Joyous Elopement in the Foothills of the Andes
T and N’s wedding along a forested, Argentine lake was truly magical.
T and N met in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic– which had them (and many others) reflecting on their goals and priorities in life. They both became very clear in their hearts and minds about what they wanted. They were ready for a deep and meaningful connection. They were ready for true love!
In the early days of their bond, as they went on adventures, cooked, and watched movies together, T and N started envisioning the future that they both wanted– a happy marriage, adopted kids… A future in which each of them, too, was his very best self. It didn’t take long for T and N to realize that, whatever dream or vision for life they had, it absolutely included each other. They had found their perfect compliment.
T planned a sweet, surprise proposal on a bridge in their “special, happy place”-- Breckenridge, CO. He wrote a note to N– actually, 8 notes– and had various friends show up on the bridge to read them, and then offered N a ring. N, of course, ecstatically accepted.
Because T and N are fairly untraditional and each have a “rebel spirit”, they wanted an elopement story that reflected the adventure that their lives have already been and will be. Furthermore, they love to sight-see, travel, backpack, camp… All things new and adventurous! So it makes sense that they chose Bariloche, Argentina– a place that neither of them had ever been; a place that is vast, timeless, evocative– for their intimate and effervescent elopement. I was especially honored to bear witness to (and to document) T and N’s marriage in the first country in South America to legalize same-sex unions. What a moment!
Bariloche lies at the foothills of the Andes in the Argentine Lake District in Patagonia. Its stunning forests and pristine vast blue lakes provided the perfect backdrop for the culmination of T and N’s happy love story.
Their wedding day began at the lovely Cacique Inacayal Lake & Spa Hotel, where– hearts full of joy and anticipation– the pair cozied up and sipped on mate and then wrote their vows and said a prayer. There, they suited up in their dashingly dapper suits and did their first look on a deck overlooking the misted-over, majestic waters of the Nahuel Huapi Lake. Afterward, we journeyed to the dock to embark on a dreamy boat ride to a secluded island.
On its resplendent sandy shores, with teary eyes and jubilant smiles, T and N exchanged their vows and rings and festooned upon their heads Greek wedding crowns, which symbolize the beginning of a union, much in the same way that wedding rings do.
Here, the newlyweds’ day was replete with even more romance. Surrounded by the striking snow-capped peaks of the Andes, they shared a champagne toast and an afternoon picnic of delectable sweets and more yerba mate.
Later, they roamed the forests of looming 300-year-old trees hand in hand and reveled in the luck and wonder of finding one another, at last. Their perfect day ended with another scenic boat ride, this time to the stunning Llao Llao Resort for sunset portraits and a dinner reception that I was so honored to join.
Check out my recommended vendors, venues, and BnB’s in my complete
…and be sure to see how this venue totally transforms in different seasons:
Madi + Lucas’ March Elopement in the Remote + Wild Chilean Patagonia
Paulina + João’s Autumn Hiking Elopement in Torres del Paine
Ready to Celebrate Your Day Your Way?
Elopement Photographer Andrea Enger (Portrait by Realm Studios)
If you’re ready to get the ball rolling to secure your photographer, let’s do it!
You can do that by filling out the form below, emailing me directly at andrea@andreaengerphotography.com, or by calling or texting me at (720) 739-0784. I look forward to hearing from you!
If you’re still in the research phase, I hear ya! Here are some more resources that my couples have found helpful. I hope you do, too!