Destination Elopement in Telluride
This past August, I had the honor of joining Lauren & Glen in Telluride, Colorado for their destination elopement. These two traveled from their home state of Arizona for an intimate vow ceremony with their precious dogs as their witnesses. (Fun fact: Did you know your dogs can sign your marriage license in Colorado?) Glen is originally from Australia, where his family still resides, which prompted their decision to elope with family so far away. This one was an experience I’ll never forget!
Adventure Elopement
Out of all the elopements/weddings I shot this past season, this one stands out for a number of reasons, namely the weather! Lauren & Glen were unbelievably laid back, which came in handy when our initial game plan was affected by heavy rain. Please know that when I say rain, I really mean a torrential downpour after driving miles into the Colorado wilderness along Yankee Boy Basin road.
Not only were we concerned that the dirt road would wash out from the weather (yikes!), photos weren’t an option because the rain had the potential to ruin my camera equipment! After some deliberation, the couple was totally up for switching gears, thankfully, so we regrouped and drove to a backup location in Telluride which was about 45 minutes away.
Telluride Wedding Ceremony
If rain brings luck on your wedding day, Lauren and Glen are swimming in good fortune because the rain didn’t let up the entire drive to the second location! Fortunately, minutes after we arrived the skies cleared and the sun came out which allowed this sweet couple to move forward with their vows. Lauren braved the terrain in heels and a gorgeous ivory lace dress with Glen and their sweet pups at their side for a heartfelt, intimate ceremony.
After exchanging vows and popping a bottle of champagne to celebrate, the couple also opened a message in a bottle. Small, personal touches like this make wedding ceremonies more unique and even more special! Apart from being unique, the message in a bottle was one of the most romantic gestures I’ve seen in a ceremony. About a year after meeting, Glen wrote Lauren a letter that he intended for her to read on their wedding day because at that moment he realized he wanted to marry her. I couldn’t help but sob tears of joy behind the lens during these moments! (And no worries, as deep believers in respecting the beauty of the forest and leaving no trace, the glass was of course collected at the end!)
For me, the takeaway from this elopement is that Love Conquers All. The love these two shared for one another and the day we had experienced was incredible! I left their ceremony feeling like I’d gained two new best friends and we’ve continued to stay in touch. Lauren & Glen, this experience was unlike any other and I’m so grateful to have been present with you on your special day. I wish you all the best in your marriage and future adventures together.
