We are so glad that we met Anna and James and were able to be a part of their intimate wedding in Breckenridge (one of our favorite places on planet earth, by the way). These two and their family were so welcoming to us and we’re excited to finally share their Colorado wedding! This was the perfect blend of having an “elopement” experience while still comfortably celebrating with family. Anna and James were super intentional and chill about their wedding day, and it really shows in their photos.
We started their wedding day with a short sunrise hike up in the mountains for their private vows. After hiking in the dark for a little while, we got to see stunning alpenglow on the mountains surrounding us. It was truly incredible! After a first look, they exchanged vows in the grassy meadow. There were many tears, laughs, and hugs. We both remember the morning just feeling super quiet and still.
It’s always such a huge relief and excitement for our couples to finally get to say their vows. So we were happy they were able to do it first thing in the morning! Since they woke up super early for their wedding day, they made sure to have a coffee picnic date afterward. They brought one of their favorite coffee roasts, a Jetboil, and their Aeropress and made their favorite cup of coffee. James even made some extra coffee for Ryan to drink (he never turns down coffee). After a few hours alone in the mountains away from family, we all headed back to the cabin to enjoy an early afternoon nap. For anyone doing a sunrise adventure, an afternoon break/nap can really help you be rested and awake for the evening.
So after a little nap, they started getting their cabin backyard ready for their family ceremony and celebrations. Everyone helped out and were excited to have their “official” ceremony, celebrate, and play yard games! There were so many sweet and heartfelt moments during the ceremony and throughout the whole evening.
Anna and James also hired a private chef to prepare amazing ravioli pasta from scratch. They had a multiple course meal and it was some of the best food we’ve ever had. A few family members gave some speeches during dinner which brought out even more tears and hugs. And then an unexpected rainstorm moved in (that’s Colorado for ya). So everyone grabbed their plates of food and went inside the cabin. Everyone found a seat near the fire to finish eating and have warm conversations. The chef had prepared some special deserts for everyone on top of having cake. Anna + James had full bellies of delicious food and new memories to finish their beautiful wedding day.
It’s hard for us to describe the feeling that couples and their families can bring to their wedding day. Anna and James are truly such calming and sweet people. And we’re happy their wedding day in the mountains reflected that. We can’t wait to be back in Breckenridge to explore these mountains with more of our couples in the future. Until then, we’re dreaming back to this day!
Elopement Tips:
- It’s easiest to plan your personal time and family time separately.
- Plan for a break in the afternoon if you wake up for sunrise or early morning photos.
- Make your day as wedding-like or elopement-like as you want! There are no rules. Choose how much adventure you want as part of your experience.
