All the storytelling goods
Brainard Lake Recreation Area Elopement in the Fall
Picture this: Your Brainard Lake elopement. You stand hand-in-hand, bathed in the soft, rose-gold light of sunrise, with the majestic mountains as your witness. You exchange heartfelt, personal vows, creating an intimate moment that’s all the more magical with the alpine glow as your backdrop. But wait, the romance doesn’t end there! Imagine sharing your first dance on a rugged mountaintop, the world's most epic dance floor. The air is crisp, the moment surreal, and just when you think it can't get any better, you toast to your forever with your closest family members, bubbles and all. The day's adventures wind down with a cozy brunch and cake at you Airbnb, because who says you can't have your cake and eat it too, with a side of mountain views? This isn't just an elopement; it's an unforgettable sunrise soiree where a moose is the guest of honor.
Setting the Scene: Brainard Lake in the Fall
Ah, fall. The season where nature gets all artsy and starts playing with colors like a preschooler with finger paints. Brainard Lake in Boulder, Colorado, is the masterpiece canvas. Surrounded by the Indian Peaks, its mirror-like waters reflect a riot of reds, oranges, and golds. The best part? It's a bit of a hidden gem for sunrise. And with entry permits now required, you get even more space to yourselves.
Love in the Wild: The Ultimate Brainard Lake Elopement
When Cupid dons a pair of hiking boots and a fleece, you know you’re in for a love story that strays off the beaten path. If you're the kind of couple that could write the manual on wanderlust, then this account of an 'elope-venture' at Brainard Lake is about to tick all the right boxes – alpine glow, vows exchanged amidst nature's grandeur, and yes, even a morning moose guest who RSVP'd to a beating heart and love-drenched confetti of autumn leaves. For the duo decked in love and Gore-Tex, here's a tale of a wild kind of love.
Getting Ready In The Dark
Our daredevils both got ‘prepped and ready’ on their car’s opposite doors in the pitch-black serenade of 5 am. No paparazzi could invade their private moment – just zippers being zipped and shoelaces being laced, all in hushed excitement. The fashion show began with an organic flair as they slipped into their wedding day best. No one had to silence a cell phone; silence was the best-dressed guest here. And pro tip, getting dressed on site means you get to wear sweatpants to the trailhead. When it’s that early in the morning it makes ALL the difference.
Headlamp Hike to the First Look
The night’s still got the stars as they hike up, so those trusty headlamps not only prevent straight up tripping but also set a serious trend. Think Outdoor Chic mixed with Galactic Caught-in-the-Headlights. The ‘first look’ isn’t down an aisle but on this pretty epic trail, the kind of magic-drenched in first light that reminds you why you came all the way to Colorado to elope.
Saying the "I Do’s" with a Moose for Company
Standing on the edge of the world, er, I mean Brainard Lake, they whispered their vows under the glow of peaks turning golden. Just before they sealed it with a kiss, nature embellished their fairy-tale in ways Hallmark could only dream. A moose — likely the mountain’s emissary of good luck — ambled into view. It stared at them with eyes that seemed to say, ‘This wedding, two hooves up!’ Safety's romantic too, so we stepped away to give their wild wedding photobomber some breathing room.
In an elopement, you don’t just have a best man; you might have a moose, too.
Exploring Mother Nature
Think majestic mountain backdrops, serene lakes that mirror the sky, or wildflower fields that look like they’ve been hand-painted just for you. The best part? The only photobombers here are the adorable kind - you know, deer looking all doe-eyed, perhaps a bunny hopping into frame. It’s the kind of whimsical chaos you can’t plan for, but will absolutely adore.
Just a heads up, though, turning Mother Nature into your elopement backdrop does come with its quirks. High heels and soft earth make for a comedy sketch rather than a romantic stroll, so pack those hiking boots like these two smarties. And remember, whether you’re whispering sweet nothings to your partner, or “Ouch” every time you step on a twig, it’s all about making memories that are as wild and beautiful as the setting you choose!
