Golden Aspens, Stargazing, and a Paw-Printed Marriage License in the San Juans | Cheryl + Tommy

If there were ever a day that made us want to hit pause and just live in it forever, Cheryl and Tommy’s elopement would be it. The San Juan Mountains were showing off with their full fall color palette – like, actual gold everywhere – and these two leaned all the way into the cozy, wild magic of it. Add in three dogs, a champagne pop, and a fire-lit night under the stars, and you’ve got yourself a dream of a day.

We kicked things off slowly, the way all good elopement days should start. Cheryl and Tommy spent a quiet afternoon together at their Airbnb, sipping coffee with their pups nearby and taking their time getting ready. It wasn’t rushed or overly orchestrated – just peaceful, intentional, and full of those little in-between moments that make the whole day feel more real. Once they were dressed, they shared a first look that honestly made us all emotional (yes, even the dogs).

Then it was time to load up and head into the heart of the mountains. We took our time winding along a mountain pass near Telluride, pulling over here and there to take it all in until we found the spot. You know the one—open views, aspens absolutely glowing, and just enough quiet to make it feel like the world had tilted slightly in their favor.

With their three pups standing proudly (and somewhat wiggly) nearby, Cheryl and Tommy read their vows, exchanged rings, and officially became married humans. One of the dogs may or may not have signed the marriage license as witness with a slightly questionable paw print, but we’re not here to judge—we’re here to celebrate. And celebrate they did, popping champagne and soaking in that golden hour glow like they’d waited their whole lives for this exact kind of happiness.

We spent the next stretch of the evening chasing light and views. The colors turned deeper, the sky started shifting, and Cheryl and Tommy just kept being effortlessly in sync, laughing, holding hands, and occasionally giving the dogs pep talks about “not eating random sticks” (you know, romantic stuff).

Back at the Airbnb, the celebration kept rolling in the coziest way: wine, cake, a crackling campfire, and a sky that slowly filled with stars. We wrapped up with some star photos that felt more like an exhale than a finale – just the two of them, bundled up in blankets, surrounded by dogs and darkness and the kind of quiet you only get in the mountains.

Cheryl and Tommy’s elopement wasn’t flashy or scripted. It was heartfelt, unhurried, deeply them. And honestly, that’s the kind of love story we’ll never get tired of telling.

We couldn’t be happier with the photos we received! Bailey is a true gem! She has been on top of it from the very start. She is organized and professional but most importantly so fun to work with! Her energy makes you feel so comfortable and relaxed during the photo shoot. The talent she has is truly amazing, and the proof is in the photos! I highly recommend we the light! So happy with everything Bailey did for us from start to finish. My now husband said, “we need to renew our vows in 5 years and hire Bailey again!” And I couldn’t agree more! Thank you so much for everything!

Cheryl & Tommy

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!