Erin + Matthew
Peyto Lake Intimate Wedding

Erin and Matthew’s day was one that resonated with everything wonderful about intimate weddings. A collection of their closest friends and family in a place that spoke to their hearts and provided a backdrop that needed no additions, a ceremony that spoke of their character as individuals and a couple, that honoured their people and their story, delectable food and drinks to celebrate over, and most importantly the time to pause and enjoy it all. This is their wedding.

There are very few days where I welcome a 3AM alarm. But this was one of them. Preparations began early at the Lake Louise Inn, everyone treading softly and talking in whispers as the thin walls carried every sound to the neighbours who weren’t quite as enthused. Each person present busied themselves. Matthew prepared coffee and collected all that was needed for the day planned. Erin’s mother trimmed the flowers that would be handed to each guest in a couple short hours. Hair and makeup were completed, the dress was put on, and we made our way out into the night, the mountains still completely cloaked in black.

Moraine Lake, one of the most iconic lakes in Banff National Park, has made itself more elusive to see with its recent rise in global popularity. Locals muse of the days you could arrive at a half-full parking lot in the afternoon, where coming across fellow hikers on the numerous surrounding trail was a rarity, and the view on top of the rock pile was shared with a handful of other admirers. Now to take in the valley of ten peaks takes a bit of strategy and I am thankful these two were down for it. We arrived shortly after 5, mayhaps five or ten minutes before the lot was full and the road closed. There we waited. Matthew checking his vows by carlight. As we anticipated alpenglow to indicate the imminent sunrise wind came rushing from the glaciers across the lake. Our sunrise was no more and in it’s place a flurry of hail or snow (I mean, who can be sure the first day of September). Matthew took his place and Erin followed – by some miracle we nearly had the peninsula all to ourselves. As she touched his arm, the wind gave its all, dress, hair, floral ribbons and suit no match for nature. There was something beautifully poetic about the contrast of chaos of the environment and grounding as they saw each other.

As we gained elevation up the Icefields Parkway as we approached Bow Summit Lookout the trees gained a snowglobe dusting. Guests who had flown in at all hours from all corners of America made their way to the ceremony spot – an alcove hidden by a particularly stubborn tree that offered privacy and reprieve from the wind. As the ceremony began Matthew gave each guest a single flower, a gesture of thanks and inclusion. Erin and her father carefully made their way down the slippery slope punctuated with roots. The final flower was handed to him and the ceremony began. An intimate Banff ceremony with mountain peaks as their altar, glacial blue lakes as their aisle runner, and a natural slope as their amphitheatre.

At its conclusion, everyone scurried back to their vehicles to warm their toes, Erin and Matthew signing their paperwork there, after showing off their rings in the most adorable display. On the great lakes tour of Banff we continued to Bow Lake for group photos and portraits. Matthew’s father asked if he could help with portraits, offering to carry Erin’s shawl and florals, documenting the day for himself – and I could hardly say no to such a thoughtful gesture. After a brief session at the mercy of the glacial winds that started our day they met their guests at the Chateau Lake Louise for afternoon tea. The day was an experience for their guests. A day created not only to celebrate two but to thank many.

In the evening the group reconvened on Main Street in Banff at Chuck’s Steakhouse. And as they day began in whispers, it concluded with merriment.

Congratulations you two.

Now featured over on the fabulous Banff wedding planning resource Rocky Mountain Bride.

First Look | Moraine Lake near Lake Louise . Ceremony | Peyto Lake on the Icefields Parkway . Portraits | Bow Lake . Reception | Chuck’s Steakhouse in the Banff Townsite . Hair and Makeup | Something Borrowed Beauty in Calgary . Florals | Flowers by Janie in Calgary. Officiant | Klaus Ohlhoff . Suit | Ralph Lauren . Dress | BHLDN 

If you are interested in planning an elopement in Banff National Park with custom planning and unique locations, I would love to connect with you here.