When Aiden had Instagram messaged me asking if photographing an elopement in the Yukon would be up my alley, I squealed with the concept of having that opportunity. The day the official inquiry hit my inbox, I knew that my dream to finally photograph something I am so passionate about in the mountains was coming true.
At the end of August 2024 I would fly up to Whitehorse to meet Aiden and Evan, along with a few of their friends to begin the exciting trip out to Haines Junction where the elopement would take place. I’ve visited out west a hand full of times and the PNW has always felt like home to me which is strange given I’ve never put down roots out there. Landing in the Yukon gave me a whole new spark of appreciation for our gorgeous country. It truly put my visits to Alberta and B.C to shame. Nothing prepares you for the vast landscapes and quietness you feel once you leave Whitehorse. I just knew the minute I hit the highway in my Bronco (rental), it was going to be a dang good trip.
Aiden and Evan had rented a log cabin for us all to stay in which totally added to the essence of the trip. Tucked in the mountains is exactly where you want to be when you plan to elope in the wilderness. Their elopement exceeded every vision I had for their exciting day but also was exactly how I envisioned it to be at the same time. The girls bought florals from a grocery store in Whitehorse and Evan’s sister picked wild grasses to add to the homemade bouquets. The guys spent the morning playing cards in the loft while the girls spent their time doing each other’s hair and makeup. Aiden at one point had a friend back at home provide an eyeshadow tutorial which I thought was just so wholesome. Once everyone was ready, the guys headed off to Kathleen Lake to get into position for A + E’s first look. Aiden and Evan had their friend ordained before the trip so getting married in the mountains would be a breeze which I thought was such a sweet and personal touch. Kathleen Lake was extremely windy and cold so A + E’s ceremony was short and sweet but nonetheless, absolutely beautiful. A local restaurant (and only restaurant) in Haines Junction brought catered Mexican food out to the shelter at Kathleen Lake for the perfect post ceremony meal. Once we all finished warming up, it was time to head out and find spots to photograph portraits of A + E. We stopped at a couple glacial rivers but the wind was still crazy strong making it really hard to focus on getting the perfect shots. Our last try was at an open meadow of a trail head which with luck, was also sheltered well from the wind. A + E would spend their time here sharing their vows here and we managed to get a great amount of portraits shot before dusk hit the mountain peaks.
This bucket list trip was one for the books and of course was absolutely completed with the most incredible northern lights show I have ever experienced. I feel so lucky to have been given this opportunity for such a rad adventurous couple. Fingers crossed more opportunities like this happen in the near future :)
