Backcountry Helicopter Hiking Elopement
Emma & Colby
Canadian Elopement Photographers
As Canadian Elopement Photographers, we are always looking for epic mountain locations to suggest to couples. When we aren’t shooting weddings we are usually hiking and camping in the endless Canadian backcountry. On all our personal trips we keep an eye out for amazing landscapes and unique settings. Ever since our first backcountry hiking trip into Mt Assiniboine Provincial Park a few years ago, we fell in love with the area. So when Emma and Colby got in contact with us wanting to do a Helicopter Elopement, we knew exactly the spot to suggest.
“Emma and Colby decided to say their vows and elope in front of a fire in their off-grid cabin in Ontario. It was a simple ceremony but it was perfect. They wanted to plan an epic hiking adventure for their wedding photos to celebrate the day. When they first contacted us with their ideas, we couldn’t wait to be a part of it all.”
Mt. Assiniboine Backcountry Huts
Mt Assiniboine is the highest peak in the Southern Continental Ranges of the Canadian Rockies. Because of its pyramidal peak shape it is often refered to as the Matterhorn of the Rockies. There are only two ways to get into Mt Assiniboine Provincial Park. You can hike the 30km trails which we have done a few times now, or get in an Alpine Helicopter! This is one of those rare places that makes you feel like you are in true wilderness. Mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, wildflowers and endless forests capture you as far as the eye can see.
Once you are in the park there are three options of accommodation. A beautiful campground on Lake Magog, The Naiset Huts and Mt. Assiniboine Lodge. We suggested to Emma and Colby that getting a helicopter in and staying in the Nasiet Huts for two nights would be an amazing adventure. They are very popular in the summer but after all of us calling for 8 hours on the phones we were in!
Their Story
In Emma’s words, “Colby and I met what feels like eons ago. I was working at a car dealership selling trucks and he was my neighbour. After trading in his very noticeable vehicle, I was interested at who would daily drive such a thing. I scoped him out and introduced myself to this strange looking man. He asked for her number and the rest is history.” They instantly connected over their mutual love for adventure. Colby was into off-roading and Emma found a love for hiking through photography. After four years of adventures, they decided to sell everything and moved across the country to live completely off grid.
After they had just said goodbye to all of their family and friends and set off down the road, Colby pulled over to check one more thing. As Emma came around the back of the trailer, he was on one knee. With an engagement ring in his hand and said, “I know we have had a rough day, but will you go on this adventure with me?” Emma and Colby decided to say their vows and elope in front of a fire in their off-grid cabin in Ontario. It was a simple ceremony but it was perfect. They wanted to plan an epic hiking adventure for their wedding photos to celebrate the day. When they first contacted us with their ideas, we couldn’t wait to be a part of it all.
An Adventure Elopement in the Canadian Rocky Mountains
We love suggesting locations that we have never seen any other Canadian Elopement Photographers shoot. Mt. Assinaboine was one of those places. We couldn’t find any other wedding photos like this and that makes it so special to the couple. An adventure that is made just for them. We suggested a two day adventure in the huts because the weather in the Canadian Rocky Mountains can be touch and go, even in the summer. And we are so glad we did. In July, the middle of summer, we were dropped off into some pretty turbulent weather. In two days we had rain, hail, sleet, snow and a little bit of sun!
When we first arrived at the cabin the rain settled in. We took it was a chance to chat with other hikers arriving and make some lunch in the camp kitchen. Emma put on her makeup in front of the big cabin windows as we watched the clouds roll over the mountains. We spent the two days hiking and exploring the trails in-between storms. Finding shelter in the trees when it rained and laughing along the way. We couldn’t have asked for a sweeter couple to have gone on this journey with. We loved every minute exploring with these two. Emma was just as stoked as us with all the low clouds dancing around us and whipping her dress and hair around.
We left this adventure elopement with full hearts. For the memories we made, the memories we captured and the beauty that we had witnessed. As Canadian Elopement Photographers, it doesn’t get much better than this! Hope you enjoy a look into Emma and Colby’s adventure.
Vendors
Backcountry Hut: Naiset Huts, Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park, British Columbia
Helicopter: Alpine Helicopters
Flowers: Baby’s Breath Floral Design, Lacombe
Photographers: Willow & Wolf Adventure Elopements
