Tofino Helicopter Elopement

BC Elopement Photographers

Sarah and Frank

Tofino Helicopter Elopement

This Tofino helicopter elopement was nothing short of a dream. This was our first time photographing an elopement on Vancouver Island and we were so excited to explore such a unique and diverse place. So different from our home in Canmore that we found ourselves soaking in all the details of the landscape. The rich rainforests, wild ocean views and thriving ecosystems. 

We packed up our van and headed west, excited for the change of scenery and salty air. We met up with Sarah and Frank a few days before their elopement and chatted about their plans for the day over fish tacos and beer. The forecast for their elopement day looked interesting. While we all expected some rain while being on the West Coast, 20mm felt a little more than we had hoped for. But we left feeling optimistic that whatever the day brought we would embrace, and we did just that!

A Cozy Cabin Elopement Day

With the rain, brought the most beautiful calm mood. Sarah, Frank and their four best friends were all staying in an incredible airbnb hugging the Tofino coastline. We had amazing views out to the esturies watching the tide rise and fall. The morning was so cozy getting ready with the sound of rain on the roof. Sarah walked out to Frank on the balcony for their first look before their ceremony in the living room. It was so beautiful to witness. 

We then spent the afternoon celebrating, a fire was started, black and white polaroids were taken, cocktails were made, tacos were consumed and boardgames were played until the sun went down.

One Spectacular Sunrise Helicopter Tour

We all went to bed and set our alarms bright and early for the second part of this beautiful adventure. A helicopter tour into the alpine. We woke to a stunning morning. As the sun came up, the clouds rose making for the most incredible scenic flight over the rivers, rainforests and mountains. We were all in awe as we hovered over our destination. A rocky outcrop with a shimmering lake. We raced out of the heli to catch the golden mist surrounding us. I think this will always remain one of the most magical sights we have ever witnessed. We spent the next hour really soaking in all the beauty and these two in this landscape was a dream to photograph. 

When it was time to head off we descended down the valley, back to the shores of Tofino. All of us still in complete shock of what we had just witnessed. Before heading back to the airbnb for a big breakfast we took a short walk through the rainforest. Making sure we got some photos of the towering cedars and moss drenched canopy. We love that these two embraced everything nature gave them on their wedding day and loved each other with their whole hearts. We cant wait for you to see some of the images we captured below.

A Few Words From our Beautiful Bride…

In 2018, on a cliff at the most Northern tip of New Zealand, we were engaged. It all started with a 4 am hike, in total darkness equipped with headlamps and all. He knew how busy this place would be once the sun came around, so for us to have complete privacy, we laced up our boots, brushed the sleep out of our eyes, and headed into the blackness. 

This was such an adventure in itself, so when it came to planning our wedding, we knew we wanted this same feeling to carry through to the moment we said our vows. After what so many can relate to…the replanning, cancelling, and unknown nature of 2020-2021, we finally decided that the West Coast of Canada had just as much beauty as any other country we could travel to. Neither one of us had ever been to the West Coast, let alone the tiny surf town of Tofino, but we knew we wanted something undiscovered, something exciting, and something that would create a new “place” for us for years to come. Tofino delivered. British Columbia delivered. Canada delivered.

The day was so perfect. It poured rain but we made the most of it with the help of our insanely talented and kind photographers Bec and Andrew and were able to extend our wedding day to become a wedding weekend. To feel so far away and yet this overwhelming sense of “home”, was not something we expected but we’re so grateful to have spent the most incredible day of our lives on yet another adventure. It was a lesson that not all grass is greener on the other side. Sometimes you just need to discover a bit more of where you already are.

Vendors:

Photographers: Willow and Wolf
Officiant: Willa Bradshaw
Hair: Saltydolls Hair Salon, Tofino
Makeup: Bride
Florals: Wildbloom, Tofino
Transport: Atleo Air
Dress Designer: Theia
Veil: Alexandra Grecco
Bridal Boutique: Loversland Toronto
Brides Earrings: Leah Alexandra
Suit: Marittimo in Moncton NB
Wedding Bands: Custom by Herbin Jewellers in Wolfville, NS
Brides Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Grooms Shoes: Cole Haan