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It’s not often we hear about an elopement that happens after a bigger ceremony, but this intimate mountain elopement is reminding us what Offbeat Wed is all about: when it comes to your wedding, the only rule is to stay true to who you are and what you want. Kristen and Casey had already had a ceremony in Illinois with their loved ones in attendance when they whisked each other away to the gorgeous peaks of Colorado for a more intimate ceremony. Whether you’re considering eloping or just looking for engagement or wedding photo inspiration (thanks McKenzie Bigliazzi Photography for capturing this special moment), this couple has a lot to teach us about how to make your big day everything you could ever want – from the setting, to the outfits, to the people in attendance (or lack thereof). If anyone ever told you you can’t have it all, just show them this couple and keep doing yo’ thing!
This intimate mountain elopement reached the peak of wedding photo backgrounds
Cue the Marvin Gaye, because there literally ain’t no mountain high enough that could get between this couple. Or maybe John Denver’s Rocky Mountain High? Either way, there are some darn good tunes to accompany Kristen and Casey’s elopement ceremony. Kristen and Casey may be accustomed to the flatlands of the midwest, but they took their love to new heights with this photoshoot. On the last day that Cottonwood Pass outside Buena Vista, Colorado (whoever named this place knew what they were doing) was open for the season, they drove up to its peak at 12,000 feet to say their vows to each other – just the two of them (and our friends at McKenzie Bigliazzi Photography, of course). No white dresses at this ceremony, but plenty of white snowcaps. Excuse us while we pick our jaws up off the ground after seeing these photos!
The outfits at this intimate mountain elopement struck gold
Speaking of, one of the best parts of eloping is being able to make the decisions you want as a couple without anyone else’s input, including what you wear. And we are loving the outfits Kristen and Casey chose for their elopement. Seriously, they look like they fit right in in the Colorado Rockies. From Kristen’s black wedding dress, to Casey’s vest and beard, to the rustic boots they’re both wearing that tie it all together… they look like those super cool people we all want to be who live in a cabin and make their own tinctures and soaps with homegrown herbs. We’ve heard there’s gold in these hills… now we know that’s referring to this couple’s aesthetic!
This intimate mountain elopement proves you can have it all
Family is super important to Kristen and Casey, so it meant a lot that their loved ones were there for their big day – especially their daughters, who Casey recruited to help with the engagement (super adorable!). But they also craved a more private moment to celebrate their love for one another. So, they got creative and had a two-part wedding – one ceremony with family and friends, and one just as a couple to read their vows to one another.
We love that Kristen and Casey didn’t settle for only satisfying their families’ expectations. They knew what they wanted for their special day: private vows with a gorgeous view. They got to celebrate with family in part one of their wedding, and the Colorado elopement focused purely on their intimacy and desires as a couple. Thank you, Kristen and Casey, for reminding us that we can have our wedding cake and eat it too!
Kristen and Casey didn't settle for only satisfying their family. They knew what they wanted out of their day.
McKenzie Bigliazzi Photography
Love was in the air at this intimate mountain elopement
There might be less oxygen up there at 12,000 feet, but there was still lots of love in the air at Kristen and Casey’s elopement to Colorado! Of course life will bring both highs and lows, but we know you’ll face it all together. Wishing you so much joy as you begin this next chapter together!
Vendors for this intimate mountain elopement:
Hair & Makeup: A Vow to Artistry @avowtoartistry
Photo + Planning: McKenzie Bigliazzi Photography @mckenzie_bigliazzi
Intimate mountain elopement gallery:
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Wow, a black wedding dress. Of all my years in the industry (15+ years) I always wanted to see a bride with a different color dress, other than white or ivory. This bride 100% pulled it off. I really enjoyed this content.
I photographed my first elopement last year, where the bride wore black! It was so cool, but this looks even better! More this please!