STORYTELLING FOCUS PHOTOGRAPHER

SUNRISE MOUNTAIN STYLED ELOPEMENT

elopement

WITH SHELBY + SPENCER

With a 130am wake up call, a 3am start to our hike, and the sun peaking over the edge by 5am- this was one hell of an adventure.

A lot of people love the idea of having a hiking elopement, but sometimes don’t know what they need or want for it. So this styled elopement shoot is the perfect example to show you what a sunrise elopement can look like for you, and vendors that are willing yo help you out!

This styled shoot put on by the lovely Creative Gold,involved a determined group of vendors, a great group of hiking buddies, a 2 hour hike in the dark, and a little bit of luck to get that dreamy morning light.

If you’re looking for some inspiration for a hiking elopement at perhaps sunset, check out a REAL sunset hiking elopement here!Or if you’re looking for an elopement during smokey season, check one out here. Otherwise, you can check out some inspiration for a different styled elopement that is on the eastern side of the province here!

Vendors are listed at the bottom!!!!!

couple meeting before sunrise by headlamp light at the top of the mountain before a hiking elopement styled shoot in Alberta Canada

view from Big Beehive viewpoint just before sunrise at Lake Louise Alberta

view of brave canoes floating on Lake Louise from viewpoint of hiking elopement location on top of Big Beehive hike

groom seeing his bride for the first time on top of the mountain before a hiking styled elopement in Lake Louise Alberta

couple embracing and kissing just before the sun rises above the mountain ridge during a hiking style elopement

Shelby & Spencer were the perfect models for this sunrise hiking styled elopement. Being hikers themselves they were experienced enough to handle the hard hike up in the dark. Also already being married, these two used this styled elopement as an excuse to embrace what it might’ve been like if they did their own hiking elopement in the Canadian Rockies!

PS- if you’re ever interested in modelling for a styled shoot that I might whip up in the future, inquire here so I can add ya to the list!!

black and white shot of couple embracing and kissing just before the sun rises above the mountain ridge during a hiking style elopement

couple embracing and kissing just as the sun rises above the mountain ridge during a hiking style elopement

landscape shot of sun rising over mountain ridge in front of Lake Louise Alberta

sun flare shot of couple embracing and kissing just as the sun rises above the mountain ridge during a hiking style elopement

The location of our hike starts at the parking lot of the famous Lake Louise, and ends at the viewpoint of the Big beehive Trail. So yes, if you thought you recognized that iconic blue water below, you’re right. The number one rule to remember and a good place to practice is during styled shoots like these, is Leave No Trace. I happen to be a certified Leave No Trace Photographer, and practice these rules not only with couples, but in my personal life as well! Click the link where it says ‘Leave No Trace’ to learn more.

groom reading vows for staged hiking inspired elopement at sunrise above Lake Louise in Alberta

bride reading vows for staged hiking inspired elopement at sunrise above Lake Louise in Alberta

close up shot of bride reading vows for staged hiking inspired elopement at sunrise above Lake Louise in Alberta

couple embracing and having an intimate moment as the sun rises above the mountain ridge seen from the top fo a mountain by Lake Louise in Alberta

black and white shot of couple embracing and having an intimate moment as the sun rises above the mountain ridge seen from the top fo a mountain by Lake Louise in Alberta

blurry shot of couple embracing and having an intimate moment as the sun rises above the mountain ridge seen from the top fo a mountain by Lake Louise in Alberta

big embraces as the couple kissing and having an intimate moment as the sun rises above the mountain ridge seen from the top fo a mountain by Lake Louise in Alberta

bride portrait shot of her spinning her dress in the morning light from the top fo a mountain during a hiking styled elopement in Alberta

groom portrait shot standing on top of a mountain in Lake Louise Alberta for a sunrise hiking mountain elopement

candid bride portrait during sunrise on top of a mountain for an elopement in Lake Louise Alberta

groom leading bride down trail during sunrise on top of a mountain for a hiking style elopement in Lake Louise Alberta

couple smiling and having an intimate moment as the sun rises above the mountain ridge seen from the top fo a mountain by Lake Louise in Alberta

bride leading groom across mountain trail above Lake Louise Alberta during a hiking sunrise elopement

detail shot of boots and bouquet with vow books and rings for a hiking sunrise elopement above Lake Louise Alberta

helicopter seen in the distance during a sunrise hiking styled elopement in Lake Louise Alberta

couple walking down forest trail with wooden Mr and Mrs signs for a styled hiking elopement in Lake Louise Alberta

couple walking down forest trail and celebrating with wooden Mr and Mrs signs for a styled hiking elopement in Lake Louise Alberta

landscape shot of mountain backdrop during the hike down from a sunrise elopement in Lake Louise Alberta

Part of the Beehive Trail passes around the famous Lake Agnes. A mountain lake located near the top of the range that borders around Lake Louise. When you hike up to the lake, you can reward yourself with a nice cup of tea, and some delicious snacks at the Lake Agnes Teahouse (remember to bring cash if you can! It is a little secluded mountain hut with the same kind of charm that doesn’t always have internet service!)

We decided to stage a first dance using the song Shleby & Spencer actually used at their real wedding, with Lake Agnes in the background.