For this fantastic elopement, we explored the skies and mountains of Vancouver, BC, with Compass Heli Tours! Natalie and Riley started with a first look in Fort Langley before heading to the helicopter base to catch a ride to get married on a mountaintop!
Natalie and Riley decided to get married in a unique way on their terms. They wanted the first day to be all about them, with a private ceremony in the mountains and the reception months later in Pemberton with their closest friends and family.
When they first inquired with me, I was so excited about the opportunity, as I had been manifesting a heli-elopement since I started shooting weddings, and it was finally here! Nat & Riley are so chill and down to earth, so I knew we would get along. They told me that they love nature, being immersed in the outdoors and are genuinely very west coast, so they wanted that represented within both days. It was clear that Natalie and Riley were not just planning a wedding but an adventure to remember.

Day One
Day one started out very relaxed while Natalie got ready at The Douglas hotel in Vancouver, BC, with her mother and two sisters before heading to Fort Langley for her first look with Riley. After that, we headed to the helicopter base, which took us over the Fraser Valley, Golden Ears, and eventually landed on Winslow Peak (they later named their daughter after this mountain). They exchanged vows and popped some champagne, and we took in the views before heading back down.

Day Two
On day two, which happened two months later, Natalie and Riley celebrated their wedding with their closest friends and family. They wanted a laid-back and super casual vibe, so they opted for an intimate canapé reception at Ancient Cedars Lodge in Pemberton instead of a sit-down-plated 5-course dinner. Guests mingled and we took photos in front of Mt Currie with Natalie’s sisters and closest girlfriends. As the sun set, their friends and family gave speeches that were hilarious, and everyone laughed throughout the night. While I love sentimental stories, I also enjoy a good roast, and that’s exactly what they delivered. Natalie was laughing her head off all evening, and so were the guests.

Celebrating Their Way
Natalie and Riley created their ideal wedding: an intimate day just for them, surrounded by nature, and a casual, fun outdoor reception a few months later during warmer weather. By carefully selecting the venues that spoke to them, it was an epic two-day celebration, that I am so thankful I got to be part of, celebrating two people I now call friends!

Vendors:
Florals: Stems by Stongs Market
Treats: Tracycakes Bakery Café
Music: Johnny Bootleg & Whistler Boom Box
Makeup: Bella Hill
Dress: The Bridal Gallery
Caterers: Harvest Catering
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