Julie and Robert see their marriage as the greatest adventure–that’s why they knew they wanted to start it with something that followed suit.
Their adventure wedding in Colorado was peppered with gorgeous views, rewarding hikes, stunning sunrises, beautiful moments, and one-of-a-kind intimacy you simply cannot get from a traditional wedding.
Both Julie and Robert wanted to spend their wedding day soaking in what it meant to be married, so they opted for a just-them elopement. No guests, no receptions, and no expectations set by anyone else. Instead, they chose the opportunity to embrace their day their way, exactly how they wanted to. And for them, that meant starting the day at 3 in the morning to hike up a gorgeous mountain in the dark.
Even though Julie and Robert started their wedding before the crack of dawn, their energy was buzzing when I met up with them. Because we started the trek up in the dark, there wasn’t a chance to truly look upon and admire the beauty of our surroundings. We did, however, take a few moments to capture some beautiful star photos–one of the many perks of beginning an elopement day in the dark.
When we arrived at their spot, Julie and Robert parted ways to get ready for their day. Each of them took their time preparing for their first look. Julie slipped into a stunning gown while Robert donned a blue suit.
As the sun slowly rose and the mountain sky was painted in breathtaking color, Julie approached Robert at the edge of a lake. She tapped him on the shoulder, and he turned, taking in the beautiful site of Julie in her wedding dress.
They took a few moments to soak in their first looks of each other in their wedding attire. Then, they explored around the lake until they found the perfect spot to enjoy the sunrise and read letters from their loved ones.
They took their time reading letters and letting the sun come up slowly around them. This is something I truly love about the magic of eloping. The only timeline you’re on is your own–if you want to sit and soak in a view and let the magic of the day surround you, you can. There are no guests to please and no reception timeline to worry about.
All you need to concern yourself with is the love of your life and the wedding day of your dreams.
When Julie and Robert were ready, we hiked around a bit more, seeking out the perfect spot for their elopement ceremony. Along the edge of the lake, with the clouds reflecting in the still water, Julie and Robert said their handwritten vows, read out of their own leather vow books. As they exchanged vows, rings, and their first kiss, they were lost in the stillness and sweetness of a day they’d hand-picked. They did exactly what I wish every couple would do–throw expectations of others to the wind, choose each other, and experience a wedding day that’s purely about them.
They took a step further, too. Instead of just soaking in the moment and admiring the gorgeous lake from afar, they decided to hop into two rafts and go for a wedding day kayak adventure–still in their wedding attire, of course.
They paddled around for a bit before stopping off at a small island in the middle of the lake to enjoy a few quiet moments of total solace, just the two of them (no elopement photographer included).
On the hike back down the mountain, Julie and Robert, still in their wedding attire, were greeted with an abundance of congratulations from hikers passing by. This time, we could see the beauty we had missed on the hike up in the dark.
We took a few more moments to really embrace our surroundings on the hike down before driving over to a gorgeous pass for more photos.
Afterward, we drove back to their cute Airbnb, right on the river. They posed for photos and popped champagne–they even had a few passersby on rafts photobomb some of their photos. Julie and Robert loved every minute of it.
Their 8-hour day was filled to the brim with excitement, love, joy, and sentimentality–and that’s a day worth everything. They say your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life. And I believe that. That’s why I’m so happy when people like Julie and Robert believe that, too.
If I could give any soon-to-be eloping couples advice, it would be to embrace their wants and desires the way Julie and Robert did. It would be to plan the day that’s perfect for them–not someone else’s standards.
Marrying the love of your life should be the most epic start to an incredible adventure–so have your kind of adventurous wedding day to honor that.
