Behnam and Erika’s wedding at the Coutts Centre for Western Heritage (one of my top Wedding Venues in the Calgary area) was a stunning celebration of love, culture, and personal touches. As a Calgary Wedding Photographer, I had the honour of capturing their heartfelt moments, from the intricate Persian traditions to the breathtaking Alberta landscape that set the scene for their big day.
More from Behnam & Erika
You might remember these two from their Nose Hill Park engagement session! If you haven’t seen it yet, you can check it out here!
A Love Story That Spans Cities
Behnam and Erika first met through a dating app during COVID. Erika had recently moved back to Calgary from Toronto to be closer to family, while Behnam was finishing his master’s degree. Their first coffee date at Purple Perk sparked a connection that soon led to a winter filled with skating, snowshoeing, and charcuterie nights.
Vancouver also holds a special place in their hearts, as it was their first home together near Stanley Park. It was there, on the way to dinner at the Sylvia Hotel, that Behnam proposed. Along a candlelit path lined with 24 photos representing each month of their relationship, he got down on one knee—and Erika immediately said yes!
A Coutts Centre for Western Heritage Wedding Filled with Meaning
Planning their wedding was a beautiful journey of blending Behnam’s Iranian heritage with Erika’s Albertan roots. They chose the Coutts Centre for Western Heritage for its rustic charm and drew colour inspiration from a prairie landscape painting by JL Mohr.
Calgary-based Lis Simon designed Erika’s dress, and she infused personal creativity into every aspect of the wedding. Her aunt arranged the florals, her friends created stunning illustrations and table numbers, and she personally designed all the stationery. Every detail reflected their love story and the people who helped make it so special.
Persian traditions played a special role in their day, including the Sofreh Aghd and the lively Knife Dance. Their cocktail menu was thoughtfully designed to reflect both cultures, and even their florals included Persian buttercups. The wedding also featured fruit and nuts as a nod to a deconstructed Sofreh Aghd.
As the day unfolded, nature gifted them with a stunning sunset, casting a golden glow over the Alberta prairies. The soft, warm hues made for some of the most breathtaking portraits of the evening, perfectly capturing the magic of their love and the beauty of the setting of their Coutts Centre for Western Heritage wedding.
Featured & Published
Behnam & Erika’s wedding has been featured in Confetti Magazine and Brides and Weddings. It’s an honour to see their special day shared with so many!
Let’s Connect
If you’re looking for a Calgary Wedding Photographer to capture your own special day, reach out here. I’d love to tell your love story through timeless and beautiful imagery!
