Kathy and Zac reached out with a dream to have a sunrise elopement on Halloween. You don’t even know how freakin’ excited I was after I hung up the phone with them the first time. These two are what adventure weddings are all about: Creating a wedding day as adventurous as you are.
Kathy and Zac met at a rock climbing gym in Oregon. Three years ago, they decided to quit their jobs and live in a tiny truck for 10 months traveling throughout the US and Canada – climbing, hiking, and backpacking.
We met at the trailhead at 4:45 am on the morning of Halloween. It was a full moon that day so we got to hike up to the viewpoint with the snow sparkling in the moonlight.
As the sun turned the snow-capped peaks a pastel shade of pink, these two had a first look in their wedding clothes and shared personal letters with each other. I will not lie – it was COLD – but between a million warm-up breaks and some hot apple cider, the photos were 1000% worth it.
After hiking around, enjoying a sunrise picnic of hot apple cider and stroopwafels, and exploring the old mining ruins nearby, we met their immediate family back near the trailhead for their ceremony. With the people who mean the most to them present, Kathy and Zac
officiated their own ceremony and officially became adventure buddies for life.
As a wedding gift, Zac gave Kathy a pair or silver and gold earrings that she put on at the top of the mountain. At some point during the hike down, here earring had fallen out. We searched around, but it was impossible to find in the fluffy white snow. Right after their ceremony, Kathy reached into her dress to remove something that was poking her. We all gasped and laughed as she pulled out the earring that Zac had gifted her!
This is a day I will NEVER forget because it reflected 100% of who Kathy and Zac are and their love for exploring this beautiful earth. Thank you for allowing me to share these moments with you – you two are the reason I drive home saying “I have the best job in the world”.
P.S. That first night shot above has been a dream photograph of mine to capture for years – and on that morning all the stars finally aligned.
Need an Adventure Wedding Photographer in Colorado?
Meet Larissa + Bailey! As two Colorado Natives who have photographed over 150+ 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 adventure wedding photographer today!
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