James & Kylee’s Colorado Adventure Session
The Rockies: A Big Change, A Bigger Adventure
James and Kylee’s wedding day didn’t happen as they imagined. As Hurricane Helene impacted Asheville and the surrounding region, they were already in town, prepping for their wedding day with a few of the first friends and family members who were on sight to help get things ready.
As the heavy rains continued, trees were falling on the property, mudslides were happening, the roads became treacherous, and everything was screeching to a halt. Their wedding was cancelled. On top of that, they ended up actually becoming stranded at their venue. They lost power, had to abandon their stuck rental car, were unable to communicate with family who were still traveling there for their wedding, and more. But the goodwill was all over the place and their vendors and other just regular folks were there to help however they could. It wasn’t lost on them that this was their wedding day, sure, but other people were losing homes, businesses, schools, and more - so they kept perspective in the face of the tragedy. Things could be replaced and wedding days could be redone.
Meanwhile, another two couple’s reached out with their own plans to relocate their weddings which were still coming up on their original dates in late October. When one of the couple’s asked me if documenting their small wedding in Boulder, Colorado would be possible for me, I immediately said yes and got to work planning with them. In a check-in call post-storm with James and Kylee, I mentioned this new destination wedding plan and they were both happy to meet me out west for photos and adventuring.
This was, afterall, their opportunity to turn things around and create something positive out of such a devastating event. This trip was a redo celebration - one of love and resilience.
We ended up finding some truly incredible locations, and some wily conditions, but after Helene, they were unflappable and were game to have fun and see this new area as much as possible during their time in the Rocky Mountain State.
Before the trip
Planning this adventure had me scouring Google Earth and Alltrails to find just the right locations that would still be accessible in late October - which is often snowy and cold at elevations near Denver. I also wanted to find locations that weren’t prohibitively difficult to get to, but had great views - especially at sunset or sunrise. We also needed to make sure getting to the spots wouldn’t require the portions of I-70 that suffer from unexpected traffic delays or other wrenches. It was a challenge for sure - but one we tackled together and it call came together perfectly!
The First Look: Sunset at 11,300 ft
Our first evening together in Colorado, we kicked things off with a first look on a rocky, gorgeous summit near Evergreen - a small community about 20 miles west of Denver. I didn’t realize this until they said something, but they hadn’t yet had their first look! That was a surprise to me, and really made this special. I love looking at the photos knowing they hadn’t already done a first look in Asheville!
The Hike
This 45-minute hike led us through some pretty pine forest on an established trail all the way up past the treeline to some truly stunning, 360-degree views at over 11,000 feet. Shortly after we arrived, rested, and refueled it was time for golden hour to begin. They hiked up with their wedding clothes, so a few moments later after finding a bit of privacy by some large rocks, James and Kylee shared a private, emotional moment as the sun dipped behind the peaks—a memory as epic as the landscape.
Morning Snow and Quick Thinking
Sunrise Session
After a good nights sleep at the absolutely adorable, comfortable, and photogenic Flying Moon Cabins (highly recommended!) near Idaho Springs, CO, we woke up in the dark to a few inches of fresh snow, falling snowflakes, and icy roads! With temps in the 20s and pretty significant wind gusts, we got creative: we parked near a few spots we want to shoot at, then would wait for the intermittent sunshine to poke out. We would fast hike out to the cliff for a few photos over a few minutes, and then quick throw jackets and hats back on and return to the already warm car. It wasn’t perfect, but it made them much more comfortable. With freezing air temps and wind, it’s a challenge to keep your fingers warm - so preparation is key in these conditions.
After we finished, we all headed back to the cabins where they cozied up with some coffee. They found a local bakery in the Front Range for their impromptu wedding cake which we got some photos of cutting. I also snapped a few portraits, flatlay details, their cabin, etc. It all came together amazingly - despite the frosty, early-winter conditions.
The Grand Finale: Sunset by St. Mary’s Lake
St. Mary’s Glacier
Our final evening was pure perfection. We got lucky with some beautiful sunset light, comfortable temps, zero wind, and a quiet and intimate experience up there without tourists.
James and Kylee absolutely loved the views I took them to and we enjoyed spending our time goofing off together, and taking photos with the most epic and dreamy backdrops found here. They told me multiple times just how stunning the locations had been and how much fun they were having. Cue the crying emoji!
We ended the night with dreamy lantern-lit shots at dusk, which was a romantic, storybook finish to their adventure elopement session redo.
Why Colorado is Perfect for Your Adventure Elopement
Whether you’re escaping wedding stress or planning a meaningful, intimate celebration, Colorado has it all:
Jaw-dropping landscapes, from peaks to lakes, forests, glaciers and more.
Accessible spots near Boulder or Denver for all seasons.
Lots of lodging options available in most areas (especially those gems like Flyingmoon Cabins)
Easy to fly into and out of!
Final Thoughts
James and Kylee’s story is a reminder that love thrives, even when plans change. Their adventurous spirit turned a devastating hurricane into a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
