A Wild(flower) Adventure: Marissa and Janiel’s Colorado Elopement
Warning: reading this post may make you want to ditch your fancy shoes for hiking boots. Who says you can’t have your wildflowers and elope too? Buckle up (or should I say, lace up those boots?) as we dive into Marissa and Janiel’s epic Colorado wildflower elopement. Trust me, by the end of this, you’ll be wanting to start a Pinterest board for all things wildflower.
Why Colorado for Your Wildflower Elopement?
Imagine for a moment, if you will, standing hand-in-hand with your soon-to-be spouse, surrounded by a sea of vibrant wildflowers. Your backdrop? Majestic snow-capped mountains. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, in Colorado, this dream is just another Tuesday. (Okay, maybe more like a perfect summer day, but you get the point.)
Colorado isn’t just a state; it’s Mother Nature’s masterpiece. Personally, I can’t get enough of the place! With such diverse landscapes, it’s the perfect canvas for your love story. And let’s not forget about Crested Butte, affectionately known as the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado.” If Crested Butte were a person, it’d be that friend who has THE cutest wardrobe that just screams PERSONALITY. The one who always knows where to find the best hidden gems – except in this case, those gems are fields of technicolor blooms.
For couples like Marissa and Janiel (and maybe you?), who value experiences over things and have a passion for exploring new places, Colorado is the ultimate smorgasbord of elopement locations. It’s got everything: mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and enough wildflowers to make a bumblebee feel like it’s died and gone to pollen heaven.
But why stop at just looking at pretty flowers? Colorado offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature, to feel small against the backdrop of towering peaks, and to start your marriage with an adventure that’ll make your great-aunt’s traditional church wedding look like a snooze-fest (sorry, Aunt Edna).
Day 1: Emerald Lake Exploration
Now, let’s talk about Marissa and Janiel’s wild ride – and I mean that literally. Day one of their June elopement adventure kicked off with a 4×4 journey down Gothic Road. If you’re picturing a smooth, leisurely drive, think again. This was more “off-road adventure” than “Sunday drive,” with enough bumps to make you question if you accidentally stumbled onto a theme park ride. At one point the road turned into a one-laner with rock walls on one side and a steep cliff on the other.
As they bounced their way towards Emerald Lake, Mother Nature decided to throw a little welcome party – in the form of hail. Because nothing says “romantic elopement” quite like ice pellets falling from the sky, right? But here’s the thing about couples who choose to elope in the wild: they’re adaptable. So, Marissa and Janiel did what any adventure-loving couple would do – they waited it out, admiring the scenery before them. Quick hail storms and thunderstorms are just a part of life, during the summer months in Colorado.
When the hail finally decided to call it quits (probably realizing it couldn’t dampen the spirits of these two), the world they stepped into was nothing short of magical. Emerald Lake, living up to its name, sparkled like a gem nestled in the mountain valley. The recent hail had left a crisp, clean scent in the air, and the surrounding peaks still sported patches of snow, as if Mother Nature couldn’t quite decide if she was done with winter.
The day was spent exploring, laughing, and probably trying to guess which cloud formations looked like wedding cakes (or maybe that’s just what I would do). As the sun began to dip behind the mountains, and more storm clouds started to roll in, Marissa and Janiel headed back to town, hearts full of excitement for what the next day would bring.
Day 2: Sunrise Magic and Waterfall Vows
We met before the crack of dawn, while most people are still snuggled in their beds, dreaming of their morning coffee. The plan was to hike the trail while enjoying the soft light of blue hour, right before the sunrise.
But Mother Nature had one more surprise up her sleeve. As we drove to the trail just outside of town, the skies opened up. And we’re not talking about a gentle sprinkle here – this was a full-on, “did someone up there leave the faucet on?” kind of rainstorm.
Now, some couples might have seen this as a sign to call it quits and head back to bed. But Marissa and Janiel? They saw it as part of the adventure. So there they sat, in their vehicles, again, watching the rain pound against the windshield, probably exchanging glances that said, “Are we crazy for doing this?” (Spoiler alert: sometimes the best adventures start with that exact question.)
As they waited, the world outside turned into a watercolor painting – all blurred edges and muted colors. Just as the first rays of sunrise began to peek over the mountains, the rain stopped. It was like the universe hit the pause button on the storm, just for them.