Family Time and Foliage Fizzes
Joined by family, it's time for the 'received pronunciation' part of the day. First dances and champagne toasts become sweeter in the crisp mountain air, with the shimmering lake as your backdrop.
Brunchin' at Their AirBnB A-Frame
Not to be outdone, the day’s second chapter opened at their A-frame AirBnB in Nederland, a setting that seemed to have danced out of a fairy tale. Here, in the snug afterglow of a morning that wrote the word ‘romantic’ in italics, the couple slid from wedding mode to brunch mode. Under that roof, they feasted on a tranquility that could only be served by enjoying the serene property with their favorite people.
The end!
And there you have it – a saga splashed with spontaneity and that raw, unfiltered love that feels more at home off the grid. No Instagram filters or Pinterest boards, just a real couple weaving their story with the thread of the wilderness.
For those couples who've placed their faith in adventure, know that love's greatest journey is the one you pave in the footprints of your own daring dreams.
Get in touch to make your own Brainard Lake memories, and remember, love takes the scenic route.
Ridgway State Park Wedding in the Spring
A dreamy, rainy, and foggy summer intimate wedding at Ridgway State Park and around Ouray, Colorado.
Alright, gather round, peeps, 'cause I've got a story that's gonna blow your socks off. We're talking about a day so epic, it could give Hollywood a run for its money. So grab your avocado toast and your favorite craft brew, 'cause here we go!
Picture this: Two lovebirds, getting ready for their big day in a chill cabin tucked away in the San Juan mountains. But hold up, this ain't your grandma's wedding prep. Nah, we're talking separate preps with their favorite people, complete with flower crowns, Redwing boots, and handcrafted vow books.
Now, let's fast forward to the main event: the first look. One person posted up on the porch, looking fly as heck, while the other strutting their stuff, ready to make their grand entrance. Cue the heart eyes and maybe a few "oh snaps" from the peanut gallery as these two lovebirds lock eyes for the first time.
But wait, it gets better. Enter the red Land Cruiser, the ultimate ride for the ultimate adventure. Our couple hops in, ready to roll out to Ridgway State Park for their intimate shindig with fam and friends. Not sure if you should elope with just the two of you or invite a few guests?
How to Get Married at Ridgway State Park
Alright, listen up, lovebirds, 'cause I'm about to drop some knowledge on how to tie the knot at Ridgway State Park in Colorado. First things first, you gotta do your homework and get your ducks in a row. Here's the lowdown:
Permits and Reservations: Before you start popping champagne bottles, you gotta secure your spot. Reach out to the park office or check their website for info on permits and reservations. Whether you're planning a small gathering or a full-blown fiesta, you'll need to make sure you're good to go with the park authorities.
Location, Location, Location: Ridgway State Park is like a treasure trove of stunning spots to say "I do." Whether you're dreaming of lakeside vows or mountain views for days, there's something for every couple. Scope out the different areas within the park and find the perfect spot that speaks to your vibe.
Vendor Vibes: Once you've nailed down the where and when, it's time to start thinking about the who. You know, the vendors who'll make your day extra special. From photographers to florists to caterers, you'll wanna lock down the dream team to bring your vision to life.
Logistics and Legwork: Okay, so you've got the venue, the vendors, and the vision. Now it's time to get down to the nitty-gritty. Think about stuff like parking, permits, and any rules or regulations you need to abide by. You don't wanna be caught off guard on your big day, so do your due diligence and dot those i's and cross those t's.
Backup Plan: Now, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Mother Nature can be a bit unpredictable, especially in the Colorado Rockies. So it's always a good idea to have a Plan B in case of rain, snow, or alien invasions (hey, you never know). Whether it's a cozy cabin or a nearby venue, make sure you've got a backup plan that's as rad as your original setup.
Rock and Roll: Alright, fam, it's showtime. The big day has arrived, and it's time to party like there's no tomorrow. Soak in every moment, from the "I do's" to the cake cutting to the epic dance floor shenanigans. This is your day, so make it count!
