Debra & Shamarrae’s Summer Central Colorado Vow Renewal

Colorado

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I first met Debra & Shamarrae in a way that I don’t usually meet couples I work with… on a styled shoot!

They were such a sweet and genuine couple. So when it came time for them to renew their vows, I jumped at the chance to work with them again.

Why They Eloped

When I first crossed paths with Debra & Shamarrae, it was at a styled shoot in Dillon, Colorado. I was hosting a workshop there and they were our models for the day, dressed in wedding attire and posing in the mountains for all of the workshop attendees. 

While we were working together, they told me that this modeling job was really special to them because, despite having been married for years with children, they’d never gotten actual wedding photos. 

The next time they crossed through my orbit when I was planning a different one of my courses and looking for a couple to photograph, I knew it was time to give them the vow renewal they deserved.  

A couple in a canoe on a body of water. The woman, wearing a rust-colored shawl and holding a bouquet, paddles while the man in a blue suit and brown hat sits behind her. The canoe is dark green and labeled "Broadmoor.

What They Wanted – Their Vision

Debra & Shamarrae’s vow renewal was a unique situation given that it was photographed in conjunction with a course. So I planned the activities and locations… but I still wanted it to feel celebratory and true to them! 

Because they have kids at home, they let me know that fun adventures with just the two of them were what they had in mind for celebrating their relationship and reconnecting with each other. They’re fellow Coloradans, so they just wanted to get outside and bask in the beautiful scenery of our state. 

How I Designed Their Experience

I wanted to take Debra & Shamarrae to one of my all-time favorite sections of Colorado—Buena Vista. This stretch of the state is super easy to get to from the entire front range and is also routinely passed up by visitors to the state heading for Vail, Breckenridge, and Aspen. 

Which means that, when you elope here, you get this insane chain of 14ers (there are NINE of them) known as the collegiate peaks basically to yourself! 

I also knew they could do some great activities in this area, like driving a 4X4 and canoeing in an alpine lake! Both of which would find them in gorgeous locales with plenty of room to relax and enjoy. 

We also brought a pop-up tent so that they could spend some time at the end of their first day enjoying a picnic under the stars

A couple in warm clothing sits at a table by a candlelit dinner setup. They're toasting glasses under string lights, beside a truck with an orange rooftop tent. The scene is outdoor, cozy, and romantic at dusk.

Their Elopement Story

To start their vow renewal adventure, Debra & Shamarrae loaded into a 4X4 and took on a challenging road to an alpine lake. Shamarrae did an incredible job driving the truck, even with a canoe strapped to the top! They took in the ridges and fields of wildflowers on their way up, which were in their full summer glory.  

A black pickup truck with a canoe on top drives along a dirt road through a lush mountainous landscape. Surrounding it are green meadows, pine trees, and towering rocky peaks under a clear sky.
A dark-colored pickup truck with a canoe on the roof drives along a dirt road. The path is surrounded by green shrubs and tall pine trees, with expansive, rugged mountains in the background under a clear sky.
A rugged vehicle with a kayak on top is visible through the side mirror of another car, set against a backdrop of pine trees and a mountainous landscape. The scene captures an adventure vibe with natural scenery.
A rugged off-road vehicle drives on a dirt path through a vast green valley. Sparse trees dot the landscape, with mountains looming in the background and a small lake nestled in the distance under a cloudy sky.

They got ready separately and then did a first look outside, with the whole valley stretched out underneath them and the fog settling into the mountaintops. You could tell how excited they were to see each other and how ecstatic they were to be starting their elopement day, which was a beautiful thing to see on the faces of two people I love so much. 

A person sets up a shower curtain on the back of a black pickup truck near a mountain lake. Another person stands nearby. The scene is surrounded by rugged mountains and greenery under a cloudy sky.
A woman with curly hair smiles while adjusting her earring. She stands beside a car in a scenic outdoor setting, with blurred hills and a body of water in the background. The atmosphere is calm and pleasant.
A couple stands beside a black truck parked on a rocky riverside. The woman in a flowing white dress and the man in a hat and casual attire enjoy the mountainous scenery under a clear sky.
A man wearing a brown hat, glasses, and a white shirt with suspenders is adjusting his patterned tie near a scenic lake and mountain background. He appears thoughtful, standing outdoors on rocky terrain.
A couple dances joyfully in front of a black pickup truck, set against a scenic backdrop of mountains and a lake. The woman wears a white dress, and the man wears a blue suit and brown hat, creating a celebratory and adventurous atmosphere.
A couple in wedding attire shares a kiss by a rugged black pickup truck decorated with flowers. They stand on a rocky path near a serene lake and mountains under a clear sky. The groom wears a blue suit and brown hat; the bride wears a flowing white dress.

