Have you heard of a progressive dinner? You might start with a drink or appetizer at one location then by dessert, you’ve made your way through several different places! Today’s couple took the idea and applied it to their own very special elopement ceremony against the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains. Spirit + Ben’s meaningful day began in the woods and ended with a surprise at sunset—a touching ending to a perfect day. In Spirit’s own words:
Our elopement was the perfect utopia of love, bliss and wild ride of emotions. A day where we were free to say and feel exactly what we wanted! Neither of us ones for tradition, we still wanted something unique and romantic that we would remember forever. We chose to get married on what would have been our daughter Cove’s 4th birthday, August 20th, 2018. She passed away much to soon but we thought it would be a beautiful way to continue to celebrate her life alongside our wedding anniversary. To say it was an emotional day would be an understatement.
Michelle Larmand Photography followed S + B as their day unfolded, from the woods to the water. Let’s take a peek:
1. First Look in the Woods
We created a type of ‘progressive ceremony’ idea with our officiant, Barbara, which included multiple locations in and around Cathedral Mountain Lodge and along the Kicking Horse River. It was a kind of ode to our love for food and wine and going out for progressive dinners in the city. We wanted to spend the afternoon indulging in one another’s love, feeling deeply and taking our time. People always spoke to us about how quickly your wedding day goes by so it was important for us to take moments to reflect, breath in the mountain air and then continue on.
2. Circle of Stories
After the first look in the trees, S + B wandered down the pathway to a small rock circle where they reminisced about their love and shared stories from over the years.
3. Vow Ceremony Along the Riverbank
Next, they met along the river bank where they did a water ritual, read handwritten vows and exchanged rings. Each stop along the way was another opportunity to stop, take it all in, and be fully present.
How beautiful!
4. Champagne + Well Wishes
Last but not least, they sat along the sandy shore (bubbles in hand) and kicked off their shoes while Barbara read letters from parents and siblings.
It was a wonderful way to include our families without them physically being there. I’ll read those letter for years to come.
Yay! Best feeling ever!
Spirit’s breathtaking bouquet and floral crown were crafted by Willow Flower Co..
She radiated a boho lace dress by Grace Loves Lace paired with jewelry from Briwok!
So, so sweet!
Surprise Dinner at Sunset
Just before sunset, I surprised Ben with a secret dinner set up along the river for the two of us. I had a friend help me build the wood table, used my own pillows and blankets and purchased the rose gold dinnerware. Kailee from Willow Flower Co. created the most epic floral triangle and assembled it on site for our arrival. She incorporated custom floral pieces from Ben’s native homeland of Australia and pulled together a stunning color palette that was the perfect combination of tropical meets mountain modern.
Spirit picked up the plates, cutlery + candle holders from Pottery Barn—didn’t it turn out just beautifully?!
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The surprise dinner featured the perfect little cake for two by Kake by Darci!
Spirit: When we finally sat down for dinner this feeling of calmness came over me. The sun was setting, our photographers had left for the day and it was just the two of us...husband and wife. I curled up next to Ben, listening to the water rush by, thinking of Cove while sipping on my glass of Brunello and I knew this was exactly where I needed to be. It was pure euphoria.
Ben: When I turned the corner and saw the dinner all set up along the river, I was so surprised! She pulled it off big time. And when I was standing in the woods and I watched her walk down the path towards me, nothing in my life had ever felt so right.
photography: Michelle Larmand Photography // venue name: Cathedral Mountain Lodge, Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada // event design: Willow Flower Co. // florals: Willow Flower Co // wedding dress: Grace Loves Lace // bride's ring: Hazel Wilfred // hair stylist: By Yours Truly Kenna // makeup artist: By Yours Truly Kenna // groom attire: Indochino // groom's ring: Hazel Wilfred // cake: Kake by Darci // bride's necklace + hand chain: Briwok // geometric blanket: Tofino Towel Co. // plates, cutlery + candle holders: Pottery Barn
Her dress is INSANE!!! Such an amazing series of images and they seem so into the session! Really nicely done!!
Wow!