What an absolute whirlwind of an adventure we had with Jolie and Kostas. They ended up needing a glorious 2 days with Juan and I in Ushuaia – Tierra Del Fuego – the end of the earth, and the furthest city south you can get! Which means, yep, it’s subantarctic and only 500 miles across the ocean to Antarctica. WHICH MEANS.. PENGUINS LIVE THERE. Also a ton of other insane wildlife, but I digress. 🙂

Jolie and Kostas had an amazing experience on Isla Martillo with the penguins, but that was separate from what we all did together. So much to see, so little time! (Though don’t worry, last time I was there I did see the penguins too, which, 10/10 recommend booking a tour with Piratour if you’re ever there!).

One Day 1 of their adventure. we hopped on an old steam locomotive train – El Tren del fin del Mundo! The train at the end of the world. It was pretty rainy and wet, which made for a wonderfully scenic and gorgeous ride to the National Park. They have this adorable service where you can have a more private coach and they serve you lunch or breakfast while you enjoy the beautiful views. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the wild horses. And we were!

As we arrived at the National Park, we hiked on the Senda Costera trail. I’ve been before, and knew that it had the most lovely ocean and mountain views with a mix of lush forest. It was like a moody fairytale, and Jolie and Kostas were just freakin’ fun, adorable, playful, humans. I couldn’t have asked for a better couple to photograph. We also took a hot minute to hit up a tiny post office at the head of the trail, where you can officially have your passport stamped with penguin stamps! So, hell yeah we did that! 

On Day 2, this is where the magic really happened. It was officially their ceremony day, and boy did we have plans! After flying the drone over their gorgeous hotel (Hotel Arakur) and the surrounding mountains, Jolie and Kostas got ready together in their room with a view overlooking the Ushuaia channel (canal beagle), where the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean meet – fun fact!

Once all dolled-up and wedding ready, we were picked up and taxied to Heliushuaia – where the loveliest humans take you in a baller helicopter ride over the Andes Mountain range. It. Was. Magical. The weather was perfect, and the views were legit insane. Jolie and Kostas also had a custom service where we were able to land for around 40 minutes so they could have their ceremony amidst the mountains, and have an opportunity to take some stunning portraits. Yours truly prepared and officiated their ceremony while my trusty assistant, Juan, snapped some photos. They shared beautiful vows, exchanged rings, and committed themselves as partners in the most intentional of ways.

The pilot was also kind enough to take us on a guided tour over more of the Andes Mountain range and Laguna Esmeralda – a gorgeous turquoise laguna surrounded by the rolling hills (and a separate hike you can also do). After this incredible tour, we landed back on ground in Ushuaia and headed to the Arakur hotel trails for a delightful picnic and first dance. After MUCH effort to uncork the champagne, it hilariously did not spray as intended, but they made the most of it and celebrated with charcuterie, chocolates, and cake.

We are so grateful to have been part of such an amazing elopement experience. <3

LOOK AT IT.