Let me tell you, these two are some of the sweetest people I have ever met. They are so gentle and caring with each other and the bond they have is so palpable. During their couples portraits you could tell how special they are to each other. I’ve photographed a lot of couples over the past ten years, and I was totally floored by their connection. 

Unique Elopement Idea: Canoe

Debra & Shamarrae unstrapped the canoe from the top of the truck and eased it into the lake, tucking Debra’s bouquet securely in the nose of the boat so that it didn’t get trampled or thrown overboard. By this time of day they were securely in golden hour, which lit up the mountains around the lake in the most beautiful way. They took their time paddling and enjoying the lake and each other’s company, sharing private moments in the middle of this insanely beautiful landscape. 

A couple in a canoe on a serene lake surrounded by mountains. The man wears a blue suit and hat, while the woman wears an orange jacket and white dress. A bouquet of flowers decorates the canoe's edge. The scene captures a peaceful, romantic moment.
A couple in a canoe on a calm lake, surrounded by mountainous scenery. The woman, wearing a flower crown and holding a paddle, smiles as the man, in a hat, looks into the distance. A bouquet of flowers lies beside them.
A couple in a canoe on a body of water. The woman, wearing a rust-colored shawl and holding a bouquet, paddles while the man in a blue suit and brown hat sits behind her. The canoe is dark green and labeled "Broadmoor.
A couple in formal attire rows a canoe on a peaceful lake with a mountainous backdrop. The person in front holds a bouquet of flowers, while the person behind guides the canoe with a paddle under a clear sky.
A woman in a brown jacket and white dress, holding a paddle, sits in a canoe filled with flowers. A man in a blue suit and hat sits behind her, smiling, on a calm lake.
A serene lake landscape with two people canoeing in the foreground. The calm water reflects the green forest and rugged mountains in the background, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
A tranquil lake is surrounded by majestic, sunlit mountains. Two people are in a small canoe in the center of the water, creating a peaceful, scenic view. The sky is clear, and the landscape features lush greenery and rugged peaks.
A couple sits in a small boat on a serene lake surrounded by mountains. The woman is wearing an orange sweater and a white dress, holding a bouquet, while the man in a hat plays a guitar. The scene is peaceful with a backdrop of green hills.
A woman wearing a floral crown and orange jacket smiles while paddling a canoe. Behind her, a man in a blue suit and brown hat also paddles. They are on a calm body of water, enjoying the ride together.
A couple paddles a canoe on a peaceful lake surrounded by mountains. The woman smiles as she sits in the front, holding a bouquet of flowers, while the man in a hat rows behind her under a clear sky.
A couple paddles a green canoe on a lake surrounded by mountains. The woman, smiling and wearing an orange jacket, holds a bouquet of flowers. The man, wearing a blue suit and hat, paddles behind her. The sky is clear and the setting is serene.

Back on shore, they put up their pop-up tent and enjoyed the picnic that we had set up for them, including sandwiches, cookies, chips, cherries, and sparkling water to toast with. After they ate they strapped on headlamps and turned off the extra lights, climbing on top of the truck to do some next-level stargazing. 

A truck with a rooftop tent glows warmly beside a calm lake reflecting surrounding mountains at dusk. A campfire is set nearby with two chairs, creating a cozy and serene camping scene.
A couple shares a romantic kiss at dusk, silhouetted against a mountainous landscape. The sky is a gradient from dark blue to gray, with a small crescent moon visible above. A calm body of water reflects the serene scene.
A pickup truck with a rooftop tent adorned with string lights is parked near a lake and mountains. A small table with a bottle, glasses, flowers, and candles sits on a rug beside a camp chair. It's dusk with a calm, outdoor ambiance.
A group of people sitting at a table with a blue plate of sandwiches, potato chips, and black and white cookies. One hand reaches for cherries in a bowl. Two glasses of sparkling water and candles are on the table.
A couple sits outdoors at a small table adorned with flowers and candles. They are holding hands, surrounded by lit candles on the ground. Both are wearing cozy jackets, and there's a parked vehicle in the background.
A couple enjoys an evening meal by a lake with mountains in the background. They are sitting at a table illuminated by string lights next to a truck with a rooftop tent, under a starlit sky.
A couple is sitting at a small table outdoors surrounded by candles and string lights. They are smiling and holding glasses, with a truck and rooftop tent in the background, set against a twilight sky.
A couple sits by a small table with a lit string of lights, near a tent mounted on a vehicle, under a dark, starry sky. The background features mountains and a calm lake, creating a serene camping scene.
A couple sits together under a lit-up rooftop tent on a truck, surrounded by string lights in a nighttime setting. They are wearing warm clothing and appear happy and relaxed.
A person stands on a parked vehicle's roof, while another sits beside them. They both shine flashlights towards the night sky. A glowing tent is mounted on the vehicle. Mountains and a starry sky form the backdrop.

