Mountain Elopements
The Most Romantic Surprise Vow Renewal
From the photographer, Tonie Christine Photography: Ben wrote to me wanting to surprise his bride of 7 years with a vow renewal that she would never forget. Benjamin, the consummate romantic, planned the day to be a complete and total surprise to Alex. Alex later told me, ” I really just thought we were headed to our family’s cabin to have a relaxing weekend away from the kiddos, which I was thrilled about, but this… is just so mind blowing!”
To start the day, Benjamin presented Alex with a handwritten note that ended with him telling her how much he loves her. He went on to say “six years ago we made that pledge to one another… and I can say without a doubt that I would make that same pledge today.” He didn’t stop there. Benjamin finished with these words, “As a matter of fact, let’s do it. Let’s commit to loving each other fiercely, unashamedly, and without reserve… Today, I want to ask you again… will you marry me…?”
To say Alex was in shock might be an understatement. She was immediately swept away to have her hair and make up done, then returned to the cabin to find an assortment of gowns, jewelry and shoes all set up like a boutique. She got to choose her entire ensemble – every last detail. Flowers from The Flower Lab of Seattle were placed in her hands just moments before she would see her groom. 
On the shore of the Columbia River, it was just the two of them. It was there Benjamin placed a floral crown on her head – one fit only for a princess. Then he whisked her away on a grand adventure. Handing her their vows and marriage promises brought tears to her eyes. This special presentation, of these significant words, was designed by Francis & Co.. Alex was at a loss for words, but as she regained her composure she said, “I knew Ben was creative and romantic, but in my wildest imagination I could have never guessed that we would be on the Columbia River sharing our vows – let alone in the middle of it.” 
Perched on top of their own private island rock Benjamin and Alex recited their original wedding vows and promises. 
Benjamin and Alex love to celebrate and believe love, laughter, good company, and food go hand in hand. So what better way to concluded their evening then with a dessert reception under the stars. 
Their love speaks volumes to anyone around them and this vow renewal between their 6th and 7th year of marriage was not due to hardship in life or broken vows, but rather was a celebration of what they have done together and in anticipation of their exciting future! They later shared with me that what made this so special was that “life had given their vows context and that having a chance to look at them again and share them aloud together, made them even more real.”
A Colorado Lake Elopement
From the photographer, Rayna McGinnis: Sarah and Almir decided to elope to the Colorado mountains from Lincoln, Nebraska. Their only guests were Sarah’s parents and younger sister. Their day was marked by beautiful Colorado weather in a breathtaking location. Dillon Lake made for an amazing backdrop that complimented their personalities perfectly. They were a joy to work with, so full of life and laughter. Sarah was probably the happiest bride. From the moment she said I do, her smile became ever lasting and contagious.
From the bride: We made it a day about us, which for us is usually just relaxation. So, on our wedding day we got up early, drank tea together after breakfast, drove together to the ceremony site, got married, then relaxed the rest of the day. We even had a celebratory dinner together by ourselves; it was perfect! 
We got out of the car, walked right up to the most gorgeous location inches from the lake. The mountains were in the background, the sun was shining, the clouds were puffy and bright. 
My advice: Don’t feel obligated to follow everyone else or what’s trending; be brave and do what you want and your day will be perfect (and less stressful!) 
Sarah’s RECOMMENDED VENDORS
Photographer: Rayna McGinnis Photography. Rayna was so much fun to work with, suggesting different poses and settings. Her personality is so cute too! The pictures are so beautiful that every time I look at them again, I fall even more in love with them!
Hair & Makeup: Kylee Williams. I’ve never worn make up before so she did a really good job of making me look natural but really beautiful. I was also worried because my hair is short and my trial run with my usual hairdresser didn’t turn out well, but Kylee came prepared! She had me send her pictures of the disaster, plus pictures of what my hair looks like blow dried, and because of her talent, she made my hair gorgeous! (I don’t know how, but she did it and it was perfect!)
