S’mores & Stargazing After an 11,000-Foot Vow Exchange | Samantha & Dustin

Samantha and Dustin’s elopement was the perfect mix of adventure, intimacy, and their dog, Brodee—because what’s an epic wedding day without a little spontaneity? They wanted a day that felt effortless, true to them, and centered around what mattered most: each other, their dog, and the great outdoors.

The Start Of Their Story

Their story started long before their wedding day. Samantha and Dustin first met in high school, where they briefly dated before life took them in different directions. Years later, fate (and Instagram) brought them back together. When Samantha posted about a ski trip, Dustin saw an opportunity, slid into her DMs, and drove up to New York to join the trip. From that moment on, they were inseparable. Their love grew on the slopes, in the mountains, and through shared adventures. Their proposal—at the top of one of their favorite ski runs on New Year’s Eve—was the perfect reflection of their relationship: spontaneous, full of excitement, and set in a place they loved most.

Their Care-Free Elopement Day

The day started with quiet moments. Larissa arrived at their rental to find them already in their wedding attire, making last-minute adjustments, laughing with family, and soaking it all in. Samantha laced up her shoes, fastened her jewelry, and shared an emotional first look with her parents before they packed up the cars and hit the road.

Their first stop for their Breckenridge elopement was an aspen grove near Dillon Reservoir, where the golden leaves shimmered around them as they saw each other for the first time that day. There’s something about the way aspens whisper in the wind that makes everything feel a little more magical. They took their time, wandering among the trees, stealing quiet glances, and taking a few photos with their parents.

From there, they made their way to Loveland Pass. The drive itself was part of the adventure, winding through mountain roads with the crisp fall air rushing in through open windows. Brodee, their Australian Shepherd-Poodle mix, took his co-pilot duties seriously, soaking in every mile.

Their Vows at 11,000 Feet

At the top of the pass, they hiked to a quiet spot where they stood at over 11,000 feet, ready to make it official. The wind carried their vows across the alpine tundra, and with Brodee as their witness (and honorary witness, thanks to a well-placed paw print on the marriage license), they sealed their promises. There was cake, music, and the kind of joy that makes your face hurt from smiling. The moment was theirs, untouched by distractions, and absolutely perfect.

As the sun dipped lower, they explored Loveland Pass, chasing the last light and soaking in the surreal beauty of the mountains around them, with sunset painting the sky in fiery oranges and deep purples. The mountains turned gold, then blue, then finally faded into a quiet, star-filled night.

S’Mores and The Milky Way

With the temperature dropping, they cozied up in the back of their truck, pulling out a picnic and roasting s’mores over a portable fire. There was no rush—just the sound of the flames, the occasional blowing out of a burnt marshmallow, and the quiet hum of the world settling in for the night.

By 8:15, the stars had fully emerged, blanketing the sky in a way only possible in the high alpine. With no city lights to compete, the Milky Way stretched above them in dazzling clarity. Samantha and Dustin held onto each other, letting the vastness of the night sky sink in.

Looking back, Samantha and Dustin said their favorite part of the day was simply being together—no distractions, no expectations, just them. The star photos were an unforgettable experience, a perfect capstone to an already incredible day. Their advice to other couples? Don’t stress. The best days unfold naturally, and when you build your wedding around what makes you happiest, there’s nothing more perfect than that.

For Samantha and Dustin, their elopement wasn’t just about a wedding—it was about making memories, embracing adventure, and starting this next chapter exactly how they wanted. And if the twinkle in their eyes during that final star-lit moment says anything, it’s that their adventure is only just beginning.

Their Elopement Vendors

Flowers | Mirabelle Blooms

Hair | Emilee Benson Hair

Makeup | Refined Beauty Artistry

Wedding Dress Shop | d’Anelli Bridal

Wedding Dress Designer | Essense of Australia

Cake | Cakes By Karen

Ready to Elope?

Meet Larissa + Bailey! As two Colorado Natives who have photographed 200+ 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 Colorado elopement photographer today!