Rocky Mountain Elopement - Planned In 5 Days

If I could choose 5 days or 5 years to help a couple plan a dream elopement, I'd pick 5 days every time. Sierra and Dakota reached out to me before the holiday weekend with the desire to elope 5 days later, on Monday, Labor Day. My immediate location suggestion was Rocky Mountain National Park, for a few reasons: Colorado is a self solemnizing state, which means any couple can be legally married without an officiant or any witnesses present, RMNP boasts dozens of diverse landscapes, the park is easy to hike and drive around, and this location is fairly close to the Denver International Airport.

Sierra hadn't picked a dress or florals, and with the holiday weekend coming up, finding a gown in a shop was out of the question. With only a couple days and a few minutes for measurements, Sierra and I came up with a beautiful gown concept, highlighting lace and fringe for a western flair, which I started to put together and then fitted to her on the elopement day.

The florals were sourced from Trader Joes. And Sierra, as a professional hair and makeup artist, was able to create a dewy and natural look for herself.

After spending the afternoon with Dakota and Sierra, and altering Sierra's dress, we headed into the mountains for the most dreamy first look. Dakota and I walked into the valley, surrounded by mountains. Neither Dakota or Sierra had seen western mountains prior to this moment, so the beautify in this moment was intensified by so much. When Dakota was comfortable, I went back to the vehicle and helped Sierra make her way to Dakota through the tall grass. The emotions in a first look are always precious. Adding in the depth and power of the mountains, along with the setting sun and breezes in the grass made this moment feel almost, holy.

After their first look, they said vows to each other, and then we started taking couples portraits in this beautiful place. We focused most of our time in one location, but I had to taken them to the peak just to see the incredible view over the divide as we lost the last little bit of light in the day.

THE DRESS:

With only a couple days for assembly and a few minutes for measurements, Sierra and I came up with a beautiful gown concept, highlighting lace and fringe for a western flair, which I started to put together and then fitted to her on the elopement day. The dress was lined from the shoulders to mid thigh, with a high slit, and sheer sleeves. Every edge, sleeves and the full skirt bottom had long lace and fringe added.

FIRST LOOK:

Dakota and I walked into the valley, surrounded by mountains. Neither Dakota or Sierra had seen western mountains prior to this moment, so the beautify in this moment was intensified by so much. When Dakota was comfortable, I went back to the vehicle and helped Sierra make her way to Dakota through the tall grass. The emotions in a first look are always precious. Adding in the depth and power of the mountains, along with the setting sun and breezes in the grass made this moment feel almost, holy.

VOWS & LEGAL MARRIAGE IN COLORADO:

Colorado is a self solemnizing state, which means any couple can be legally married without an officiant or any witnesses present. After their first look, they said vows to each other, and we started taking couples portraits in this beautiful valley. We focused most of our time in one location, but I had to taken them to the peak just to see the incredible view over the divide as we lost the last little bit of light in the day.