Epic Ski Elopement Wedding at Keystone

When Karen and Jordan reached out to us to see if we were the right fit for their dream of a ski elopement, we couldn’t have been more thrilled! As avid skiers, they had always imagined that they would do something epic like this for their wedding. They told us that they were having trouble finding photographers who could not only take great photos but also get some action shots while they shredded with their closest friends. We’re so glad they found us! We are avid skiers as well and love any chance we can get out into the mountains!

They started the day with a few runs with their closest friends and then went off just the two of them to have a private vow exchange.

Midway through their vow exchange, a curious ski patrol stopped by and was like, “uhh, what are you guys doing?” We explained they were having a little elopement ceremony and would just be a few more minutes. “Well, this run is closed and we’re doing our last sweep, so try to hurry up.” We were all grateful he let us continue!

After a few celebratory runs, they headed off to the Historic Keystone Ranch for a micro-wedding with their closest friends and family. What a beautiful venue and totally fitting place to celebrate their marriage!

Mountain Magic: Abby and Chandler's Love Story at Piney River Ranch

Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Piney River Ranch is a place where nature's grandeur unfolds in all its splendor. It's a setting where the whispering pines, the pristine lake, and the rugged mountains become witnesses to love stories that are as vast and enduring as the wilderness that surrounds them.

Piney River Ranch, located in Vail, Colorado, is a venue like no other. It's a realm where alpine lakes meet towering peaks and lush meadows embrace crystal-clear waters. Abby and Chandler couldn't have chosen a more fitting backdrop for their love story.

Abby and Chandler's love story is woven with threads of adventure. It was their shared passion for the outdoors that brought them together. As they explored the Rockies, they found not just mountain trails but also a path to each other's hearts.

The ceremony at Piney River Ranch was nothing short of magical. It took place by the tranquil Piney Lake, where the waters mirrored the blue skies and the surrounding peaks. Their vows, spoken amidst the mountains' silent wisdom, were a testament to the grandeur of nature's embrace.

Piney River Ranch offered endless opportunities for capturing the essence of Abby and Chandler's love. From the shores of the lake to the rugged trails, every moment became a piece of art, a fragment of their adventure and connection.

The reception was a rustic affair, echoing the spirit of the Wild West. The lodge's wooden beams and warm interiors created a cozy atmosphere, while the surrounding wilderness provided a sense of freedom and boundless love.

Abby and Chandler's wedding was more than just a celebration; it was a journey. It was an exploration of their love and a vow to keep adventuring together, no matter where the trail led. Piney River Ranch, with its untamed beauty, was the perfect place for the start of this lifelong adventure.

A Quintessential Boulder Wedding: Amelia and Jan's Celebrate at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

In the heart of Boulder, Colorado, lies a venue unlike any other. The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse is a mesmerizing testament to cultural fusion, a place where the traditions of Tajikistan and the beauty of Boulder blend seamlessly. It was within these ornate walls and serene gardens that Amelia and Jan embarked on their enchanting journey of love.

The Dushanbe Teahouse is more than just a venue; it's a work of art. Every inch of its handcrafted beauty speaks of tradition, craftsmanship, and the warm embrace of Tajikistan. Its intricate carvings, vibrant colors, and flourishing gardens transport visitors to a faraway land.

Amelia and Jan's love story is a testament to the power of connection. With laughter as their guide, their journey through life has been nothing short of an adventure. They chose the Dushanbe Teahouse as the place to celebrate their love because, like their relationship, it symbolizes the beautiful fusion of two worlds.

Amelia and Jan's wedding was a celebration of their love and a fusion of their cultures. The Dushanbe Teahouse, with its Tajik influence, provided the perfect setting for their heartfelt vows. The marriage of traditions was a joyous spectacle, with vibrant colors and beautiful customs blending harmoniously.

The Dushanbe Teahouse's garden provided a lush, picturesque backdrop for their wedding day. With its exotic plants, serene ponds, and vibrant blooms, it was the ideal setting for their celebration. The garden's enchanting beauty created a dreamlike atmosphere that captured the essence of their love.

