Whistler Winter Elopement

Some of my favourite celebrations to document are intimate elopements and weddings and this Whistler winter elopement was a highlight of 2020. Any wedding celebration that takes place in the winter always has a very intimate vibe. The cooler temperatures and fluffy snow add to the elegance and cozy feeling that winter can bring. Plus, a suit and a white dress tend to look incredible in the Whistler winter landscape!

Rachel and Carlson were one of my last intimate weddings prior to COVID-19 hitting hard in the US and Canada. They had traveled from New York City to get married here in Whistler and unfortunately had about two thirds of their guest list cancel two days before their celebration. It was heart wrenching for them. Their wedding was initially small in size, but with the travel restrictions and concerns around the pandemic their intimate wedding became smaller than what they had envisioned.

One thing I have learned with being a vendor in the wedding industry is that no matter how big or small your guest list there will always be a bit of stress in planning your wedding day. It’s so important to take a breath and remind yourselves that the commitment you are about to make is the integral part of any wedding celebration. If you can do that, everything else will follow.

Surrounded by their closest family and friends at the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre they said their “I do’s” and headed to Bar Oso in the Whistler village for their intimate reception dinner at The Cellar. With a few chilly portraits along the Fitzsimmons Creek, we captured them walking through the crowds in the heart of Whistler as they made their way to celebrate.

With the uncertainty of the pandemic and government regulations in effect I know there are a lot of newly engaged couples wondering if and when they should plan their celebration. Obviously, intimate weddings or elopements are not for everyone, but I strongly encourage you to chat with your photographers and other vendors about what it could look like. We have all gotten to take part in such a variety of celebrations and there is always one thing that lends true and that is no matter how many people are in attendance, all that really matters is the both of you.

If you are thinking of eloping or hosting an intimate wedding here in Whistler or along the Sea to Sky corridor I would love to connect and discuss all the details with you!