KANANASKIS ELOPEMENT LOVE
Elopements are truly one of my favourite types of sessions. While I don’t get the opportunity to capture many of them each year, when I do, my heart feels a rush of pure joy. There’s something undeniably special about these intimate moments between two people, a connection so raw and genuine that it’s almost tangible. The simplicity and privacy of elopements make them such a treasure. There’s no grand crowd, no pressure -- just the couple, their love, and the open world around them. The adventure of choosing a unique location, far from the bustle of daily life, adds another layer of magic. Whether it's a mountaintop, a secluded beach, or an open plain, the landscape becomes as much a part of the story as the couple themselves. And, of course, there’s the time spent between only the newly wedded couple and the photographer. It’s an honor to document such private moments, where every glance, every touch, every word spoken carries so much weight. The beauty lies in the stillness, the quiet celebration of love.
Kait and Ben's elopement was no exception to the magic I feel on these days. Their intimate ceremony, surrounded by family, took place in a breathtaking open plain with towering mountains, vibrant trees, and a wide expanse of blue sky above them. The setting could not have been more perfect, reflecting the love they shared. Their words were tender, and their gestures spoke volumes -- soft, sweet, and filled with a sincerity that filled the air around them.
Of course, no wedding day ever goes exactly as planned, and Kait and Ben’s was no different. A little hiccup occurred when the groom forgot the rings in the car! While he made a quick run to retrieve them, the brief interlude turned into a moment of pure joy. It gave us a chance to capture some adorable candid shots of laughter and shared glances. Moments like these are exactly why I love photographing elopements -- there’s an unpredictability, a realness to the day that makes it all the more meaningful.
Once the rings were back in hand and the vows sealed with a kiss, their small party of guests surrounded them, offering love, congratulations, and the kind of well-wishes that only a close-knit group of loved ones can. The celebration continued with a delicious mini cupcake to mark the occasion, and then we set off into the landscape for the adventure portion of the day.
As a photographer, there's something incredibly magical about a bride in hiking boots. The freedom, the joy, and the sense of adventure it brings to the session is unmatched. Kait's choice of comfort over tradition allowed us to explore the terrain with ease, creating stunning, candid images that truly captured the spirit of the day. Without the hesitation of heels, we ventured deep into Kananaskis country, moving through the landscape, embracing all that it had to offer. From the majestic mountains to the lush greenery, every inch of the landscape was part of the story we were telling, and every shot reflected the essence of their love and their adventure together.
In the end, it’s the quiet moments and the unexpected turns that make elopements so special. They are a beautiful reminder that love is not about perfection -- it’s about the raw, imperfect, beautiful moments shared between two people in a place that feels like it was made just for them. And that’s something truly unforgettable.
VENUE: Bighorn Lookout, Kananaskis Alberta
