Updated: August 7, 2026
When Liv and Aaron first sat down with me to talk about their elopement, one thing became instantly clear: they weren't interested in a cookie-cutter wedding day. They wanted an experience that really reflected their relationship, and that focused on each other.
As an elopement photographer, my absolute favorite part of the job is helping couples curate a day that feels completely authentic to their story. I always tell my couples to approach their elopement with a "sing like nobody’s listening" mindset. Forget the traditional timelines, ignore the pressure of what a wedding "should" be, and design a day that reflects what you love most.
For Liv and Aaron, that meant trading a massive production for a ferry ride across the sound, quiet vows by the ocean, local cider, and their incredible rescue dachshund, Albie, tagging along for every single step.
Liv + Aaron
Elopement at Bowen Island
Their elopement started on BC Ferries from Horeshoe Bay to Bowen Island
That spontaneous summer evening officially became their first date.
Fast forward through years of Whitecaps soccer games, road trips, adopting their spicy rescue bunny Willow (who fast became Aaron’s work-from-home buddy), and eventually welcoming their adorable rescue dachshund, Albie, into their lives. When it came time to propose, Aaron brought things full circle, taking Liv back to that same park from their first date before having dinner at their old building's restaurant.
Liv and Aaron’s love story started right in their old apartment building. They were originally just neighbors sharing a communal patio—Aaron spending his lunch hours reading, and Liv tending to her daily gardening. Months of friendly waves eventually turned into a conversation about architecture and plants, only to discover they even subscribed to the exact same niche magazine.
When a group patio party was planned in their building, both of them (self-proclaimed non-partiers) secretly planned to skip it. Once they realized the other was opting out too, they decided to skip it together and head to a nearby park instead.
From Patio Neighbors to Life Partners
I’d spent hours looking into photographers, getting quotes, and doing intro calls. Shawna stood out right away. She was relaxed, friendly, and felt like someone we’d actually want to spend time with; which was important, since we were with her for most of the day.
Olivia
They wrote their vows on Bowen Island
When we were designing their elopement day, bringing their story back to Bowen Island was a no-brainer. It represented comfort, history, and the beautiful coastal nature they both love so much.
Not to mention, Bowen is still a bit undiscovered. There are definitely tourists, but you can find quite places all to yourselves, especially in the shoulder seasons.
While Liv was born and raised in the Vancouver area, Aaron’s family moved around a lot growing up; until they landed on Nex̱wlélex̱wm (Bowen Island). It became his Canadian hometown and the place he lived the longest.
Early in their relationship, Aaron introduced Liv to the island, and it quickly became their favorite retreat for quiet weekend getaways and Christmas holidays.
Why Bowen Island of all places?
They spoke heartfelt vows to each other on Bowen Island
We then got to celebrate a little at a local cidery on the island. I am not normally a cider fan myself, but I will say, I did enjoy what I tasted! I had to be a little cautious with the giant glass in front of me... operating a camera under the influence might not kill anyone, but you could see it in the gallery.
Being fully vegan myself, I was especially excited that Liv is fully vegan and Aaron eats mainly plant-based right alongside her. It makes food easy! They had generously bought us all vegan wraps from Body Energy Club, and I was surprised at how good they were. Perfect fuel for the rest of the day.
We wrapped up (HA pun 100% intended) the afternoon catching the golden hour light along the coast for some final sunset photos before boarding the ferry back to the mainland.
We started the morning by hopping on the ferry at Horseshoe Bay, watching the misty coastal views unfold as we crossed over to Bowen. Right by their side was Albie, who was an absolute star the entire day.
Once on the island, we took a slow walk with Albie to let everyone settle into the surroundings. Liv and Aaron found a quiet spot right by the ocean to sit together and write out the final words of their vows. Standing on the rocky shore with the waves crashing below them, they read those heartfelt promises to each other. There were tears, lots of quiet laughs, and a total sense of peace knowing they were doing this entirely on their own terms.
After the ceremony, we explored a bit more of the island's trails and coastal spots, letting Albie lead the way.
The Elopement Day: Vows, Coastal Walks, and Local Cider
We had an amazing sunset session on Bowen Island
If you're currently dreaming up a day that breaks the mold, take a page out of Liv and Aaron's book: do it your way, bring the dog, and don't look back.
I've heard of many regrets of people having big weddings they never wanted. I have never heard of anyone regretting eloping and authentically celebrating each other.
Liv and Aaron's day was a beautiful reminder that your wedding day doesn't need to be a grand spectacle to be deeply meaningful.
Whether it's including your beloved rescue pets like Albie, choosing a location that holds years of memories, or just eating your favorite food by the ocean, your elopement should feel like the ultimate reflection of your love story.
Making Your Elopement actually Yours
"Working with Shawna for our Bowen Island elopement was, without a doubt, the absolute best decision we made for our entire wedding day!
From our very first call, we felt an instant connection with her. As two self-proclaimed 'not big partiers' who met as patio neighbors, we were pretty nervous about the idea of being in front of a camera. But Shawna made all of those worries completely melt away. She encouraged us to ditch the traditional expectations and 'sing like nobody's listening'—and that mindset changed everything for us.
She helped us curate a day that felt so deeply personal and grounded in our story. From taking the ferry over to Bowen Island with our rescue dachshund, Albie, tagging along for every single moment, to sitting on the rocky shore writing our vows and wiping away happy tears by the ocean—every second felt like magic. Shawna has this incredible, warm energy that makes you feel like you're just hanging out with one of your oldest friends. Having Albie be such an integral part of the day meant the world to us, and Shawna embraced his little personality as much as we do!
She captures raw, genuine emotion like nobody else. Looking back at our photos, we don't just see how beautiful the day was—we actually feel how quiet, joyful, and completely present we were, right down to celebrating with plant-based food and local cider afterward.
If you want an elopement photographer who will hype you up, advocate for your vision, love your pets like her own, and turn your unique love story into absolute art... do not hesitate for a second. Shawna is the real deal!"
Testimonial by Olivia & Aaron
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