Eugene and Tracy's wedding in Sooke, British Columbia

The story of our wedding

At the beginning of November, Eugene and I decided to elope! It basically came from talking about death (we speak about mortality and spirituality a lot). We both agreed that if something were to happen to one of us, the only regret would be not deepening our commitment in a ceremonial way. And so we said, "Let's do it!" We contacted Linda Nelson of Island Ceremonies (a Celebrant colleague), Christina Craft of Funkytown Photography (an amazing photographer I had the pleasure of working with on another couple's elopement), one of my most dearest of friends, one of Eugene's most dearest of friends, and a mutual dear friend. We held our breath on November 19th, waiting to hear what Dr. Bonnie Henry had to say, but thankfully, weddings were still permitted with ten people or less. Phew, the 22nd was a go! A few days before our ceremony, we went to see Eugene's Elder at Tsartlip First Nation to bless our union, our coming together on Coast Salish Territory, and to impart his wisdom. We sat around a fire outside, as he shared stories of marriage, love, and the old ones. He then gifted us two Eagle feathers. They are from the same Eagle - the right and the left side (balance - masculine/feminine). We were instructed that when we feel frustration or anger, to tune into our feather and the Eagle, to see clearly, a higher perspective. We ended up incorporating the feathers into our vows. I used my feather as I spoke my vows to Eugene, so I am reminded of the promises I made and to come back to balance - and vice versa. We also had two vessels of water containing the Salish Sea and Bass Strait (Australia). We combined the two, symbolising the union between countries and the lands/waters we are from. The most beautiful happening is that when we entered the forest, an Eagle greeted us with it's song. And as our ceremony closed, it again made itself known abovehead. It was pretty magical to be surrounded by the cedar, fir and arbutus trees and under the blessings eyes of Eagle. A magical and sacred ceremony indeed.Telling our family and friends after was one of the best parts. So. Much. Joy. I've loved officiating elopements for clients, and now I TRULY recommend them. 💜 Eugene and I acknowledge with reverence that we crossed the threshold into marriage on unceded Scia'new Territory, referred to as East Sooke Park.