The next day, at sunrise, it was time for the main event. They headed back to the alpine lake and said their vows at sunrise, reading from custom vow books and exchanging rings all over again. It was quiet, tranquil, and totally full of emotion. This moment perfectly exemplifies why vow renewals are so beautiful—you could tell how much they meant every word. 

A couple walks hand in hand on a grassy hilltop, with a small pond nearby and mountains in the background. The sky is dusky, suggesting sunset or sunrise. The woman is in a white dress and red jacket, and the man is in a blue suit.
A couple stands by a serene lake, exchanging vows at sunset. The water reflects the hilly landscape and warm tones of the sky. The bride wears a white dress and orange shawl, while the groom is in a blue suit. A small floral arrangement rests on the ground.
A couple stands beside a reflective lake in a mountainous area, exchanging vows. The bride wears a white dress and orange jacket; the groom is in a blue suit. A colorful bouquet lies on the ground. The scene is calm and scenic.
A couple in wedding attire exchanges rings by a serene lake. The woman, with curly hair adorned with flowers, wears a brown fur shawl. The man, in a blue suit, smiles warmly. Mountains and a clear sky provide a picturesque backdrop.
A couple stands by a calm lake, with one person wearing a rust-colored jacket and adjusting the tie of the other, who is in a blue suit. Their hands are adorned with rings, and there's a vibrant boutonniere on the suit.
A couple embraces near a calm lake, surrounded by grassy hills under a clear sky. The woman wears a wedding dress and flower headband, while the man is in a blue suit. A bouquet of colorful flowers lies on the ground nearby.
A couple stands lovingly by a tranquil lake, surrounded by greenery and flowers. The woman wears a white dress and an orange jacket, while the man is in a blue suit. They embrace, smiling, with a colorful bouquet on the ground.
A couple stands happily by a serene lake. The woman wears a white dress with a rust-colored jacket and flowers in her hair, while the man is in a blue suit. They embrace, smiling warmly at each other. A colorful bouquet lies at their feet.
A couple in warm clothing embraces lovingly in an outdoor setting with mountains and a lake in the background. The woman wears a flower crown, and they both smile while touching foreheads.
A couple stands facing a serene mountain landscape with a small lake in the foreground, reflecting the scenery. The sky is clear, and the couple, slightly blurred, is dressed in formal attire. The atmosphere is peaceful and romantic.

Debra & Shamarrae kissed and then they were off again, exploring through the valleys and greenery as the sun rose higher in the sky. They played with reflections in the stillness of the lake and twirled on the banks. 

A bride and groom walk hand in hand along a grassy hillside, reflected in a calm body of water. The bride wears a white dress and a red jacket, and the groom wears a blue suit. They smile at each other under a clear, sunny sky.
A couple poses on a rocky hilltop with a mountain and lake in the background. The bride wears a white dress and brown jacket, holding her train, while the groom is in a blue suit. They hold hands, and the groom carries a bouquet.
A couple shares a romantic kiss outdoors. The woman, wearing a colorful floral hairpiece and a brown fur coat, embraces the man, who is in a blue suit and glasses. Mountains and water are blurred in the background.
A couple stands by a lake with mountains in the background. The man, in a blue suit, kisses the woman, who is in a white dress and holding a bouquet and brown hat. They stand on rocky terrain. The scene is serene and romantic.
A bride and groom walk on a rocky path in a scenic mountain landscape. A calm pond and rugged peaks are in the background under a clear blue sky. The bride wears a white dress, and the groom is in a blue suit.
A bride in a white dress holds a bouquet and walks alongside a groom in a blue suit. They are outdoors with a backdrop of towering mountains and a clear sky.
A couple embraces joyfully on a grassy hilltop with the bride's dress flowing in the breeze. They are surrounded by a scenic landscape of mountains and forests under a clear sky.
A bride in a flowing white dress and a groom in a blue suit stand on a hilltop. The bride gracefully spreads her dress's cape, while the groom holds a colorful bouquet. Mountains and a clear sky form the backdrop.
A couple stands on a mountain landscape during a wedding. The woman, in a white dress and floral crown, smiles, while the man, in a blue suit, holds her hand and a bouquet of flowers. The mountains and forest form a scenic backdrop.
A couple embraces lovingly on a rocky outcrop in a mountainous landscape. The man is seated in a blue suit, while the woman stands, wearing a white dress with a colorful flower in her hair. Pine trees and mountain peaks are visible in the background.

Debra & Shamarrae’s Reflections – In Their Own Words

“Thank you so much for these ahhhmazing photos! It was worth the wait, they are absolutely stunning!” – Debra

“You are an amazing teacher and photographer. We enjoyed so much to be a part of that experience! The whole thing makes me see how truly special that moment is for all the couples you take pictures of.” – Debra

Hey there!

I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant



For the last 14 years I’ve traveled to 40 countries, all 7 continents, and planned & photographed over 300 elopements all over the world.

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