As a local wedding photographer who has spent years documenting weddings and elopements across British Columbia, I can confidently say that this Revelstoke elopement was one of the most unforgettable days I’ve ever photographed. I’m not just saying that to get you to keep reading, I truly mean it. From a last-minute helicopter plan to handwritten vows exchanged among wildflowers on a mountain top, Anya and Jacqui’s day was filled with the kind of moments that make me love what I do. If you’re dreaming about an adventurous mountain celebration, this story might just convince you that a Revelstoke elopement is one of the most magical ways to say “I do.”
Anya & Jacqui
From Online Dating to Mountain Vows
Anya and Jacqui’s story started on Bumble with a first date that set the tone for their entire relationship. They met at Brewhall for nachos (Anya proudly finished most of them) before heading out for a drive in Anya’s brand new Jeep. Instead of sitting quietly on the beach talking, Anya enthusiastically walked Jacqui through every feature of the Jeep she was so excited about. It was playful, spontaneous, and completely them.
Their proposal story is just as memorable. Anya first proposed in February 2023 on a frozen lake in Fernie. The two of them had shoveled snow off the ice so they could skate before Anya popped the question in –30°C weather. A year later, Jacqui planned a proposal of her own in May 2024. She told Anya she was at the beach with a friend and needed a ride home… only to surprise her with a proposal of her own. Anya was incredibly sick that day (later discovering she had strep throat), but Jacqui had been planning the surprise for months and even organized a celebration afterward, so Anya powered through.
A Last-Minute Helicopter Plan
Originally, Anya and Jacqui planned to hike to a trailhead in the national park for their ceremony. But two days before the elopement they hiked the location and realized something important was missing: wildflowers.
Wildflowers were incredibly important to Jacqui, and without them the location didn’t feel quite right.
So they made a bold, last-minute decision.
The day before the elopement, just as I was about to leave my home in Abbotsford to drive to Revelstoke, they called to tell me they had contacted Glacier Helicopters and secured a flight to a remote alpine location filled with flowers.
And just like that, this Revelstoke elopement turned into a helicopter adventure.
Flying into the Mountains
On a beautiful August day, the sun was shining and the clouds drifted softly across the sky. Even though it was warm in town, the alpine air at the top of the mountain was crisp and cool.
The scenery was absolutely breathtaking.
Wildflowers covered the ground in every direction, turquoise lakes shimmered around us, and a waterfall flowed nearby. It was one of those locations that feels almost unreal until you’re standing in the middle of it, completely untouched.
Anya and Jacqui were joined by just six of their closest friends. With the mountains surrounding them, they exchanged handwritten vows in a ceremony that felt intimate, emotional, and deeply personal.
A Colour Palette Inspired by the Landscape
One of the things I’ll remember most about this Revelstoke elopement is the incredible colour palette. Jacqui wore a dramatic white ball gown with a sweetheart neckline, while Anya wore a deep green suit that complemented the alpine setting beautifully. Their wedding party embraced soft pastel colours that blended seamlessly into the wildflower landscape. Baby pink, lilac, lavender, muted orange, sand, and soft blue. The colours against the mountains, flowers, and bright sky created some of my favourite imagery I’ve ever captured.
Honouring a Beloved Companion
Although Anya and Jacqui chose not to invite family, they made sure their loved ones could still share in the moment by recording the ceremony to send later. One particularly touching detail was Jacqui wrapping their dog’s collar around her bouquet. Their dog had recently passed away, and this small gesture allowed them to carry that memory with them during the ceremony. Afterward, Anya gathered a handful of wildflowers into her vow book to press and frame as a keepsake for Jacqui. It was quiet, simple, and deeply meaningful.
Moments That Made the Day
Throughout the day Anya kept making hilarious jokes to me while we photographed portraits, and it was adorable watching Jacqui get shy every time. I have a fairly dark sense of humor and apparently so did Anya. Those little unscripted moments, the laughter, the wind moving through the flowers, friends cheering after the vows, are exactly why I love documenting elopements like this. Before the day ended, the couple asked if I could create something special: a photo that included their dog, even though he couldn’t be there. While compositing images isn’t something I typically do, I made it happen for them and seeing how much it meant to them was one of my favourite parts of the entire experience.
Planning Your Own Revelstoke Elopement
If you’re dreaming about an adventurous mountain wedding, a Revelstoke elopement offers some of the most incredible scenery in British Columbia. From alpine wildflowers to helicopter-accessed viewpoints, it’s the perfect setting for couples who want something intimate, meaningful, and unforgettable. If that sounds like your kind of wedding day, I would absolutely love to help document it. Reach out anytime to learn more about my elopement photography services and start planning your own mountain adventure.
4 Insider Tips for Planning a Revelstoke Elopement
1. Be Flexible with Your Plans
Mountain conditions can change quickly. Having a backup option or being open to last-minute adjustments like Anya and Jacqui can lead to even better locations.
2. Consider a Helicopter Access Location
Helicopters open up incredible alpine areas that would normally require hours of hiking to reach.
3. Dress for Changing Temperatures
Even on hot summer days, mountain peaks can be surprisingly cold and windy. There are also significantly more bugs, be prepared for mosquito bites.
4. Incorporate Personal Touches
Elopements are the perfect opportunity to include meaningful details like handwritten vows, heirlooms, or tributes to loved ones.