Stepping out of their vehicles, Marissa and Janiel were greeted by a world transformed. The rain had left everything glistening, each droplet clinging to petals and leaves like tiny crystals. The air was crisp and clean, filled with that distinctive after-rain smell that’s like nature’s own perfume. A magical fog gently blanketed portions of the mountains in the distance.
As they made their way to their chosen spot, they found themselves surrounded by a sea of wildflowers, their colors more vibrant than ever against the rain-darkened earth. We’re talking a rainbow explosion that would make a box of crayons jealous – columbines, Aspen sunflowers, lupines, and more, all stretching towards the clearing sky.
The lingering mist from the rain created an ethereal atmosphere, turning the whole scene into something straight out of a fairytale. Rays of sunlight broke through the dissipating clouds, creating spotlights on the meadow as if Mother Nature was saying, “This, right here, this is the stage for your love story.”
Marissa and Janiel took it all in, hearts full of awe at the scene before them. Because here’s the thing about choosing to embrace whatever comes your way – sometimes it leads you to moments more beautiful than you could have ever planned.
But the day wasn’t over yet. Oh no, we’re just getting started.
After their misty, floral sunrise adventure, Marissa and Janiel hit the road again. Their destination? A waterfall just outside of town that was about to become the backdrop for one of the most important moments of their lives.
As they approached the waterfall, both of them were struck by an odd sense of déjà vu. “Hey,” one of them probably said, “doesn’t this kind of look like…?” And that’s when it hit them – this little corner of Colorado was giving off some serious Dolomites vibes. That’s right, they’d found a little slice of Italy right here in the Rockies. Who needs a European vacation when you’ve got this in your backyard, am I right?
As they spoke their vows, sharing private moments that were just for them, you could feel the weight of the moment. There were tears, there was laughter, and there was love – so much love it practically radiated off them.
And you know what? That’s the beauty of an elopement like this. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s 100% about the couple. No worrying about Uncle Fred’s shellfish allergy or whether your second cousin twice removed is going to start a fight with the DJ. Just two people, madly in love, making promises to each other in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable.
As the day drew to a close, Marissa and Janiel had experienced more in 48 hours than some people do in a lifetime. They’d battled hail, danced with fog, chased waterfalls, and declared their love surrounded by a rainbow of wildflowers. If that’s not a way to start a marriage, I don’t know what is. See more of Marissa and Janiel’s gallery here.
Why a Wildflower Elopement Might Be Your Jam
Now, I know what some of you might be thinking. “Sure, that sounds amazing, but is it really for me?” Well, let me break it down for you.
First off, if you’re the kind of couple who values experiences over things, then YES, this is your jam. Think about it – would you rather spend a fortune on a big, fancy wedding where you’re so busy making sure all of your guests are entertained that you barely have time to enjoy it yourself? Or would you rather invest in an unforgettable adventure that’s all about you and your love?
An elopement like Marissa and Janiel’s isn’t just a wedding – it’s the ultimate adventure. It’s about waking up at the crack of dawn because you’re too excited to sleep. It’s about feeling the rush of adrenaline as you navigate a bumpy 4×4 trail. It’s about the gasp of wonder when you crest a hill and see a valley full of wildflowers spread out before you. It’s about creating memories that’ll make you smile even when you’re old and gray.
For those of you who love nature and animals, a wildflower elopement is like being in your own personal Disney movie, minus the talking animals (although if you’re lucky, you might spot some wildlife – just don’t try to get them to help you get dressed). You’re surrounded by the raw beauty of nature, breathing in air so fresh it makes city air feel like you’re huffing car exhaust.
And let’s talk about that sustainability factor. If you’re the type who tries to live as eco-friendly as possible, an elopement like this is right up your alley. Think about it – instead of a big, resource-heavy traditional wedding, you’re having an intimate celebration in nature. The only thing you’re leaving behind are footprints (and even those will disappear with the next rain). Plus, you’re supporting local communities and promoting appreciation for natural spaces. It’s a win-win!
Now, for all you introverts out there (I see you, I get you, I’m one of you), a wildflower elopement might just be your dream come true. No need to be the center of attention for 200+ people. No awkward small talk with distant relatives you haven’t seen since you were in diapers. Just you, your partner, and the great outdoors. And me with my camera, of course, but I promise I’m about as unobtrusive as a photographer can be. Think of me as a particularly well-equipped chipmunk.
