Michaela and Pat's Adventurous Elopement at Yoho National Park's Emerald Lake Lodge in British Columbia, Canada
After spending Saturday hiking through pine forests, canoeing on Emerald Lake, traipsing through fields of wildflowers, climbing on a natural bridge, and chasing waterfalls with Michaela and Pat, I realized they will go just about anywhere in wedding clothes (mad props to Michaela who did all of this with a giant dress, train, and 2 inch fancy heels!). Every time I suggested we go somewhere, they were both “of course! Let’s do it!” I wasn’t surprised, though, because in the past several years that I’ve known Michaela and Pat, I’ve seen them go on the craziest adventures together without skipping a beat. They’re always up for a challenge, and they are more often than not doing it together.
When Michaela approached me with the idea of photographing their elopement in the Canadian Rockies, I wasn’t just thrilled, I was honored. Michaela is a photographer herself and knows several talented photographers. This was more than just an elopement shoot, this was a collaboration and hangout session to boot. We’ve spent the past six months or so talking dresses, flowers, locations, and sharing inspiration photos, and have gotten closer in the process.
When I arrived in the Rockies (with Jeff and our daughter Lila in tow!), I knew this shoot would be special. It’s always a treat to photograph somewhere different than what I know well, but add in perfect light and weather, and two friends who are game for anything, and I had the opportunity that shows up maybe once in a lifetime.