Kari & Karin’s Canadian Helicopter Elopement

As time goes on, there still aren’t quite words for how special this elopement was. Kari & Karin embodied this beautiful adventurous spirit and incredible joy that made every second of their day a genuine joy to photograph.

Their wedding day actually got featured on Junebug Weddings—this was super special because they reached out to me first and just genuinely loved Kari & Karin’s day so much that they wanted to feature it.

Why They Eloped

Kari & Karin are travel aficionados. They met working in the airline industry and spent their time dating hopping all over the world together. The choice to do a destination adventure elopement for them was a total no-brainer. There was no way a big wedding could ever honor the spirit of their relationship.

They also mentioned really loving the idea of not having any guests to please and being able to do whatever sounded fun and truly celebratory to them. They wanted fun and they wanted adventure… two things that historically big weddings can fall short for.

Kari & Karin had been together for 11 years when they got married, which meant they had a ton of history worth celebrating. Getting to spend the day with just the two of them and without the exhaustive process of planning a big traditional wedding really stood out to them.

Two people in wedding dresses walk hand in hand on a rocky beach with a helicopter parked nearby. Mountains are visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

What They Wanted – Their Vision

From the start, Kari & Karin really loved the idea of a helicopter elopement! When they first reached out to me, they weren’t totally sold on any one location—they just knew they wanted epic views, high elevation (8,000 ft minimum), and no people around.

They wanted a true adventure that would stand out from all of the ones they had shared together thus far. Something super memorable, really unique, and that made them feel special and celebrated.

One thing that they specifically mentioned to me was that, based on previous galleries, they liked how I’d captured the landscape in other elopements I’d done. They told me it “feels like the scenery/landscape is like a third person or character in the pictures” and really wanted to make sure that came through!

They were also very into the idea of having fun and being playful, potentially doing activities in their dresses, like paddle boarding or biking.

Two women in white dresses ride bicycles with baskets along a beach. The tide is low, and their reflections are visible on the wet sand. In the background, the ocean waves gently crash against the shore under a clear sky.

How I Designed Their Experience

I’m moderately obsessed with helicopters. I think it’s such a good activity for an elopement for so many reasons. It’s unique and super fun, it gives you breathtaking views, it stands out from any other day, and it’s also super efficient when it comes to getting from beautiful spot to beautiful spot!

When it came to getting a spot narrowed down for Kari & Karin, I did some serious legwork. Including, at one point, calling every single helicopter company in the state of Colorado. Eventually, I wound up on the side of going to Canada. I knew from experience that there were way more helicopter companies operating in the area we were eyeing with more options for places to land, meaning more variety and more value.

I helped talk through different options for the helicopter with them, giving my 2 cents on where I thought would give us the most time and provide the best experience for them. As we planned together, everything I did was in the interest of balance between giving them that relaxed, incredible elopement experience that they wanted and the confines of various logistics.

From helping pick umbrellas to passing along hand-picked recs for hair and tacos to offering to be their officiant, I made sure that I was offering all solutions I had as questions arose.

When timing constraints became a concern, I reassured them that I could still realize their dream in a limited frame and sent along past elopements so that they could see everything I can do, even in a shorter amount of time.

We were booked and locked in the very next day.

Unbeknownst to them, their families had also reached out to me to plan a super special surprise for the brides, which I was stoked about.

Their Elopement Story

The day before their elopement, Kari & Karin did a super sweet engagement session. We found a beach full of driftwood and boardwalks and got out at golden hour, just as the sun was turning the Canadian sky these jaw-dropping shades of pink and blue and the mist settled down into the evergreens. They made the time before they got married so special—they went on a whale watch, got massages, and rode bikes around town all before their day had even officially started!

On the morning of their wedding they woke up in their beachside bungalow, with dresses hanging in windows that had a view of the surf and sand outside. They got their hair and makeup professionally done and hand wrote out their vows out on the balcony, listening to the waves and occasionally looking over at each other. Then they went inside and helped each other into their dresses, adding special accessories and video calling relatives who wanted to wish them well.

