Adventurous San Juan Mountains Elopement in Ouray, Colorado
When Deanna and Rob first reached out to me about photographing their San Juan Mountains elopement, she said “we are very adventurous in a ‘we still work full time’ kind of vibe” and I honestly don’t think someone has better described my kinda couples better. And after our first conversation where she even offered to help me find beers I loved, I knew that working with them was going to be nothing short of spectacular!
Their Ouray Elopement Story
The morning of their elopement day, I navigated to their off-the-grid cabin nestled in Ridgeway and that alone was an adventure in itself! My headlights illuminated the silhouettes of elk and cows in the fields and I may or may not have fallen through some cow grates when opening the gate to the road of their cabin (sometimes you’ve just gotta laugh at yourself).
When I arrived to their cabin tucked in a dense forest of Aspens, I immediately felt like I was reuniting with good friends. Although we had only been talking for three months, through all of the planning I truly felt like that’s exactly what we became and that made me all the more excited to be part of their intimate day!
We loaded up their jeep and then Rob expertly navigated us to the trailhead through rocky dirt roads. With headlights leading the way and stars above, we began hiking and got to watch the world wake up around us as the sun rose on the other side of the mountains. It was breathtaking both literally and figuratively as we gained elevation and got closer to our destination.
After reaching the top, we were surrounded by a panoramic view of the San Juan Mountains sprinkled with all of the colors of fall. Deanna and Rob both got ready hidden behind trees and then exchanged vows with one another in the warm morning sunlight followed by reading letters from loved ones and snacking on a picnic charcuterie board that they brought!
One of my favorite details from their day are the DIY elements. Deanna made her own flower crown and bouquet – doesn’t it look absolutely stunning?! They also hung beer cans from their hand-crafted backpack signs that read “we eloped!” and “the mountains were calling.” Am I biased because they sent me beers to help them have cans for the sign… perhaps! But I really did love how this element combined something they love (beer) and it included cans from both where they’re from and Colorado local brews.
We ventured down the mountain and as we were driving back to their cabin we stumbled upon the most beautiful aspen grove on the side of the road and just had to stop for photos there! Finally, when we got back to their off-the-grid cabin, we got photos of Deanna and Rob there too! It truly is so important to the story of your day to remember where you stayed and I appreciated that they saw the value of getting these photos, too.
Planning Your Elopement in the San Juan Mountains
Choosing an elopement photographer is such a key first step in planning your elopement, whether it be in the San Juan Mountains or beyond. But don’t just take my word for it, here’s what Deanna and Rob had to say:
“Having someone that is passionate in her goals of ‘crafting purposeful elopement experiences in adventure-filled places’ is exactly what you’ll get when you choose Jessica. From day one, she helped ignite ideas on where and what we wanted in our day. She was always very quick to respond with even the smallest of questions… She’s incredible and honestly willing to do whatever it takes to make things absolutely magical no matter the circumstances. A true spontaneous adventurer! She will quickly capture your hearts and we are forever thankful for her as a person and as a professional.”
My experience and pricing page is filled with information to shed light on what it’s like to work with me as your Colorado elopement photographer and the various packages and offerings I have for the couples I work with! I also have blog posts detailing what to pack for your elopement and even tips for writing heartfelt wedding vows.
Reach out to me through my contact page for more information about working together – I’d love to be your hype girl and help you plan the elopement of your dreams!
