Leah and Matt realized a few years ago they wanted to rekindle their love for nature and make more memories adventuring together. So they started hiking and backpacking again and absolutely loved it! This led them to completing the Trans-Catalina Trail in California before moving to Colorado to start an even bigger adventure.
For their elopement, they knew they wanted to really embrace Colorado’s nature and their rekindled passion for the outdoors. They were lucky enough to secure permits for the Four Pass Loop and decided to elope at Maroon Bells (where their backpacking trip would begin). I absolutely love that they eloped on the very trail they would go backpacking on just a few days later! Especially at Maroon Bells, which is probably the most iconic view in all of Colorado.
We started their day on a sunny afternoon at their condo for their first look and cutting their cake! They had a custom cake topper made that looked exactly like them (down to the backpacking gear and even their cats). It was such a cute detail and I’m glad they were able to have a moment together before heading to Maroon Bells.
The weather had been pretty stormy off and on, so Maroon Bells was actually pretty quiet for their day. We were able to explore the main viewpoint without anyone else around for a while. It was incredible! The wildflowers were especially popping in mid-July. We then headed down the trail to a quieter alpine lake where they would exchange their vows. There was a storm coming in over the mountains, which made their ceremony especially moody and romantic. They had the lake entirely to themselves to explore and celebrate (except for a rowdy fox and a few deer).
After exploring around the lake with majestic views of Maroon Bells, Leah and Matt read an elopement letter from her father. It was such a sweet and heartfelt letter that made all of us pretty emotional. I love when couples have sweet letters from their family or friends. It’s such a treasured keepsake to have written words from them, especially when you can read them on your wedding day.
To finish their evening, Colorado brought out some magical alpenglow on the mountains around us. So Leah and Matt poured some champagne in their cute custom glasses to celebrate. They sat on a log taking in the views when a rowdy fox decided to run around the lake. After drinks, we meandered around the lake, found some more wildflowers, before heading back to the trailhead!
I absolutely love wildflower season here in Colorado. So I’m so happy Leah and Matt got to experience Maroon Bells in peak summer! This was such an unforgettable elopement experience. I’m so grateful I got to share such an iconic view with these two for their elopement! I’ve already seen their photos from their backpacking trip and it looked absolutely stunning. Cheers to many more backpacking adventures in marriage for these two!
