Tofino Beach Elopement

With a Traditional Anishinaabe Ceremony

When I imagine the sound of the ocean crashing into the rocks and the air filled with salt and seagull chatter I cannot help but think of Tofino. This blog post is about an intimate Tofino beach elopement from last October that I’ve been meaning to share. If you ever get to experience the incredible coast of Vancouver Island, you must head down the long and winding road to this quaint surf town. It’s an unforgettable and romantic experience.

Colleen and Caitlin spent their second date in Tofino. Yep, that’s right, second date road trip! Colleen was already heading to Tofino on a surf trip and 24 hours after their first date Colleen joked that Caitlin should join in on the fun… well she jumped feet first into what eventually would become a life long partnership.

Roughly three years later they got engaged and knew instantly that they wanted to share their celebration with close family and friends in Tofino. They had previously fallen in love with Middle Beach Lodge and looked no further for a venue. This rustic lodge represents the west coast to a tee, outfitted with it’s own private beach that can only be enjoyed by guests. It’s an ideal place to have the beach all to yourself during peak surf season.

Due to the pandemic, the initial guest list and family style dinner ended up switching gears to an immediate family only ceremony followed by a thoughtfully curated (pandemic friendly) charcuterie picnic. But before we dive into the details let’s start at the beginning. 7am to be exact.

It all started with a sunrise pipe ceremony to set the intentions for the day and ground one another. We smudged with sukodawabuk (sage) to clear our minds and hearts of any negative thoughts and feelings. Fortunately, I was able to partake in all of the traditional aspects of both ceremonies and provide my energy to this incredible celebration.

We also offered our wishes for the day to the sacred fire with the smoke of medicines keezhik (cedar) and semah (tobacco) which would then carry our messages to the spirit world. I can promise you that the way I felt when I arrived had shifted by the time we left. I was captivated.

Later in the afternoon we planned to do a “first look” moment for Colleen and Caitlin to see each other and exchange personal vows. With the support of Colleen’s mom and uncle, they spent over 200 hours designing, hand beading and constructing her earrings, boots, belt and wedding dress from a hide and purchased wool melton. The beadwork on her belt and boots includes odatagaagomin (blackberries) representing her community of friends, waagaagin (fiddleheads) for her late stepfather, ode’imin (strawberries) for love and other woodland design elements representing her ancestors and family.

Caitlin always imagined herself getting married in a red dress and I must say it was a dream to photograph! Her cape designer, Yolonda Skelton from Sugiit Lukxs Designs, was found at the 2019 Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week. Caitlin had commented about how much she loved her designs so Colleen secretly reached out to Yolonda and commissions a cape for their wedding. It was the perfect touch to her outfit and also provided some warmth as well!

The perfect slightly overcast, yet warm day boded well to this Tofino beach elopement. We headed to the south side of the lodge to Sandy Bay on Mackenzie Beach where they held their intimate Anishinaabe ceremony. The ceremony included prayers, drumming and song and the sharing of teachings for weengush (sweetgrass) and ode’imin (strawberry). The weengush used in the ceremony was grown from seed by Ogichidaakwe (Colleen’s mom) then driven across the country and cared for by Colleen. She then braided it to symbolize the strength of mind, body and spirit, family and community. To complete the ceremony they were wrapped in a blanket gifted by Caitlin’s mom and we all sang and drummed the transformation memengwe (butterfly) song together.

Followed by the legal aspects to make it official, Colleen changed out of her traditional regalia and enjoyed champagne and snacks with their immediate family. We ventured back into the forest and then out to a private cove where we were able to capture them dancing in the sand and enjoying the last of the day’s Sun. I am so humbled to have been a part of this celebration and to experience and learn about the Anishinaabe traditions. Also pretty stoked to have met these two incredible humans who have become friends. Thanks C&C!

Looking to plan an exciting adventure to get hitched? Let’s connect and chat more about how we can make your intimate celebration as unique as your love story!

There were many talented vendors who helped make this stunning Tofino beach elopement happen. Here are a few key contributors:

Planner- Rare Earth Weddings

Venue- Middle Beach Lodge

Florist- Wild Bloom Floral Design

Hair/Makeup- The Knot Artistry & Carolynne Collyer

Engagement Rings- Cavalier Gastown

Celebrant- Glenn Trivett & Judy Michaud

Catering- Picnic Charcuterie & Red Can Gourmet

Rentals- Smashing Glasses

Gown Designer- Jenny Yoo

Cape- Sugiit Lukxs Designs

Shoes- Love Jules Leather