One morning I received an email from a couple about being their Tofino wedding photographer. They asked if I was available to meet for a coffee and they would drive up from Vancouver that day. They explained that they had a very intimate idea for an elopement on Vancouver Island, and it was important for them to connect with who they would choose to be their Tofino wedding photographer. The moment I met Helen and Greg, we became more than just clients and photographer…we became friends. We joked and laughed and shared stories of travel and adventure. I knew then that I would be looking forward being their Tofino wedding photographer, still a full year and a half away.
Prior to this, I had always wanted to photograph an elopement in the style of ?A Day in the Life?. I had done a day like this a couple years ago for my little boys first day of skiing, and it is still something I cherish to this day. In a similar style, I wanted to document for a couple what their whole day was like, how it felt, what they did, from morning until night. Helen and Greg loved the idea and were excited to have me join them for their incredible day.
I arrived at The Pacific Sands Resort around 7:30am to join Helen and Greg as they prepared a breakfast of eggs, bacon, and of course Tofino Roasting Company coffee. We then went for a walk on the beach as the sun began to rise, feeling the cool October morning air blowing from the ocean. The fog hung lightly in the air as we walked alone in the morning sun.
After Helen had finished her hair and makeup (and Greg finished his vows!), we headed off to the Tonquin Beach Trail for the ceremony. Because of the hike in, Helen chose to carry her dress so she could change in the woods, where we would do the first look overlooking the ocean. The ceremony was on a tiny little boardwalk nestled in the trees, and there is where Helen and Greg exchanged vows, tears and a kiss to begin their lives together as a married couple.
The afternoon was spent travelling around beautiful Tofino, enjoying the island life and shooting photos along the way. Some of the stops included The Tofino Brewing Company for drinks, Tacofino for lunch (a must of course) and strolling through the forests of Pacific Rim National Park and on the endless sands of Long Beach.
When the sun started to get close to the horizon, we realized we had gotten carried away at Long Beach and it was going to be a mad rush to make it back for sunset. We drove like crazy and walked/ran to get to our final spot, just as the sun began to disappear over the ocean.?
Still now, I think about this day with Helen and Greg, and all I can do is smile to myself. I want to go back, to spend another day with these two, and just enjoy the magic that is Tofino. Thank you Helen and Greg for bringing me along on your journey, and allowing me to share these intimate moments with you.
