They contacted me in March for their May Rocky Mountain National Park elopement, and it sounded perfect. The park is breathtaking year round, but springtime is extra magical, with all the new green shoots, baby aspen leaves, and the smell of renewal in the air. Mother Nature, however, had different plans, and dumped mega snow in the park the day before their elopement ceremony.

We quickly rescheduled for post snow storm, and found a new location, as the road to Bear Lake was closed. I threw on my heavy duty Sorel boots, put a couple of pairs of snowshoes in the trunk for good measure, and headed up to what would be an exquisite springtime Rocky Mountain National Park elopement ceremony, in two feet of sunshiny glistening snow.

Roncky Mountain Nation Park Elopement

Janea, her assistant and I and galumphed, trampled and stomped, and soon enough, we had a path for N & A. We then created a circle for the them to stand in, right in the middle of Moraine Park.

A word about Janea Smith, their photographer: she takes beautiful photos, as evidenced by these images. She also was a fabulous co-conspirator that day, and truly understood the sacred nature of the moment. She helped hold a reverential space before, during, and after the ceremony, and for these intimate ceremonies, I find that to be essential.

Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement

This couple had chosen a custom elopement. It was so wonderful to get to know them, to listen to their story, and bring it all to life in ceremony:

“Your love is a true, soul-mate kind of love, although initially, you resisted that gravitational pull. From seeing N on the hill top, looking all farmer-man majestic, to the thrill of stealthily clasping hands years later, to the ultimate pick-up line of “hey, can I go play your keyboard,” you finally accepted the inevitability of your linked destinies. Resistance was futile. This is what cosmic love feels like.”

Roncky Mountain National Park Elopement

And with my final words, it was time for kisses, hugs all around, and a snowy signing of the license…

“With these blessings, held by the beauty of this Earth, and by the power of your own words and declarations, I joyfully recognize you as partners for life.”

Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement

Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement

Here’s what the bride had to say about her experience:
Jen was absolutely amazing from start to finish. She was warm, loving and kind throughout the experience. She reassured us that her only goal was to amplify our love during our ceremony (I loved that). On the day of our ceremony Jen was there, smiling and happy to see us. Along with our photographer we all ventured into the snow for the most magical ceremony. It was filed with love, light and good energy. Jen truly helped to make our wedding day an absolute dream come true, if not better. I will carry my memory of our wedding ceremony in my heart forever, and I have Jen to thank for making it such a phenomenal experience.

So glad I had the good fortune to be found by these two.  Their cosmic love moved me beyond measure, and I was so grateful to be a part of their Rocky Mountain National Park elopement.