In a whimsical union, Jared and Ron embarked on an unforgettable mountaintop elopement in the breathtaking San Juan Mountains of Colorado. As dawn broke, they set off by off-road jeep to reach their picturesque ceremony spot, where the rising sun cast a golden glow. The couple exchanged heartfelt vows, penned specifically for this special moment, while donning dashing burgundy and navy suits. The ambiance was further elevated by an extraordinary Harry Potter-inspired ring book, playful bubbles, and stunning portraits against the majestic backdrop. It’s hard to imagine a more romantic setting! Many thanks to Vows and Peaks for sharing these captivating images of their enchanting day with us.
Hiking Elopement
The Proposal
Thirteen years prior to exchanging vows, our journey began with a chance encounter on Myspace. Although we grew up in neighboring Indiana towns, our paths didn’t converge until much later. In fact, Ron claims that he first caught sight of me at his high school prom, a few years before our online meeting. Fast forward to 2015, when the US Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage, and it became clear that this was an inevitable step for us. The subsequent years saw us focus on individual goals – Ron finishing his Master’s degree and I contemplating a career shift – rather than rushing into formalities.
The Vision
As an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast, I (Jared) have always sought out unconventional experiences. When planning our Colorado adventure, Sean – our photographer – asked us to share our vision for the day’s shoot. We were adamant that we wanted a location that would showcase the state’s breathtaking natural beauty, with towering mountains, crystal-clear water, rugged cliffs, and majestic canyons.Trusting Sean to find the perfect spot, we didn’t know the exact location until we arrived by way of a Jeep, perched at an elevation of 13,000 feet just before sunrise over the San Juan Mountains. As the golden light crept over the horizon, it was clear that this was going to be an unforgettable experience.
Budget
Our travel budget for the entire trip, encompassing both the wedding celebration and a week-long exploration of Colorado, was tentatively set at $10,000 to $15,000.
The Venue
As the darkness slowly gave way to the dawn’s early light, Sean pulled up in his rugged Jeep at 4:00 a.m., accompanied by his buddy who had equipped their vehicle for tackling the rough terrain. The chilly morning air was filled with the sounds of our banter as we shared stories and got settled for the long ride ahead.
By the time we crested the mountain tops around 6:00 a.m., the sun was mere minutes from breaking over the horizon, casting an orange glow across the landscape. As we prepared to jump into our suits, we congregated on opposite sides of the Jeep, using the tinted windows as makeshift mirrors.
The lack of visibility allowed for a truly dramatic reveal when Ron tapped me (Jared) on the shoulder from behind, signaling it was time to turn around and take in his dashing navy blue attire. The surprise and delight on my face were matched only by the sense of excitement building within us as we prepared to take on the day.
Your Outfits
Initially, we planned to incorporate navy blue and burgundy suits into our attire, but the latter proved more challenging to find. A serendipitous discovery led us to Express, where we stumbled upon a stunning burgundy suit that caught our eye. While there, we also chanced upon a high-quality navy suit made from the same material, ultimately deciding to take both back to our wardrobe. For accessories, we turned to Dazi, selecting ties that harmonized with their respective suit colors in muted tones. Our trusty hiking boots provided unparalleled stability during our trek, seamlessly integrating the formal aspects of our outfits with the ruggedness of the great outdoors.
The Ceremony & Music
As we stood together on the rocky outcropping, surrounded by nothing but the silence of nature, our ceremony took on an intimate and emotional tone. The gentle warmth of the rising sun cast a golden glow on our faces as we spoke our heartfelt vows to one another. In that moment, it was just us, lost in the simplicity and sincerity of our promises. We exchanged rings from within the pages of Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince, where the hollowed-out chapter ‘The Unbreakable Vow’ served as a poignant reminder of the unshakeable bond we shared.
Your Photographer
The Styling & Decor
Our palette was a deliberate choice, opting for navy and burgundy hues that would pop against the prevalent greens and greys of our environment. As the seasons transition towards fall, we aimed to evoke a sense of autumnal ambiance through our attire. A thoughtful touch was adding ties in muted shades that mirrored each other’s suit colors, perfectly complemented by matching pocket squares and unique handmade paper flower lapel pins – a distinctive touch that added visual interest and personality to our overall look.
The Honeymoon
As we embarked on the journey of a lifetime, our honeymoon and wedding celebrations became intricately woven into one unforgettable trip. Prior to our nuptials, we spent five days exploring Colorado’s breathtaking landscapes. A highlight was our ride on one of America’s oldest steam engine trains, which chugged along an historic mining route. Another exhilarating experience was white water rafting and ziplining through the state’s stunning natural scenery.
When we weren’t indulging in local cuisine or browsing shops showcasing the talents of Colorado’s artists, we ventured to various locations throughout the state, immersing ourselves in some of the most breathtaking hikes I’ve ever had the privilege to experience.
Memorable Moments
As we departed from our ceremony, we embarked on an invigorating hike and exploration of the surrounding landscape. The mountain top’s unique terrain boasted three serene lakes, nestled amidst its rugged ridges, and lingering snow banks that defied the summer heat. Every few feet of our journey brought a dramatic shift in perspective, revealing endless breathtaking vistas. To cap off our morning, we uncorked a bottle of Moscato, savoring its crisp flavors directly from the source.
