WELCOME!

If you’re reading this, that means that you’re one of the brave couples that have decided to elope! Congrats!

As an intimate wedding and adventure elopement photographer, I truly believe that the way you get married matters! Forget about how weddings “should be” and let your wildest dreams come true! I want to help you make the brave choice to elope and do whatever you want on your wedding day! Whether that’s hiking a mountain, having a backcountry camping wedding, taking a helicopter ride to a remote location for your vow exchange, go canoeing, paddle boarding, skiing or go off roading in a Jeep; I want do help you make your wildest elopement dreams come to life! (I have tons of ideas for fun things to do, so don’t hesitate to ask!) I absolutely believe that elopements are the best way to get married. Your day will be focused on the two of you and your relationship, on you guys promising to love each other forever. Without stress, worries or fear of having to “perform”.
I would be honoured to document your day for you: the epic landscapes, candid moments and genuine emotions and everything in between.
I am here to help you in whichever way I can, so let’s get started and create the elopement of your dreams!

(*I consider an intimate wedding with 30 guests or less an elopement.)

A LITTLE ABOUT ME

• I’ve been photographing weddings and elopements for the past 8 years. I started when I still lived in Belgium (I was born and raised there), and then started my business again from scratch when I moved to Canada in 2015.

• My husband (boyfriend at the time) moved across the world with me. We grew up together and have known each other for about 22 years. He proposed to me on top of a mountain here in the Rockies and about a month later we eloped in Kananaskis on a warm fall day.

• We have two kids: our toddler Lucy and baby Oliver; and two dogs: Willow and River, both Shepherd crosses that we adopted from the Humane Society when they were still puppies.

HOW IT WORKS

1. Get in contact.  
   Tell me a little about yourselves and what your ideal day looks like. Then we'll set up a call and make sure I am the right photographer for your day.

2. Pick your date.
   I’ll help you decide on the perfect time to get married if you haven’t picked a date yet and I’ll send over a contract and retainer invoice for you to book me as your photographer.

3. Decide on a location.
   If you don't have a specific location in mind yet, I’ll send you a customized location idea list which walks you through all of my favourite places in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. I’ll help you make your dream elopement come to life by finding the perfect ceremony spot, vendor recommendations, and helping you wherever I can to bring your vision to life!

4. Your big day!

   It all comes together. I’ll be there to document your experience and make sure you have amazing memories to look back on.

5. Relive your day through your photos.
   First, you’ll get a sneak peek of your incredible photos to share with everyone you love.
   Then, once your full gallery of images is ready, it will tell the whole story of your elopement day, so you can experience the best day of your lives all over again—and share the story of your incredible adventure with all your family and friends.

LOCATION

The location of your elopement is completely up to you. A hike in the mountains of Canmore, roadside lakes in Banff, the wilderness of Kananaskis Country, a helicopter ride to a remote mountain top, … - I’m game for anything.

I am full of ideas, and can help you choose and suggest places that fit you most. Just let me know what your dream destination looks like, and I’ll find it.

FAQ

Q: We are super awkward in front of the camera. Will you help us with this?
A: Almost every couple mentions this, but don’t worry, I know the feeling and will make sure to keep everything very relaxed. My job is to make you feel comfortable, I focus on natural movement and your connection to each other as a couple. We’ll end up with lots of amazing candid moments that way!

Q: We don’t know which package we would like yet, is that okay?
A: Of course! I know that you are probably still in the process of figuring out what your dream day will look like. Which means that your coverage needs might change as we get closer to your big day. You can always add on extra hours up until the day of your elopement.

Q: Could you help us find our dream location?
A: Yes! I love finding unique locations that are exactly what you’re looking for! I’ll put together a location idea list with spots that I think you will really love. Then it’s up to you to pick your top one(s)!

Q: What happens if the weather is bad on our elopement day?
A: I love embracing any kind of weather, whether that’s sunshine, clouds, rain, or snow! Sometimes ‘non ideal’ weather can make for the most amazing photos. I truly believe in embracing the weather on your elopement day. I do keep a close eye on the local forecast in case of storms. The weather can be unpredictable in the mountains, but it also passes quickly. Some of my best photos were taken during stormy/rainy weather or unforeseen snow storms! I always make sure to bring a few clear umbrellas for you to keep dry as well.

Q: Where are you based out of?
A: I am based out of Cochrane, Alberta, Canada; but I’m originally from Belgium and moved to Canada in 2015.

Q: How long have you been photographing professionally?
A: I started taking photos in high-school, but then went to College for a photography education and have been shooting professionally for 8 years.

Q: Do you have favourite vendors like florists/makeup artists/officiants/etc. you can recommend?
A: Yes, definitely! I would love to send you some recommendations for amazing vendors in the area.

Q: We’d like to legally get married in Canada, but we’re not from there! How does that work?
A: Every country and state/provincial laws are different, but generally in Canada you will need to have a government-appointed officiant and 2 witnesses to make the marriage ceremony legal. I’m happy to act as one of your witnesses if needed, and all of the officiants I recommend have performed legal ceremonies with American/international couples before and can assist you with processing paperwork. If you’d like me to send you officiant recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask!

Q: Are all the photos edited?
A: Yes. The editing process is where I provide the signature look to my photos among other things like colour correction and cropping.

Q: How many photos will we get?
A: It depends on the length of an elopement, you get to keep all of the very best photos from the day. On average you will get 50-75 high resolution photos per hour (This may vary).

Q: Do we receive digital files and a print release?
A: You’ll always receive the full original resolution, edited digital image files with unlimited downloads, sharing & personal printing rights. They’ll be in an online gallery that’s available world-wide to share with all of your family & friends.

Q: When will we get to see our photos?
A: You will receive a sneak peek shortly after your elopement and your final photos will be ready 8-10 weeks following your elopement.

Q: Do you offer printed photos and albums?
A: Yes! The online gallery through which you’ll receive your photos includes a print shop. You can order prints, albums, framed photos, calendars, etc!

Q: Do you offer engagement or adventure sessions?
A: I do! It’s a great way to get to know each other before your big day and for you to feel comfortable in front of the camera. If you feel like you won’t have time on your wedding day to hit multiple locations or go on an amazing adventure, then an adventure engagement session might be a great idea for you guys!

Q: We are ready to book! What do we do now?
A: Great! I start every couple off with a conversation over the phone to see if I’m a good fit with you. If you think I am, I’ll send over the contract online and once I have a 50% retainer with the signed contract your date is reserved! You can start by sending me an email with all your elopement details.

I look forward to hearing from you!

ELOPEMENT COLLECTIONS

*Pricing is in Canadian dollars. GST not included in pricing.
(So the final, total price of each package is what you see above + 5% GST.)

*Additional travel/accommodation fees may apply for locations that are a 2+ hour drive from Cochrane, AB.
*Helicopter/canoe/horseback/etc fees are not included in pricing.

or email me directly at celestineaerden@gmail.com

See more of my elopement photography work