But perhaps the best part about a wildflower elopement? It’s 100% customizable. Want to say your vows at sunrise? Go for it. Prefer to have a picnic surrounded by blooms? Why not? Want amazing views without having to hike? We can totally make that happen. Want to end the day stargazing from a mountaintop? The sky’s the limit (pun absolutely intended). Your elopement can be as adventurous or as chill as you want it to be. It’s your day, your way.
So if you’re sitting there, reading about Marissa and Janiel’s adventure, and feeling a little spark of excitement in your chest, pay attention to that feeling. That’s your inner wildflower child telling you that maybe, just maybe, a traditional wedding isn’t your style. And that’s okay! Your wedding should be as unique as your love story. If that means saying “I do” in hiking boots with a bouquet of wildflowers, then by all means, go for it!
Tips for Planning Your Own Colorado Wildflower Elopement
Alright, so if you’re convinced that a wildflower elopement is the way to go, you’re probably wondering, “How do I make this happen?” Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. I offer planning assistance in all of my elopement packages. But I’m also going to give you some tips to for planning your own Colorado wildflower extravaganza:
1. Timing is Everything
If you want to catch the peak bloom, aim for the end of June to early August. But remember, Mother Nature doesn’t always check the calendar, so be flexible. The wildflowers can start blooming as early as the beginning of June and last into September, depending on the year’s weather patterns.
2. Location, Location, Location
Crested Butte is known as the Wildflower Capital of Colorado for a reason, but it’s not the only place to find stunning blooms. Here are a few other spots to consider:
- American Basin near Lake City: Known for its stunning display of columbines (Colorado’s state flower).
- Yankee Boy Basin near Ouray: Offers a mix of wildflowers and stunning mountain views.
- Shrine Pass near Vail: Offers panoramic views and diverse wildflower displays.
3. Be Prepared
Colorado weather can change faster than a chameleon on a disco floor. Pack layers, rain gear, and don’t forget the sunscreen – the sun is strong at high altitudes!
4. Leave No Trace
We want these beautiful places to stay beautiful for future wildflower enthusiasts (and, you know, for the health of the planet). Follow Leave No Trace principles:
- Stick to established trails to avoid trampling delicate plants.
- Take only photos, leave only footprints (and try to minimize even those).
- Pack out all trash, including biodegradable items like apple cores or orange peels.
- Resist the urge to pick flowers – let others enjoy them too!
5. Get the Proper Permits
Some areas require permits for photography or ceremonies, even small ones. Do your research or work with a local elopement planner to make sure you’re following all the rules, or hire a photographer who will help you with all the logistical stuff (hey, that’s me!).
6. Plan for Early Mornings
The light is best for photos early in the day, and you’ll beat the crowds. Plus, there really is something magical about watching the world wake up on your wedding day.
7. Have a Backup Plan
Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable. This cannot be overstated. Have a Plan B (and maybe a Plan C) in case Mother Nature decides to throw you a curveball.
8. Don’t Forget the Details
Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you can’t bring special touches. Maybe it’s letters from family tucked in your backpack, or a special bottle of “champagne” to toast with at the summit.
9. Embrace the Adventure
Things might not go exactly as planned, but that’s part of the fun! Some of the best moments come from unexpected twists and turns.
Remember, your elopement is about celebrating your love in a way that feels authentic to you. Whether that means a sunrise ceremony, a sunset picnic, or anything in between, make it yours. And if you need someone to capture it all (while providing bad puns and a steady supply of trail mix), well, you know where to find me!
Your Own Wildflower Adventure Awaits
As we come to the end of Marissa and Janiel’s wildflower-filled adventure, I hope you’re feeling inspired, excited, and maybe a little bit in love with the idea of your own Colorado elopement. Their story is just one of countless possibilities waiting to unfold in the stunning landscapes of the Rockies.
Imagine waking up on your wedding day, not to the stress of final seating arrangements or flower deliveries, but to the anticipation of adventure. Picture yourself standing amidst a sea of colorful blooms, the person you love most in the world by your side, ready to start the next chapter of your lives together. Feel the mountain breeze on your face, hear the rustle of wildflowers and the distant call of birds, breathe in the crisp, clean air of high altitudes and new beginnings.
Your elopement can be whatever you want it to be. It’s the start of the greatest adventure of your life. And what better way to begin that adventure than surrounded by the raw, untamed beauty of Colorado’s wildflower meadows?
