At First Sight

You could say Saul and Karin MacPherson can thank hockey fans for their marriage. The couple met when Saul’s former roommate and Flames fan, Brad Hugel, and Karin’s former roommate and Oilers fan, Mya Jenkins, got into some good-natured ribbing at Ceili’s Irish Pub. Despite this auspicious beginning, the pair's first date at Zoolights almost didn't happen.

“I had the flu, but Saul wouldn’t let me cancel. He was very persistent,” Karin says.

“I knew I wanted to marry Karin on our first date,” explains Saul of his don’t-take-no-for-an-answer attitude.

The pair’s second date was planned for a Wednesday. “I slipped in a double-entendre in a text message: ‘I am looking forward to wed already,’” Saul says. He relayed his early foresight to Karin only when he proposed two years later in Canmore during the Christmas holidays.

Fast-forward eight months and the easygoing couple was getting married in downtown Canmore at St. Michael’s Anglican Church. The red, one-room heritage church was filled with 120 guests, while a bagpiper led the way down the aisle.

“The church was dark and when they opened the door — it was a sunny day — it was angelic to see Karin,” remembers Saul.

Although Karin thought she would be the teary-eyed one, she surprised herself. “I was just way too happy,” she says. “I felt like I was laughing the whole time.”

Since Karin’s parents live in Canmore part-time, and the couple love the town’s majestic scenery, it was a natural destination for their nuptials. Though planning an out-of-town wedding had its challenges, the process was made easier with ample support from family and friends.

The wedding cake was made by a friend who is a lawyer by day — but just to be on the safe side and to ensure there was enough dessert, the beautiful display piece was supplemented with cupcakes from Crave Cookies and Cupcakes.

The flowers were also arranged by a friend who is a doctor. Invitations, wedding favours and musical performances were contributed by more friends, leaving more of the wedding budget for splurging on the venue and photography.
Saul’s advice? “When people offer help, take it.”

The couple incorporated elements from Saul’s Scottish heritage and Karin’s Belgian background. The invitations and decorations were tartan-themed, and the groom and groomsmen wore kilts. Belgian chocolates in gift boxes tied with tartan ribbon were given as favours. Belgian beers were served at the reception at the Stewart Creek Golf Course, where the intimate space had a breathtaking view of the Three Sisters mountains.

At the reception, the couple decided to forgo a traditional head table to sit among their family and friends. “We didn’t want to be on display,” Karin says.

Speeches were staggered to occur in between courses rather than at a long stretch, creating a more casual and intimate feeling. Both decisions certainly set the tone for the party to come.

Highlights from the raucous party included Saul’s octogenarian grandfather grooving to “SexyBack,” and the bride and groom crowd surfing.

“I surfed in a kilt,” laughs Saul. “It was breezy.”

“Good thing he kept his legs crossed,” Karin adds.

All in all, the MacPhersons’ wedding was classic, yet fun and personal. With the ceremony in a beautiful, but intimate church, and the reception taking advantage of both the scenery and the couple’s sense of play, the celebration of their love was a true reflection of the pair.

The most important part of the wedding, though, was the reason there was one in the first place. “One of the best parts is when you can steal moments away with your bride to appreciate her for all she is,” says Saul.