Two dresses hang inside a window frame, silhouetted against a scenic view of a sandy beach and ocean waves. A partial building exterior is visible on the right side. The scene captures a tranquil and picturesque coastal atmosphere.

Two people sit in chairs on a balcony, looking out at the ocean under a clear blue sky. One person has their feet up on the railing. The view is framed by a sliding glass door, creating a serene and relaxing scene.

A woman and a man sit on a balcony in wooden chairs, facing each other. The woman smiles while holding a book and a mug. The background shows a blurred view of trees and a body of water under a clear sky.

A woman with long hair in a purple top sits with eyes closed, while another person styles her hair and applies hair spray. The background is softly lit, creating a calm and intimate atmosphere.

A warmly lit room features two elegant dresses hanging on a stone fireplace. Above, a chandelier casts a soft glow. There’s a painting on the wall, and a stack of firewood sits beside the fireplace.

A woman helps another woman adjust the back of her elegant, sleeveless wedding dress. They are both wearing white dresses and are in a softly lit room, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere.

Two women in elegant dresses are seen from the back. One is helping the other by fastening her dress. Both have updo hairstyles and visible tattoos on their upper backs. The setting appears to be indoors with warm lighting.

Two enamel mugs with adventure-themed designs are placed next to a pair of tan lace-up boots and white sneakers, all resting on a stone surface in front of a textured stone wall.

Two people in white dresses sit side by side on a carpeted floor. One is tying white sneakers, while the other fastens brown boots. The image captures a blend of casual and rustic footwear choices with elegant attire.

They loaded up a convertible VW Bug with themselves and their bouquets and started to head towards the airport for their helicopter… but not before stopping for chocolate first at a local small business. Then it was time for liftoff, and they buckled in for an aerial tour of the stunning western Canadian coast and mountains!

Two women in a convertible driving on a sunny day. The driver, wearing sunglasses, smiles at the passenger. The car's interior is visible, and the passenger is holding a bouquet of flowers. The background shows a tree-lined road.

A woman with blonde hair is driving a convertible car with the top down. Her hair is blowing in the wind, and sunlight is illuminating the interior. The scene suggests a relaxed and enjoyable drive on a sunny day.

Two women in white dresses approach a parked helicopter on a sunny day. A man in a dark outfit holds the helicopter door open for them. The scene is set in an open area with shipping containers and trees in the background.

Two smiling women wearing headsets and life vests sit in a helicopter. They hold white flowers and appear excited. One woman is adjusting her headset microphone, and the other is laughing. Sunlight streams through the window, adding a warm glow.

Kari & Karin landed on a glacial peak at over 13,000 ft in elevation, with the valleys and river forming an incredible backdrop behind them. They found a rocky outcropping big enough for just the two of them and joined hands for their ceremony.

Unique Elopement Idea: Surprise Ceremony

Kari & Karin had to have an officiant with them in order to make their union legal, but that didn’t mean things had to be super by-the-book. Instead, they put their officiant in touch with Karin’s sister, who helped the officiant plan a totally custom ceremony. Neither bride knew what would be included, which left it as a total surprise planned by someone that they loved, trusted, and that knew them well. This is also a super fun way to let loved ones be a part of your day without physically being there!

A breathtaking view of a mountain range with snow-capped peaks under a clear blue sky. The sunlight creates shadows on the rugged terrain, highlighting the contours and textures of the landscape.

Snow-covered mountains under a clear blue sky. The foreground shows smooth, white snow draped over the terrain with a few exposed rocky patches, while distant peaks extend into the horizon. The scene is peaceful and expansive.

Two women in wedding dresses, one holding flowers, walk through snowy terrain. A helicopter is parked behind them, and pine trees are scattered around. The sky is clear, adding to the scenic, adventurous mountain backdrop.

Two brides in white dresses stand on a rocky mountaintop with snow patches, overlooking a vast landscape of mountains, trees, and a river. The sky is clear, highlighting the serene and breathtaking natural scenery.

