Emily & Scott
Rainy lakeside elopement

Elopements

Emily and Scott’s elopement day was nothing short of magical—even with a little help from Mother Nature’s mood swings. The day began at a cozy Airbnb the couple had rented, where they were surrounded by their closest family and friends. Everyone pitched in to help them get ready, adding such a heartfelt, intimate touch to the start of the day. Once dressed, we ventured into the nearby forest for wedding party portraits, and I was obsessed with the bridesmaids’ dresses. Their colors were stunning—perfectly coordinated and absolutely popping against the lush, late-July greenery.

After portraits, we headed down to the lake for the ceremony. As Colorado weather often does, it changed on a dime—dark clouds rolled in fast, and we were hit with a surprise storm. But Emily and Scott took it all in stride, smiling through it all. Everyone cozied up in their cars for about 45 minutes while the storm passed, and then, with a light drizzle still lingering, the couple decided to go for it. Not long after, the clouds broke, and we were treated to the most dreamy afternoon light.

Their ceremony was short, sweet, and deeply personal. One of my favorite moments was the ring warming tradition, where each guest held the couple’s rings and offered silent blessings and well wishes. It was such a beautiful way to include everyone.

After the ceremony, the guests headed back to the Airbnb while Emily, Scott, my husband (and assistant) Zain, and I set off for one of my favorite hidden meadows with jaw-dropping mountain views. On the way, we spotted chipmunks darting between wildflowers, and when we arrived, we had the entire place to ourselves—a rare treat, thanks to the earlier storm. It felt like the mountains opened up just for them. There, they shared private vows and their first dance, and it honestly felt like time stood still.

We wrapped up with portraits in that magical light before heading back to the Airbnb, where a private chef was preparing an incredible vegetarian dinner. The evening closed with heartfelt toasts, cake cutting (Scott’s mom made the cheesecakes!), and the kind of joy that sticks with you.

It was such a beautiful reminder that a little rain can’t dampen a love like theirs.

Spring mountain elopement, Colorado elopement, Denver elopement, Colorado elopement photographer, Leah Goetzel Photography, lakeside elopement
Spring mountain elopement, Colorado elopement, Denver elopement, Colorado elopement photographer, Leah Goetzel Photography, lakeside elopement
Spring mountain elopement, Colorado elopement, Denver elopement, Colorado elopement photographer, Leah Goetzel Photography, lakeside elopement
Spring mountain elopement, Colorado elopement, Denver elopement, Colorado elopement photographer, Leah Goetzel Photography, lakeside elopement
Spring mountain elopement, Colorado elopement, Denver elopement, Colorado elopement photographer, Leah Goetzel Photography, lakeside elopement
Spring mountain elopement, Colorado elopement, Denver elopement, Colorado elopement photographer, Leah Goetzel Photography, lakeside elopement
Spring mountain elopement, Colorado elopement, Denver elopement, Colorado elopement photographer, Leah Goetzel Photography, lakeside elopement
Spring mountain elopement, Colorado elopement, Denver elopement, Colorado elopement photographer, Leah Goetzel Photography, lakeside elopement
Spring mountain elopement, Colorado elopement, Denver elopement, Colorado elopement photographer, Leah Goetzel Photography, lakeside elopement
Spring mountain elopement, Colorado elopement, Denver elopement, Colorado elopement photographer, Leah Goetzel Photography, lakeside elopement
Spring mountain elopement, Colorado elopement, Denver elopement, Colorado elopement photographer, Leah Goetzel Photography, lakeside elopement, intimate reception, outdoor elopement reception, dinner reception elopement
Spring mountain elopement, Colorado elopement, Denver elopement, Colorado elopement photographer, Leah Goetzel Photography, lakeside elopement, intimate reception, outdoor elopement reception, dinner reception elopement
Spring mountain elopement, Colorado elopement, Denver elopement, Colorado elopement photographer, Leah Goetzel Photography, lakeside elopement, intimate reception, outdoor elopement reception, dinner reception elopement
Cake cutting, Spring mountain elopement, Colorado elopement, Denver elopement, Colorado elopement photographer, Leah Goetzel Photography, lakeside elopement
Spring mountain elopement, Colorado elopement, Denver elopement, Colorado elopement photographer, Leah Goetzel Photography, lakeside elopement, homemade cheesecake, cheesecake wedding cake
Spring mountain elopement, Colorado elopement, Denver elopement, Colorado elopement photographer, Leah Goetzel Photography, lakeside elopement

And while you’re here, why don’t you check out some other posts and resources I think you might like:

How to have a Leave No Trace Elopement

Questions to ask your wedding photographer before booking them

Why you should elope in Colorado

My favorite Colorado elopement locations

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