A Whistler Sliding Centre Wedding | E + J's Mountain Wedding

Some weddings feel polished.
Some feel epic.
And then there are the ones that feel deeply intentional — where every choice makes sense because it reflects the people at the centre of it all.
Erika and Jarrod’s Whistler Sliding Centre wedding was exactly that.

Originally from Vancouver and now living in Finland, these two met at work before being offered the kind of jobs you don’t say no to — designing icebreakers (yes, actual icebreakers) in the Arctic. Their life together has been shaped by travel, curiosity, and saying yes to adventure, and their wedding day carried that same energy from start to finish.

Getting Ready in Whistler Village

The day began at the Crystal Lodge in Whistler Village, with Erika and Jarrod getting ready separately, surrounded by their closest friends. There was laughter, nerves, and that quiet anticipation that builds when you know something meaningful is about to happen.

Jarrod’s sister — and Victoria-based wedding planner behind Your Dream Theme Wedding — had brought her team over to Whistler to help bring everything together. From the start, the day felt smooth, calm, and well-supported, which gave Erika and Jarrod the space to actually be present.

A Private Forest Moment

Before heading up the mountain, we slipped away into the forest.

Just the two of them.

No audience. No distractions. Just a quiet pocket of time where they could read their private vows and take each other in before the rest of the day unfolded. These moments are often my favourite part of a wedding day — not because they’re dramatic, but because they’re honest. Grounding. Real. (Read more about my thoughts on this here.)

It was one of those moments where time slows down, and you can feel how solid their connection is.

A Classic “Icing” (With a Twist)

After reconnecting with the wedding party, things took a sharp turn toward playful.

As the groomsmen lined up for their first look with Erika, she had a surprise hidden under her dress — a bunch of Smirnoff Ice. As soon as they turned around, she stepped back and iced them on the spot. Absolute chaos (the good kind).

To their credit, the groomsmen took it like champs — and Erika and Jarrod joined right in, downing one themselves. It was the perfect reminder that while this day was beautifully designed, it was never going to be overly serious.

A Whistler Sliding Centre Ceremony

The weather shifted as we made our way up to the Whistler Sliding Centre — moody clouds rolling through the mountains, dramatic light, and that unmistakable alpine energy Whistler does so well.

The ceremony site sits high above the valley, offering expansive views that feel both wild and refined — a uniquely Whistler backdrop that doesn’t need much dressing up.

Jarrod’s brother-in-law officiated the ceremony, bringing warmth, humour, and heartfelt emotion into every word. It was personal, meaningful, and full of love — the kind of ceremony where you can feel how supported the couple is by the people around them.

Tacos, Light, and a Packed Dance Floor

After the ceremony, guests moved into cocktail hour and dinner under a beautifully styled tent, with an incredible light tunnel that transformed the space as the evening unfolded.

Dinner was catered by Luz’s Tacos, and it couldn’t have been more perfect — relaxed, delicious, and exactly the vibe Erika and Jarrod wanted. No stiff formalities, just good food, great conversation, and people genuinely enjoying themselves.

As night settled in, the dance floor came alive. Energy was high. And the celebration carried on exactly as it should — loud, joyful, and full of movement.

Why the Whistler Sliding Centre Works So Well

The Whistler Sliding Centre is one of those venues that surprises people. It’s bold, architectural, and surrounded by alpine views that feel dramatic without trying too hard. For couples who want something a little different — something that feels distinctly Whistler — it’s an incredible option.

Paired with thoughtful planning, a strong vendor team, and a clear vision, it becomes more than a venue. It becomes an experience.

Erika and Jarrod’s wedding wasn’t about ticking boxes or following trends. It was about bringing their people together in a place that felt meaningful, and letting the day unfold with intention, humour, and heart.

And honestly? That’s always the goal.