Amelia and Jan's wedding at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse was the quintessential Boulder wedding, blending cultures and love in a setting of unparalleled beauty. It was a day filled with laughter, tradition, and the promise of an exciting journey together. The Dushanbe Teahouse, with its rich history and inviting charm, was the perfect place for this beautiful couple to begin their married life. It was a day that showcased the magical fusion of cultures and love, making it a story to remember for years to come.

Nature's Embrace: Taylor and Trevor's Rustic Fall Wedding at Wild Basin Lodge

Nestled in the breathtaking beauty just outside of Estes Park, Colorado, Wild Basin Lodge stands as a hidden gem, a gateway to the majestic Rocky Mountain National Park. With its rustic charm, scenic ceremony site with mountain views, and enchanting riverbank, it's no wonder that Taylor and Trevor chose this picturesque venue for their fall wedding. In this blog post, we will journey through the natural wonderland of Wild Basin Lodge and explore how it created the perfect backdrop for their dream wedding.

The ceremony site at Wild Basin Lodge is unlike any other. With the Rocky Mountains as the backdrop, Taylor and Trevor exchanged vows against a canvas of unparalleled beauty. The towering peaks seemed to echo their commitment, creating a breathtaking atmosphere that was nothing short of magical.

One of the unique features of this venue is its riverside charm. The serene St. Vrain River runs through the lodge's grounds, offering picturesque spots for capturing precious moments. The tranquility of the riverbank and the soothing sound of water added an extra layer of serenity to Taylor and Trevor's wedding.

Wild Basin Lodge is known for its rustic charm, which perfectly complements the natural beauty of the area. The wooden architecture, cozy interiors, and the surrounding aspen trees made it an ideal choice for a fall wedding. The changing leaves of the aspens added a touch of enchantment to Taylor and Trevor's special day.

Wild Basin Lodge near Estes Park, Colorado, is a wedding venue that effortlessly marries rustic charm with natural elegance. Taylor and Trevor's wedding was a testament to the venue's unmatched beauty and the wonder of Colorado's fall season. As they embarked on their journey together, surrounded by the majesty of the Rocky Mountains and the serenity of the St. Vrain River, their love story became a part of the enchanting tapestry of Wild Basin Lodge, a place where nature truly embraces love.

Embracing Nature's Palette: A Tale of Love and Fall Foliage at The Greenbriar Inn

Nestled in the heart of Boulder, Colorado, The Greenbriar Inn stands as a testament to the undeniable charm of this beautiful region. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, The Greenbriar Inn serves as an enchanting backdrop for weddings, particularly in the vibrant embrace of fall.

Fall in Colorado is a sight to behold. The landscape transforms into a kaleidoscope of warm, rich hues as the leaves change from green to brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. The Greenbriar Inn is perfectly positioned to capture this breathtaking transformation. The ceremony site is bathed in the glow of the season, with the changing leaves adding an extra layer of romance and natural beauty to every wedding.

The Greenbriar Inn is a haven for couples seeking intimate celebrations surrounded by the grandeur of nature. Its serene ambiance and secluded location make it an ideal choice for couples who want to share their special day with a select few. The intimate atmosphere creates a sense of closeness and togetherness that's truly unforgettable.

Emily and Walter's wedding day at The Greenbriar Inn epitomized the beauty of simplicity. With a small guest list, their ceremony felt personal and genuine. Against the backdrop of changing leaves, they exchanged vows that echoed the vibrancy of the season and the warmth of their love. It was an intimate affair that celebrated their unique connection.

One of the standout features of The Greenbriar Inn is its picturesque pond and mountain views. This setting allows couples to enjoy the best of both worlds—serene waters and majestic mountains. These views create a stunning backdrop for photos and provide guests with an opportunity to connect with nature during the celebration.

Emily and Walter's wedding day at The Greenbriar Inn was a day to remember. The bright and vibrant ceremony site, framed by the changing leaves, encapsulated the essence of fall in Colorado. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and the beauty of nature, and we were honored to be a part of it.

