A + J’s Autumn Elopement with Vancouver Skyline Views and So Much Heart
Photography by Janessa Alicia Photography.
Planning an all-inclusive autumn elopement in Vancouver from abroad might sound daunting, but A + J proved it can be effortless, meaningful, and full of heart, especially when you’ve got a local elopement planner (hi, it's me) to make it all happen.
Meet the Couple: Joy in Human Form
Some couples just radiate joy. A + J are absolutely that kind of couple.
They’re from the UK, but their hearts also belong to Canada. They planned an entire trip around their elopement adventure — Whistler, Victoria, and the Sunshine Coast — and let me tell you, they made the most of every single moment.
From our first call, I could tell these two were a perfect mix of playful and deeply connected. They love trying new things, adventuring together, and finding the fun in absolutely everything. One of my fave stories that they shared with me was when A once dragged J (who is terrified of heights) across the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Did he do it? Yes. Was she cheering him on while giggling the entire way? Also yes. I can hear it now! Her laugh is infectious!
Photography by Janessa Alicia Photography.
The Challenge: Finding the Right Elopement Location
A + J had a vision: Vancouver skyline + Stanley Park vibes. But October weather is tricky and park permits proved to be even trickier.
A wasn’t about to get that stunning dress soaked, so we had to find somewhere dry, private, and with a killer view. After scouting dozens of options, we landed on a gorgeous North Shore loft with warm wood tones, a blank slate to create, and those iconic city skyline views.
Boom. Cozy. Scenic. Private. Nailed it.
The Details: Cozy, Autumnal, and Oozing Personality
Fall was the heart of A’s vision with oranges, burgundies, and golden tones everywhere. She even brought decorations all the way from London, which I used to create a cozy, intimate tablescape that felt so them.
Alice from Floralista knocked the florals out of the park, creating a bouquet that checked off every dream flower on A’s list. But what really made this elopement shine were the personal touches.
A + J went wedding dress shopping together. (Swoon.)
She rocked a custom denim “bride” jacket + rainbow shoes and purse. Icon.
We honoured A’s father and brother (both passed) with photo charms on her bouquet.
Coco, their beloved parrot who’d recently passed, got to be part of the day too. We tucked three of his feathers into her bouquet.
Their table featured memory plaques, messages to each other, travel photos, wine corks they’d saved, and a centrepiece made by A herself.
Every detail was intentional. Every element told THEIR story.
Photography by Janessa Alicia Photography.
The Day: A Cozy, Rain-Kissed Vancouver Elopement
Things kicked off at their Deep Cove Airbnb around 11:30 a.m. for hair and makeup. By the time I swung by to pick up A’s dress + decor, she already looked like a total vision. (Seriously, the glam team crushed it.)
Over at the loft, my right-hand hero Laurie and I set up the space: chairs with a view, autumn leaves scattered across the aisle, live stream ready to roll so their UK fam could join. (Yes, we tested it. Yes, it worked. Planning = peace of mind.)
Their ceremony, officiated by Ryan, was heartfelt and personal. Afterward, A + J said hello to their virtual guests, popped champagne, and cut their cake surrounded by their beautiful fall table setup.
Then came their dream photos. First at Goldsworthy Pier, where they got that skyline view they’d been hoping for. The wet pavement was no problem. A bravely embraced it, and I’m so glad she did because those shots are breathtaking.
At one point, a murder of crows flew overhead. Which is wild because crows are J’s favourite bird. Like… what are the odds? It felt like the universe was showing off just for them.
We ended their shoot under a golden canopy of autumn leaves, A + J dancing and laughing like no one was watching. Except one random gal who was watching and tried to get A’s Instagram mid-shoot (yikes). I kindly shooed her off...planner duties include crowd control. Just one of the many reasons it helps to have a planner! J took it with good humour and jokingly said that he's used to a certain amount of celebrity attention.
Huge shoutout to Janessa Alicia Photography and Beka Lin Productions for capturing everything so beautifully. After photos, we packed up and headed to Tap & Barrel in North Van for dinner with their guests.
Photography by Janessa Alicia Photography.
Bonus Round: Sunshine Coast Golden Hour Shoot
Now here’s the kicker. A + J really wanted sunny autumn photos, but as I mentioned before, October is notoriously rainy here in Vancouver. Just three days before their wedding, A + J messaged me because they’d spotted sunshine in the forecast for Gibsons (where they were already headed) and asked if we could pull together a second shoot there.
My answer? “YES, GIRL. ANYTHING FOR MY CLIENTS!”
So we made it happen. They had a one-hour golden hour session with the talented Kelly Schuster Photography in the gardens at their Airbnb and down by the beach. Their dream elopement was truly complete with those dreamy, golden-lit photos they’d been hoping for. The photos turned out absolutely stunning. See for yourself!
Photography by Kelly Schuster Photography.
Thinking of Eloping in Vancouver from Abroad?
A + J’s elopement was the perfect mix of heart, laughter, and thoughtful detail. They planned it all from the UK! No site visits, no stress. Just trust, teamwork, and a whole lotta love.
Eloping from abroad doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re dreaming of:
An all-inclusive autumn elopement with Vancouver skyline views
A mountain escape that blends accessibility with adventure
Sea to Sky Elopements makes it seamless from wherever you are in the world. If A + J’s day inspired you to imagine what’s possible, let’s plan your version!
