Sunrise to Sunset: An Epic Interracial Elopement Adventure at Emerald Lake Lodge and Banff National Park

When this cool, funky fresh couple from Ontario first reached out to me, they didn’t have a location picked out—just a date, a whole lot of love, and the desire to plan something epic. What they did know was that they wanted their elopement to feel true to them: full of joy, adventure, and the freedom to be completely themselves.

Together, we landed on two stunning locations for their full-day elopement: a sunrise ceremony at Peyto Lake in Banff National Park, and a golden sunset session at Emerald Lake Lodge in Yoho National Park. These two iconic Canadian Rockies destinations offered the perfect mix of quiet beauty and wild energy that matched their vibe exactly.

A Thoughtful Surprise Before the Adventure Began

Before they even boarded their flight west, the groom pulled off the most thoughtful surprise: a henna session arranged for his bride-to-be to honor her cultural roots. It was the perfect sendoff and such a meaningful way to begin their wedding journey—blending tradition with their own unique, modern love story. The intricate henna designs were still fresh as she stepped into the mountains, a beautiful symbol of connection and care that added an even deeper layer to their day.

A Sunrise Ceremony with a Twist

The day began bright and early for Daliya and Matteo—3:00am early! I met the couple and their officiant (who’s also a dear friend of theirs) at 4:00am, ready to hike in for a sunrise ceremony at Peyto Lake. But when we arrived, the entire landscape was completely socked in with fog.

We made a split-second decision to head back to Bow Lake, where the skies were clear—and wow, what a call! With the dramatic Rockies surrounding us and not another soul in sight, they exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony that felt deeply personal and incredibly magical. I had the honour of being one of their witnesses, alongside their officiant.

After the ceremony, we made our way to Peyto Lake as originally planned for some moody, magical portraits as the fog began to lift.

Picnics, Cake, and Waterfall Views

From there, we journeyed across the provincial border back into British Columbia, where we stopped for a picnic and cake at Takakkaw Falls—one of the tallest and most awe-inspiring waterfalls in Canada. It was the perfect way to wind down the first half of the day. Afterwards, the couple snuck off for a much-deserved nap before we reunited for round two of adventure.

Sunset Session at Emerald Lake Lodge

We wrapped up the day with a sunset session at Emerald Lake Lodge, where the light filtered beautifully through the surrounding peaks, casting golden hues over the turquoise water. It was quiet, romantic, and the perfect ending to a day that had already been bursting with love and laughter.

Two Looks, One Epic Day

To reflect the different energies of the day, the couple brought two outfits. For the ceremony, they kept it timeless with a classic white wedding dress and a suit. Later, they switched things up with a bright pink suit and a floral Selkie dress that screamed personality, joy, and celebration.

These outfit changes added so much variety to their gallery and helped showcase the many facets of who they are—not just as a couple, but as individuals who embrace boldness and fun.

Why This Elopement Stole My Heart

As someone who typically photographs full-day weddings, this full-day elopement completely stole my heart. Helping this incredible interracial couple step into the mountains and celebrate their love their way—with a blend of intimacy, spontaneity, and jaw-dropping landscapes—was exactly the kind of creative experience that fuels my passion.

I live for moments like these: early mornings, last-minute location pivots, outfit changes, and the kind of laughter that makes your face hurt. If you’re planning an adventure elopement in the Canadian Rockies, whether you’re from across the country or just down the road, I’d love to help you make it unforgettable.

Photography: Tara Hill Studios
Hair and Makeup: Casey-lee Hair and Makeup
Officiant: Vida (friend!)
White Dress: Sophie’s Gown Shoppe
Pink Dress: Selkie
Suit: Tom’s Place
Tie: Knotty Tie Co.
Lunch: Sushi House Banff
Cake: Sweet Relief Pastries
Florals: DIY
Vow Books: Etsy
Henna: Bhavika Mehndi
Nails: Aphrodite n Co
Earrings: Belle Box Boutique

Dreaming of an Emerald Lake Lodge wedding or planning something uniquely you in the mountains? Get in touch today and let’s bring your vision to life—authentic, breathtaking, and true to you.