Canadian Couple's Snowstorm Wedding Hike Goes Viral in Stunning Photos
Couple hikes through snowstorm for viral wedding photos

Canadian Couple Defies Snowstorm for Dream Wedding at Banff National Park

In a display of true dedication to their special day, a Canadian couple named Melissa and Devon captured global attention by hiking through a snowstorm to get married at Banff National Park. Their breathtaking wedding photos have since gone viral across social media platforms, inspiring thousands with their story of unwavering commitment.

The Unforgettable November Ceremony

The couple had planned their intimate elopement for November 10, 2025 at the picturesque Peyto Lake Viewpoint in Alberta's stunning Banff National Park. Despite receiving warnings about an approaching snowstorm, Melissa and Devon refused to postpone or change their wedding plans, demonstrating remarkable determination from the very beginning.

Their photographers, Marcin and Dorota Karpowicz, who were hired to capture the ceremony, noticed the concerning weather forecast predicting heavy snow and strong winds on the wedding morning. Following professional advice, they contacted the couple to suggest either postponing the event or moving to a more protected location. However, the bride remained steadfast in her decision to proceed as planned.

"Melissa said, 'No, no, no—I would love to go,' despite the bad forecast," Marcin later told AccuWeather, highlighting the couple's enthusiastic commitment to their original vision.

The Snowy Hike and Ceremony

The wedding party embarked on their planned 30-minute hike to the ceremony location despite the deteriorating weather conditions. Melissa began the journey wearing a beautiful long-sleeved white gown complemented by a warm fur-lined cape, perfectly suited for the winter wonderland setting.

Their officiant, Cole Hofstra, showed equal dedication by agreeing to perform the wedding ceremony in the extreme weather. Once the group reached their destination at Peyto Lake Viewpoint, the couple exchanged vows surrounded by swirling snow and howling winds, creating a magical and unforgettable atmosphere.

The resulting photographs captured stunning moments of pure romance and adventure. In one particularly striking image, Melissa and Devon hold hands as powerful winds lift the bride's cape dramatically while snowflakes dance around them. Another beautiful photo shows the couple walking through the snow-covered landscape, with Devon turning back affectionately toward his bride.

Social Media Sensation and Reactions

After the photographers shared the wedding photos on their Instagram account @bdfk_photography, the images quickly went viral, sparking an overwhelming wave of positive reactions from people around the world.

The photography team celebrated the memorable ceremony in their Instagram post, describing it as "beautiful" and praising officiant Cole Hofstra for performing "such a heartfelt ceremony, despite the wild wind swirling around us." They also mentioned that the weather eventually calmed down, allowing for additional peaceful photos at nearby lakes.

Social media users expressed their admiration through numerous comments. "I was there a few months ago, and this was definitely worth the hike!" one Instagram user wrote. Another commented, "I got married in a national park. But this is a different level of commitment," while a third user acknowledged the officiant's dedication: "Shout out to the official that endured that hike as well, with no grand jester at the end."

The couple's extraordinary determination to celebrate their love despite nature's challenges has not only created unforgettable memories for themselves but has also inspired countless others with their story of romance, adventure, and unwavering commitment to each other.