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.
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.
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.