Two women in elegant dresses stand on a mountain overlook, sharing a moment with a scenic view of distant peaks and forests. A bouquet of flowers rests at their feet, enhancing the serene, heartfelt atmosphere.

Two women stand holding hands in front of a scenic mountain backdrop. One wears a white dress and the other a light pink dress, both smiling warmly. The scene conveys a sense of joy and celebration.

Two brides in white gowns hold hands atop a mountain, facing each other. The officiant stands nearby with a book. The background features majestic mountains and a lake under a clear sky. Lush greenery surrounds the rocky terrain.

A wedding ceremony takes place atop a snowy mountain. Two people in white attire stand facing each other, while a person officiates. Majestic mountains and a river are visible in the distance under a clear sky.

Two women in elegant dresses stand holding hands on a misty mountaintop, facing each other with emotional expressions. Both have one hand on their faces, appearing touched and moved by the moment.

A couple in white dresses holds hands on a rocky mountaintop with a scenic view of mountains and a lake. An officiant stands nearby, reading from a book. Snow and evergreen trees surround the scene under a clear sky.

Two people in white dresses stand on a rocky outcrop overlooking a snow-dappled mountainous landscape. Evergreen trees surround them, and a distant river winds through the valleys below under a partly cloudy sky.

Two women in white dresses laugh joyfully while holding hands, standing on a mountaintop with a misty landscape in the background.

After they said their vows, signed their paperwork, and sealed everything with a kiss and a high-five, it was time to continue their helicopter journey. They toasted to each other on rocks surrounded by snow, took in super clear blue waters of glacial fjords, and ran through the snow in their sneakers together, laughing the entire time.

Two women in white dresses run hand-in-hand through snowy terrain, with mountains and trees in the background. A helicopter is visible on the left.

Two people in wedding attire embrace on a snowy landscape near a turquoise river. A helicopter is parked in the background, and rocky, snow-covered hills surround the scene. The sky is clear and bright.

Two women in wedding dresses embrace on a snowy landscape. A turquoise river winds through the snow, and a helicopter is parked in the background. The scene is set against rugged, snow-covered mountains under a clear blue sky.

Two people in wedding attire walk hand in hand on a snow-covered landscape towards a black helicopter. Majestic snow-covered hills and clear blue sky form the scenic backdrop, creating a sense of adventure and celebration.

Two brides in white dresses hold hands and walk toward a helicopter on a snowy mountain landscape. The scene is sunny, with rocky hills in the background.

For lunch, the helicopter touched down on an uninhabited shell island back at sea level, and they had a catered picnic. From above, we saw grey whales spouting and cresting up over the water! They had their lunch (which included chips, a favorite of Karins, and those chocolates they bought earlier) and then it was back to exploring, climbing on rocks together and taking a second to pause and breathe in the salty sea air around them.

Aerial view of a whale swimming in dark water, its tail submerged and a spout of water mist visible as it exhales.

Aerial view of a small, rocky island with a dense covering of trees and a lighthouse surrounded by several buildings with red roofs. The island is surrounded by ocean waves.

Aerial view of a lake surrounded by dense forest with rich greenery. The water forms an irregular shape with several peninsulas covered in trees. Sunlight casts shadows over the landscape, highlighting the contours of the forested terrain.

Aerial view of a scenic landscape featuring a vast body of water surrounded by forested islands and lush, mountainous terrain under a clear blue sky.

Two people in white dresses share a kiss on a blanket by the beach. A red bag, water bottle, and small items are beside them. The background features rocky terrain and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.

A woman in a white dress stands on a rocky beach, smiling and waving with one hand while holding a bouquet of flowers in the other. The ocean and rocks are visible in the background under a clear sky.

Two people in white dresses stand on a rocky formation, holding hands and looking into the distance. A mountain range and forested area are visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

Two women in white dresses stand on rocky terrain near the water, holding hands. They've short hairstyles and are gazing into the distance. Tall trees line the background, and the sky is clear.

On their way back to town in their rented car, they stopped by a forest, standing amongst the super tall trees that filtered the golden light in this really special way. This stop wasn’t planned initially, but we took to calling it the “magical forest” because of how glowy and fairytale-like it looked!

