Melissa & DJ Elopement | Lake Minnewanka Banff Summer Solstice Wedding | PUBLISHED ELOPEMENT
“I won’t cross these streets until you hold my hand” - Rise Against
Ahhh tis the year for elopements am I right? I remember the first email I got from Melissa. It said we have no date, no location, no timing, no officiant but we’re looking forward to working with you and Katie said to hire you. Katie is Melissa, the Bride’s very close friend and was one of my very first Brides that signed a REAL contract and paid me more money than I thought I could ever charge for taking photos. Her wedding is one I will always remember for so many reasons but the one thing that I always remember was Katie & Daniel’s first dance. It was a song I loved just as much as they did and I will forever be grateful for those two for taking a chance on me as a brand new wedding vendor in the big city here. I still cry a little when I listen to this song remembering how special that day was to be apart of.
Melissa was a dream to work with. She let me plan the entire day, literally everything. The vendors I got to hand pick, the locations we used and the timing. Talk about a dream contract.
This year is a once in a lifetime chance to elope or get married in our own backyard Rocky Mountains. I have NEVER seen it this empty and peaceful with no international tourists. Locations I would NEVER use in the past due to them being way too busy are now empty, peaceful and filled with only noise of the birds chirping. I chose the Summer Solstice as the date they were to get married which was also a new moon night making it an incredible star gazing evening and also the longest day of the year. The stars shone bright while the sun was still bouncing off the clouds after midnight.
DJ & Melissa’s Elopement Schedule looked like this:
Golden Hour Lakeside Ceremony
Sunset Portraits
Twilight Cupcakes and Drinks on the Tailgate
First Dance on an Empty Banff Avenue at Night
Final night kiss under the Stars
Some words here from the couple themselves about their love story:
DJ flew out to Maui at Christmas and surprised Melissa on the beach Christmas morning to propose.
From that moment on they talked about their wedding but then covid happened and there didn’t appear to be an end in sight. They knew they wanted to get married and of course wanted their families and friends there but also didn’t want to put anyone’s health at risk.
They started to talk about eloping and they are beyond happy they did it that way. The day couldn’t have gone any more perfect. From the timing and amazing weather to having Banff to themselves and star gazing in awe until 2:00am.
DJ’s favourite part of the day was the first time he saw Melissa when he turned around. Melissa’s favourite part of the day was how relaxing the day was and it was really about celebrating the two of them.
During the vows she didn’t notice anything happening around them other than staring into each other’s eyes.
Plus dancing in the middle of Banff Ave at midnight was a pretty sweet place for a first dance too.
THIS WEDDING’S DREAM TEAM
Hair: Amanda Keller Swivel Salon
Makeup: Jaimie Rankin Beauty District
Bride’s Bestie: Katie McIntyre
Zoom Experts: Cory & Andrea
Dylan Foster is one of my team members who is dabbling in some video.
He filmed a behind the scenes little film for you all to enjoy of this elopement day.
You can support this AWESOME dude by liking his instagram HERE.
This elopement was published online with Today’s Bride. Visit THIS link to view the feature.