ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT

9/29/2021

ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT

As I packed for this trip, I had butterflies. I felt the excitement for this elopement in my inner core. I knew it was going to be magical, breathtaking, and tear worthy.

As a society, sometimes we feel we have to do things the "right" way instead of the way we want. Elopements have this reputation of being quick, unplanned, and irrational. That is the old school way of thinking about elopements! Elopements today are the complete opposite. It takes a ton of planning, lots of arrangements, and most importantly, they are the most intimate way to get married. We spend tons of money on a venue, wedding parties, food, etc. for us to not even really remember the day because it is so overwhelming and fast paced. If you would rather take half of that money and put it toward a day filled for just the 2 of you (and maybe a handful of your close friends and family), then an elopement is perfect for you... and better yet.. an
ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT!

We arrived in Durango and my goodness... There were no words for me to express my gratitude of just being there. I am in love with CO and every different mountain town I see makes me speechless. I knew that this experience was going to be spectacular!
The day of the wedding came super early. 3:00am to be exact. The couple did a cute sock exchange first thing in the morning with coffee and breakfast. At 4:30am, after a quick but oh so sweet first look, we laced up our boots and hit the trail head.

We stepped off in pure darkness in hopes to get to the summit and married before the crowd of hikers hit. The experience of the hike was breathtaking. Once the sun started rising, you could see the mountain peaks light up. With every switchback there was another view. We stopped often to take it all in... and to catch our breath. We hiked 1600 feet in elevation in 3 miles reaching the top at 10,397 above sea level. Coming from Ga, where we sit at practically sea level, this was a huge experience! I enjoyed watching the couple beam from ear to ear with every step to the summit. The anticipation of knowing they were about to become husband and wife was written all over their faces.

Once we reached the top the preparation began. The quick look in the mirror, the deep breaths, the calming of nerves, and then it was time for the ceremony! In Colorado you do not have to have an officiant so it was just the 4 of us at the top of this mountain, taking in the view, watching the sun rise higher and higher, and listening to the vows they read to each other. Once the kiss was done the marriage was sealed. It was spectacular. The most intimate and special ceremony. We took a few more pictures at the top and then we started our decent down.