Unpredictable Weather Made This Springtime Elopement Pure Magic | Laura & Connor

If you’ve spent much time in Colorado, you know the mountains love to keep us on our toes. Laura and Connor’s elopement in Estes Park was the perfect reminder of that—one moment we had sunshine, the next we were in a snow squall, and somehow it all came together in the most beautiful way. Their day was full of laughter, elk sightings, unexpected pivots, and a whole lot of love.

Laura and Connor’s story started in a rock climbing gym, introduced by a mutual friend. Their first date was a little more low-key—Betty Rae’s ice cream shop. Connor’s first thought was simple: “she’s cute.” Laura’s was a little more layered: “he’s kind of annoying but cute.” Clearly the “cute” factor outweighed the “annoying” one, because here we are.

Over the years, their relationship has been defined by humor, adventure, and yes, their very opinionated cat, Callie. Between long-distance stretches in medical school, marathon board game sessions, and an ongoing inside joke that the answer to any game of 20 Questions is always “Callie,” these two know how to keep things fun. So when it came time to plan their wedding day, it made sense that they wanted something relaxed, intentional, and rooted in nature.

The day began slowly, with coffee in hand and family close by. Laura’s loved ones helped with the final touches while Connor hung out with his crew, sharing a beer before suiting up. The vibe was calm but buzzing with excitement, the kind of energy that happens when everyone knows something big is about to unfold.

Their first look was intimate and sweet, a quiet moment for just the two of them before the adventure officially began. From there, they piled into a trolley with their family and made their way into Rocky Mountain National Park for the ceremony.

Sprague Lake set the stage for their vows, with mountains mirrored in the water and their closest people gathered around. The weather was already shifting by then—clouds rolling in, light changing every few minutes—but it only added to the feeling that this day was alive. They exchanged vows, sealed it with rings and a kiss, and popped champagne to celebrate.

The original plan was to hike up to an alpine lake after the ceremony, but the weather had a very different idea. We got snow, then rain, then sun, then… more snow. Instead of the big hike, we roamed through different pockets of the park, chasing light and dodging storms. And honestly? It was perfect.

We stumbled upon herds of elk, spotted deer, and even caught a moose sighting. Between the unpredictable skies and the unexpected wildlife, it felt like the park was celebrating right alongside them.

When the storm really set in, we headed back to their rental where the cozy vibes took over. They sliced into cake, warmed up by the fire, and even played a round of their favorite board game—because of course, what’s more them than that?

Later, everyone gathered for dinner at Bird’s Nest. Laura and Connor shared their first dance right when they arrived, then settled into a three-course meal surrounded by toasts, laughter, and clinking glasses. The formal coverage ended, but the celebration carried on into the night.

If you asked Laura and Connor what they were most looking forward to about their wedding, they’d tell you it was about being in nature and sharing the experience with the people they love most. Despite the weather’s chaos—or maybe because of it—that’s exactly what they got. Their elopement was full of adventure, joy, and all the imperfectly perfect moments that make a story worth telling.

NEED A PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR Estes Park 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 Estes Park elopement photographer today!