Kirsten + Chris
Kananaskis Helicopter Elopement
There are only two things I willingly wake up absurdly early for, hiking and elopements. So it was such an honor to wake up before dawn for Kirsten and Chris’ helicopter elopement in the heart of Kananaskis.
These two decided to get married on their own terms, in a way that nodded to their love of the outdoors. The six of them gathered from corners of Alberta in Canmore’s new and modern hotel collective, Basecamp Resorts. In this case a, very apt name for the day ahead. With several locations in Canmore, they have a variety of options from a motel, to newly built suits, to a completely renovated hostel. (Which, funny story, my husband first asked me out in nine years ago. Twice. After I turned him down the first time, then realized the error of my ways.) Between hair and makeup, and collecting all the things necessary for a wedding, they were also ensuring their packs had all the food and gear they would need for several nights up at Assiniboine Lodge.
I so adored that they got ready together but left the final look as a surprise. One of my favourite ways to spend the entirety of the day together, but nod to wedding traditions. As the light just started to paint the valley, Chris and Kirsten had a first look in the courtyard. A brief moment to realize the happenings of the day, before hurriedly packing the cars to head an hour south down a dusty gravel road.
As we neared the Mt Shark Helipad, we stopped for a handful of portraits in a meadow starting the feel the effects of the cooler nights. With foliage showing subtle hues of amber and red amongst what is usually entirely green. With the help of their friends we ventured down access roads, and down flood-marred embankments to secret spots. Another little anecdote, this isn’t the first time this particular Sarah Seven gown has weathered the elements of Spray Valley Provincial Park. Kirsten borrowed her dress from her dear friend Carleigh, whose wedding at Goat Pond I had the delight of photographing many years ago.
For the final stretch we arrived at the helipad parking lot. Gathered the things, double-checked nothing was left behind, locked the car doors a half dozen times, then walked towards the landing pad. They looked much like a badass crew of superheros, in formal attire with their alternate hiking egos safely packed away on their backs.
Their fellow Assiniboine Lodge guests and helicopter attendants were clearly bemused by the group of six who didn’t quite fit in. But Sierra the dog noted nothing amiss and enjoyed all the scratches and acknowledgment of her stick, from the new arrivals. Kirsten changed from elegant heels into practical hiking boots. The veil was tucked away in a backpack in exchange for a windbreaker. A member of the helicopter team directed them as to how they would load. We watched the helicopter make several trips, ferrying guests back from their adventures, and loading up new guests looking forward to their own.
Then they were off. A speck of red and white in the mountainous landscapes. I drove myself back to Canmore, and promptly took a nap.
If you are planning a helicopter or hiking elopement at Assiniboine Lodge, I put together a hiking and information resource here. I would so love to photograph your epic journey. Connect with me here.
Gah!! Tears as I read this! Thank you thank you for sharing :)