05/14/2026
Every autumn, the leaves around Crested Butte get bright & colorful like Skittles - only these candy trees are actually good for you 🍭🌲 Taking it all in feels like exploring a technicolor cartoon. It’s truly surreal how vibrant & vast this endless wallpaper of fluffy rainbows really is 🌈
So every opportunity to photograph a couple celebrating their forever love in this magical space is priceless. We actually altered our plans the day before the elopement to include time at one of the cutest little rental homes around. It was situated in a quaint mountain nook and backed right on up to a peaceful stream surrounded by a grove of various trees 🏡 ⛰️
We met Ali & Erik in the early afternoon as they finished getting ready. They had their first look near the stream and then enjoyed hanging out in a hammock as the autumn leaves fluttered about. At one point, a small leaf subtly landed in Ali’s hair. It was autumn perfection in the most simple of ways, and if you saw it, you might find your happy place right then and there. We all want to connect with Nature - remember that Nature also wants to connect with us 🍁
After a while, we headed to a high alpine lake where we found a clearing just up a hill on the north side of the water. After Zion changed into his tuxedo 🐾 it was time for Ali & Erik to exchange vows. Afterwards, they got on the water and canoed around the lake! 🛶
As the sun set, we found a pulloff on the dirt road to stop along the ridge. The clouds turned bright pink within the lavender sky. Next to the crimson, gold, and dark green leaves, it was seriously one of the wildest sunsets you can imagine! The colors of the sky are so ephemeral, and their fleeting appearance naturally inspires you to be present ⏳
To cap off the day, they set up a vibrant & colorful spread on a picnic table for blue hour, equipped with crystals, moody string lights, electric candles, and LOTS of yummy snacks! 🕯️🍓🍫