This elopement was a dream. Originally, this couple had planned to do a sunrise hiking elopement, but some of their friends were also doing that, and their friends didn’t want them to do the same thing. So alas, they changed their plans and decided on an intimate elopement at Spray Lakes at sunrise. It was absolute perfection.

Luke and Jesi came all the way from England, without anyone knowing their secret. They were going on a 30th birthday trip to Canada, so people thought. Cole Hofstra (best officiant, by the way) and I met them in the dark on the edge of Spray Lakes in Kananaskis, where we had the little ceremony at sunrise by the water. And boy did the sunrise ever show off for us! Everything was stunning. The water, the light, a few clouds floating by, and the mountains all around.

After the little ceremony, which involved lots of tears and laughter, they hauled their rented canoe down to the water and paddled around for awhile. It’s always good fun getting into a canoe in a wedding dress, and letting the groom do all of the paddling ;). I was in photographer’s glory with the light and canoe and everything.

Once the canoeing was over, we drove to Mt Engadine Lodge, where they were staying. It’s a perfect secluded spot with no service, and great for stays for your intimate mountain elopement. We took photos in the meadows around, on the deck, and had some fun with the big wooden swing! Lastly, we checked out the Kananaskis Suspension bridge and got some really fun shots there.

So inspite of the change of plans, we had an amazing day exploring and having fun. I loved designing the album for Luke and Jesi, and shipping it to them all the way in England! You can come from anywhere in the world to elope in the Canadian Rockies and we’ll make sure it’s a day you’ll never forget.