Three Days of Lakeside Vows and Helicopter Adventures in Banff
Joanne (she/her) and Joyeeโs (she/her) Banff National Park elopement stretched across three days: a lakeside ceremony, BBQ nights at their cabin, and a helicopter ride over the Rockies. Families flew in from Hong Kong, the UK, and Denmark to join them, turning their elopement into something bigger than just vows. It was intimate, adventurous, and filled with the kind of moments theyโd been dreaming about since they met.
How did you two first meet?
Joanne: We actually matched on two different dating apps in January 2019, but I thought Joyee wasnโt interested. Fast forward to June, I slid into her Instagram DMs and we havenโt stopped talking since.
Even while I was traveling, sheโd wake up early just to see my messages. Our first date was bar hopping on July 20, then a movie a few days later, and by July 27 we were girlfriends, and had already said โI love you.โ
What made you choose Banff for your elopement?
We picked Banff because Joanne visited it with her family back in summer of 2019, the year we met. She thought it was absolutely stunning, and has been wanting to take Joyee there ever since to share the experience.
There is a Chinese idiom called โๅฑฑ็ๆตท่ชโ, meaning โmountainโ, โunityโ, โseaโ, โvow.
We both prefer an intimate ceremony with only people that matter to us (only immediate families and two of our best friends). Having our ceremony by the mountain and lake, without any decorations was the perfect nature backdrop for us to declare our vows. Just the mountains and the sea, and us.
How did your families react to your decision to elope?
Given our โunconventionalโ relationship, our families were happy for our decision to celebrate in our own way. We were especially grateful that everyone flew from Hong Kong, the UK, and Denmark to be part of the wedding trip.
Tell us about your outfits!
Finding outfits was surprisingly simple. Joanne worked with Frey Tailored in Hong Kong, one of the few tailors catering to women, to create her custom suit. Joyee wanted something minimal and elegant, and found her fit-and-flare gown by Jenny Yoo at Miss Bride Wedding Shop, the only Hong Kong boutique that carries the designer.ย
Our wedding rings and engagement rings came from Ryder Diamonds, which added a final touch of sparkle.
Walk us through the elopement day.
There was a hiccup in our wedding plans that ended up making everything even more memorable. We had originally scheduled our ceremony for July 14 at Abraham Lake in Nordegg, just outside Banff National Park and closer to our cabin and helicopter base, but the forecast called for rain all day. Our photographers, Willow and Wolf, were constantly on the phone with us, helping to come up with backup solutions.
In the end, we moved the official ceremony to July 15 at Bow Lake, since our officiant, Married By Cole, was only available within the national park that day. It meant everyone had to drive a little farther, but the setting was breathtaking. After the ceremony, we did a mini hike to a secret spot overlooking Peyto Lake, which was absolutely jaw-dropping.
Spreading everything across three days turned out to be a gift. On July 14, we shared grazing boards from Brie and Banquet and invited Bec and Andrew to join so everyone could mingle. On July 15, we celebrated with a BBQ at our cabin, and on July 16, we took off on a helicopter ride for portraits over the Rockies and glacial cliffs. Taking it slow allowed us to savor each moment instead of cramming everything into one day.
Who were the vendors that made the day happen?
After deciding to elope, we came across Willow and Wolf on Instagram and were instantly captivated by Bec and Andrewโs work. Working with them felt like so much more than just hiring photographers. They guided us with warmth, patience, and expertise, really listening to our vision and helping us craft a timeline that felt uniquely ours. They also recommended most of our vendors and supported us through every change when the weather forced us to pivot.
Our food came from Brie and Banquet and a local BBQ caterer, while our officiant, Married By Cole, kept the ceremony heartfelt and full of laughter. Hair and makeup were handled by Julia Joy Beauty Co., who helped bring out each of our personal styles.
Did you write your own vows?
We prepared our vows weeks before our trip to Canada. The vow book was crafted by our dear and talented friend, Sam of Slants and Swirls, which made it even more special. Reading them out loud not only to each other (something weโre used to in our relationship) sharing deep and vulnerable feelings, but also in front of our families and friends, felt incredibly intimate and unforgettable.
How did the legal side of things work?
We obtained our marriage license on July 11 at the Canmore Registry, and the certificate was on its way to our home in Hong Kong soon after. Our officiant, Married By Cole, did a fantastic job, making sure everyone shared plenty of laughter with his wit and sense of humor.
While same-sex marriage isnโt yet legalized in Hong Kong, we are deeply grateful to have been able to make our marriage official in Canada. For us, it was not only about this special day, but also a reminder to stay hopeful that one day change will come.
What advice would you give to couples thinking of eloping?
JUST DO IT! Donโt overthink it.
If youโre planning to elope in Banff, Alberta, go with Willow and Wolf. They were incredible. And if your budget allows, add a helicopter experience. It was something weโll cherish forever.
Photography by Willow and Wolf
Cake Maker Sweet Memories Cakery
Caterer Brie and Banquet
Ceremony Venue Banff National Park
Dress Boutique Miss Bride Wedding Shop
Dress Designer Jenny Yoo
Florist Alpine Blooms
Hair & Makeup Julia Joy Beauty Co.
Officiant Married By Cole
Rings Ryder Diamonds
Shirt & Pants Frey Tailored
Stationery Slants and Swirls
Venue Stix Cabin
