For the couple that spent 15+ years getting to this moment, nothing but the best that the Centennial State has to offer.
One of the best parts about Colorado is that, no matter how much you’ve seen, there’s always a new corner to explore.
Why They Eloped
Alex & Josh had known each other since the 6th grade and were friends for 15 years before they started dating—meaning their story was decades in the making, and no big wedding was ever going to come close to being meaningful enough to be the ceremony they deserved.
They were also experienced travelers who had overcome the emotional toll of doing long distance for over a year and a half. When it came to their wedding, they didn’t want any stress. They just wanted easy, romantic, bohemian vibes in a beautiful location with their closest friends. Something that celebrated everything that they had conquered and let them just relax and enjoy the moment and feel truly present.
What They Wanted – Their Vision
These two were Colorado enthusiasts, so they’d seen and done a lot in the state! Between Josh having lived in Denver, a proposal at Hanging Lake, and lots of hiking treks across all the beautiful mountain ranges in Colorado, they let me know that they had already seen a lot… but were also super open and excited to explore new spots in this state that is so special to both of them.
They told me…
- They love hiking, but didn’t want to do anything strenuous that day
- They were set on bringing their best friends with them and had a private dinner planned with them after
- That Alex was really jazzed about the idea of a floral arch on the mountain
- They were hoping for some guidance & opinions about great spots—they just wanted somewhere stunning
Initially, Alex had spotted an intimate wedding venue in Aspen that she adored, but the price she was quoted was out of this world, leaving them without a clear direction to go in. With a state so crazy big and beautiful, picking a spot can quickly get overwhelming without help… even more so when factoring in how to get to said spot, how to avoid crowds, and when to go for the best lighting.
This is where my Colorado born-and-raised planning comes in clutch.
How I Designed Their Experience
Whenever I hear “we don’t want a crazy hike” combined with “we LOVE Colorado mountains”, my mind immediately goes to a 4X4. Having grown up in this state, I know that there are dozens of truly epic off-road trails that will put you in the heart of some of the best mountain views, minus the hiking requirements. (Fun fact: most of these came from the Gold Rush. Thanks, history class.)
I especially love this solution for intimate weddings that have a few guests, like they did, since it gives everyone the chance to ride up together regardless of hiking preferences while relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
I pitched this to Alex & Josh via email during the planning process despite them not having previously mentioned 4X4’s because I knew how perfect it would be for them as a way to get everything they wanted. After hearing my thoughts on what specific spots this would give us access to, they were all in!
When I crafted a location list for them, I gave them not only all my favorite secret 4×4 trails, but also a shortlist of ones that I thought would specifically work great for Alex’s floral arch, which she was contracting through my favorite floral vendor at my recommendation. When the time was coming to nail down a specific location, I went out to the pass I was considering and scouted a specific spot for them in person, just to make sure it truly had everything they were looking for. Later on, I’d pick up the floral team to take with me back to this exact location for Alex & Josh’s wedding day!
A perfect location on public land near Aspen that matched the views and vibes of that venue Alex had had her eye on without the exorbitant fee, up on a ridge that I knew looked to the west and would be insanely beautiful at sunset. All just a half a mile walk from the car while still feeling secluded & private.
Their Elopement Story
Alex & Josh rented a condo in downtown Aspen that served as their homebase during their elopement, which was where we started the day, taking photos as they got ready. Alex’s outfit included this absolutely gorgeous flower crown that matched the florals in her bouquet and arch installation—beautiful dark greenery, white accents, and lots of blush colored blooms.
We went up the mountain into the pass and did their first look with just the two of them, giving them a second together to laugh and catch their breath before rejoining the rest of their party for the ceremony.
Unique Elopement Idea: Friends Only Ceremony
Alex & Josh chose to have guests at their wedding, but chose to only bring their best friends along! This led to such incredible vibes the entire time. I love this as a way to have folks in your life there to celebrate you day-of, but minus the extensive guest list and drama that can sometimes come with inviting family. Chosen family is always valid when it comes to eloping. There’s no “right” answer about who (if anyone) should be there!
The wedding party hiked up that little half a mile to the pass where the floral arch had been installed, and they said their vows with one of their closest friends as an officiant. When I tell you… everybody was crying. There was so much love on this mountain top—for each other, of course, and love from their dearest friends all there to cheer them on and celebrate them. Their ceremony was so beautiful in the golden hour light with the valley sprawled out behind them. It was genuinely so moving.
Afterwards, for their couples portraits, Alex switched up her hairstyle and donned a different crown that mirrored the setting sun poking through the clouds perfectly. As if on cue, the sun began to turn the clouds these super vibrant colors, like they were on fire. The sky turned pink and the ridges of the mountains were perfectly lined with gold as they ran through the hills and the wind wrapped them up together. My jaw was on the floor the whole time (and my finger was ON that shutter button!).
Alex & Josh’s Reflections – In Their Own Words
“We are so beyond thrilled we chose Maddie Mae. She was a huge part of making our day perfect. She made us feel comfortable in front of the camera and caught moments that we didn’t even realize were happening until we saw them in film. Maddie found the perfect location, worked with the florist and coordinated the day, she is far more than just a photographer. Maddie’s passion for elopements and her authenticity is evident and exactly what we needed. We will never be able to thank Maddie enough, we will cherish these photos and our experience for a lifetime. So many people have said to us “you did it right” and we truly did. Our day was about us, what we wanted to say, how we wanted to feel and it was perfect.”
“Let us start with these photos made our wildest dreams come true. The decision to elope, though difficult at times, was absolutely the right one for us. The other great decision we made was choosing YOU to capture our love. The photos are UNREAL. We are so fortunate that the sun came out to play and the rain stopped just in time.”
