Mountaintop Pride Wedding in British Columbia

grooms stand at the altar of their mountain top ceremony

Mountaintop Pride Wedding in British Columbia

CATEGORIES

March 1, 2024
Words by Kinsley Brown
Photos courtesy of Jen Montgomery Photography

If you’re a lover of breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventures, and unique wedding destinations, you’re in for a treat! Today, we’re taking you on a journey to the magnificent Canadian Rockies, where Josh and Shon recently tied the knot in Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada.

Josh and Shon’s love story began in 2019 at the Denver Pride celebration, where they were introduced by a mutual friend. From that moment on, they embarked on an exhilarating adventure, filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. So, it’s no surprise that they chose to celebrate their love with an equally thrilling destination wedding!

“We wanted to provide our guests with an exhilarating adventure and a memorable experience,” the couple shared. “Our love for the outdoors and the breathtaking beauty of Canada’s landscape made it the ideal choice for our adventure.”

But planning a destination wedding comes with its own set of challenges. “The distance between the airport and the venues did make the trip an adventure but also a hurdle for guests,” they mentioned. However, they were determined to make it a seamless experience for their loved ones.

After an incredible two-week road trip from Colorado to Calgary, where they immersed themselves in all the mountain towns, Josh and Shon fell in love with Revelstoke. “Among the highlights from Canmore to Banff—a long-awaited visit to Revelstoke, a magnificent mountain town of history, skiing, and surrounded by mountain peaks,” they shared.

Jessica Duerks, their wedding coordinator and decorator, played a pivotal role in bringing their vision to life. From a mountain arch for the ceremony to a vibrant rainbow donut wall and “MR & MR” light bulb signs for the reception, Jessica’s creativity knew no bounds. And let’s not forget the dance floor adorned with rainbow streamers, creating a joyful atmosphere for everyone to dance the night away.

The three-day celebration in British Columbia was filled with special moments, from drag performers at the welcome party to go-go dancers at the reception. Josh and Shon even performed an interpretive dance choreographed by Jeremiah Lewis-Walker of Minneapolis.

While planning from afar, they found comfort in conducting a pre-wedding visit to meet the vendors and visit the event spaces. And, of course, having Jessica Duerks, who was intimately familiar with Revelstoke, was invaluable.

Their British Columbia wedding ceremony was a true reflection of their love and partnership. They took a helicopter to a glacier and lake for pre-ceremony photos, then performed a flyover of their guests before getting dropped off at the gondola. Walking down the aisle together, side by side, symbolized their equal partnership.

Reflecting on their wedding experience, Josh and Shon shared, “It would have still been beautiful, but the destination aspect made it a true, multi-day, unforgettable experience for all. Everyone took extra time and made a vacation of exploring the Canadian Rockies as well.”

Their advice for future couples planning a destination wedding? “Enjoy yourselves. It’s the experience of a lifetime. Make it your day—you don’t have to follow tradition if you don’t want to. Be creative. Incorporate into your events the uniqueness of the specific destination you choose.”