Kara and Melissa's Mountain Elopement

Photos by Larsen Photo Co.

Kara and Melissa met at the University of Denver, where they both played lacrosse, a decade ago, so it was only fitting that they opened their vows with “it’s been a long time coming.” (It also doesn’t hurt that they are huge Swifties.)

When they started planning their elopement, it was important to them that their families play a part in the day, since they have been nothing but supportive of their relationship. I love when couples want the best of both worlds from their wedding day, by spending some time on an adventure alone but also meeting up with family to celebrate together—and that’s exactly what we did.

With a late May elopement, we knew there would still be snow at higher elevations, but that didn’t stop the brides from putting on hiking boots and postholing through the knee-deep snow to reach the perfect view for their private vows. By the time we met up with their families at a lower elevation, a storm was starting to roll in over the mountains, but the rain held off just long enough for everyone to toast the newlyweds after the ceremony.