelt moments, and intentional details, I am happy to help you out.

Till our paths cross again, friend,

 Xo Krystal