Bridal Stone Balancing Under Vibrant Rainbow Elopement Portrait Session
Patria delicately balances stones to create a pillar during an elopement portrait session in Whistler, British Columbia, with a vibrant rainbow gracing the backdrop.
When we first met Sam and Patria, their vision of a mountaintop wedding was still just a budding idea. Little did they know that Diego and I shared a similar dream—to photograph a wedding high in the breathtaking Whistler Mountains. We envisioned dramatic snow-capped peaks, a flowing wedding gown, and a couple whose love for one another and sense of adventure would create magic. This past July, Sam and Patria turned that dream into reality with their intimate wedding in Whistler, British Columbia.
Chic Nita Lake Lodge: Creative Pre-Ceremony Moments
The day began at Nita Lake Lodge, a chic, cozy retreat just minutes from Whistler Village. Sam and Patria opted to get ready together in their suite, a warm and inviting space with quintessential mountain-lodge vibes. Upon arrival, Diego and I were immediately captivated by the luxurious bathroom—complete with a dreamy double soaker tub. We couldn't resist the opportunity for creative shots with Patria surrounded by bubbles in the tub while Sam enjoyed a relaxing shower. The interplay of light and reflections in the space was a photographer's playground.
As Sam finished his shower, Patria’s hairstylist and makeup artist arrived, setting up in the main room of their suite. Natural light poured in through the windows, framing Patria in a soft, golden glow. Meanwhile, Sam quietly admired her from across the room, sharing tender moments as we captured their serene energy. Before setting off for the mountaintop ceremony, they helped each other with the final touches—Patria zipping Sam into his jacket, and Sam fastening the back of Patria's dress. The excitement in the air was palpable as they stepped outside, ready to make their dream a reality.
Enchanting Gondola Ride to Whistler's Inukshuk Ceremony
The morning had been damp with rain, casting doubt over their plans for an outdoor ceremony. But as if on cue, the rain eased just as we ascended Blackcomb Mountain. Patria, who had never been to Whistler, was visibly awestruck as the gondola carried them above the clouds. When they reached the Inukshuk—a striking stone monument overlooking the peaks—it was clear why they had chosen this location. The dramatic landscape was everything they had dreamed of, and more.
Wind-Swept Whistler Journey: Couple Walks Towards Their Dream Ceremony
Braving the winds, the couple walks arm in arm toward their ceremony.
Fairytale Wedding: Emotional Vows atop Whistler's Windy Mountain Summit
Despite the biting cold and fierce winds at the summit, Sam and Patria seemed completely immersed in their moment. Holding hands with tears in their eyes, they exchanged vows amidst the breathtaking mountain backdrop. It was a scene straight out of a fairytale.
Romantic Whistler Summit: Newlyweds Share First Kiss Amidst Stunning Views
The newlyweds share their first kiss as husband and wife during their intimate elopement at the summit.
The Couple Crossing Cloudraker Skybridge
Once the paperwork was signed and champagne glasses raised, we made our way to the Top of the World Summit, where we crossed the ethereal Cloudraker Skybridge. Wrapped in thick clouds, the bridge was eerie yet magical, offering us the chance to create surreal portraits of the couple walking into the mist, with Patria’s dress swirling dramatically in the wind.
This marked the end of the first day, as Sam and Patria headed off to enjoy a private dinner. Meanwhile, we rested up for day two, which promised even more adventure.
Bride Gears Up with Hiking Sneakers for Elopement Day Two in Whistler
Day two began bright and early as we rejoined Sam and Patria, who were back in their wedding attire and ready for some serious exploration. Our first stop was Blackcomb Mountain again, where the stark, rugged terrain created a striking contrast with the elegance of Patria’s dress and Sam’s formalwear. Midway through our hike, the weather surprised us with a vibrant rainbow arching across the sky—a magical touch to an already unforgettable day. After hours of trekking, we hopped on the Peak-to-Peak Gondola for a breathtaking ride between Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains. The sheer difference between the two landscapes—one rocky and desolate, the other lush and blooming—was astounding.
On Whistler Mountain, we were greeted by wildflower-dotted trails and a much warmer atmosphere. We spent hours capturing Sam and Patria amidst the vibrant greenery until the gondolas closed for the evening, reluctantly bringing day two to an end. It was a day filled with awe-inspiring views and moments that felt like pure magic—a photographer’s dream.
Adventurous Helicopter Tour: Whistler Wedding Photography
But just when we thought the adventure couldn’t get any better, day three arrived. We joined Sam and Patria for a helicopter tour to explore glacier ice caves. This was a first for all of us, and it was as exhilarating as it was surreal. The flight itself was stunning, but landing on the glacier revealed a world unlike anything we’d ever seen. Dressed in their wedding best, Sam and Patria posed inside the glowing blue ice caves, creating photos that felt like works of art. Time was of the essence, though—the caves constantly shift and melt, making them unpredictable. Just as we finished the final shots, a loud rumble echoed from deep within, signaling it was time to leave.
As a final farewell to this extraordinary journey, Sam and Patria climbed a rocky cliff on the glacier’s edge for one last portrait—a fitting end to an experience we’ll all remember for a lifetime.
