Sunrise, Wildflowers, and a Dog Named Moose | Karen & Brad

Some mornings feel like they were made just for you. Brad and Karen’s elopement morning was one of those—the kind of sunrise that stretches on forever, washing the mountains in gold while the sky catches fire in every shade of pink and orange. It was easily one of the best sunrises I’ve ever seen in Crested Butte, and it set the tone for a day that was calm, joyful, and deeply them.

The day began before dawn at their Airbnb, where the hum of hair dryers mixed with soft laughter and the occasional bark from Moose—their beloved (and very muddy) Vizsla. By the time we stepped outside for lantern photos, the stars were still bright overhead. There was this peaceful anticipation in the air, the kind that feels equal parts “we can’t believe it’s happening” and “of course this is exactly how it should be.”

We packed up and drove through the dark toward the trailhead, headlights bouncing off the pines. By the time we started hiking, the first hint of light had crept over the peaks. The mountains slowly came alive around us—wildflowers glowing in the blue hour light, dew clinging to everything, and Moose trotting happily ahead, already collecting the first of many paw prints for Karen’s dress.

When the sun finally broke over the ridge, we all stopped talking. The alpenglow poured across the valley, and the three of them—Brad, Karen, and Moose—stood there together, wrapped in the kind of light you can feel. It was impossible to pick a “ceremony spot” ahead of time because the wildflowers were just everywhere, so when we reached a field bursting with color, they looked at each other and said, “Here.” It was perfect.

Their vows were quiet, personal, and full of the kind of history that comes from nearly a decade together. From meeting at their first job (where Brad was assigned to “train” Karen even though he barely knew what he was doing), to raising their whirlwind of a puppy, to packing up their lives and moving to New York City on a leap of faith—they’ve already built a life full of grit, laughter, and teamwork. Brad calls Karen the dreamer; Karen calls Brad the balance. Watching them together, it’s clear they’re both right.

After their ceremony, they popped champagne, shared cake, and read letters from loved ones surrounded by wildflowers and mountain air. Moose supervised the whole thing, alternating between posing for photos and rolling in the grass. It was quiet, easy, and completely unhurried—exactly how they wanted it.

When I packed up to leave, they weren’t rushing off anywhere. They decided to stay at Emerald Lake, just to soak in the stillness and enjoy the kind of day they’d always imagined—no schedule, no audience, just the three of them in the mountains.

Brad and Karen’s elopement wasn’t just about saying vows. It was a reflection of how they live: together, side by side, with a good dose of laughter, a little chaos, and one very happy dog leading the way.

NEED A PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR Crested Butte 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 Crested Butte elopement photographer today!