Rocky Mountain Park Elopement - Dream Lake
This was one of my favorite elopements because the location was incredible and the couple has some of the sweetest moments I’ve ever had the privilege to be a part of as a photographer. Chelsia and Kenney wanted a simple, yet memorable wedding day. The pair chose to have their elopement in Estes Park so they could take full advantage of a day well-spent in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park is perfect in the summer - the flowers are blooming, the animals are out and about, and the weather is ideal. Most days are sunny, which made for a beautiful picture-perfect wedding day for Chelsia + Kenney.
The day started with one of my most favorite first looks. Funnily enough, Chelsia drove from Denver with Kenney blindfolded in the back seat so he couldn’t see her until they arrived at their planned location. Once we arrived and were ready to get the day started, Kenney and Chelsia went to different sides of a woodsy opening to put on their final touches. Chelsia’s sister was there and complimented the moment with some romantic music. As Kenney turned around and saw Chelsia for the first look, he had the BIGGEST smile on his face. There were lots of laughs and giggles, hugs and kisses, and then the two began to just hold each other and sway to the music. It was an absolutely perfect, intimate moment to start their wedding day.
After the first look, we headed to hike Dream Lake. The hike was a bit crowded that day as we had chosen a later start in peak tourist season for the park. As Chelsia and Kenney hiked to the lake in their wedding attire, every hiker on the trail shouted their congratulations. It was so much fun! We stopped at various spots along the way - taking our time to enjoy the scenery and the experience, and capturing photos at multiple locations along the trail. When we finally reached Dream Lake, the view was stunning! The Cameron Peak fires were at the height of their rage at this point of the summer, so we had to battle some drifting smoke that floated into the park area from the nearby fires. Luckily, the smoke cleared just as we reached Dream Lake - making for dreamy, ethereal-like photos with a pretty haze around the mountain peaks. Kenney and Chelsia took their time and explored the lake, stopping frequently to sit and soak in the views as they enjoyed each other’s company. After spending almost two hours at the lake, we headed back down the trail to go to the “official” ceremony.
Chelsia and Kenney had planned their elopement a bit last minute, so there were no permits available in RMNP to say their vows. Instead, we chose a picture-perfect location in Estes Park where a few of their family members were able to meet us for the exchanging of vows. Chelsia had planned a few surprises for Kenney - a string section performing beautiful love songs and a private chef catering a mountaintop meal. Chelsia led Kenney up the short trail blindfolded and revealed the surprises she had for him. He was stunned. As she began walking down the makeshift “aisle” to him they both became a little teary. It was the softest, sweetest moment of the day. They joined hands and read the vows they had written to each other as the sun dipped behind the Rocky Mountain peaks.
Once the vows were exchanged, Chelsia and Kenney were treated to a gourmet meal by Summit Brunch. They popped champagne, danced to the songs of the string ensemble, and watched the sunset as they ate a luxuriously delicious meal. They ended the night with a starlit dance to their favorite song as a couple, holding each other close as the sounds of the strings floated into the mountains. As the song ended I heard Chelsia say “I’m sad it’s all over… this was the best day” to which Kenney responded, “Babe, it’s not over…. It’s just the beginning”.
Chelsia and Kenney were ideal clients — I helped them plan the locations and timeline of the elopement and they were super easy-going and focused on spending time and making memories with each other! I am so grateful we were able to work together to make the most special wedding day.