The Greenbriar Inn in Boulder, Colorado, offers couples the opportunity to celebrate their love in a setting that embraces the changing seasons, particularly the splendor of fall. Its intimate charm, beautiful pond, mountain views, and vibrant ceremony site make it a standout choice for those seeking an unforgettable wedding experience. Emily and Walter's wedding day serves as a perfect example of how The Greenbriar Inn transforms into a canvas of natural beauty, providing couples with a day that's as vibrant and memorable as the changing leaves of autumn.

The Best Photo Locations in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of our favorite locations for portraits, including engagement, wedding, and family sessions. Only an hour from Boulder, it’s a great option to get incredible views with big mountains, vast prairies, pine and aspen forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife!

We’ll consult with you to choose the perfect locations for you. We have a couple of different driving loops where we can stop and get stunning photos right from the side of the road. If you’re looking for a little more adventure, there are a ton of different hikes of varying difficulty where we can get into backcountry, further from the crowds, and into lesser seen and stunning views! We’d love to go on an adventure with you!

Fall River Road Entrance

This is the entrance we prefer when the timeline is tight, such as on a wedding day. A short way into the park is an area where we can get multiple great perspectives from one stop.

Beaver Meadows

Right off of US-36, there are a few pullouts that give us stunning views of the vast Beaver Meadows below, Longs Peak in the distance, and multiple layers of mountains on the horizon.

Rainbow Curve Overlook

Nearly 11,000’ up, on the way up Trail Ridge Road, there’s a parking area with incredible views of the Hidden Valley Creek and Horseshoe Park below. This one is a stunner with 270 degree views for miles. During winter season, which is November through May, this is as high up as we can drive in the park.

Forest Canyon Overlook

As long as Trail Ridge Road is open for the season (June through October) we love to drive all the way up to about 12,000’ to the Forest Canyon Overlook. We try to time our sessions to finish here near sunset as the light and views are incredible! It is always colder up here, so be sure to be prepared with some extra layers, a jacket, and a positive attitude :) The views are definitely worth it!

Moraine Park

Moraine Park is a wonderful spot if you’re looking for vast views. Right off of the side of the road, we can enter a beautiful prairie and have multiple angles to work with to get huge mountains in the background. There are some patches of pine trees as well, rocks for some sitting scenes, and works really well with the light any time of the day.

Sprague Lake

If you’d like to include some water in your scenery, Sprague Lake is the most accessible. There’s a short 5 minute walk through beautiful pine forest to get to the lake. This is also a great area if we’re seeking out fall colors when the aspens are changing.

Emerald Lake and Dream Lake

If you’d like to get a bit more into the backcountry and are up for a 3 mile round trip hike, the Emerald Lake hike is a stunner with a ton of amazing scenery along the way. This hike includes waterfalls, giant rocks, sprawling views, and the two lakes along the way. Emerald Lake gets a lot of the glory at the end point of this hike because it’s a beautiful alpine lake directly at the foot of Flattop Mountain and Hallett Peak, but Dream Lake is probably our favorite as it’s a bit further from those peaks, which provides a more photogenic perspective. It’s also a bit less crowded there than Emerald, which is where everyone stops to rest, eat lunch, and enjoy the view.

Planning the Session Itinerary

As much as we’d love to, we certainly can’t cover everything in one session, so we’ll discuss some options with you to see which sort of locations resonate most with you and try to combine a few during our session time. We never want to try to pack too many stops in our session, because it’s a better experience for everyone to be able to take our time working the locations we choose than to rush around and try to do too many. The primary factor for us in planning is the light. We prefer the golden hour leading up to sunset, so we always work our planning back then, so if we’re doing a 2 hour session, we plan to meet up 2 hours before sunset. Check out this link for more information on planning the engagement session!

We generally choose from 3 different combinations. If we’re doing a hike, like Emerald Lake, we plan to focus just on that adventure and shoot at a variety of scenes along the hike. If we’re doing a driving loop, Rocky NP essentially forks in two directions from Estes Park. Entering in the Beaver Meadows Entrance, we can work Beaver Meadows, then continue south to Moraine Park, then perhaps finish at Sprague Lake. We may do these in a different order depending on the way the lighting is looking. The second fork leads us northwest up US-36 toward the Alpine Visitor Center. We may start from the Fall River Road or Beaver Meadows Entrance, then make our way up to Rainbow Curve, finishing at Forest Canyon Overlook.

