Some weddings are planned around tradition. Others are built entirely around experience, adventure, and doing things your own way. Ash and Philip’s elopement in Nelson was exactly that. Intimate, emotional, wildly cinematic, and completely authentic to who they are as a couple.
As a destination wedding videographer, this was one of those weddings that stays with you long after the flight home. Towering mountain landscapes, hidden forest trails, craft beer celebrations, lakeside sunsets, and two people who genuinely stripped away every expectation of what a wedding “should” be.
Their story began back home in Norwich through CrossFit. Ash was coaching while Philip trained at Gain Fitness, and after years together they decided to swap a traditional UK wedding for a wedding elopement in the Canadian mountains.
The wedding day started exactly how you would expect for a couple like them, with an early morning workout at Frontier Athletics from 8–9am. No stress. No strict formalities. Just a workout together before coffee, brunch, and getting ready for one of the biggest moments of their lives. Despite the excitement of being somewhere radically different, they were both surprisingly relaxed.
After stopping for coffee in Nelson, I spent the morning between them both. Filming their wedding preparations and asking a few questions to form the narrative of their wedding film. Once ready, Phili walked out onto the decking to reveal her dress to Ash and it’s safe to say he was totally blown away.
We headed into the forests surrounding the Kootenay Rockies, beginning with portraits amongst the towering trees of an old-growth forest before making our way higher into the mountains toward Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.
Their ceremony took place near Gibson Lake, surrounded by nothing but wilderness, mountain peaks, and complete silence. No guests. No distractions. Just the two of them exchanging personal vows with their marriage commissioner and planner alongside them. It was one of the most peaceful and emotionally raw ceremonies I have ever filmed.
The scale of British Columbia is difficult to describe until you experience it firsthand. As an elopement videographer, places like this are an absolute dream to film. Drone shots across the mountains, tiny figures standing beside alpine lakes, and quiet documentary moments between Ash and Philip created a wedding film that felt more like a cinematic adventure than a traditional wedding day.
What made the entire experience even more special was how relaxed everything felt. After the ceremony, we headed back into town for photos, craft beers, and dinner at Broken Hill which was the perfect ending to a wedding day that never once felt rushed or performative.
That is the beauty of an elopement. You remove the pressure, the timelines, and the expectations, and what you are left with is something incredibly honest.
From Norfolk to the mountains of Canada, Ash and Phili created a wedding experience entirely centred around who they are. Adventurous, relaxed, energetic, and deeply connected. Capturing that story in such an unbelievable setting was a genuine privilege.
If you are planning an adventure elopement, destination wedding, or intimate ceremony anywhere in the world and want a wedding film that feels cinematic, emotional, and completely personal, I would love to hear your plans.
Photographer – Jacey Kendall Photography
Dress Designer – Marylise Bridal
Dress Shop – White Reflections
Makeup Artist – Artistry by Aszjeca
Florist – OLEA Floral
Wedding Planner – Wild Smile Events (Danielle Peet)
Hair Stylist – Kali DeVito
“I’d always hoped Tom would film our wedding, and when we decided to elope to Canada I never thought it would be possible, but it happened, and we couldn’t be happier. Tom’s passion, skill, and energy on the day were incredible. He’s professional, brings such positive energy, and instantly puts you at ease.
As soon as Tom saw the location, you could tell he had a clear vision, and he put in so much time and effort to capture every moment. We are so grateful he joined us in Canada and feel so lucky it all came together. We’d recommend Tom to anyone; he’s professional, fun, and incredibly talented.”
