IN BANFF NATIONAL PARK

If there is one day that can show you that even the most unpredictable weather can still result in a beautiful day- this is it.

Most people worry about rain, or wind, or snow for their elopement, but not Rachel and Ed. They dealt with the famous smokey season in the Alberta Rockies that has been coming more prominent each year. but- considering there is little we can do to control this, we were just thankful their elopement could go ahead as planned, and we were safe!

Rachel & Ed embraced the day every step of the way. They were just excited to finally marry each other, which is my favourite part about the whole adventure. Their wedding was a bit of an untraditional set up, as they had an already planned elopement that was much smaller & was just essentially a ceremony and little time for photos. But they knew they wanted to have their closest family with them, so we built more off of what they had originally planned! Still being able to keep the smaller, elopement vibes there, Rachel, Ed and their family stayed at Juniper Lodge located just on the outskirts of the Town of Banff. 15 of them got ready together & helped Rachel & Ed get ready for their best adventure yet.

Even though the father daughter moments hit me hard, these intimate moments of brides with their moms getting ready is always when the butterflies start.

Rachel looking’ like an absolute GODDESS in her dress from the Bridal Boutique in Calgary, Alberta

With elopements you don’t always get these intimate ‘traditional’ moments with your parents. But it doesn’t mean you can’t! And I was so happy to see that having these moments were important for both Rachel & Ed.

Before their elopement, Rachel & Ed had told me about their original smaller elopement plan, where they had already organized that with another photographer. But after hiring me to do their engagement session, Rachel & Ed were so kind to have me tag along every other part of their adventure that day- including their first look!

I asked them what they were dreaming for their first look, and even though we realized the epic mountain views would be slightly hidden, they just wanted a space private for them to have this special moment. We resorted to Vermillion Lakes in Banff National Park (that happens to be about a 3 minute drive from their hotel). We had the place to ourselves, so I drove Ed in my truck while Rachel and her sister in laws followed behind me to the lakes.

I sent Ed to the edge of the dock where he was holding Rachels bouquet, and I led Rachel up to the edge of the dock. She walked up behind him to tap him on the shoulder and…well…. you can just look below to see the rest of that part of the story…

Husbands to be: its always good to show ALL your emotions on your wedding day, especially in these moments like a first look. Not even just for good photos, but I can guarantee that this moment will be one of your wife’s favourite moments of the day, and not holding back on your reaction to seeing her will stick with her for LIFE.

So after their ceremony within Banff National Park, I picked up Rachel & Ed in their limo and we drove to some spots close to the Town of Banff & explored around! running through fields, taking in any breeze we could get because it was a SWELTERING day, and having them just enjoy these first hours as husband and wife!

I surprised them with a bottle of champagne to pop too, which turns out they wanted to plan anyway but forgot to grab one!! See- not all heroes wear capes…..

Always gotta help each other- amirite????????

Even though the heat and the amount of smoke wasn’t ideal, the golden glow it gave the sun shining through the trees was DREAMY AF. So you know we had to take advantage of that.

The nice thing about how Rachel & Ed planned their elopement, was that we didn’t have to travel far for a variety of locations. Everything was within a 15 minute radius- super close to their hotel and where they had their reception! They told me that they wanted this as a priority when planning their timeline, so of course- I made it my priority. When I work with you for your elopement, I’m not just there to take money, take some photos and that’s it. I’m here to be a friend, lend a helping hand, give tips and make sure that what you WANT and NEED, is what you get. If you want to talk more about planning your elopement & having amazing memories to look back on, you can inquire here!

Wanting to keep everything close together, and to be able to have all of their closest people with them, Rachel & Ed had an intimate reception at the Maple Leaf in downtown Banff. They even set up a private room for them with their own special menu and everything!
They kept things classy, but low key, in a way where everyone was treated with amazing service, with an easy going vibe!

You know when you meet two people who you didn’t expect to click with so incredibly well, but you do? And then you get to meet their family, and you see why you clicked so well and how they became such great people? This is Rachel & Ed, and their family. I cannot thank them enough for inviting me into their special adventure, and I can’t wait to see more adventures happen with them 🙂

If you want to inquire about having your own elopement, and how to make the best of it no matter what the weather brings, inquire with me here!