Know that we’re always open for collaboration, so if you see a view along the way that calls to you, we’d be happy to stop and work that scene! Since we can’t control the weather, the clouds, the crowds, or the lighting, we’re always adapting along the session, so if things don’t end up exactly according to the plan we come up with ahead of time, know that these modifications and changes will likely result in better images!

The Best Boulder Photography Spots

OUR FAVORITE BOULDER PHOTO LOCATIONS

We are so fortunate to call Boulder Colorado our home! We moved here in 2017 to be closer to the mountains we love to play in. It also provided a huge upgrade to the scenery in our portrait sessions. Boulder is surrounded by thousands of acres of recreational open space, conservation easements, and nature preserves. Here are some of our favorite photo locations we’ve worked at over the years. This page will focus mostly on locations, however, if you’re interested in learning more about detailed planning and what to expect on photo session with us, be sure to check out this page!

In general, we prefer evening sessions, both for logistics and for the quality of light in the late day. We love the warm tones of the setting sun, crossing our fingers for an epic sunset, and sometimes shooting a bit into the “blue hour.” We plan our photo sessions to start two hours before we lose the light. In the front range, since we lose the sun behind the mountains, this is different than official “sunset.” We have an app we love to use to allow us to visualize exactly when the sun dips behind the mountains so we can plan around that time.

Note that we do not charge for travel within an hour of Boulder.

Chautauqua Park

Chautauqua Park is a classic Boulder destination. You cannot beat the ease of access and proximity to the iconic Flatirons. The large grassy field provides a beautiful foreground, which varies depending on the time of year. In the spring, it’s full of lush, green grass. As the season progresses, the grasses grow longer and brown out, giving us the wonderful warm tones we love! We tend to plan our sessions here toward sunset, so that we have a nice backlit scene. Early in the day the sun is very bright and direct on our subjects, so we avoid those times as well as the harsh mid-day sun. Boulder Open Spaces do require a photo permit which costs $30. We will do all the legwork to obtain the permit, but you will be responsible to cover this cost.

Lost gulch overlook

A twenty minute drive up Flagstaff Mountain from Chautauqua Park is an amazing viewpoint that showcases the Indian Peaks. This is probably one of the closest locations in Boulder to get views of the bigger, high alpine mountains. With only a minute hike from the lot to the views, it’s easily accessible. We also love this location for the pine forest around the area, so we can get a variety of scenes. This location shoots best in the evening, but also works well right at sunrise where the subject can be in the shade but the mountains in the background will be well lit. We frequently combine Chautauqua Park with Lost Gulch for our two hour sessions, getting two of the best Boulder photo locations in one session. Boulder Open Spaces do require a photo permit which costs $30. We will do all the legwork to obtain the permit, but you will be responsible to cover this cost.

brainard lake

Brainard Lake, while technically in Ward, is only forty five minutes from downtown Boulder, so we love to frequent this location! This really is one of the most picturesque Colorado views with an alpine lake near the base of the 13,000 ft mountains of the Indian Peaks. This location is only accessible from mid-June to around Labor Day, otherwise the access road is closed because of deep snow. It is about a 1.5 mile hike to the lake from the winter trailhead (which we’re always down for!) so if you’re up for a little adventure outside of the summer, the snowy peaks will not disappoint. The field there also has stunning wildflowers in the spring. We’ve also spotted moose in the area before! Given the trek to get here, we generally do this location in the two hours leading up to sunset. We have done a sunrise elopement in the Brainard backcountry that was epic! Just be prepared for a 4 am wakeup. There is an entry fee to this area. We always hold a National Park pass which covers our entry, so if you’d like to ride in with us, we have you covered!

wonderland lake/Fourmile creek trail

Wonderland Lake is a little gem in North Boulder. It starts in the rolling foothills off of Lee Hill Road and hikes south toward the Flatirons. They are at a distance, so it provides a really cool perspective that is lesser seen. We really love this area in the late summer into fall because the browned out rolling hills provide some really nice backgrounds. This spot also works well in the winter, with all of the sunlight it gets, it’s one of the first places where snow melts.

ncar trail

The NCAR trail starts essentially right at the base of the Flatirons and hikes us into the beautiful Boulder Open Space. This is our top pick for a sunrise session, many of the scenes we shoot in are shaded for the subjects while the Flatirons are brilliantly lit by the rising sun! This provides for incredible portrait lighting! The hike out and back is about one mile, and passes through a variety of forest, prairie, and mountain scenes.

