Tofino Vows for Talisa and Joel…
Guest written by Taryn Stare Photography
Talisa and Joel made the trek to Tofino all the way from Dawson City, Yukon. Though Talisa is originally from Vancouver, BC, she moved to Dawson some years ago to pursue her dream job (and dream man). They live in an adorable cabin and are parents to two crazy cats, who keep them entertained all winter long.
When they got engaged last August, they originally attempted to plan a destination wedding, because Joel’s family lives in Australia while Talisa’s family is in Vancouver. However, they had a hard time finding the perfect middle ground where all of their family and friends could come together at the same time and place. After a month of stressful big-wedding planning, they decided to fulfill a secret dream of saying their vows together in private, with just a few witnesses and in their favourite place in the world.
Getting Ready
Talisa + Joel spent the morning of their wedding day relaxing in their cozy hotel room. Wickaninnish Inn placed them in SUCH a beautiful room with a massive window and balcony that overlooked the ocean. All morning, we could hardly keep our eyes off the ocean as the stormy weather brought giant waves in, each one bigger than the next. We watched young families run around outside fully decked out in rain gear, letting their pups chase the waves. A more relaxing wedding morning I could not dream up! 
First Look + Ceremony
This ceremony was one of the sweetest I have ever witnessed. Both the bride and groom wrote such thoughtful vows that I was moved to tears as they promised to love each other for the rest of their days. Here’s a little snippet from Talisa’s vows to Joel:
As we move forward, let’s remind ourselves that life is what happens between adventures. It’s the in between moments that mean the most – the journey – the countless days we both come home from work tired and creanky and uncertain of what to make for dinner, when we have to race the cat to the vet in Whitehorse, when the boats motor is too small and we forgot the coffee in the car (but you actually had it all along). And there is a storm and we’re soaked and miserable. Those moments are the ones that are the ones we remember, not the stupid glacier. The moments where life is real and we aren’t always our best selves…those are okay and these are the moments that will define us as a couple. 
Afterwards…
The newlyweds enjoyed an intimate photo session in the forest, along the beach, on the road and had Tacofino to celebrate. All in all, the perfect Tofino experience and elopement. It turns out that Tofino vows for Talisa and Joel sublimely suited their wedding day. 
Thanks to Wickaninnish Inn who coordinated everything and provided an INCREDIBLE and beautiful experience for the Bride and Groom. Thanks to Rhonda with Cedar and Rose Lifestyle Salon who was such a lovely person and did a fantastic job on Talisa’s hair and makeup. Last but not least, thanks to Crab Apple Floral Design who made the perfect bouquet and boutonniere.
