Ashley and Jay’s Elopement on Mystic Beach
Today on the blog, I am throwing it back to Ashley and Jay’s Mystic Beach elopement from September 2019. Mystic Beach is one of those breathtaking, quintessentially Vancouver Island locations. I always recommend to out of town visitors. Although I had been a few times before, this was my first time shooting an elopement at Mystic Beach and it was even more magical than ever.
A Wild West Coast Wedding
Ashley and Jay travelled all the way from Windsor, Ontario to elope on Vancouver Island. I see sooo many couples come from Ontario and other provinces to get married here, and as an Ontario girl myself I understand why! I mean, I came out here from Ontario once and basically never left.
Mystic Beach was the perfect backdrop for a west coast wedding: ancient towering trees, ferns, wild waves crashing. To get to the beach, it’s about a 45 minute hike through the forest. Despite some mud and the long walk, Ashley wore her rubber boots and wedding dress and hiked through the forest like a badass! Of course, we had to stop to coo at every dog we passed (it’s always a dream finding clients who love dogs as much as I do). At the end of the hike, the trees give way to the most incredible view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and, when the clouds made way, glimpses of the Olympic Mountains.
A + J said their vows, barefoot, under a waterfall that flows across the sand into the ocean. I know, this sounds totally made up and too good to be true. I was practically pinching myself the whole time I was shooting this elopement. The only guests were a dozen sea lions popping their heads out of the water to check out the scene. A year and a half later, I still feel goosebumps coming on when I think about that magical day. On that day, more than ever, Mystic Beach truly lived up to its name.
Planning a trip to Mystic Beach?
Some other highlights of this area are Sandcut Beach, French Beach (which has a great Provincial Park campground, if you’re not about hiking 45 minutes into your campsite), and Jordan River, a surf spot. Don’t forget to stop at Shirley Delicious for coffee and a treat! The drive from Victoria through Sooke and up to Port Renfrew is one of my favourites on the Island.
If you’re thinking about eloping on Mystic Beach (or anywhere else!), send me a message below. I would love to hear all about what you’re dreaming of for your wedding!