Rhianna and Shawn’s Blue Lakes elopement had rain, fog, and surprise sunshine in true Colorado fashion. What started as a dreary, overcast day turned into an amazing alpenglow sunset, with dreamy moments of sun shining through the clouds. They structured their day intentionally, starting at an Airbnb in Breckenridge and ending at Blue Lakes for secluded vows and stunning mountain views.
When they first contacted me, they hadn’t yet decided on a location. They knew they wanted a Colorado elopement with an unforgettable mountain experience.
Being a Colorado native, I immediately had ideas. After discussing options, we settled on Breckenridge and Blue Lakes for their accessibility from Denver, ample accommodations, and adventure opportunities for family.
When I asked about their vision, they described an “ethereal/dreamy ambiance, like a fairytale book.” The unique weather, intimate family moments, and breathtaking views brought this vision to life. Their final gallery truly feels like scenes from a storybook.
I love learning about my couples’ love stories to serve them better. Rhianna and Shawn shared a beautiful bit of their path to each other:
“Shawn and I grew up in the same small town in Illinois and were in the same grade. We had French class together throughout high school, which led to our connection. After integrating into each other’s friend groups, we started dating before graduating in 2015. Now—almost ten years later—we’re getting married! Shawn proposed in September 2023 at our favorite pumpkin patch. Fall is our favorite season! After nearly a decade together, we’ve watched each other grow into who we were meant to be.”
I met Rhianna and Shawn at their Airbnb in Breckenridge, where their families greeted me with warmth and kindness. The atmosphere was calm as Rhianna got ready with her mom and mother-in-law in a Western-inspired suite. I played with the Airbnb’s rustic details for elevated, artistic detail shots.
Meanwhile, Shawn wrote a letter to Rhianna, took a celebratory shot with his brother, and relaxed by the fireplace. Rhianna had an emotional first look with her dad before stepping outside for the couple’s first look. Rain fell steadily, but they embraced the beauty of it.
Rhianna walked down the Airbnb staircase for the first look, where their families watched with teary eyes. Misty rain added to the fairytale feel. After soaking in the moment, we explored a nearby forest for portraits.
When the rain picked up, we took cover inside, allowing the couple to share a cozy moment by the fireplace before heading to Blue Lakes.
As we arrived at Blue Lakes, the fog settled low between rocky cliffs, and the sun peeked through, making everything glow. After family photos near the lower lake, the couple and I searched for the perfect vow spot.
Wanting an intimate setting, they chose a mossy forest nook. I used my zoom lens to keep my distance while they exchanged deeply heartfelt vows. By the end, they were wiping each other’s tears.
They signed their marriage license beside the lake, watching fog swirl around the peaks. Afterward, we explored, aiming for the cascading waterfalls at the lake’s far end. These post-vow moments are some of the most fun—everyone can finally relax and celebrate.
We laughed, told stories, and shook trees to watch raindrops sparkle in the golden sunlight. The day ended with waterfalls, an alpenglow sunset, and a misty lake surface. Pure magic.
There’s something nostalgic about seeing your elopement day captured on film. Alongside digital images, I shot several rolls of 35mm film for variety. The film perfectly preserved the moody landscape, vibrant colors, and intricate textures of their day.
Reading their review was the icing on the cake of a wonderful experience:
“Jordan is an artist with such a kind and beautiful soul! As midwestern natives, Jordan helped us to find our dream elopement location and made our marriage nothing short of a fairytale. Our day with Jordan was full of laughs, big emotions, and happy tears – it really wouldn’t be the same without her. She turned our visions not just into reality, but ethereal moments in time we have the joy of looking back on forever. Jordan fuels her craft with an insurmountable amount of passion, love, and creativity; for that reason, I truly cannot recommend her enough! She has an incredible talent for finding the beauty in everything – big, small, and everything in between. Whenever we venture to Colorado again, Jordan will be the first to know!”
A heartfelt thank you to Rhianna, Shawn, and their families for an unforgettable day. Capturing these memories was an honor, and I’m so lucky to work with such incredible humans!
If you’re dreaming of your own Blue Lakes elopement day, reach out! I would love to help you plan and execute your vision.