4.18.2019
Chelsi and Amanda traveled from Oklahoma to elope in Colorado. They were looking for somewhere with an amazing view, water and mountains, that wasn’t too much of a hike to get to. I offered up a few locations, and they decided on the beautiful Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park!
With it being April, Bear Lake was still frozen over. They were able to not only walk on it, but have their elopement ceremony on the snow-covered ice.
They had their friend Amy officiate, with two of their other friends (and a dog!) as their witnesses
It was a very emotional and heartfelt ceremony. Lots of happy tears were shed (even from me behind the camera!). Seeing the love these two women have for each other was incredible. During their ceremony there were some high winds, making it pretty chilly. But Chelsi and Amanda seemed to be in their own world and not even notice.
After their ceremony, they signed their marriage license on the side of their rental car, parked outside of the trailhead to the lake.
We then set off to explore Rocky Mountain National Park for some portraits. We went to several different locations, which to our relief were much warmer and less windy than Bear Lake was! We checked out Storm Peak Trail, Sprague Lake, and Moraine Park until it got dark, where they left to join their friends in town to celebrate.
It was a beautiful, emotional day that I felt so honored to not only witness but to capture.
SIGNING THE MARRIAGE LICENSE
PORTRAITS OF THE BRIDES
VENDORS
Venue: Bear Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park
Hair and Makeup: HD Hair and Make-Up
Photographer: Gabrielle Stowe Photography