Two people in wedding dresses hold hands while joyfully navigating through a lush forest. They seem to balance and playfully lean forward among the tall trees and ferns.

Two women in wedding dresses embrace and kiss in a lush, forested area. Tall trees surround them, with greenery creating a serene and romantic atmosphere.

Two people in elegant dresses share a moment in a forest. Sunlight filters through tall trees, highlighting their embrace on a wooded path. The serene scene captures a sense of intimacy and natural beauty.

Two women in elegant, light-colored dresses embrace intimately in a forested area. One woman has her eyes closed and rests her head on the other's shoulder. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a serene atmosphere.

Two women in wedding dresses embrace in a forest with sunlight filtering through the trees. Both have short blonde hair styled elegantly, and they share a loving gaze, surrounded by the natural setting.

For the last stop of the day, we made our way to a beach during golden hour, and Kari & Karin hopped on bikes while still in their wedding dresses and rode around on the beach. They stopped together at one point, stringing a “just married” sign between their two bikes.

Two women in dresses ride red bicycles with baskets along a reflective, wet beach at sunset. The sky is clear, and a distant coastline is visible. The soft light creates a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

Two women in wedding dresses ride bicycles on a reflective beach. A "Just Married" sign hangs between the bikes. The scene is serene with a backdrop of hills and a clear sky.

Just as the sun was sinking down, I got them settled on a blanket together, telling them that we were going to do some snuggly end-of-day portraits. Then I surprised them by bringing out my computer and hitting play on the video that their families had made for them, which left them both teary and grinning ear-to-ear.

Two women in white dresses hold hands and joyfully run through shallow water on a beach, with rocky terrain, gentle waves, and mountains in the background. The sun casts a warm glow on the scene.

Two women in white dresses stand on rocky terrain by the ocean, holding a large plaid blanket between them. Trees and a clear sky are in the background, suggesting a serene, outdoor setting.

Two women in wedding dresses sit on a plaid blanket on rocky terrain. They are looking at a laptop and laughing, with one woman covering her mouth. Lush greenery is visible in the background.

Two women in wedding dresses sit on a plaid blanket atop rocky ground, sharing a moment as they look at a laptop screen. The setting appears serene, with soft sunlight and a natural background.

Two women in wedding dresses sit on a plaid blanket on rocky terrain, smiling and looking at a laptop. The background has blurred greenery and trees, suggesting an outdoor setting. The scene captures a warm, intimate moment.

Two women in wedding dresses sit outdoors on a blanket with a laptop. They are laughing together, creating a joyful and intimate moment. The background is blurred, showing greenery in soft focus.

That was the end of their wedding day, but it wasn’t the end of their celebration. They told me that they had planned a super special wedding dinner together the next day as new wives. They told me after everything that it was “the best day of our whole lives” and that they couldn’t wait to relive the day in photos over and over again with photos that would last a lifetime.

Kari & Karin’s Reflections – In Their Own Words

“There are not enough excessive adjectives to describe how thrilled we were with Maddie Mae as our wedding photographer. We first contacted her during our very early planning stages when we didn’t know exactly what we wanted for our adventurous elopement but were fairly sure we wanted it to involve a helicopter. We communicated throughout the whole process, and when we finally narrowed down our perfect vision for our day (which involved a helicopter landing on a snowy mountaintop followed by a beach picnic followed by riding bikes on the beach) she immediately understood and embraced our vision with the same adventurous spirit we have! Her enthusiasm made our day even more amazing than it already was, and the pictures she captured were just stunning. She captured the epic scenery AND our pure joy in every image! Everyone who saw them was just amazed. (Much like we were when we were looking at her pictures during the hiring process.) Her images are like no other. She somehow captures not just the gorgeous landscapes AND the emotions but actually makes you FEEL the experience by looking at the pictures! Looking at our complete gallery was like opening the best presents on Christmas morning and it was like living the best day of our lives all over again! She is just plain AMAZING at what she does, but just as importantly, she is awesome to work with and just awesome to spend the best day of your life with!”