When Macy first reached out to me on Instagram about photographing her Colorado elopement at Brainard Lake, my heart couldn’t have been happier! Not only would I have the opportunity to travel to such a cool state, but I would also have the opportunity to PHOTOGRAPH the sweetest couple in that cool state. Anyone who knows me will tell you that traveling is in my blood. I would 100% rather be site seeing and exploring with my husband and dog by my side than sitting still. So, you can only imagine the excitement that I felt when Macy and I spoke and finalized her wedding day plans.

We started the day at Macy + Will’s home near Boulder, Colorado where Macy and her family got ready. Like me and so many others, Macy is a fur mom, so naturally she had to have photos with her cats (which I can totally appreciate)!

As we made our way to the ceremony site at Brainard Lake, we drove through the most incredible, intimate view of the mountains. It was absolutely breathtaking and left me in awe. The mountains have my heart and there’s just something so calming about seeing those snow-capped mountain tops in the distance.

I think everyone who was at Macy + Will’s ceremony can agree that not only was it absolutely beautiful, but it was full of all the emotion. One part that resonated with me was how Macy and Will chose the ceremony spot because it meant a lot to them. They didn’t care what tradition says, and they didn’t care what others had to say about how they chose to celebrate their big day. Instead, they did exactly what their hearts wanted and said their I do’s at the place where they first visited separately but fell in love with together.

After their gorgeous ceremony, Macy and Will opted to have family and friends head on to the reception venue while we pranced around for couple’s photos. Even though it started to rain and the cooler temps combined with the wind made it extra chilly, Macy and Will chose to make the best of our time together. We let the elements do their thing and soaked up every second of those newlywed vibes.

After couple’s portraits, we traveled back to Boulder for the sweetest reception and the best food (thank you Pastificio Boulder)! Upon arriving, guests were greeted by the option to sign their “guestbook” which was actually a record player (a couple after my own heart, might I add). And before sitting down, guests could pick up a party favor, which just so happened to be the couple’s favorite BBQ rub. Macy and Will were surrounded by their closest friends and family who helped them dance the night away at the coolest industrial-chic space, The Studio Boulder.

We ended the night with our windiest sparkler exit to date and left with full hearts and more gratitude than could ever be put into words. My husband and I are so thankful to do something that we both love and enjoy to our cores. Most days, we still can’t believe that we do this for a living. We will forever be grateful to the amazing couples that we have met along our journey and want to remind you that celebrating your love for one another can be as beautiful and as simple as you want. Break away from tradition and do things your way. You won’t regret it.

Other important vendors:

Dress: Dani West Bridal

Flowers: Painted Primrose

Hair: Bekah Gallegos

Suit: Men’s Wearhouse

Cakes: Shamane’s Bake Shop