ADVERTISEMENT

I’m usually a passive observer at weddings. Floating around like a fly on the wall. Never has a wedding demanded so much of me that I find it hard to separate what I was there to capture and my own feelings about capturing it.

What made the occasion even more special was Alex and Tyler are Mi’kmaq and this influenced Alex’s AMAZING custom-made dress and aspects of their ceremony.

The ceremony was to be held on the summit but when we reached the top we were greeted by rain, hail, and 100kph winds. We found refuge in some rock shelters while Alex and Tyler rested and decided on the next step. They made the tough decision to abandon the original location and find another further down the trail. After another hour of hiking, the weather broke and we came to a beautiful valley on the back of the mountain. It made a perfect backdrop for photos!

As is the case with weddings, it doesn’t always go exactly as planned but what you’re left with is a day and a story you wouldn’t trade for anything!

Ok, let’s recap! Two people who loved each other so much decided that despite a global pandemic that they were going to get married on a mountain. Together with five of the most loyal, supportive, ride or die, friends, hiked 26km, climbed what can best be described as a wet rockslide, up into the clouds, through treacherous weather, and came out the other side. On top of that, they pulled off one of the most beautiful ceremonies I’ve ever been witness to.

ADVERTISEMENT

Special thanks to Alex, Tyler the rest of the group! I was 10 plus years older than the next oldest person on the trip. Even though I had a stupid heavy backpack it was easy to feel like I was slowing down the group. They were always so patient and encouraging.

This whole experience has been transformative and inspiring!

More info: hattphotography.com

RELATED:

    6:43am, everyone gathers in the parking lot

    The journey begins…

    Through the woods

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Custom B&G socks

    A quick group snap at the base of the mountain

    ADVERTISEMENT

    The weather on top doesn’t look good…

    A long way to go

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Still a long way to go

    Short break before pushing for the top

    ADVERTISEMENT

    The summit!

    Plan B, time to move on

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Time to get dressed

    Custom Antler earrings made by the bride

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Custom dress made by the brides friend

    Beard straightener with portable battery

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Traditional Mi’kmaq smudging

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    They’re married!

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Some unexpected wedding guests haha

    Cheers!

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT