Not the mountain top wedding originally envisioned, but certainly beautiful, intimate, and endlessly special. Like most people, 2020 threw milestone plans in a completely different trajectory. With the typical hustle and bustle that weddings bring, the love and support of community was simply not an option. A sour change of events, to be sure, but not enough to stifle Eric and Joanne’s commitment to tie the knot. On the beautiful Wind Ridge, surrounded by Steven (Joanne’s brother) and his partner Miranda, alongside their trusty photographers, Eric and Joanne exchanged vows overlooking the beautiful Burstall Pass.
We set out early Saturday morning, anticipating a 45 minute drive up Spray Lakes Roads to the Burstall Pass Trailhead, which in fact turned into an hour and half of tomfoolery, where the lack of cell phone connection and lack of attentiveness to signage immediately split our group. Alas, the unforgiving Spray Lake Road did eventually connect us, and we eagerly set foot on our hike.
The hike is worth exploring yourself. The first section is easily approached by anyone with moderate fitness, offering mostly wide, flat trails. We hiked for almost an hour and a half at a decent pace before we approached the Burstall Pass. This section is a flood plain and navigated by following markers through various brooks and soft earth. Despite our best efforts, our feet were wet. From here, the trail shot straight up, allowing us to keep warm as we gained altitude. We eventually found our ridge and with no obvious trail, creatively navigated a gully to Wind Ridge. The path to the ridge was a scree slog, where we treadmilled through razor-sharp scree - a true mountain experience! We made it to the Ridge and regrouped.
The mountain pass caries a chill, even in summer. As Eric and Joanne changed to their wedding attire, we took inventory of the windchill, sleet, and frigid mountain air. Thankful for the Gortex gear and merino attire, we set up for their elopement. Steven became a certified JP just for the occasion and he started his ceremony: “We are gathered here on these treacherous rocks…” … couldn’t have been more on point!
The ceremony and photo session wasted no time. The cold air offered excellent motivation to be mindful of the time and to ensure every effort was efficient and with purpose! As we shot, the weather did deteriorate, and we quickly found ourselves packing to avoid the realities of a mountain climate.
We passed a few different groups on our trek and one particularly lovely group helped Eric and Joanne celebrate their elopement on the way down. Through a hiker-pole archway, Eric and Joanne were welcomed into their new chapter together by the admiring strangers.
We made our way back down the Spray Lakes road to Quarry Lake for the final 5-minute photoshoot, where the mountain weather once again joined Eric and Joanne to celebrate their elopement. Within 5 short minutes, the skies opened and we were ready for a beer.
Congratulations, Eric and Joanne. There couldn’t have been a better consolation plan for a wedding. Truly a special and uniquely “you”, wedding. Couldn’t think of a better day!