From the first time Monica and I chatted, we were friends.

I know that sounds weird and, trust me, from someone who doesn’t make friends easily, I do not say it lightly.

But every once in a while someone is brought into your life who you immediately connect with and feel like you’ve known forever. Monica is one of those people.

So, by the time Monica and Logan’s Colorado elopement day came around, it truly felt like we were lucky enough to be photographing a friend’s wedding and, well, nothing is more magical than that!

We camped with M&L (and their beautiful woofer Skye!) the night before their elopement and got off to an early start! A 2am wake-up call had us crawling out of our tents bleary eyed but EXCITED for the day ahead.

M&L tackled the most spectacular mountain pass for sunrise: not as easy hike, with some serious incline at the end, but worth every ounce of effort. Watching the first light hit the peaks all around and setting them on fire, whilst sipping on hot coffee brewed up by Logan, is a sight none of us will ever forget! We just sat and soaked it all in, with the sense that there was nowhere in the whole world we’d rather be in that exact moment in time. What a peaceful, perfect start to their elopement day: a little moment in time that will forever be etched into their souls.

From there, we headed back down to the basin and met with M&L’s absolute nearest and dearest for a beautiful, emotional ceremony beside the bluest lake you can ever imagine.

Our favorite moment of the day was when Monica pretty much RAN down the ‘aisle’ to get to that handsome groom of hers!

M&L then romped around the mountains, celebrating their NEWLY WED status, oooohing and ahhhhing at the insane scenery! The wildflowers were popping and the colors were insane.

Exhausted, M&L finally crawled back into their tent in time for a well-earned afternoon nap.

The next day, we met back up near our hometown in Fruita, CO to share the Colorado National Monument with them: it’s a lesser known gem of a location and has incredible red rock features reminiscent of Moab. Mountains AND desert for your elopement?! Ummm, YES please!

We had so much fun together, capturing beautiful shots of them with their beautiful little girl, Lehna, which we hope they’ll treasure forever. What an incredible family adventure!

Of course, it was sad to part ways, but we suspect we’ll be hanging out again before too long!