Man and woman hugging on their wedding day below a waterfall

Kenzee and Kaleb knew they wanted to elope in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. It was the place they got engaged and the area was so special to them. On a warm August day, they hosted their ceremony with friends at the exact spot where Kaleb proposed, which was such a cool idea. Their family traveled all the way to the southwest corner of Colorado to stay in the quaint mountain town of Silverton—a location known for its glacial alpine lakes, world-class off-roading trails, and incredible history.

Though it’s one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, it’s also one of the furthest to get to, so it was extra special to have their family there with them. Their family all came together to set out chairs, prep for the cake cutting, and make sure everything was perfect for K + K’s elopement day. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect as we were greeted with clear, sunny skies—something that is often a rarity in the San Juans, which is known for unexpected summer storms.

After their creekside ceremony and cake celebrations, Kenzee, Kaleb and I (and their pups) headed to a remote waterfall just a short drive from their ceremony site. We had it all to ourselves and Kenzee and Kaleb didn’t think twice about getting their feet wet to venture onto the incredible rock that stands in the foreground of the waterfall. Somehow, at the exact moment they climbed onto the rock, a stream of light beamed through and seemed to illuminate just them. As a photographer, a lighting moment like that takes your breath away. I’ve been to that same waterfall many times (I even eloped there) and have never witnessed light like that. It was truly spectacular!

After the waterfall, we all climbed into my car and took an incredible 4x4 road to an alpine lake for sunset. There, Kenzee and Kaleb did their first dance and explored around with their pups. It was an incredible day and one I won’t soon forget!

After their creekside ceremony and cake celebrations, Kenzee, Kaleb and I (and their pups) headed to a remote waterfall just a short drive from their ceremony site. We had it all to ourselves and Kenzee and Kaleb didn’t think twice about getting their feet wet to venture onto the incredible rock that stands in the foreground of the waterfall. Somehow, at the exact moment they climbed onto the rock, a stream of light beamed through and seemed to illuminate just them. As a photographer, a lighting moment like that takes your breath away. I’ve been to that same waterfall many times (I even eloped there) and have never witnessed light like that. It was truly spectacular!

After the waterfall, we all climbed into my car and took an incredible 4x4 road to an alpine lake for sunset. There, Kenzee and Kaleb did their first dance and explored around with their pups. It was an incredible day and one I won’t soon forget!