The trail weaves between thick, humid rainforest and spectacular ocean views. One minute there are large gnarly tree roots crisscrossing the trail, and the next I'm scrambling over large piles of driftwood tossed up on shore by the powerful waves. Up and down, down and up; a prairie kid like me didn't even know a single path could have such variable elevation. Long epic hikes together along rugged coastal trails and a mutual obsession for ultralight hiking gear are the knots that tie Danyelle and Chris together.
So it's a little surprise to me when Danyelle and Chris invite me to take photos on their three-day bachelor hike along the Juan de Fuca trail. Danyelle's side starts at Botanical Beach and Chris' at Mystic Beach, meeting in the middle at Sombrio Beach on Day 2. No one except me knows about the secret plan to get married on the beach that second night, and more than once I have to clamp my mouth shut to prevent the surprise from leaking out. I heave my leg up and make a giant step up the ladder, grabbing onto a rope to give me some much-needed balance. With sweat pouring down my face, I'm ecstatic to be on an epic hike along the Juan de Fuca Trail with my camera in hand. I've long since admired adventure and elopement photographers like Dawn and Gabrielle, and now here I am, photographing an elopement hike of my own.
With close family and friends settling in for a casual barbecue on the beach, Chris and Danyelle ask everyone to join them on the beach. As it becomes obvious that the random man sitting on a log is actually an officiant, and that I'm not so casually preparing to take more photos, there are tears of joy as the intimate group gathers around for Chris and Danyelle's beach wedding ceremony. Small, intimate, and on their favourite beach: exactly the place where Chris and Danyelle want to celebrate their love for each other. By the time Saturday comes with the more traditional wedding festivities, all of the pressure is off and the two of them are able to relax and enjoy the wedding party.
I'm so excited for my next elopement or adventure wedding! I often travel across Canada for weddings, family photo sessions, and other projects, so send me a message on my contact page if you have a project in mind! This Vancouver Island elopement was photographed along the Juan de Fuca Trail at Sombrio Beach. The Victoria wedding celebration was held at Beacon Hill Park and the Victoria Polish Hall.
This Life by Selena Photography blog post was written by Montreal wedding photographer Selena Phillips-Boyle. Selena specializes in natural light photography and outdoor weddings. Here you can see a link to Hannah and Noah's summer wedding in Edmonton. Here's also a link to Maddy and Dan's intimate Montréal wedding.
Vendor List
Dress: Blush Bridal
Dress Tailor: M&M Tailors
Suit: Moores
Rings: Hers from Brilliant Earth, His from Peoples Jewellers
Makeup: Artistry by Alexa
Hotel: Parkside Hotel
Wedding Officiants: Arthur Warren and Tom Hjorth
Venue: White Eagle Polish Hall
Pig and Roaster: Berryman Farms
Cake: Zoey Warmerdam
DJ: Alyssa Haigh