Bernie and Daisy didn't want a huge wedding. They wanted a moment that actually felt like them, in a place that already meant something to them - with some planning assistance to keep things breezy.

What they got was a rainy March morning in the forest, a boulder-filled ceremony space that couldn't have been more perfect, and a day that flowed. This is how it came together!

How It All Began

Bernie and Daisy met “the old fashioned way”… on Hinge!
Bernie had made her way out from New Brunswick years earlier, while Daisy arrived from Australia for a ski season… and just never left (typical story for us Aussies!)

Over time, their lives slowly aligned in the Lower Mainland - they moved in together, then got engaged.

They chose a date in March for their wedding day, as it happened to be their anniversary - and from the beginning, they were drawn to the idea of keeping things simple, but still intentional, and wanted a little bit of support along the way.

Why Couples Choose Squamish for Their Elopement

Sitting between Vancouver and Whistler, it offers dramatic mountain scenery, ancient forests, and world-class climbing, all within reach of the city but completely removed from it. Whether you're drawn to open viewpoints, rushing waterfalls, or sheltered forest trails, there's a setting here for every couple. But Bernie and Daisy, it's a place they already spend time: climbing, hiking, just being outside!

Like many couples planning a March elopement in Squamish, they went in knowing the weather might have something to say about it… And sure enough, it did.
Their original plan was to marry at a lookout - open views, big skies. But the day turned out to be one of the rainiest of the season. The kind of steady, soaking rain that doesn’t really let up.

So we pivoted to the plan B we’d already thought out in advance. This is something I always build into my elopement planning - not just a backup location, but a good backup location. Somewhere that still feels intentional, still feels like them.

We moved into the forest, tucked in near a boulder field. We did this for a few reasons
First, Bernie and Daisy are climbers, and the natural rock formations created this quiet, amphitheater-like space.
Another great reason is because the forest trees create a natural canopy - the rain is fair lighter in the forest than in those open spaces.
And finally, when it rains, the clouds often create less visibility - so going into the forest means there is plenty of visual interest for your photos.

Building the Day Around Them

When Bernie and Daisy reached out, they wrote “We do want to keep everything simple but figured having a little bit of help planning would lower the stress levels a little bit!” So I stepped into both roles: officiant and planner.
That meant:
Creating a flexible plan that could adapt to weather (and actually work well)
Recommending a photographer who matched their vision - they went with the wonderful Gabriela Le Photography. All photos in this post are by her.
Connecting them with a hair and make up artist
Building a timeline that felt easy, not rigid
The goal is always the same - they get to show up, take it all in, and get married. Everything else is taken care of.

Getting Ready: Beauty by Helen Hamilton
Both Bernie and Daisy had their hair and makeup done by Helen Hamilton from Whistler Wedding Make Up - and the logistics of getting ready together while keeping the first look a surprise were part of the fun.
They got ready at a friend's place in Squamish, which made everything feel relaxed and personal from the start. We coordinated arrival times carefully: Bernie came first, and I tucked her into the forest. Then Daisy arrived. We placed them back to back… and on the count of three, they turned around at the same time.

Private Vows in the Forest

After the first look, and before the guests joined, Bernie and Daisy shared a completely private moment together: just the two of them, deep in the trees, exchanging their own words. Doing this after the first look was ideal - it meant the couple could really soak up the time together before their guests joined. I also recommend having time for the couple’s photos in this moment, that way, all your portraits are done by the time you meet with guests, and you can enjoy being with your people.

PS - they have back to back photos I am not in, I just wanted to show that I’m there for ya, every step of the way!

The Ceremony: Umbrellas, Boulders, and Marriage!

After their private vows, Bernie and Daisy made their way to a second location, a natural boulder field, less than a minute walk away. It was an intimate ceremony, they had four guests in total, including Daisy's brother, who had flown all the way from Australia to be there!

I came prepared with matching clear umbrellas for every guest, because a rainy Squamish elopement doesn't have to mean a soggy one! (Clear umbrellas are one of my favourite details - they keep everyone dry without blocking the light or the photographs.)

For the ceremony itself, I held my XL umbrella over Bernie, Daisy, and myself, which sounds very practical and noble until you've actually tried to hold an umbrella perfectly still for 15 minutes straight. My arm had thoughts about that, but what can I say, this is why I lift.

An acknowledgement

One thing I always try to do when officiating LGBTQ+ ceremonies is make space for acknowledgement. For Bernie and Daisy, I included a queer acknowledgement in their script that I'm really proud of:

"Before we get into the heart of today's celebration, it's worth pausing to recognize that this love is part of something bigger. Today, Daisy and Bernie, you're stepping into the boldest version of your partnership yet - though you are no strangers to courage or honesty in love. Let us acknowledge the queer elders and trailblazers who have loved before us - sometimes quietly, and sometimes with defiance. We also hold in our hearts those who are still fighting to be seen, heard, and safe. We are grateful to be here, in a place where Daisy and Bernie's love is seen, supported, and celebrated."

Thinking About Your Own Elopement?

If you're dreaming of something simple, intentional, and a little bit outdoorsy, I'd love to help you bring it to life.

My Squamish elopement packages are designed to feel easy, thoughtful, and completely your own. From choosing the right location (and the right backup) to coordinating every detail behind the scenes, I handle it all so you don't have to.

Reach out anytime - I'm always happy to chat through ideas, answer questions, or just help you figure out where to start. 🧡

Start planning