Officiant: Diane Gansauer. She worked with us tirelessly to write an extremely personalized ceremony that included the exact wording we felt moved by. She had so many helpful suggestions and would accept any and all critiques with such professionalism. Her demeanor and attire at the actual ceremony was exactly right for the setting and only added to the perfection of the day. She also included a keepsake copy of our ceremony for us to treasure.
A Winter Elopement in the Mountains
From the bride, Margaret: We wanted something different than a beach wedding, or just a typical outdoor wedding. We both love the mountains and we also wanted to see snow. Since we are from Louisiana, we don’t get to see either one. I picked Colorado, just because I heard a lot of great things about the ski resorts. Once we started researching, we both fell in love with the pictures we saw of Breckenridge and both knew this was the place!
Our ceremony was at Sapphire Point on a bright and beautiful, snow covered day in 20 degree weather. The overlook was a frozen Lake Dillon, with snowcapped mountains all around us. We had an elopement-type ceremony, which made for a very intimate and powerful bonding. 
Looking back, we would have made sure our trip was longer; we just didn’t have enough time to fully enjoy Breckenridge and the surrounding towns. There are so many things to see and do.
My advice: Consider a wedding and/or honeymoon in Colorado. It’s absolutely beautiful, the people are wonderful and I highly recommend the vendors we used.
Margaret & Robin’s
RECOMMENDED VENDORS
Ceremony Site: Sapphire Point. An absolutely beautiful place in the winter with snowcapped mountains all around you as you overlook Lake Dillon.
Photographer: Kristina Lynn Photography. She is an amazing and talented woman! We talked to her on the phone, told her what types of pictures we were wanting to capture and to our astonishment, she emailed us pictures before the wedding so we could see some different settings. She nailed it with what we were wanting! She took pictures at our lodge before the wedding, drove us to Sapphire Point and then after the ceremony she drove us to different locations and helped us get spectacular pictures. She was extremely professional, personalized the photographs and the day just for us, and listened to our requests. She made sure we were her top priority and we definitely felt it.
Lodging: Mountain Thunder Lodge. Conveniently located to everything, and the setting was breathtaking with mountains all around the backside of the lodge. We were able to bundle the car rental, ski lift tickets and the lodging all together for a discounted rate. The heated underground parking garage was wonderful and a lifesaver in the winter. There was a beautiful, cozy fireplace in our room, as well as a big and spacious balcony. The employees were very courteous and helpful to us. I highly recommend this lodge.
Hair & Makeup: Hair & Weddings by Kylee. She did an outstanding job with my hair and makeup! I absolutely loved it! I emailed her before the wedding asking her opinions on hair styles and hair accessories and she would respond by attaching pictures for her suggestions, which made it very easy for me to see what would look best. She opened up early for me (8:30 AM) and made me felt like I had known her for many years. She asked my thoughts on different things as we went along and made sure I was her main focus and was happy with the outcome.
Gown Designer: Belsoie by Jasmine. This is an absolutely beautiful and elegant dress that flatters and makes a “WOW” statement without being extravagant. It is actually a bridesmaid dress, but I love the fact how easily it turns into a simple bridal gown. I didn’t want the traditional big poufy gown with beads, so this dress was a perfect choice for me.
Groom’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse // Officiant: Gretchen Abernathy
Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement
Shannon and David have been together for 8 years and engaged for almost two. They’ve been super busy and have not had the time to plan a big wedding. They finally decided their best bet, if it was ever going to happen, was to elope. They are OBSESSED with the National Parks so Rocky Mountain National Park was the perfect location for their destination elopement! They chose the perfect photographers, Jason + Gina Wedding Photographers to capture their intimate day!
Save
Just Us in Jackson Hole
From the Magazine: “Just Us” in Jackson Hole
This very intimate elopement took place as the sun was setting on the Grand Tetons. In the words of the bride, ” …we eliminated the pressures of pleasing friends and family. Instead, we made the day, OUR day.” Their inspiring story might just convince you to runaway to the mountains!
Photography by Arnica Spring – Read their story in the Magazine