Relaxing Summer Wedding at Emerald Lake Lodge

Mar 12

When I first asked Cassandra and Dominic what they wanted to feel when looking at their wedding photos, they said “fun, full of love, calm and cinematic” - and I’m happy to say that’s exactly what they got! The day before had a few rainstorms, so the next day was calm, cloudy and moody, and that created such a romantic atmosphere for their summer wedding at Emerald Lake Lodge.

Cassandra and Dominic met here in Canada but moved to New Zealand during the pandemic in 2020, before finally landing in Australia. These two hadn’t seen their friends and family since then, and planned their wedding from afar. They were so excited to have all of the people they love most in one place and have it be a gorgeous vacation for everyone! Many of their guests were able to land early, which means Cass and Dom were able to go for lots of pre-wedding hikes in the surrounding Yoho National Park, and spend a ton of time catching up with their loved ones.

Cassandra and Dominic’s Emerald Lake Lodge Wedding

A morning in the cabin and a first look against the mountains

Cassandra and Dom spent their mornings getting ready separately, and it was a relaxing start to the morning with their closest friends. Cass had all of her sentimental details ready for me when I arrived. The couple picked out special scents for their wedding day (which I highly recommend - scent is so closely tied to the creating of memories!). I loved seeing Dominic’s stylish choice of suit for his wedding day, one that he’s already worn since their big day! It’s so unique and versatile, and the brown shade goes with anything and everything.

We planned for a private, secluded first look on the patio of Cassandra’s suite. They both had prepared letters to read to each other. I loved having a second shooter for this moment because Kim was able to be outside shooting around the corner while I was inside the cabin itself, shooting through the windows. Such beautiful variety of those once-in-a-lifetime moments! It made it feel like scenes from a movie.

A ceremony on the Cilantro on the Lake patio

Consider this an official petition for Dominic’s mom to be a florist, because wow! She put together all of the bouquets and reception florals herself from Costco flowers. I’ve never seen DIY flowers look this beautiful. Cassandra and Dom shared their vows overlooking the lake with their most intimate group of friends and family, and Dom was so excited to kiss his wife-to-be that he tried sneaking one in after she said her vows!

Wedding portraits around Emerald Lake

After the ceremony, we captured family photos at the iconic Emerald Lake overlook. Then we explored the property and the surrounding areas for more intimate couples portraits before returning to the reception. Cassandra and Dominic’s joy at being newlyweds was absolutely radiant - they glowed with happiness throughout the day, expressing their love for each other and their guests in countless beautiful moments.

Wedding reception at Cilantro on the Lake

The staff at Emerald Lake Lodge and Cilantro on the Lake presented a beautiful multi-course meal, after which guests shared heartfelt speeches. The celebration culminated with the cake cutting and the couple's first dance on the outdoor patio, where they swayed together as the sun dipped behind the mountains. The stunning turquoise waters provided a perfect backdrop for their romantic moment!

Testimonial from the newlyweds

“From the very first email, Janine’s approach felt like a breath of fresh air. Her thorough onboarding process - and those relaxed video calls - helped us crystallize exactly what we wanted, even while planning everything from overseas. Her advice was always honest and no-nonsense: clear explanations of hours, billing and realistic timelines, without ever pushing us in one direction. The tip-packed emails she sent along the way became our secret planning super-weapon. The magic really showed on the wedding day. Janine slipped into the room with the perfect blend of professionalism and joy - immediately capturing the little treasures like rings and details we’d almost forgotten in the whirlwind. She was personable, fun and full of gentle cues that made us feel completely at ease with every kiss, laugh and stolen glance. As the bride, I felt like I was simply hanging out with a close friend who happened to have a camera in hand.

Janine’s after-care was just as thoughtful. We walked away that night with a Polaroid in our pockets, and woke up on our honeymoon to a teaser gallery that let us relive the day before the excitement had settled. The full collection arrived beautifully edited and perfectly curated - an abundance of moments we didn’t even realize she’d captured. We couldn’t be happier with both the quality and quantity of photographs, and we’ll treasure them for a lifetime.

Needless to say, we’d recommend Janine to absolutely anyone and everyone looking for a wedding photographer.” - Dom & Cassandra

Advice for other couples

When I asked about what advice they would give to another couple planning a wedding, Cassandra and Dominic say, “Having both partners say and involvement during the whole process makes it feel like an "OUR" wedding day instead of a "MY" wedding day. Not only does that make it feel more special, but it take the "burden" aspect away from the planning, and makes it feel much more like the fun of planning a party. Keeping it small was also a good choice, only having people who we truly cared about.”

Keeping it small, making it fun and really focusing on what matters most is the best recipe for a wonderful wedding day. I always suggest making a date night out of planning - do something you enjoy or go out to dinner while planning, so that it doesn’t feel like a chore!

What makes Emerald Lake Lodge the perfect place to host your wedding or elopement?

An all-in-one venue

If you’re familiar with any of my previous blogs about some weddings I’ve had the pleasure of photographing, you’ll have heard me absolutely rave about certain venues that are ‘all-in-one.’ This means your entire wedding day can take place on one property, and is something you especially want to look at if you’re wanting a simple, stress-free wedding day.

Maybe you don’t have a lot of time to spend planning and don’t want to hire a planner (or simply don’t have the budget for one!) Maybe you have guests travelling in for your wedding and you want to make sure everyone is taken care of, too. Whatever the case, Emerald Lake Lodge is the perfect all-in-one venue that ensures a relaxing holiday and stress-free wedding celebration. Guests can stay in the cabins located on the property, which means everything is walking distance!

No worrying about shuttle coordination or having to call a cab. Your ceremony can take place in a few different spots around the property, each with its own beautiful view. Your photos can be done on-site before heading to the Lodge or Cilantro on the Patio for dinner!

Activities for everyone

If you’re the outdoorsy type (and you must be if you’re considering a location like this!), there are plenty of hikes in the Yoho National Park area that will be to your liking! For those who enjoy water sports, canoeing and paddling can be done on Emerald Lake. If you’re visiting in the winter, you can grab a pair of snowshoes to explore the area. Unwind after a long day with a gourmet dinner at the Lodge, a bonfire on the Cilantro on the Lake patio, and a dip in the hot tub!

Emerald Lake is stunning in any season

Of course the lake itself must be mentioned! During the summer and autumn, the stunning turquoise waters draw visitors from all over the globe, and the sight of the bridge stretching over to the lodge is postcard-perfect. If you’re visiting in the winter, Emerald Lake Lodge becomes the most dreamy, secluded, almost-off-the-grid winter cabin getaway. The lake freezes over during this time but you’re left with a gorgeous winter landscape that’s second to none. It’s a location like no other no matter the season!

I’d head back to Emerald Lake Lodge and Yoho National Park any day, so if you’re looking to plan your wedding or elopement in the area, don’t hesitate to reach out and chat with me!