Why We Eloped and Why You Shouldn't

You SHOULDN'T elope simply if you DON'T WANT TO. I am a firm believer that you and your partner should prioritize what YOU WANT for your day. For you this may be eloping, a micro-wedding, or a big traditional wedding surrounded by friends and family. Regardless of what you choose it is your story! Make it memorable, meaningful and do something you love!

For us, eloping WAS THE RIGHT CHOICE.

I married my high school sweetheart in Whistler and we spent our honeymoon exploring mountains and lakes. Our wedding was untraditional, but that day had zero stress, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

- All photos are by Candice Marie Photography -

I Must Admit At First, Everything Went Wrong:

I am not bitter about anything that went wrong, but I want to share these "disasters" so you know that things happen, and plans sometimes change. Please know that although at the time it was chaotic, it is our story and we laugh looking back on it all.

1. THE BOOTS BROKE: My favourite hiking boots of 6-7 years broke 2 weeks before our wedding. Yes, these were the boots I was going to wear to our wedding AND for our entire honeymoon. They couldn't be repaired so I bought new boots hours before.
2. I COULDN'T BUY THE BOOTS I WANTED: I wanted to buy Scarpa hiking boots, but they were sold out in my size. We drove to 5 different stores and not a single store had them. So I bought Merrells. After purchasing them, I have to say I would highly recommend. We went on a 30 km hike a couple days after and I did not get any blisters!!
3. THE MAIN EVENT CANCELED LAST MINUTE: We paid the full amount 9 months before, but then less than 12 hours before we left our main event was canceled on us- our helicopter to our venue (a mountain). This was definitely a disappointment, and I will admit there were tears (on my part). Thankfully our photographer was incredible and gave us many recommendations in the area! #thankscandicemarie
4. THEY FORGOT TO SAVE THE ROOM THEY PROMISED US: We booked our hotel 8-9 months in advance to secure a room with a view of the mountain we were going to get married on. When we arrived we were told we would have a great view but not the best view. My husband sarcastically said, "no worries as long as it's not only trees in my face when we look out the window". Guess what? Yes, it was only trees. We laughed hard about it, and honestly at this point we let go of our expectations because we weren't getting married on that mountain anymore anyway.

What Went Right:

The day ended up being soulful, meaningful and perfect FOR US. We got ready together, took the day slow and SOAKED IT ALL IN. My favourite thing about eloping was that we didn't feel rushed, we didn't have to entertain anyone, and we simply had time to experience our day and be present with each other. And above all else: I GOT TO MARRY MY BEST FRIEND!!

What Did The Day Look Like:

The photos are worth a thousand words, but to some it up:

1. We got ready together. We took our time and didn't feel pushed to stay on a tight schedule.
2. We took the gondolas up to the mountains and simply enjoyed the views, ran around, and took some EPIC photos!
3. Green Lake was where we actually got married with our closet friends (by the big pool of vibrant Kool Aid).
4. We sat and cried over our private vows/ love letters we read to each other.
5. And then, finished the night off with a sushi picnic and some more photos by the lake.

What Would We Change?

Honestly, I wouldn't change anything about the day. Although it felt chaotic leading up to it all, it was so worth it. If I were to do it again, the only thing I would tell myself is that I should let go of more of my expectations and just embrace the day and journey it as it unfolds.