Some weddings feel like a chapter, this one felt like a whole book.
On an unseasonly warm October day, Josie Balka and Steve Young gathered a hundred of their closest family and friends to celebrate their love story. Everyone there had walked with them through love, loss, laughter, and everything in between. As many people had traveled from around the world, including Steve’s sister and her family from Thailand, they both knew how special it was to have everyone in the same room.
Chapter 1: Getting Ready
Josie and Steve opted to get ready separately; several floors apart at the Marriott in Downtown Calgary. Josie was surrounded by her closest girlfriends sharing snacks, swapping stories and singing along to the perfectly curated playlist chosen for this part of the day. The vibe in the guys’ room was slightly more subdued with football on the tv and chatter over their favourite Steve memories before finally helping each other into their suits when the time came. When it came time for Josie to get into her dress the emotions quickly shifted and everyone in the room grabbed a kleenex to wipe away the inevitable tears. Josie and her mom are incredibly close and to share that special moment of helping her daughter into the dress she was going to marry her husband in had everyone emotional. Josie’s glam was provided by Make up by Ruz and Lindsay Smithers and she found her dream dress at The Bridal Boutique YYC.
Chapter 2: First Look
For many couples, the anxiousness and big feelings around your wedding day doesn’t go away until you see your parter. Josie and Steve were no different. The two waited hours to see each other and as Steve stood in the upstairs of the Garrett waiting for his bride he admitted he was nervous but couldn’t wait to see her. For many couples, the nerves and anticipation of a wedding day don’t truly settle until they see their person.
And then she appeared.
When Steve turned around and saw Josie for the first time, every emotion he’d been holding in poured out. Joy. Relief. Awe. Love. The kind of love that comes from choosing each other over and over again.
They laughed. They cried. They held each other close. One of the cutest moments was Josie exclaiming “we’re getting married today!!!”
Chapter 3: Portraits & Downtown Moments
Following the first look, Josie and Steve and their bridal party spent time wandering downtown Calgary for portraits soaking in the sunshine, the city energy, and the fact that they were about to be married.
From Stephen Avenue to the Public Library the group drove around Calgary singing along to Taylor Swift before heading to the ceremony site. “It’s a love story, baby just say yes!”
Chapter Four: Ceremony & Reception at Rodney’s
The Wedding Planning team at Love Birds & Co had transformed Rodney’s Oyster House into an intimate, candlelit space filled with warmth, laughter, and familiar faces. As guests gathered, the room buzzed with anticipation.
Their ceremony was heartfelt and deeply personal, filled with meaningful words, tears, and lots of laughs. Steve talked about how he loved Josie’s outburts of energy before bed, her love for their dog and that he would do everything in his power to make sure she her days are filled with joy and laughter from here on out. Josie spoke about how she loves coming home to him and that if nothing were to change in their life it would be perfect exactly as it is.
And just like that, they were married.
Chapter Five: Speeches, Stories, and Poetry in Motion
As dinner was served the evening unfolded into one of storytelling and celebration.
Speeches were filled with humour, vulnerability, and deep admiration for the couple. Friends and family spoke of resilience, loyalty, and the way Josie and Steve show up for each other every single day.
As a New York Times bestselling poet, Josie’s life has always been rooted in words and this night was no exception. Every speech, every toast, every shared memory felt like a verse in a larger poem, woven together by love.
Chapter 6: Dancing Into Forever
The dance floor came alive immediately after the speeches and dinner wrapped.
Josie and Steve spent the evening surrounded by their people, hugging, dancing, and soaking in every second of a day they had waited so long for.
No rush. No pressure. Just presence.
The Epilogue
Some love stories are loud.
Others are steady.
Josie and Steve’s is both filled with passion, resilience, creativity, and deep-rooted friendship.
Their wedding day wasn’t about perfection. It was about connection. About honoring the past, celebrating the present, and stepping boldly into the future together.
It was a story worth telling.
And we were honored to capture every chapter.
