Lindsey + Mike's Telluride Elopement
Waterfall Adventure Elopement in Telluride, co
On Friday, June 26, I drove to Lindsey and Mike’s AirBnb to start photographing their elopement. They were already dressed and sitting in different rooms, waiting with anticipation for me to take them to their first look. I met them both, we talked a little and then we were off. Lindsey rode in my car and Mike in their Jeep. Together we headed up into the mountains to an epic overlook that showcased the magnificent views of Telluride!
I led Mike out to his spot and told him how Lindsey would walk up behind him. I expressed that he take as long as he needs to look at her, talk to her, and enjoy the moment. She’s about to be his wife and I wanted him to relish every second.
Lindsey waited for me to tell her the coast was clear. I helped her out of the car, made sure her dress looked amazing and her flowers were in hand. I also explained to her the same thing I said to Mike, “Enjoy this moment, take as long as you need to take it all in and look around at this amazing location.”
From a photographers point of view, I want to capture the expressions on both of their faces when they first see each other in their wedding attire. Facing him away from her allows me to see their faces at the same time and I can just go back and forth with my camera as she gets closer and closer to him.
Then the moment comes when they first see each other and it’s magical! I love this moment. They look at each other with excitement and they both get a little teary eyed.
Mike & Lindsey chose to self-solemnize their vows. I had already told them that when they’re ready, they can start saying their vows to each other. I don’t want to interrupt the moment for anything, so I’ve already set their vows next to them and made sure they have each other’s rings.
They wipe away the tears and say their vows. Every chance he gets to look up at her, he does and that’s when I click the shutter. I want to capture the eye contact during their vow exchange. I walk around them slowly, getting both of them saying their vows and both of them reacting to it. I put on a wide lens and capture the environment in which they have chosen to say I do. They exchange rings, and then they kiss.
No matter how many times I see this moment, it’s amazing. I sometimes tear up myself, because when I see them both being vulnerable and openly honest with each other, it gets me.
When the moment gets serious, I usually switch to a longer lens to capture their faces. I try to stay as quiet as possible and respect the moment, because it only happens once.
After a while, they look to me as if to say, “What do we do now?” and that’s when I break incognito mode, and we start taking the more fun pictures of them together. We walk through some aspen trees, enjoy the views and then I take them to a nearby waterfall that is overflowing!
I show them my secret path that gets them up to the waterfall without getting wet and also protects my camera gear from getting wet. I show them where to stand and I tell them something that makes them absorb the moment. You will have to hire me to know what I said ;)
The scene is set and I take the picture, hiding my camera between every shot, because the waterfall is raging and I do my best to get no water on the lens. This is actually one of the things that sets me apart from other photographers. I take pictures fast. There’s no looking down at my camera wondering what to do next. I know exactly what I want to capture and how to capture it. And because I know that, it allows me to focus all of my attention on my couple to really get them in the moment for the picture!
At the end of our time together, I grab a couple pics of their rings laying in the moss by the waterfall. I tell them congratulations, and they head off to enjoy the rest of their lives together!
I feel so privileged to be able to witness these amazing moments. I’ve worked all my life to know what to do in these moments, and now I get to enjoy them completely. There’s no wondering about what setting to use on my camera, because I’ve been doing it for so long. Now, I get to hike with them, be present in the moment and show them breathtaking views of where to get married! I absolutely love my job and thank God every day I get to do what I do.
From the bride, Lindsey, “Elopement was always an option we entertained when planning our wedding. COVID-19 forced our hand when it cancelled our small wedding in North Carolina. Our love of the mountains and outdoor activity drew us to Telluride and southwestern Colorado. The backdrop of the San Juan Mountain range was awe-inspiring during our exchange of vows. We found that the beauty Mother Nature provided complemented the beauty of our special day.”
Wedding Vendors
Florist: Bridal Veil Floral in Telluride
Hairstylist: Linda Peterson of Telluride
Dress: Watters from Bridals by Lori in Atlanta