Tracy is a brilliant wedding officiant I met at a beautiful elopement on one of the gulf islands. She has this beautiful energy about her, and she brings so much warmth into her wedding ceremonies (check out her services at Heart of Seasons, Victoria BC).
About a month ago I received an email from her asking if I was available for an elopement. Little did I know it was HER elopement!! Needless to say, given how many wedding photographers she has met as an officiant, I was extremely flattered she thought of me to capture her magical ceremony at East Sook Park. And I knew before I met him that Eugene would have a similar spirit. I loved the way these two looked at each other. You can tell they have a deep devotion to their relationship. Even though their dear friends needed to stay six-feet apart everything felt so intimate.
We hiked from the parking lot at Aylard’s Farm along the rocky coast, and through the forest, taking portraits that showed off Tracy’s gorgeous pink lace wedding dress at some stunning ocean and forest locations along the way. When it was ceremony time, they said their I-do’s with touching personalized vows they wrote themselves. incorporating some Indigenous spiritual traditions woven into their celebration. And I loved that they danced in the forest after their ceremony, surrounded by a circle of their favourite people! Tracy & Eugene, a huge congratulations!! It was a true honour to have been a part of your magical elopement in the forest!
Are you looking for a forest wedding venue near Victoria BC on Vancouver Island? Look no further than the enchanting coastal forests of East Sooke Park. This is a hiker’s paradise that’s teeming with wildlife (both land and sea). If you have adventurous spirits and want to experience the west coast at it’s best, I highly recommend it for your elopement.
Want to know more about Tracy and Heart of Seasons? Tracy will write and share your love story weaving in meaningful elements, creating a personalized and one-of-a kind ceremony, just for you. No matter your background, beliefs, values, sexual orientation, and gender identity, she respect you, your wants and your needs. Visit Heart of Seasons for more info about her services.
P.S.
I received Tracy’s newsletter recently with a lovely write-up about their beautiful ceremony. Here it is in Tracy’s words:
At the beginning of November, Eugene and I decided to elope! It basically came from talking about death (we speak about mortality and spirituality a lot). We both agreed that if something were to happen to one of us, the only regret would be not deepening our commitment in a ceremonial way. And so we said, “Let’s do it!”
We contacted Linda Nelson (a Celebrant colleague), Christina Craft (an amazing photographer), one of my most dearest of friends, one of Eugene’s most dearest of friends, and a mutual dear friend. We held our breath on November 19th, waiting to hear what Dr. Henry had to say, but thankfully, weddings were still permitted with ten people or less. Phew, the 22nd was a go!
A few days before our ceremony, we went to see Eugene’s Elder at Tsartlip First Nation to bless our union, our coming together on Coast Salish territory, and to impart his wisdom. We sat around a fire outside, as he shared stories of marriage, love, and the old ones. He then gifted us two Eagle feathers. They are from the same Eagle – the left and the right side (balance -masculine/feminine). We were instructed that when we feel frustration or anger to tune into our feather and the Eagle, to see clearly, a higher perspective.
We ended up incorporating the feathers into our vows. I used my feather as I spoke my vows to Eugene, so I am reminded of the promises I made and to come back to balance – and vice versa.
We had two vessels of water containing the Salish Sea and Bass Strait (Australia). We combined the two, symbolizing the union between countries and the lands/waters we are from. The most beautiful thing is that when we entered the forest, an Eagle greeted us with it’s song. And as our ceremony closed, it again made itself known above head. It was pretty damn magical.
Telling our family and friends after was one of the best parts. So. Much. Joy. I’ve loved officiating elopements for clients, and now I TRULY recommend them.
