April 29, 2024

When Connor and Austin originally contacted me about being their Nelson, BC Elopement photographer they told me that their vibe was "family and mountains" and I was immediately sold. 

They said that they wanted to keep it super intimate with a day-time ceremony, and then ring in the New Year with their handful of nearest-and-dearest guests. These two lovebirds already have a beautiful set of twin boys, and are building their dream home in the mountains, so the wedding really was about celebrating their love and making things officially-official. 

Connor and Austin booked Nelson's beautiful, historic Tremont Loft to host the event-- with it's stunning natural light, and exposed brick walls. It didn't matter what the wild West Kootenay weather got up to outside because guests were kept warm and cozy inside. Connor tastefully kept decor very simple-- adorning the loft's beautiful fireplace with an explosion of white pillar candles, giving the space the most romantic glow and really setting the mood.

With just a handful of immediate family as guests, they shared the sweetest (and funniest!) personalized vows. Afterwards, I stole the newly weds away to adventure around Nelson for their photos. 

It should be mentioned that this was December 31st in British Columbia, and leading up to the wedding day we all expected there to be snow on the ground, and a 'winter wonderland wedding' sort of vibe... Suffice it to say, that was not the case. There was not a snowflake to be found, and things were very drizzly and grey. But I am never bummed about a bit of rain on a wedding day! 

Austin had mentioned very early on that he "wasn't a photo guy" but would be cooperative as long as we could get as least a couple photos on Nelson's iconic 'Big Orange Bridge' (or B.O.B as the locals call it!) Of course I was happy to oblige! Drivers in Nelson certainly got an eye full that afternoon as they watched this beautiful couple run back and forth across the road, with one absolutely ridiculous photographer encouraging them the entire time! I'm so glad that we started on the bridge because I think it got everyone out of their shells and set the mood. Very, very quickly even the "not a photo guy" groom was laughing, smiling from ear to ear, and offering up his own hilarious photo ideas.

Of course it would be criminal to do a photoshoot in the beautiful West Kootenay's without stopping at a beach somewhere for some gorgeous lake and mountain views! So, after the bridge we headed for a local beach and got some beautiful shots with stunning Kootenay Lake in the background. After we sufficiently filled out shoes with sand, we moved downtown to Baker Street's 'Easy Tiger' Speak Easy for more of an urban vibe... But not without stopping by the local grocery store to toss the bride into a shopping cart and rip her around a bit.

(Huge thanks to the wonderful staff at Broken Hill/Easy Tiger for accommodating us and being so gracious!)

When dopamine still pumping and smiles on their faces, I got the gorgeous couple back to their reception in time to enjoy a beautiful meal, lovingly catered by Castlegar's Truffle and Thyme Catering. And then onto the dance floor where they moved and grooved for the first time as-- officially-official-- husband & wife.