Downtown Denver

While many of the photo session we do are out in nature, we also love to get into the city and work with some urban landscapes! Downtown Denver has tons of cool architecture and mini-scenes to work with, so there’s no shortage of great locations! Union Station is frequently a starting point for that iconic Denver scenery. When we shoot in Denver, we love to incorporate some more lifestyle sort of moments, having you get a drink or explore a new spot!

other nearby options

Red Rocks - morrison

Only fifty minutes from Boulder, Red Rocks offers stunning scenery of all types: red rocks, sweeping fields, rolling mountains, and desert vibes. Our favorite trail here is the Trading Post Trail, a 1.5 mile loop with very little elevation gain. We have lots of little scenes along the way we like to stop at to give you a wide variety of backdrops. No permit is required here, the only tricky part can be parking if there is a concert at the amphitheater that night, we just have to plan ahead with where we park and factor in a short, additional hike.

Rocky mountain national park - estes park

Estes Park is only an hour from Boulder and provides some of the most stunning and easily accessible mountain views! Rocky Mountain National Park has a nearly infinite amount of scenic variety. If you’re interested in a hike, we can get away from some of the crowds, get into the backcountry, and have a little adventure! If you’d prefer not to hike, we have a loop we like to drive where we stop at several roadside views to take portraits. We’ll chat with you ahead of time to decide on the sort of views you would like in your photos: high alpine, prairie, forest, lakes, rivers, whatever you’d like! There is no permit required, however entry to the park must be purchased. We always have an Annual National Park pass, so if you’d like to ride with us, we can get you in.

Oldman mountain - estes park

If you want some of the stunning Rocky Mountains in your photo but don’t want to enter the National Park there’s an amazing spot right in the heart of Estes Park called Oldman Mountain. It is a 1.2 mile out and back hike with a 426 ft elevation gain, enough to get you above town and surrounded by panoramic mountain views! There’s lots of forest and interesting rock formations along the way, so we get a lot of variety!

Lookout mountain - Golden

Lookout Mountain is a fantastic and easily accessible area we love to do family portrait sessions at. Just outside of Golden and only fifty minutes from Boulder, there are incredible views of the foothills in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Clear Creek Canyon, and more! These views can be accessed immediately from the parking lot, so an excellent choice for children.

looking for a bigger adventure?

If you’re up for a long drive and getting further into Colorado’s mountains, we’d love to hear what you have in mind! Colorado has so much beauty to offer and we’re always down for an adventure! Here are a couple of epic locations that are absolutely worth the drive!

loveland pass

Highway 6 will drive you right up to the top of the Continental Divide on Loveland Pass. Here, you’re right in the high alpine peaks, getting some of the most incredible views of the peaks and valleys. We’ve done sessions here at all different times of the year, just make sure you’re prepared for anything from high alpine sun to cold and windy conditions!

Great sand dunes national park

Great Sand Dunes is about four hours from Boulder, so this one requires a big commitment, but is very much worth the drive! If you haven’t been to the Dunes before, it feels like you stepped off of Earth and onto Mars! It has giant, sprawling sand dunes surrounded by huge Colorado mountains. As this is a National Park, there is a photo permit and entry fee required.

any location that’s special to you!

While these are some of our favorite go-to locations, we are always down to explore somewhere new and go on an adventure with you! If there are any hikes or places that are special to you, let us know! Having this added connection to the location can make your photos all the more memorable for you. You are also welcome to let us know the sort of scenic vibes you are looking for and we can do some research and suggest some new ideas!