head due north

Ice Skating Elopement

I’m going to start this blog with a dose of honesty–Sydney and Steve didn’t actually get married on this cold February day in Colorado.

This gorgeous couple agreed to work with me for a styled shoot so I could show other couples (couples who are getting married soon!) the kind of freedom you can have on your elopement day. Sydney and Steve are a real couple, and it’s my deepest hope that if or when they get married someday, they’ll remember how freeing and amazing it felt to do anything and everything they wanted on this elopement day.

When we met at the trailhead on this February day, the temperatures were low–but that doesn’t mean morale was. Sydney and Steve were one of those couples who were down for anything–as long as they were together, they were happy.

A young couple walks through a snowy forest during their Colorado ice skating elopement.

A bride and groom hold each other close during their ice skating elopement.

 

We started the day hiking out to a unique spot in Breckenridge, Colorado–the infamous Breckenridge Troll Statue. This 15-foot-tall wooden troll statue (called  Isak Heartstone) is made entirely out of upcycled materials, and it towers over those who view it. Sydney and Steve spent some time exploring the forest as they made the quick hike to the statue. When we got there, they admired the grandness and whimsy, posing for photos underneath and soaking in some special moments underneath. 

This whimsical hike made Sydney and Steve’s day feel like something out of a fairytale, which was entirely the vibe we were going for. And with that in mind, it made perfect sense that after their ceremony and some photos near the statue, we’d head over to Keystone to go ice skating. 

The best part about their ice skating adventure was that even though not everyone was comfortable on ice skates (I’m looking at you, Steve), they both still had a wonderful time. Sydney moved around seamlessly on her skates, gliding along the smooth ice beautifully. Steve gave it his very best attempt, eventually piling up two kiddie ice skating props to help him along. 

They spent some time getting comfortable on their skates, laughing up a storm, and having a genuinely beautiful time together as they enjoyed the sun setting slowly behind the mountains.

A bride and groom dance in front of a troll statue in Breckenridge, Colorado.

A couple kisses and embraces on their elopement day in Colorado.

A couple skates on the ice during their ice skating elopement.

We captured some portraits as the sun sunk down, and then, as the day was wrapping up, something unexpected happened. A Zamboni driver saw us capturing their special day, and volunteered his machine for a few special portraits. Sydney and Steve jumped on, excited for the chance to take their ice skating elopement to a whole new level.

We stuck around the ice skating area for a long time, and our patience was rewarded with a stunning display of color. The pinks and oranges of the sunset contrasted against the icy blues and whites of Colorado’s winter coat. Even though this elopement might not have been “real,” it was every bit as beautiful and meaningful as if they’d said their vows and gotten married that day. 

I hope some couple out there–maybe even Syndey and Steve–will see this day and know that their elopement can look exactly how they want. 

Whether you want a whimsical day full of fairytale magic or an action-packed day of hiking and activity, your day is up to you–and you should have the day of your dreams when you decide to get married.


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Alex, Coastal Elopement

"We loved our experience having Marcela as our elopement day photographer.

What was even more special about our experience was her ability to set us at ease months before our day. Through constant communication leading up to, and during, the day we got eloped. Her personality is that, in just four days time, we felt as if we've known her for years. 

Ah, but you're wondering about her photos. We loved every thing about them especially the raw emotion captured in many of the shots."

Caitlin, Alpine Lake Elopement

"My husband and I have been trying to put into words how simply amazing working with Marcela was.

From the start we could tell she truly cared about us, our relationship, and our story. She asked us so many questions, valued what we wanted, and kept up with the ever changing plans that came along with planning a wedding.

She made us feel so comfortable, made us laugh till we cried, and captured our true wholesome love for each other."

"We loved every moment of the day she helped create. Marcela was the perfect photographer for our adventure elopement! She worked tirelessly to make our adventure into marriage happen after our first options were snowed in! 

She made us comfortable to be ourselves throughout the whole day while making her job look effortless and fun. Our cheeks hurt from smiling, laughing and a few tears. Marcela captured every precious moment! Her photography is absolutely stunning every way! I highly recommend Marcela for your elopement or wedding!"

Lauren, Sand Dunes Elopement

Amy, Forest Elopement

"Instead of telling us how to pose or interact with each other, Marcela gave us prompts that seemed simple but made a huge difference.

We discussed the weirdest things we loved about each other (which made us laugh) and how we could fulfill each other’s love languages. Amy and I played games with each other and Marcela captured the energy that happened naturally between us.

I love this shoot because it perfectly captures the love we share. It’s incredible to see that love and admiration encapsulated in a photo! Thank you for this!"

