Kate + Ryan

They aren't wrong when said " The mountains are calling".. we answered, and had the time of our lives.

Kate + Ryan invited me to join them for their elopement in Colorado.. if you know me at all, you'll know that Colorado is one of my favorite places. We all have been in anticipation for this trip for the last 6 months and to try to describe our adventure is going to be a challenge because there aren't words.
We ventured to Collective Retreats in Wolcott Colorado where we spend three incredible days and two nights in their tents on the side of a mountain. The mountain air swept us off our feet with the views, the impeccable hospitality and a farm to table 3 course rehearsal dinner we will never forget. Like seriously, hands down the best food I have ever eaten. This set the tone of how the rest of our time in Colorado was going to be, and it left us saying over and over how this experience has been perfect.
Since we spent 3 days in the mountains and a day in Breckenridge, there are a ton of images.. but I wanted to share the absolute bliss from the Wedding Day.
I'm not sure what was more comfortable, the beds in the tents at Collective, or the dry mountain air.. because we slept like heaven and then woke up to coffee and breakfast being served. After gathering the wedding wear, Ryan picked Kate a bouquet of wild flowers from camp (hearts are melted) and we trekked the 1/2 mile down to the rental car and left for Breckenridge.
We had all day to enjoy and we did.. stopping at a local cigar shop for Ryan, Breckenridge Distillery for a couple cocktails and then proceeded to Blue Lake Trail. Kate ended up getting ready at the distillery and Ryan literally had his own woodsy dressing room in the pines of the mountain haha.. which ended up being a perfect location for the first look. We met with our awesome officiate Phil ( I swear everyone in Colorado is rad as hell) and adventured to Blue Lake where the ceremony would take place. We had the most perfect weather, though in the mountains that can change in a moment. The vows exchanged, the tears of absolute happiness shed, the smiles and the wind running through our hair, champagne popping, dress ripping, foot cutting, waterfall bustling, sun shining ..I don't really know how to describe the bliss we all felt after this.. so I'l let the images take you away. But we did end our super relaxed, breathtaking day with some bomb tacos and complimentary bubbles and churros.
Every person we ran into was so happy that Kate + Ryan had just gotten married.. everyone wanted to celebrate.

Elle + Dave

An early morning elopement on the sands of Port Crescent State Park, big foot cake toppers and a Wes Anderson style of imagery. These sweethearts and their witnesses ( Dave’s grandparents) were truly a wonderful experience.

Dave, a long time friend and Elle, a beauty inside and out.. are two of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. They deserve every ounce of love and light in this world.

This was easily one of the best mornings in 2023, enjoy the smiles while getting ready in a cute mid century airbnb with the first look in the front yard. The warm summer sunshine peeking in and out of the clouds, the gusty wind and all the laughter. This day forever imprinted on our hearts and minds.

Day after session

Jennifer + Bobby

Sometimes one day isn’t enough to explore everything that we want..especially when you rent a cute airbnb on Lake Superior. Beach sounds and coffee vibes were a morning treat before heading home <3

Whitney Hotel

Emily + Alex

A historical beauty combined with such love. Emily + Alex are two incredibly passionate people and their love shines like no other. We adventured to Detroit, to the David Whitney Hotel. Quickly was dressed in the bathroom, had a beautifully private first look in one of the main floor’s dining rooms, and private ceremony upstairs with just both sets of parents and Emily’s grandmother. Emily’s father was our officiant and it was such an emotional feeling with everyone present.

After the ceremony we had a very romantically moody portrait session, before dinner began and the hotel greeted their public guests.

Intimate elopements are some of my absolute favorite days.

Airbnb

Jennifer and Bobby decided to elope after a year of postponing. They chose the gorgeous Black Rocks on Presque Isle in Marquette Michigan. What a dream. I know Michigan is already perfect in it’s uniqueness but the Upper Peninsula has such beauty that needs more highlights.

Rent yourself a gorgeous Airbnb on Lake Superior, invite your immediate family with a couple close friends for morning festivities, have a ceremony on the edge of the lake and your portraits in the middle of Black Rocks. Hire a personal chef for dinner, cut and eat your cake first, take your first dance together at dusk by the beach and ENJOY IT.

Elopements for the win!

Hair & Makeup : www.freshcoastbeauty.com

4 Eagle Ranch

Kate + Ryan

We couldn’t get enough of Colorado in one day , we wanted to explore more of the camp we stayed in for the elopement and it was everything <3

Elopements are beautiful and intimate, we are normally on location somewhere in a different city or state. A day after session let’s us explore more after the wedding day.. this session is relaxed and fun.

Jessica + Hugh

Sometimes you have to marry your love again in two years.

Jessica and Hugh are two incredible people who had to work through some differences to come back together stronger all while expanding their family along the way. This intimate ceremony was held at Stoney Creek Metro Park with a few friends and Jessica’s sister ( who was a surprise) and their doggie Cato.

It was a perfect relaxed afternoon spent with great company and a lot of laughs.