LGBTQ Elopement in Colorado
PLANNING AN LGBTQ ELOPEMENT
Where to start with this one…one of my favorite LGBTQ Colorado elopements to date! Kass + Shantelle were a dream to work with. I connected with them right away when they inquired because they were both Kansas City natives wanting to elope in Colorado. Having lived in KC before I moved to Colorado, Kansas City and its people have a special place in my heart! <3 There’s really nothing like KC. I’m sure everyone says that about “their” city, but I wish we could pick up the whole city and move it to the mountains. That’s where I’d live. And I think that’d convince Kass + Shantelle to live here, too.
During the elopement planning process, Kass and Shantelle weren’t entirely sure where they wanted to say their vows. They loved the idea of the red rocks at Garden of the Gods or eloping somewhere near Boulder, which is where they stayed on this trip. They settled on an alpine lake about 40 minutes from Boulder – a seasonal elopement location. Kass and Shantelle decided they wanted to elope at sunrise. This decision honestly turned out for the best this day, because the rain did NOT wait until afternoon to hit us. With sunrise hiking elopements, it is important to stick to a timeline in order to time the alpenglow with arriving at your destination. Colorado alpenglow is a spectacular show – before the sun rises completely, it hits the mountains and creates an orange glow on the rocks.
SUNRISE ADVENTURE
Our adventure started about an hour before the sun rose. We met at the trailhead, donned our headlamps and started our hike. Kass and Shantelle actually hiked in their wedding attire! It didn’t take us long to find the perfect ceremony spot near the water. The towering mountains in the background started glowing orange. I knew this had to be the place Kass and Shantelle said their vows.
They had a few accessories to add to their wedding attire last minute. Shantelle helped Kass attach a boutonniere to their red suit, and Kass helped Shantelle with their embroidered wedding cape. If you have short hair and can’t do a wedding veil, consider a cape! This was such a fun and innovative detail on their elopement day.
As they exchanged vows, plenty of emotions were shared and tears were shed. I stayed back about 30-40 feet, so I wasn’t able to hear what they were saying. It looked absolutely beautiful and intimate and intentional – everything your wedding day should be. Kass and Shantelle shared their first kiss and a moment admiring the mountains.
First, we took some photos near their ceremony site. Then we explored a little farther on the trail and found some amazing forested areas – total PNW vibes. There’s nothing better than having Pacific Northwest forests and Colorado mountain landscapes all in one wedding day. As we made our way back to the cars, we stopped in multiple locations for photos to showcase Kass and Shantelle amongst the pine trees. It started drizzling just a quarter of a mile from the trailhead. We decided to call it a day and get warm!
As a Colorado elopement photographer, I specialize in intimate and intentional wedding days like this. From suggestions during the planning process to documenting your elopement day, I’m here to help you create a unique wedding experience. If you love the idea of sharing an intimate and intentional wedding day with your partner, reach out and we’ll start the planning process. I would LOVE to help you dream up your beautiful day!
