Mountain Views & Chautauqua Dining Hall Wedding Reception | Kim & Elliot

Kim and Elliott’s Boulder wedding day unfolded like a beautiful, emotional slow burn – the kind where everything feels both deeply intentional and delightfully unhurried.

We started at their Airbnb, where the energy was already high but grounded. Everyone was buzzing around, helping with the final details, laughing nervously, fixing stray hairs, fluffing dresses. And then came the first look. Kim and Elliott saw each other for the first time that day, and it was the kind of moment that doesn’t need much narration. Just a lot of emotion, a few tears, and a pause that made everything else go quiet. Their families joined shortly after, and that first look turned into a full-on group cry. 

After everyone wiped their faces and took a breath, Kim and Elliott peeled away for some time alone at Artist Point. The wind picked up in that perfectly dramatic way it sometimes does out here, and the two of them got to just be – exploring the trails, holding hands, soaking in the views before the day got louder. Those portraits were calm, connected, and quietly joyful. You could tell they were savoring the stillness before heading back into the whirlwind of celebration.

Soon, we met up with their families at the overlook. Everyone gathered in a semi-circle, forming this intimate little pocket of love and anticipation. The ceremony was short, heartfelt, and completely them. They read their vows with steady voices and full hearts, exchanged rings, and before we knew it – they were married.

We knocked out family photos, popped champagne (obviously), signed the marriage license, and then made our way down to the Chautauqua Dining Hall, where guests were starting to arrive and the celebration was just getting started. The reception kicked off with a grand entrance and first dances that managed to be both elegant and a little goofy in the best way. There were toasts and cheers, a moment of appreciation for their parents, and a big exhale as everyone shifted into full celebration mode.

Cocktail hour was buzzing with hugs and hellos, the clink of glasses, and one very impressive group photo. It felt like the kind of gathering where every single person was genuinely excited to be there – no obligatory plus-ones, just a big room full of people who really love Kim and Elliott.

As the evening started to soften, we snuck outside for blue hour portraits with the Flatirons glowing in the background. That hazy, cool-toned light wrapped around them like a final little gift from the universe before we packed up the cameras and let them head back in to keep celebrating.

Kim and Elliott’s wedding day was full of big feelings, quiet moments, and one very full dance floor. It was thoughtful without being fussy, emotional without being heavy, and joyful in a way that stuck with us long after the last toast. A perfect day for two people who clearly make each other better.

Their Boulder, CO Elopement Vendors

Florist: Florafied Blooms
Hair + Makeup: Bridal Glow Wedding Services
Bridal Shop: Brilliant Bridal
Reception Venue: Chautauqua Dining Hall

There are simply not enough words to describe the wonderful experience we had with Bailey and We The Light Photography. Bailey is an amazing person, fun to work with, and an EXTREMELY talented photographer. Both my wife and I have heard the phrase “this is the best wedding photo I have ever seen” from multiple people (and not just from biased family members!) Not to mention, Bailey made the experience easy, seamless, and stress free from start to end! You can tell that she genuinely cares about the people she works with and puts her heart and passion into what she does. We were also very impressed by how thorough Bailey was in helping us prepare for the day and her willingness in working with us when we experienced unexpected changes. Overall, hiring her was unequivocally the best decision we made during the entire wedding planning process. Our parents and close relatives all share this sentiment. Take it from my wife and I who hate being photographed, working with Bailey made ALL the difference in the world. Thank you Bailey and We The Light Photography!

Elliot & Kim

NEED A PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR Boulder Elopement?

Meet Larissa + Bailey! As two born and raised Coloradans who have photographed 250+ 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 Boulder elopement photographer today!