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Breckenridge Engagement Sessions

 head due north

There’s something undeniably magical about adventure elopement photos, right? Maybe it’s the scenery; maybe it’s the passion in a couple’s eyes; maybe it’s in the knowledge that two people chose to do exactly what they wanted on their wedding day. Whatever it might be, when you look at adventure elopement photos, you can feel it deep in your bones.

But I have a secret. 

That magic? It doesn’t just happen because a couple elopes in a beautiful place. Sure, the landscape is always stunning. The adventures are always incredible. And the stories couples have of their elopement day are always ones that ring true to their most authentic selves.

But the real magic you see in elopement photos? That comes from the love a couple feels for each other–and capturing that love by freezing a moment in time is what makes it truly magical. 

And guess what? You don’t have to be eloping to have that magic captured. And that can happen in any session–an engagement session, an elopement, or even just a single capture of a couple in love.  In fact, when I look at photos of Sarah and Tom’s Breckenridge engagement session, I feel exactly what I feel when I look at a couple’s elopement photos. 

It’s that raw and beautiful mix of love and joy–but also the freedom of knowing they’re expressing their love and choosing to celebrate their engagement their way. 

Sarah and Tom fell in love slowly but so surely. Watching them together, it’s easy to see why they make sense. They’re playful and funny, speaking in a language of inside jokes. But mostly, they’re incredibly comfortable with each other–they’re obviously deeply in love, but they’re also each other’s very best friends. 

When we met for their elopement session, we initially spent some time exploring Loveland Pass. This area is downright breathtaking, but known for some questionable weather in the spring. We weren’t there too long before windy and cold conditions gently nudged us toward another secret spot for their photos. 

Even though both of them seemed a little nervous about photos, all they needed was the slightest encouragement to focus on each other–and everything else seemed to melt away. In what felt like just a few moments, any anxiety about capturing their love vanished. In place of nerves and anxiety were simply belly laughs, silly poses, and a beautiful couple wrapped up in each other. 

And you know what? It was perfect. There’s never a right or a wrong way to let someone capture your love. Because your love–the love you and your partner share–is entirely unique and wholly beautiful. If I give a couple the slightest direction, all I ever want from them is to do what feels right. I’m there to capture your love as it is–never to pose you uncomfortably or make you feel like how you’re experiencing your day is wrong. 

Sarah and Tom leaned into that in the most beautiful way. Their day was goofy and silly, authentic and honest, and genuinely a stunning picture of what makes their love so fun and unique. They sang silly TikTok songs to each other, busted out into fake fights in the snow, and just spent time enjoying the heck out of the moments they spent together. 

And that’s exactly the point of engagement photos. In fact, that’s the point of every sort of moment you want to capture–to be your authentic self, living in the moment so you can remember it forever. 

I’m lucky enough to be the photographer capturing their elopement later this year, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to spend more time with Sarah and Tom. Being able to get to know them before their day was such a beautiful experience for me–and it means I’m truly counting down the days until their adventure elopement in the Fall. 

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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! Great Sand Dunes felt like the perfect unique place for two Floridians who met in the mountains.

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.

She asked us to talk about our first date. 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!! They are absolutely stunning!!!

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

5

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

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