A Wildflower Elopement at Sunrise near Breckenridge, Colorado
When Tanner and Kate first reached out to me in the early stages of planning their elopement, I knew right away it was going to be something special. They weren’t looking for a big, traditional wedding—they wanted something intimate, just the two of them and their 8-year-old pup, Winnie, surrounded by Colorado’s breathtaking landscapes. Having spent time in Colorado while living in Nebraska, they already knew this was the place they wanted to say their vows—somewhere personal, peaceful, and completely their own. The vision included morning coffee, heartfelt vows, and a cozy night at an Airbnb filled with games, beer, and wine. Honestly, what could be better?
As much as I love a big wedding, there’s something undeniably magical about a private elopement. Kate and Tanner wanted the day to feel unstructured and true to them, and they were totally down for a little adventure. We drove up in the pitch black of early morning, my truck winding up mountain roads to get to the perfect sunrise spot. When we arrived, it was just the three of us and Winnie, completely surrounded by wildflowers with not another soul in sight.
They read their vows from greeting cards—“We’re card people,” they told me—right as the first light hit the peaks. And let me tell you, private vows always bring out the rawest, most beautiful emotions in a way that’s impossible to script. Afterward, Winnie made things official by stamping their marriage certificate with her paw, and we headed into Breckenridge to celebrate the best way possible: with donuts.
It was the kind of day that sticks with you. No rush, no expectations—just two people wholeheartedly choosing each other. They laughed, they cried, they walked through fields of wildflowers, and they soaked up every little moment together. And Winnie? She had the absolute time of her life running around, making sure she was included in every bit of the celebration.
I couldn’t love their universe—or their wedding photos—more.
Vendor Love
Dress: Lillian West from Couture Bridal of Maryland
Engagement Ring: Brilliant Earth
Wedding Bands: JP Jewelers and Ridge
Florals: Jo Kulesza Weddings
Dessert: Daylight Donuts
