Love That Doesn’t Need Permission, Just a Mountain and a Happy Dance | Kailee & Carolyn

Kailee and Carolyn’s elopement day was the kind that doesn’t just sit in your memory – it dances around in it, kicking up joy and making you feel like you were part of something truly rare.

They started the day tucked into a quiet cabin in Breckenridge, surrounded by soft mountain light, hot coffee, and the comforting buzz of family. Their two dogs roamed in and out of the getting-ready space like they were in charge of the timeline (honestly, they kind of were). The vibe was cozy, calm, and full of quiet excitement. There was a little nervous laughter and the kind of moments where you catch someone looking in the mirror a second longer, just letting the reality of the day sink in.

Their first look happened just outside the cabin, wrapped in mountain overlook and fresh fall air. They turned to see each other, and the emotion hit instantly. These two know each other so deeply, and watching them take each other in – finally in wedding clothes, finally here – was like watching someone see their home after a long trip away.

We drove toward Officer’s Gulch for their ceremony with a short hike to a lakeside view. As we passed a couple fishing on the edge of the lake, they looked up and started cheering – real, full-volume cheers from strangers. It felt like the whole world was in on it.

Their ceremony was intimate, heartfelt, and wildly personal. Their best friend stood with them, the kind of friend who’s been there through everything, and officiated with such warmth and love it was like the whole forest was holding its breath. Then came a surprise: their siblings, one by one, shared their favorite wedding and love quotes. Kailee and Carolyn didn’t know what sayings each of them intentionally chose, and you could see it land on their faces – the surprise, the humor, the way words from people who know you best always hit deeper.

Right after the ceremony, we pulled out the marriage license. A very official piece of paper, yes, but what made it monumental was the signature. Kailee’s grandma sat nearby to witness their marriage, pen in hand, full of pride. The weight of that moment was quiet but enormous.

Before heading back to the cabin, we stopped at Kailee’s grandma’s place in Frisco – a little log-sided time capsule of childhood memories. You could feel how much it meant to Kailee, like she’d brought this brand new chapter of her life full circle.

Back at their rental, the mood shifted into relaxed celebration. Carolyn, who has a not-so-secret obsession with good coffee, had packed her Breville espresso maker, and she played barista for the whole family. Coffee was followed by a spread of cake and charcuterie – assembled with love from Wander & Graze, where Kailee works. There was so much intentionality in the details, but nothing ever felt fussy. Just thoughtful and easy, the way the best parties are.

As the sun softened and their private chef started cooking dinner, the three of us snuck away to Blue Lakes. We found a secret waterfall tucked into the trees, and Kailee disappeared for a moment only to come back in a completely different dress – a black one this time. This one was all her. Carolyn’s face when she saw her? Pure love and zero chill. It was one of those surprises that immediately feels right, like something inside just clicked into place.

We hiked up into the valley, stopping for water and stunning-view breaks as we climbed. At the top, with the sun low and the air cool, they shared their private vows. These were the unfiltered, completely-for-each-other words. No audience. No structure. Just honesty, emotion, and that overwhelming feeling of we really did this. They finished with a happy dance on top of a giant rock – because yes, that’s what joy looks like sometimes.

After sunset, we headed back to the cabin where dinner was served around a candlelit table. The lighting was soft, the wine was flowing, and the people who matter most were all there. Toasts rolled into each other, full of laughter, tears, and the kind of love that doesn’t try too hard – it just is.

And then, because this day wasn’t quite done surprising us, Carolyn’s sisters performed a full parody of “Stacy’s Mom,” rewritten to tell Kailee and Carolyn’s love story. Imagine a whole room crying from laughter and also just crying-crying, because it was that good.

As I left their cabin late that night, the sky did one last magic trick. A rare shimmer of pink Northern Lights danced over the Rockies. A fleeting glow, quiet and surreal, like a wink from the universe saying, Yeah, that was a good one.

And it really, really was.

Their Breckenridge Wedding Vendor Team

Florist | The Ruffly Rose

Hair and Makeup | Weemala

White Wedding Dress | a&bé Bridal Shop

Black Wedding Dress | Tara LaTour

Suit | Suite Supply

Charcuterie Board | Wander and Graze

Cake | Blue Moon Bakery

We cannot say enough amazing things about Larissa! From the moment we connected, it was clear that she was not just a talented photographer but someone who truly cared about understanding our vision and making our special day feel perfectly us.


Larissa has a rare gift for creating an environment where you feel completely comfortable—like you’re with an old friend who just happens to be capturing the most important moments of your life. Neither of us is super used to being in front of a camera, but with Larissa behind the lens, it felt effortless. She matched our energy flawlessly.


What really stood out was how deeply she understood our priorities. She took the time to listen to what mattered most to us and ensured that every shot reflected the spirit of our day. We never felt like we had to “pose” or try to be anything other than ourselves. She gave just the right amount of direction to make us feel confident but also let the day unfold naturally and unforced.


If you’re looking for someone who will not only take stunning photos but also make you feel like the most authentic version of yourselves, Larissa is the one. She went above and beyond in every way, and we are so grateful to have had her by our side on our elopement day.

Kailee & Carolyn

NEED A PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR Breckenridge 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 Breckenridge elopement photographer today!