Eloping at 12,000 feet

Olga and Ethan met at The Air Force Academy so it’s only natural for them to want to elope among the clouds at one of the higher points in Colorado! Ever the adventurers, these two make their love work despite having military careers on opposite sides of the country. I was only too happy when I got their email inquiring about some wild and wonderful wedding photos. They eloped alone, wanting this occasion to be just the two of them, but were super excited to surprise their families with the photos. Olga said she was pretty sure everyone suspected they were up to something on this trip—everyone knows them so well!

Arapahoe Basin holds a special place in their hearts and they wanted their photos to be centered around there. Since we photographed at the very end of May, I was used to most out of towners expecting Spring so I cautioned them that we most definitely still have snow up here and are they going to be okay with that. Well…not only were they okay with it, they replied that they had specifically wanted snowy pictures! Hooray!!

Despite a snowy and rainy spring here in Summit County, Olga and Ethan’s day dawned beautiful and stayed beautiful. We got a few fresh snowflakes even! Check out their adorable photos below.

Ashley & Eric's Self Solemnizing Ceremony on Lake Dillon

When Ashley first contacted me to shoot photos of her and Eric’s self affirmation ceremony I was super excited. Self affirmation ceremonies are a little like unicorns in the wedding industry. It’s this fantastic idea that’s wholly romantic yet very elusive and rarely seen. I love the idea of two people coming together with literally nothing else mattering but their vows to each other. No fuss. No huge expense. Just very personal and meaningful.

Given the levity of self affirmation ceremonies, the honor of photographing them isn’t lost on me. As the singular witness to this beautiful moment, the task to capture it faithfully and beautifully falls soley on me. There’s no guest stories and memories of the day, just Ashley & Eric’s experience and my photos. I had an awesome time with these two hiking Tenderfoot Mountain in Dillon, Colorado to the spot they chose for this occasion. We journeyed through aspen groves and under towering lodgepole pines to get to the overlook with breathtaking 180 degree views from Keystone mountain, to the Tenmile Range, to Buffalo Mountain in Silverthorne.

Check out their photos below and leave them some love in the comments!

Amy and Charlie's Breckenridge Anniversary

Eeek! So I can’t begin to tell you guys how much I love these two! I met Amy years ago back when we both still lived in the D.C. area. We had a bunch of mutual friends and she ended up doing a studio session with me (back when I had a studio! Oh how I miss it!). Fast forward a few years and she has met the love of her life, gotten engaged, AND moved to Colorado! Trifecta!

Amy and Charlie are an adorable pair; so sweet with each other, happy and chill but energetic, as well as both fans of animals and the great outdoors. When they suggested an anniversary session in the winter on their 3rd dating anniversary, I jumped at the idea. My love of winter sessions is strong and to boot, this one happened to be a day that we had that massive bomb cyclone snowstorm here in Colorado, so boy did we get some winter!

When we all saw the forecast we went into a bit of a panic. We want snow, but bomb cyclone?! What even IS that?! But we planned to try and start the day as early as possible and have as many backup spots as possible. Good thing we did because it took every last backup spot I had to reach this awesome site—Boreas Pass.

Boreas is closed in the winter to vehicles but it’s an easy hike in to this amazing spot if you’re willing to strap on some boots, snowshoes, or yak tracks. Views of awesome craggy cliffs, forests, and even down into Breckenridge itself. It’s a great spot not just for an anniversary/engagement session but would be perfect for an elopement spot too!

The drive started out with some light snow on our way to spot one, then by the time we reached it we were in a near whiteout. On to spot two, which looked underwhelming with lack of a view. On to spot three which again was barely visible. So down to spot 4 where the weather gods and goddesses were on our side. As we approached the snow lightened and the blue skies came out. Insane. Like the eye of a hurricane! We had just enough time to do the session before it started snowing lightly at the tail end. By the time we were driving back, all the craziness started up again.

Take a peek below at the awesomeness!