Heartfelt Family Vows on A Frozen Lake | Stephanie & Kyle

Some elopements are about the quiet intimacy of two people in love. Others are about family, laughter, and muddy boots. Stephanie and Kyle’s day in Colorado fell squarely into that second category, where love was measured in giggles, snowballs, and the excited chatter of their two boys. From the very start, it was clear this wasn’t just about a ceremony—it was about celebrating their life together as a family.

Stephanie and Kyle’s story began at a local dirt track, where sprint cars and shared friends brought them together. First dates involved hiking and snowballs, and over time, their relationship grew through shared adventures, challenges, and milestones. They’ve navigated health struggles, big moves, and the sometimes messy, always rewarding work of raising two boys. Those challenges cemented the kind of bond that makes a family feel like a team—and that’s exactly what their elopement celebrated.

The morning started at their cabin near Telluride, a cozy mix of anticipation and chaos. Kyle got ready with the boys by his side while Stephanie’s sisters finished her hair and makeup. Rings, vow books, and boots were ready, each detail capturing a piece of their journey together. There was a first look with Stephanie’s dad, followed by the sweetest first look with Kyle and their boys—a moment filled with joy, hugs, and plenty of laughter.

We drove together to Trout Lake, where their ceremony was intimate and heartfelt. Their boys played central roles: Carson proudly presented the rings, while Daxten “officiated” in his own charming way. The vows were personal and deeply meaningful, reflecting not just their love for each other but for the family they’ve built. After the ceremony, we spent time exploring the lake, having a snowball fight, and capturing candid moments that perfectly reflected their playful, adventurous spirit.

The afternoon shifted from lake to town. A drive to Telluride, a quick walk to the gondola, and then photos at the top of the mountain gave sweeping views of the valley and surrounding peaks. By the time we headed down into town, blue hour light softened the mountains behind them, lending a gentle magic to every shot. Dinner was casual and joyful—a pizza feast with close family, the kind of meal where everyone relaxes, laughs, and savors the moment.

The day didn’t end at dinner. Back at their cabin, the real highlight awaited: a campfire, s’mores, and starry skies. There, with chocolate melting over graham crackers and the scent of pine in the air, Stephanie and Kyle’s boys laughed, roasted marshmallows, and soaked in a night that perfectly captured their family’s energy and love.

Stephanie and Kyle’s elopement wasn’t about grand gestures or large crowds—it was about intimacy, joy, and the people who matter most. Their vows were private, their laughter was loud, and their love was obvious in every glance, hug, and playful snowball. The mountains, the lake, the gondola, and the stars were all witnesses to a day that celebrated exactly what they’ve built together: a family, a team, and a life full of love, adventure, and s’mores.

NEED A PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR Telluride 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 Telluride elopement photographer today!