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Journalism of Courage
Melissa and Devon, a Canadian couple, caught the internet’s attention after their breathtaking wedding photos went viral. They refused to abandon their planned elopement on November 10 at the Peyto Lake Viewpoint in Alberta, even after being warned about an approaching snowstorm, People magazine reported.
The couple had planned a half-hour hike to the location at Banff National Park, where they had arranged for photographers Marcin and Dorota Karpowicz to capture their ceremony. But on the morning of the wedding, the photographers noticed a forecast predicting snow and strong winds. According to AccuWeather, they contacted the couple to suggest postponing or shifting to a more protected spot. However, the bride refused.
“Melissa said, ‘No, no, no—I would love to go,’ despite the bad forecast,” Marcin told AccuWeather.
Their officiant, Cole Hofstra, was equally ready to perform the wedding in the extreme weather conditions. The bride began the hike in a long-sleeved white gown paired with a fur-lined cape, the report said.
Once the couple reached the spot, they exchanged vows amid swirling snow. In one striking photo, they held hands as wind lifted the bride’s cape and flurries drifted around them. Another picture showed them smiling as they walked through the snow, with Devon turning back towards his bride.
The photographers later celebrated the moment on Instagram, calling the ceremony “beautiful”.
“Cole performed such a heartfelt ceremony, despite the wild wind swirling around us,” they wrote. “Later, we visited a few lakes where the weather calmed down — it was warmer, peaceful, and we even caught some lovely reflections. Congratulations to you both!”
The wedding photos have taken over social media, triggering a wave of reactions. “I was there a few months ago, and this was definitely worth the hike!” an Instagram user wrote. “I got married in a national park. But this is a different level of commitment,” another user commented.
“Shout out to the official that endured that hike as well, with no grand jester at the end,” a third user reacted.
