Two Day Aspen + Twin Lakes Elopement | Jess + Ken-Ichi

Jess + Ken-Ichi’s two-day Twin Lakes elopement is something that I will never, ever forget. They truly experienced alllll of the weather and beauty that Colorado has to offer while ensuring that every single detail of the two days we spend together reflected who they were as a couple!

How They Met

Jess and Ken-Ichi met while working in DC on climate and clean energy policy after Ken-Ichi’s sister connected the two for a mentorship. After getting lunch together, Ken-Ichi took a strong interest in helping Jess grow in her career and started exchanging interesting articles for them to talk about, inviting her to networking groups, and meeting for dinner regularly. Jess didn’t want to complicate things since she was friends with his sister and even famously told him that she would only go out to dinner with him if it wasn’t a date. Ironically, they now consider that fateful dinner to be their first date!

They fell in love with each other’s curiosity, intelligence, passion to make a difference in the world, and ability to fully “zone-in” with each other and forget their surroundings.

How They Got Engaged

Jess explained that “in may ways, the early lockdown days of the pandemic were a small blessing in disguise.” It allowed them to work remotely, live together again after spending time dating long-distance, and realize just how much they loved spending their days together.

That fall they planned a three week road trip to Colorado and picked out a ring while in Denver. A few days after they returned, Ken-Ichi surprised Jess with a proposal during dinner and desert at their apartment!

When they made the decision to elope, the pair knew that they wanted to have a unique experience that allowed them to still include some more traditional wedding moments while incorporating their love of adventure and the outdoors. They did all that and more!

Their Two-Day Twin Lakes Elopement in Colorado

On the first day of their elopement, Jess + Ken-Ichi spent the morning white water rafting before we met up at Maroon Bells for sunset and a visit from a fox! Despite the rain, we explored the area for a bit before heading back to their airbnb to meet up with Dylan (one of the best dang videographers!) for a four course meal with the incredible Chef Alex and some moody star photos.

The next day, Dylan and I woke up to a thin layer of snow and fog as we made our way over Independence Pass. We reconvened with Jess + Ken-Ichi in Twin Lakes and spent the day hiking to the prettiest meadow where they shared their vows before heading to the shore line. We experienced patches of rain on and off all afternoon, which led to us seeing how many rainbows we could spot (answer: FOUR!).

As they began their first dance, the skies opened and it began pouring. These two embraced the heck out of it as a wave of giddyness hit us all.

They popped champagne, felt the rain on their face, and soaked up every single second of what the skies had to offer. They were rewarded with another rainbow, and some of the prettiest, moodiest views we’ve ever seen!

We ended the evening with sunset back on the top of Independence Pass, and a sense that these two days were like nothing we would ever get to experience again.

If you’ve been considering a multi-day elopement, let this be your sign. You won’t regret it!!

Twin Lakes Elopement Vendors

Video: Dylan Crossley 

Private Chef: Harvest Roaring Fork 

Dress: Morilee 

NEED A COLORADO ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER?

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!

In the meantime, be sure to check out our list of Best Places to Elope in Colorado, and our guide for How to Plan a Colorado Elopement!