Justin and Brittany contacted me about photographing their post elopement celebration with their family out in beautiful Nathrop, Colorado. The location they chose was a little wood cabin amongst the forest with the Chalk Cliffs of the Collegiate Peaks mountain range towering behind them. The Chalk Cliffs consist of a soft rock called Kaolinite that is dull gray in color. This mineral is formed by hot springs as they trickle down through slivers and cracks within the surrounding rock. Yes, that does mean there are hot springs bubbling nearby. The most popular hot spring is Mt. Princeton where locals and tourists alike rave over the creekside pools. Cottonwood hot spring is also just down the road, sitting closer to the town of Buena Vista. With its natural beauty and pristine thermal spas, Nathrop is the perfect place to elope or gather as a group. I was so honored to join Brittany and Justin’s elopement reception and document their story with their family. This celebration was so special as their family had fully supported their decision to travel all the way to Norway, solo, for their nuptials. Justin and Brittany eloped there in the rugged terrain, saying their personal vows and having an adventure all their own. It was finally time for an at home gathering to commemorate their marriage and everyone was elated to have an evening of their own with the couple!
I winded my way through Chalk Creek Canyon and drove into the prettiest autumn scene. When I arrived there was a long table set up communal style. It was styled with flowers from the Buena Vista Farmers Market, beautiful brass silverware, and a few bottles of wine scattered amongst the greenery. The wooden table was placed in a small clearing between the trees in the front yard. The aspens above had turned bright yellow and cast a warm hue across the tablescape. There were a few leaves that fell with each slight breeze and the woods rustled as the sun began to hang low on the horizon.
I walked with Justin and Brittany out into the meadow and as we walked, we were greeted with expansive views of the Chalk Cliffs. Their steep mountain faces shone stark white in the sun and the shadows grew long with the trees. We continued exploring across the meadow with their husky pup in tow. Although they had already shared their vows, I encouraged them to take time to soak in all that they had experienced overseas and to contemplate their future together in this moment. The sunlight hitting the rocks slowly disappeared as they cuddled, kissed, and played with Nieve their fluffy ball of innate energy. Nieve was hilarious! She is the prettiest blue eyed husky and she absolutely adores Brittany. She constantly followed Brittany with her eyes and when we finally let her loose, she ran as fast as she could, back and forth in between the couple! Everyone laughed while she romped around, a blurry rampage of fur crisscrossing the meadow with unbelievable speed. It is true when they say huskies are crazy, but their personalities are unbeatable. Justin picked Brittany up and swung her around in her gorgeous Rue De Seine Blake gown as we headed back towards the cabin in the setting sun. Brittany’s dress was so stunningly beautiful with its long train and fun fringe tassels! The perfect mixture of bohemian macrame and southwest cowgirl blended into a wedding dress. Her hair drifted in the wind as they gave one another a final kiss and Justin softly lowered his bride to the ground.
Family gathered and played yard games as food was brought out to the table. The tasty smells lured us in and we eventually sat down for the most delicious wedding dinner from High Country BBQ! BBQ smoked meat is never a bad idea when it comes to choosing food on your wedding day! The festivities began as thanks was given to God and it was finally time for the wine to be uncorked! Glasses were poured and rich conversation filled the table. The father of the bride guided the conversation towards the topic of the evening and overall thankfulness. Each person shared one thing they were thankful for from the past year as laughter and tears immersed the woods. As the light began to fade, a few white tailed deer walked into the thickets surrounding the table. They grazed amongst us and listened to the stories told. I would like to think that the wide eyed does and the forest critters thought we were quite intriguing with our food, wine, and friends.
The sky slowly dimmed into darkness. A deep purple hue filled the woods, and the stars began to shine. Our gathering took a breath and one by one we took plates off the table, seeking refuge in the inner warmth of the cabin. Hot apple crumble and ice cream awaited us as the family moved upstairs to soak in the last of the celebratory evening. There was an even sweeter surprise awaiting them; the elopement video from Brittany and Justin’s trip overseas! Everyone settled onto the couches and found space on the floor to watch the show. As the film began and we relived their day, you could feel overflowing love seep into the room. This entire evening was such a wonderful way to honor their vows with family and friends. I said my eventual goodbyes to the couple and their family, walking back out into the night into my car. It is such an indescribable feeling to be included in celebrating with couples on their wedding day, but even more special to capture the love that connected them and surrounds them in their tight knit community of family and friends. Thank you Brittany and Justin for bringing me into your circle and allowing me to capture your fall post celebration elopement!
