A Love Story Written in the Pines — A Bragg Creek Wedding

Many couples think weddings have to follow tradition — but more and more couples are choosing a path that actually feels like them. Elyse + Charlie’s Bragg Creek wedding proves that the best celebrations aren’t found in a rulebook. By going off-book, they skipped the stress, followed their own rules, and turned planning into something genuinely enjoyable. The result? A wedding that felt effortless, relaxed, and perfectly aligned with who they are — laid-back, intentional, and full of heart. Keep reading to see how throwing out tradition made their day even more unforgettable.

Where Their Story Began

Elyse and Charlie’s story started long before their first date — back when they were just two familiar faces in the university volleyball world. Charlie was playing for Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, while Elyse was competing at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. They crossed paths once or twice at house parties, exchanged a few glances, and both quietly thought the other was cute — but life kept moving, and they never really got the chance to know each other.

A couple of years later, everything changed. Charlie reached out with a simple message and a plan to meet up for a hike. That plan quickly turned into something better — a summer meetup in Vernon, where Charlie was living and working out of his van. He picked Elyse up for their first date, and from there, the day unfolded effortlessly. They talked for hours, lounged in hammocks, played crib, jumped into the lake, and ended the night dancing together on a dock under the stars — the kind of first date that feels straight out of a movie.

Elyse’s first impression? Charlie was incredibly kind, easy on the eyes, and completely carefree. She loved that he was spending his summer chasing adventure across BC, living simply and fully — and that energy pulled her in right away. For Charlie, it was Elyse’s smile that caught him first. From their very first conversation, it felt natural, like reconnecting with an old friend. They joked, talked deeply, and found an ease together that made everything else fade away. 

From Proposal to Pines: A Bragg Creek Wedding

On August 10th, Elyse and Charlie woke up at 4:30 a.m. for a sunrise hike up Cascade Mountain in Banff National Park — a redemption round after their last attempt ended early thanks to a very fresh reminder that grizzlies live there too. They met Elyse’s best friend (and future bridesmaid), Julia, at the trailhead and began the climb, with Elyse quietly wondering if this might finally be the moment — while carefully keeping her expectations in check. Both Charlie and Julia played it cool the entire way up.

At the summit, Charlie walked Elyse to the edge of the mountain and started saying all the sweet things neither of them remembers (blackout moment, obviously). When he started tearing up, Elyse knew. Moments later, Charlie was down on one knee — and she said yes. They celebrated with bubbly at the top, Elyse admiring her ring the entire way back down. The surprises didn’t end there: Charlie followed it up with an engagement party surrounded by close friends and family, dinner at the Grizzly House in Banff, and a cozy night at Rundle Lodge in Canmore — the perfect ending to a day they’ll never forget. 

Set against the natural beauty of Kananaskis, Elyse and Charlie later chose one of the most meaningful Bragg Creek wedding venues to bring that same sense of intention, connection, and love into their wedding day.

A Bragg Creek Wedding Venue Set in the Heart of Kananaskis

Elyse and Charlie’s Bragg Creek wedding felt like it had been pulled straight from a fairy-tale dream book — the kind of day where everything feels intentional, heartfelt, and quietly magical. From the very beginning, it was clear how much thought Elyse poured into every detail. While studying in Iceland for a year, she hand-stitched and crocheted custom bags for each of her bridesmaids — each one thoughtfully colour-coordinated to match the dresses they would wear on the wedding day. Her own bag was a beautiful blend of all their colours, symbolizing the women standing beside her. It was just one of many small, meaningful touches woven throughout the day.

The florals, designed by Chelsea at Adventure Florals, were nothing short of breathtaking. Light, airy, whimsical, and effortlessly romantic, they elevated every space and tied the entire day together perfectly. Soft neutral tones, delicate textures, and an organic elegance made the setting feel timeless and dreamlike.

Elyse and Charlie themselves were the heart of the day — so deeply in love that it was impossible not to feel it. Tears flowed freely, beginning long before the ceremony even started. During their first look, Elyse brushed away tears as she walked toward Charlie, who stood waiting with a soft, emotional smile. The moment was raw, heartfelt, and incredibly beautiful — a quiet reminder that this day wasn’t about performance or perfection, but about two people choosing each other wholeheartedly. 

Their Bragg Creek Airbnb was stunning, surrounded by nature and bathed in soft light — a place you could photograph endlessly. The weather was nothing short of perfect: mid-day overcast skies, cool mountain air, hardly any bugs, and that calm stillness that makes everything feel peaceful. The ceremony location was chosen with intention, set in an open field so that Bandit Peak — a mountain deeply meaningful to them — stood proudly in the background. Every detail of the day was planned around that view, making their ceremony feel deeply personal and uniquely theirs.

The reception took place back in Bragg Creek at a charming seniors’ hall, filled with warmth and character. Guests spilled out onto the lawn to play games, laugh, and celebrate together. It was an intimate gathering — small, intentional, and filled with people who loved Elyse and Charlie fiercely. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room during the ceremony or the speeches; every word spoken came straight from the heart.

As a couple, Elyse and Charlie are a perfect match — adventurous, outdoorsy, and deeply connected. Both volleyball players, with a wedding party full of current and former professional athletes, the energy was fun, grounded, and effortless. Tall bridesmaids, big laughs, shared values, and a love for hiking, travel, and the outdoors made this day feel like a true reflection of who they are.

All in all, it was an unforgettable celebration — a stunning couple, a meaningful setting, and a wedding day filled with love, intention, and moments that will be cherished forever.

A Meaningful Choice: Kananaskis Wedding

Rather than us telling you, we’ll let Elyse and Charlie speak for themselves about their experience:

Elyse: 

“Krystal, Jessica, and Monica are the absolute dream team!  They captured our day so perfectly. Krystal was amazing to work with from start to finish—super prompt, personable, and such a calming presence. She kept everything on track and made sure the day ran smoothly, which took a lot of stress off our shoulders. Huge thanks to the whole Fly Free team for capturing such an important day in our lives. These are moments we’ll always treasure. 5++++ star review!!!”

Why Fly Free Photography Was the Perfect Fit for Their Day

As a Calgary-based photographer who works all over the Rocky Mountains, I also bring local knowledge to the planning process, helping couples choose from iconic locations and quiet, tucked-away spots that create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable proposal. Reach out — I’d love to help bring your surprise engagement vision to life.

Still browsing? Explore more inspiration by viewing a Winter Kananaskis Elopement or a Rustic off the grid summer elopement, and discover what your own love story could look like in the mountains.

Till our paths cross again, friend,

xo, Krystal