Adventure Elopement in Telluride

Jaime and Joe were referred to me by another amazing couple I’ve worked with in the past. Meeting new, fun, amazing couples is by far one of my favorite parts of this job, but who knew my clients would quickly become my friends. From my first phone call with Jaime, I feel like we really hit it off. She explained her and Joe’s history, how they met, how he proposed and down to business with the wedding plans. Instead of the traditional wedding plan, they both dreamed of hiking a mountain and reading their vows to each other on a mountaintop and let’s be real…I was ALL FOR IT!! I had been dying for my first opportunity to capture an adventure elopement in one of my favorite places in Colorado…TELLURIDE! Jaime and Joe brought not only their dreams to life…but mine too!

We had originally planned to hike to Bridal Veil Falls and onto Blue Lake, but two days before the elopement Jaime and Joe discovered a “crater sized hole” in the road that neither of our cars could conquer. WHOMP WHOMP. Instead of adding 40 mins and a few miles to our hike they discovered another hike nearby that was said to be beautiful.

With my camera gear packed in my new Wandrd backpack and their wedding clothes, picnic, rings, lunch, snacks, mini cake, champagne and masks packed in backpacks we made our 6 mile hike (round trip) up to Hope Lake. 1,500 ft. of elevation gain has never been more challenging yet rewarding. We paced ourselves up the trail and admired the STUNNING surrounding mountain scenery in the distance. It was late September and the fall colors were in full swing. By the time we made it to the lake we all just sat there in awe of it’s beauty. Now, I took a bazzillion photos…but they still don’t do this place justice.

We were directed to “the spot with the best view” by another hiker and quickly set up shop. Jaime and Joe changed into their wedding garb and after a distant first look they hopped on the rock to devote their lives to one another. I usually cry during the vows (literally happens at every single wedding I shoot) but on this day I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself. As Jaime and Joe read their vows to one another there were plenty of laughs and giggles to go around. After exchanging rings and their first kiss as husband and wife, Jaime and Joe were entertained by two nearby hikers singing their hiking version of “Going to the chapel and we’re going to get married…”. Can you hear it? Hilarious.

Next, we headed down to the water for a few portraits then up to an overlook to do their first dance. Now, I don’t mean to be biased…but this was by far THE BEST first dance spot to date. Change my mind. After the dance, we headed back to “the rock” to have a little picnic and pop some champagne before heading back down the mountain just as the sun set.

When I think of these two, I just think about how much fun they had that day…and how much fun I had as their third wheel. This day was one of the most important days of their lives and I have to say it was an exceptional experience for me as well. This is why I love my job. The people, the places, and the magic we create together.

Congratulations again Jaime and Joe!! Love you guys! Cheers!

Keep scrolling to see my favorite moments from that exceptional day.

VENDORS

Hair: Aveda Telluride Spa

Dress: Asos

Flowers: Forever Floral