Being a Colorado elopement photographer, I have the privilege of seeing love at its most personal state—and Robyn and Tim’s elopement at Officer’s Gulch in the Frisco/Breckenridge region was no different.
This fantastic couple came all the way from Arizona to get married in the Colorado mountains. Officer’s Gulch, with its serene lake and snow-covered peaks, provided us with the ideal setting. But what really made the day special was Robyn’s striking, black wedding dress. It was beautiful and striking, creating a dramatic contrast to the soft greens of the trees and the unforgiving mountain landscape.
Robyn and Tim brought their two teenage kids, making the day all the more special. These elopements always remind me that it’s not how big the wedding is—it’s the individuals that count.
Something I never forget when shooting up in the Colorado high country is the weather. It can change rapidly and unexpectedly. The evening before the elopement, a huge storm moved in. I was keeping very close tabs on the weather forecast and contacted the couple to reschedule the timing of the ceremony. Since we had a small group, we were easily able to adapt. That’s one of the best perks of deciding to elope—it’s adaptable, low-key, and you can go with the punches of nature.
When we got to Officer’s Gulch the following day, the skies were serene yet dramatic—ideal for moody mountain portraits. There was another elopement taking place simultaneously, so I worked with the other photographer to ensure Robyn and Tim had their special moments uninterrupted. Everyone was polite and considerate, and it worked out beautifully.
We snapped photographs near the lake, under the trees, and even under a transparent umbrella for a kiss as the first drops began to fall. The rain waited until we finished, then pounced. It was as if the mountains gave us only enough time to get done before they washed away the day in their own manner.
One of my highlights? Seeing Robyn and Tim crack open a bottle of champagne on ice with their kids giggling in the background. It was happy, real, and filled with love. That’s what makes my job so wonderful.
To anyone thinking about having an elopement in Colorado—particularly in the area around Frisco or Breckenridge—Officer’s Gulch is a fairy tale location. And if the weather changes, don’t panic. With a little advance planning and an open mind, it always gets done wonderfully.