Monica & Pete's Snowboard Elopement

One week before leaving Australia this January for a month long Canadian holiday, Monica and Pete stumbled across an announcement for free wedding ceremonies on Valentine’s Day at Revelstoke Mountain Resort.

The couple had long been planning an epic winter vacation in Canada to go snowboarding in Revelstoke. Pete had been here before and they had arranged to stay with his friend in town, but it would be Mon’s first time riding overseas. When checking in on the conditions at RMR, they saw that the resort would be hosting first come first serve legal wedding ceremonies at the top of the gondola to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Having met in Uni and witnessed many of their friends get married with big weddings in the years since, the pair well knew that was not the route for them. Pete told me that they weren’t sure if they would get married at all, but when they saw this event they new it fit them just perfectly.

One week before leaving the country, Monica and Pete got to work planning their wedding. How Mon found such a beautiful dress and jacket second hand that fit her so perfectly in 7 days, I will never understand! She brought along a gorgeous pearl set to pair with it and planned to sort out the final touches in Canada. Monica also reached out to myself and other vendors to book hair, make-up, and flowers in advance.

Once landed in Vancouver, Pete and Monica spent a day in and out of jewelry shops to find their wedding rings. After forgoing a traditional engagement, Monica opted for a diamond band that best fit her lifestyle to wear everyday in place of a larger engagement ring. They found their rings at Grimson & Sons before picking up a BC marriage license and making their way to Revelstoke.

Here in Revy, Monica and Pete were able to enjoy the slopes for a week while getting to know the town before their special day. Monica found some Pela sunglasses from Forage and Fill that look like they were made for the occasion, purchased a dried flower crown from Woods Goods, and ordered a bouquet from Left Field Floral. She said it was so special being able to find these items right here in Revelstoke. Pete also put together his wedding outfit here in town, including a floral shirt that he proceeded to lose while wearing it out a few nights after the wedding. How that happens, I’m not totally sure, but Pete is content that it was meant to be and only adds to their wedding story.

They booked a couple nights at the Sutton before and after the 14th and spent Valentine’s morning getting ready in their suite together. Christina from Pure Image did Monica’s hair and Becc Salem looked after her make-up. I met up with them at the base of the mountain just after 11, snowboards in tow, and we made our way up to the ceremony location by gondola.

Stepping out of the gondi, the area surrounding the Mackenzie Outpost was abuzz. A ceremony was already underway, couples were registering for their turn, and family and friends were gathered to celebrate. Strangers were stopping to watch and take pictures of the soon to be newlyweds, impressed by the number of brides in dresses and ski boots. Monica and Pete added their name to the list and we found out later that while the ceremonies only began at 11, there were already 19 couples in front of them. The resort wasn’t expecting this many people to take advantage of their annual event, and ended up capping it at 20 wedding ceremonies plus vow renewals in between. Monica and Pete were relieved to have made it just in time, but being late on the list meant we had a bit longer of a wait than anticipated.

We spent some time taking portraits in the woods overlooking the Columbia River Valley and then found a spot in the sun on the Outpost deck to hangout while watching the other ceremonies. Some were larger, with groups of friends or family while others were more intimate. The crowds died down as the weddings ticked off and soon is was time for Pete and Monica to tie the knot.

With their single witness in the front row, the pair walked down the aisle together to exchange rings. After Pete said his vows to Monica, she leaned in to give him a kiss and onlookers cheered, assuming “I Do”’s had been said. Mon received a brief scold from the officiant as they were reminded that the kiss come’s later, but I think this was just another example of how they were doing things their own way.

Alas, the ceremony concluded, registers were signed, and Monica and Peter were officially married! They celebrated with champaign before we hit the slopes to have some fun on our boards!

“Katee is an amazing photographer. She photographed our wedding (which included post-ceremony snowboarding down the mountain!). She captured every moment so beautifully and we are beyond stoked with the photos. She is simultaneously professional, relaxed and adventurous - an absolute stellar combination!” - Monica