A Tiny Guest List, a Big Celebration, and All the Feels | Eduardo & Yudyth

Some elopements are filled with sunshine and expansive vistas. Others are moody, dramatic, and perfectly suited to the love they’re capturing. Eduardo and Yudyth’s day in Estes Park fell into the latter category, with overcast skies, quiet lakes, and that in-between light that makes everything feel cinematic.

They’ve known each other since ninth grade, but life took them on different paths. Reconnecting after high school—despite Eduardo living in West Texas—sparked a love that’s lasted twelve years. They’ve navigated distance, toddler parenting, and long days with grace and humor, and their elopement reflected that deep connection.

The day began with quiet energy at their separate cabins. We captured last-minute getting-ready moments—rings, vow books, flowers, shoes, perfume, and cologne—while Yudyth had a sweet first look with her dad. Eduardo prepared nearby, anticipation in his eyes, knowing that soon the people who matter most would witness the next chapter of their story.

From there, we drove to Sprague Lake, where the ceremony took place. Jen from Small Circle Ceremonies officiated, seamlessly conducting the vows in both English and Spanish so all family members could feel included. The ceremony was intimate, heartfelt, and joyful, a celebration of not just their love but their family, with their parents and siblings surrounding them. After signing the marriage license and sharing their first dance, the family raised glasses of champagne—and their favorite tequila—to toast the newlyweds. Laughter, hugs, and a few happy tears filled the air.

Later, they headed toward Bear Lake Trailhead, excited to hike toward Dream Lake for portraits. The overcast skies made hiking challenging, so plans shifted slightly, but that same dramatic light provided the perfect setting for moody, ethereal images. Even if the lake itself remained elusive, the experience captured their adventurous spirit, teamwork, and playful energy together.

The evening ended with a stop at Lily Lake for Blue Hour portraits. The moody clouds and reflective water made the perfect backdrop, giving their images a cinematic, storybook quality. It was quiet, intimate, and completely them. The day had moved from ceremony to family celebration, to adventure in the mountains, all while holding the sense of closeness and authenticity they had wanted.

Eduardo and Yudyth’s elopement wasn’t about crowds or grand gestures. It was about the people who have shaped their lives, the love that has grown over twelve years, and the little moments that make a day unforgettable: a first look with Dad, family tequila shots, snowy trails, and moody mountain light. Their love felt effortless, grounded, and enduring—a reminder that sometimes the best weddings are the ones that reflect exactly who you are.

NEED A PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR Estes Park Elopement?

Meet Larissa + Bailey! As two born and raised Coloradans who have photographed 300+ couples in 100+ locations across Colorado, we specialize in creating a different kind of wedding day that is just as adventurous as you are. We use our experience and knowledge to craft a different kind of wedding day that feels completely authentic to you. Want to hike to a high alpine lake? We can give you trail options for that! Want to canoe along the banks of a mountain lake? We can tell you the best lakes to do it on! Want to watch the sunset from the top of the world? We’ll lead you to our favorite spots for sunset! Book your Estes Park elopement photographer today!