And there you have it, folks, your step-by-step guide to getting hitched at Ridgway State Park.
Now, imagine this: a serene lake, a handcrafted wooden canoe strapped to the roof, and our couple ready to paddle their way into wedded bliss. As they glide across the water, the storm clouds start to creep in, adding a bit of drama to the scene.
But these two aren't about to let a little rain ruin their vibe. Nah, they're all about embracing the adventure, so they ditch the Land Cruiser and head off on a short hike to a dope waterfall, fueled by adrenaline and pure excitement.
When they reach the top, it's like something out of a dream. Water cascading down, the sound of nature all around, and them soaking (literally, its wet) it all in like the boss couple they are. Of course, there's gotta be a photo sesh to capture the moment, 'cause memories like these are too good not to preserve.
But wait, there's one last stop on this epic journey: the Switzerland of America sign, where we all watch as the sun dips below the mountains, casting a golden glow over everything in sight. It's a moment of pure magic, a chance to reflect on the day and soak in the beauty of it all.
And there you have it, folks, a day for the books, a love story for the ages. Here's to these two, may their adventures be wild, their love be fierce, and their future be brighter than the flash of lightning in Colorado during monsoon season. Cheers to love, laughter, and happily ever afters!
Eleven Mile State Park Summer Elopement
An intimate summer elopement at Eleven Mile State Park outside of Lake George, Colorado.
Alright folks, buckle up because I'm about to take you on a wild ride through the most epic elopement you've ever heard of. Picture this: two badass women, their trusty dogs, and a whole lot of love, all set against the stunning backdrop of Eleven Mile State Park. Yeah, you heard me right—this ain't your average love story, folks. It's a tale of adventure, spontaneity, and a whole lot of heart.
So, let's kick things off, shall we? The day started in their brand-spankin'-newly renovated trailer, which they’d just finished out for the big day. Their furry companions lazed around, adding to the cozy atmosphere and excitement buzzing in the air, as they got ready for day ahead.
Fast forward to the shoreline of Eleven Mile State Park, where nature was throwing us one heck of a party. Their dogs, the true MVPs of the day, proudly walked them down the "aisle," tails wagging like there was no tomorrow. And let me tell you, seeing our fur babies leading the charge was a moment I think we’ll all never forget. It was like they knew they were witnessing something special—a forever love embraced the great outdoors with open arms.
As they stood there, hand in hand, the sun casting a golden glow over everything in sight, they exchanged vows that came straight from the heart. But amidst all the extra good mushy stuff, there was one moment that really tugged at my heartstrings. One partner surprised one her mother in law who was there with a bouquet and some heartfelt words of appreciation for her daughter. Because, let's be real, moms are the real MVPs, am I right? It was a tear-jerking moment that reminded me of the power of love and family, no matter what shape or form it comes in. And that heck yeah, you can still have family present at your elopement.
After sealing the deal with a kiss and a whole lot of love, we took a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, soaking in the beauty of the moment. The sky turned a sandy pink, and it was like nature was giving us its stamp of approval. With each step, we felt more alive than ever, knowing that this was just the beginning of their grand adventure together.
And then came the best part: signing our marriage license with their two furry witnesses by their side. It was a moment of pure joy and excitement, knowing that they were officially, legally, a team. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like signing a piece of paper under the starlit sky to make you feel like you're on top of the world.
But the fun didn't stop there, oh no. We wrapped up the day with the most epic feast you've ever seen—smash burgers that would make Gordon Ramsay weep with joy. I mean, we're talking juicy patties, melted cheese, the works. And as we chowed down beneath the twinkling stars, surrounded by nature's beauty, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this crazy, beautiful life we're all living.
As the night wore on, we said our goodbyes and retreated to our own little corner of the world—my trusty suburban and their cozy trailer. And as we drifted off to sleep under our separate parts of the starry sky, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of all the adventures that lay ahead.
California Pass Elopement in Silverton, Colorado
A sunny summer elopement on the top of California Pass in Silverton, Colorado amongst wildflowers and blue skies.