Chris, Anniversary Session

"The photos we just got back from Marcela are giving me CHILLS!! She did SO MUCH more than just photograph us — she created special moments that I’ll cherish forever. She encouraged Con & I to genuinely interact & share intimate moments together. She prompted us to tell each other things that we love about one other, ways that the other person inspires us, & how being together has positively changed us.

It was more than just a beach shoot. We ended up giving each other precious, heart melting encouragement & that makes these photos all the more treasured to me."

Andrea, Red Rocks Elopement

"We had a pre-meet with her before the big day which definitely helped me feel more relaxed going into the wedding day. She gave us great suggestions and things to think about to be ready with on the wedding. On the day of she showed up early to help scope out the venue. She was creative to try and pull extra joy into our photographs.

When I look at these photos I see more than just beautiful images. I feel the moments that Marcela helped us experience and the connection we had. I can't thank Marcela enough! We will treasure these moments forever!"

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KIND WORDS

couples I've worked with

160

5 star
review record 

100

years as a photographer

6

My business is rooted in inclusivity, equality for all, and the inarguable truth that love is love. I am whole-heartedly and endlessly committed to capturing and celebrating your love regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

My Values

+

dollars donated to charity

10,400

houseplants
(and counting!)

18

countries visited so far

22

%

I deliver fully-edited images. I never deliver RAW, or unedited, images as they are not a reflection of my work. Every photo has my custom look applied, and is adjust for things like brightness and optimal color. I will remove small blemishes that aren't usually there but I generally don’t retouch images more than that. Your skin is part of you and your beauty and I want to capture it as authentically as I can. 

Do you edit or retouch images?

My travel fees are included in all my packages as long as I can access your location via commercial airline and 2WD. The only time there would an additional fee is if your location is more remote and requires a charter plane or if I need to rent a high clearance 4WD. Other than that, I'll take care of my own travel costs! You don't have to worry about additional travel fees like hotel stays or meal purchases.

Tell me more about travel costs

I know from personal experience that it can seem like ages when you're waiting for images. My photographer took 12 weeks to deliver my images!

That's why I work hard to deliver them within 6 weeks. I also make sure to send over some sneak peeks soon after your elopement day so you can share with family and friends!

When will we receive our images?

Because you receive high-resolution, un-watermarked photos, you are welcome to print them at any shop but printing via me guarantees the best quality. You can order these prints from your personalized gallery.

Along with professional quality prints you can also order calendars, announcements, and frames through our partnered labs. I test the prints and colors to my labs’ printers to make sure your photos print accurately and beautifully.

Where can we buy prints?

In addition to elopements, I also love to capture other wild adventures like a canoe or kayak engagement session, helicopter elopement, camping wedding, desert session, tree-house engagement, beach elopement, trash the dress session, a multi-day adventure, backpacking session and much more!

Do you only photograph elopements?

On average, I provide about 50 images per hour of shooting. This number varies depending on the weather, how your day unfolds, the type of session and time. Elopements range anywhere from 200-400 photos. Couples sessions are typically around 100.

I believe in quality over quantity and aim to deliver the best of the best photos from your day.

How many images can we expect?

Because my travel schedule & pricing structure is constantly evolving, I generally don't book elopements more than 18 months out (with the exception of international destination weddings).

Couples usually book elopements anywhere from 3-12 months out. If you're more spontaneous or just eager to get married and want a last minute elopement, definitely reach out! I might have a space just for you. 

How far in advance should we book?

Couples sessions can be for engagement photos, honeymoon photos, day-after sessions, anniversary photos, vow renewals, or just cause you wanna. I’ll help you plan a session that tells your story, including location suggestions, activities, and assistance with outfit planning. It can be as simple as a cozy morning in a cabin, or as adventurous as climbing a mountain. Couples sessions can’t be used for an elopement (because your wedding day deserves a whole lot more than that) and I have other packages specifically for elopements!

Couples session vs elopement

Absolutely! I want to make it very clear that I support love & marriage for all.

I believe that everyone deserves to have the perfect wedding day and I want to help you make yours just that.

Love is love and it comes in many forms. I'm just thrilled to be able to capture it!

Will you photograph LGBTQ+ ceremonies?

Absolutely. In fact I prioritize these session! Because I am a storyteller at heart, I want to tell the whole story – before & after and in-between. This type of coverage works well if you're camping out with your friends the night before, or traveling to a destination with all of your family, or backpacking to a spot for your adventure elopement. I want to capture it all.

Do you offer full-weekend coverage?