Banff Elopement Photographers
Sarah and Hugo
Sunrise Adventure Elopement in Alberta: An Intimate Mountain and Lakeside Wedding
It is really is so hard to put into words the magic of a sunrise adventure elopement in the Canadian Rockies. The best way we know how to show you is through the photos below but in this intimate wedding, we were lucky to have our good friend Sam Lobb join us to capture it all on film.
Travelling from the West Coast of Canada, Sarah and Hugo had a vision for their wedding day that was a little different than most. They wanted an adventurous yet intimate experience without all the bells and whistles you find with a more traditional wedding. They wanted to focus on each other, in a beautiful place. Simple and pure.
When thinking about their day they knew that they wanted their closest family and friends there with them, however, they didn’t want them to have to hike to the tops of mountains to get the views they were after. This was when we suggested that they plan a sunrise hike and meet their family afterwards for an intimate lakeside ceremony.
Finding the Perfect Location for Their Adventure Elopement
Sarah and Hugo knew they wanted the Canadian Rockies as the backdrop for their special day. Being close to home yet different in landscape, it offered the perfect destination for them to celebrate and create memories with their loved ones.
Together we started the process of finding the perfect hike for their sunrise adventure. Our challenge was finding a trail that was less travelled but still offered breathtaking views. As locals in the area, we got to work scouting locations via foot, maps and memory, a similar process we do with all of our couples eloping.
After a little back and forth we landed on a location deep in the mountains. It offered seclusion, the perfect distance, and access to a beautiful lakeside ceremony site after we got down. But the best part had to be the spectacular views at sunrise.
The Sunrise Hike & Private Vows
We showed up at the trailhead in the middle of the night, the stars littered the sky above us. The mountains were still and we collected our things in quiet excitement. As we climbed higher the world around us began to come into light. We could make out the lake below us and the silhouettes of the peaks towering above.
As we reached the summit we found a little windbreak to have a snack, and change into their wedding attire. Sarah got into her dress and pulled over a beautiful delicate sweater she had knitted herself for the occasion. Deep breaths and holding hands, Sarah and Hugo wandered around the rocky landscape as the sun peaked over the horizon and painted the mountains.
When it was time to exchange their private vows, Sarah and Hugo picked a vantage point overlooking the lakeside where we started the hike just a few hours before. We stood back and let them have a beautiful private moment with the mountains surrounding them as their witnesses.
An Intimate Lakeside Ceremony
As the sun rose it warmed us up and we knew it was time to start the journey down to meet their family. We soaked in all the views that we missed on our dark hike up. The excitement was building as they knew it wouldn’t be long until they would call each other husband and wife.
When we got to the lake, it was a magical scene. There was next to no wind and the lake was like glass, painting a beautiful reflection of the scene around us. Everyone gathered as Sarah walked down to meet Hugo. They held hands and shared what would be one of the greatest memories in their lives together. There was so much love surrounding them in that moment.
After the ceremony, they gathered around a picnic table with some much-needed coffee and snacks and we all soaked in the magical weather. There were toasts, laughter, puppy pats and even some lake dips!
What an absolute joy it was to document this day. A day that was truly “them” in every way.
Words from the Couple
“Bec and Andrew were excellent to work with and their passion and effort really show in the shots! We had an intimate wedding with a sunrise hike and lakeside ceremony captured spectacularly by Willow and Wolf. They are such fun people to get to know and share in our special day. The process of booking and planning things was stress-free and communication was easy. What impressed us the most was just how fun and comfortable we felt throughout – hiking with Bec and Andrew in the early hours of the morning was a great experience on its own, just a group of friends having laughs and chatting. It made for great candid shots at the summit as we were very comfortable and confident with the photographers from just meeting a few hours prior. Willow and Wolf listened to our wants and needs to make sure we got the most out of our desires for the day. “
“Many thanks and we can’t imagine our day without this beautiful experience – it was a perfect morning. If you are looking for an unforgettable experience in the mountains, look no further!”
Vendors:
Photographers: Willow and Wolf
Videographer: Sam Lobb
