Dawn McClannan Dawn McClannan

Autumn in Telluride, Colorado

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Southwest Colorado boasts a breathtaking landscape that becomes truly enchanting during the fall season. As the aspen leaves turn into a fiery display of red, orange, and gold, it sets the perfect backdrop for intimate elopements. The Magic of Southwest Colorado in Fall.

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Southwest Colorado boasts a breathtaking landscape that becomes truly enchanting during the fall season. As the aspen leaves turn into a fiery display of red, orange, and gold, it sets the perfect backdrop for intimate elopements. The Magic of Southwest Colorado in Fall.

Picture-perfect scenes unfold as the crisp mountain air carries the scent of pine and the rustle of leaves fills the atmosphere. Southwest Colorado's rugged terrain, with its towering peaks and winding trails, offers endless opportunities for stunning photographs. Every turn reveals a new vista painted in the rich hues of autumn, making it a dream location for couples seeking an intimate and picturesque wedding experience.

One of the most captivating aspects of photographing an elopement in Southwest Colorado during the fall is the interplay of light, color, and the ever-changing weather. As we climb in elevation, the weather can shift rapidly, adding an element of unpredictability to the day. Our day started out against the backdrop of golden aspens and snow-capped peaks. These two decided to have a first look in a secluded mountain clearing where they also exchanged gifts and enjoyed their beautiful cake. It was sunny and very nice for early October but that quickly changed once we started out off-road adventure!

As the day progressed the soft, golden glow of the autumn sun bathed the landscape in a warm, ethereal light, casting enchanting shadows and highlighted the vibrant hues of the changing leaves. But just as quickly as the weather can turn fair, a snowstorm may move in, blanketing the landscape in a serene white powder. Which is exactly what happened as we climbed in elevation. These two adventurous souls saw an opportunity to say their vows in a raging snow storm and couldn’t wait to hop out of our Jeep! The wind was blowing so hard that as they sealed their vows with a kiss it caught the umbrella and blew it inside out!:)

Braving unpredictable weather, led to some of the most breathtaking and magical photos. At they end of the day we found a gorgeous overlook to celebrate with a picnic and the signing their marriage license.

Photographing an elopement in Southwest Colorado amidst the vibrant fall colors of the mountains is an experience like no other. It's a journey of exploration, creativity, and celebration, where every photo tells a story and every moment is a treasure. A timeless reminder of love, beauty, and the magic of the mountains, where even the weather adds its own dramatic flair to the narrative, especially for a couple experiencing the majesty of the Rocky Mountains for the very first time. We are so thankful for the trust our couples put in us and especially on a day with so much unpredictable weather!

Considering a Telluride elopement or intimate wedding? Check out my work or contact me, I’d love to celebrate with you!

Had an amazing team of vendors with this one:

Hair&Makeup: Salon Envy-Ouray Cake: Mermaid Bakery-Denver Dress: Studio I Do-Roanoke, Virginia Designer:Stella York Flowers: The Perfect Petal-Denver Charcuterie: Beyond the Board -Ouray

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Dawn McClannan Dawn McClannan

Telluride Mountain Elopement

Telluride, Colorado, with its breathtaking landscapes, charming town, and picturesque waterfalls, is an idyllic destination for couples seeking an unforgettable elopement experience.Telluride is nestled within the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, boasting a landscape that blends rugged peaks, lush forests, pristine alpine meadows and stunning waterfalls.

 

Telluride, Colorado, with its breathtaking landscapes, charming town, and picturesque waterfalls, is an idyllic destination for couples seeking an unforgettable elopement experience.Telluride is nestled within the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, boasting a landscape that blends rugged peaks, lush forests, pristine alpine meadows and stunning waterfalls.

Eloping at the breathtaking Telluride Mountain ski lodge is a dream come true for adventurous couples seeking a unique and intimate wedding experience. Jeff and Alexa, a couple deeply connected to nature, made the heartfelt decision to forgo traditional wedding plans and instead opted for an intimate, mountain elopement in early June in the picturesque setting of Telluride. Surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks and pristine alpine beauty, Telluride offers the perfect backdrop for an elopement filled with romance and awe-inspiring vistas. Before saying "I do" outside the lodge, we did an off-road adventure to a breathtaking mountaintop where they did a private first look, with their two precious pups. After the ceremony and they surprised their guest with a fun first dance-it was fantastic!! Later we embarked on an unforgettable adventure by exploring the majestic Bridal Veil Falls, with its cascading waters and towering cliffs, the Falls provide a picturesque setting for stunning wedding photos.

Following our amazing time at the Falls, the newlyweds and their cherished loved ones convened at Rustico Ristorante, an enchanting Italian restaurant nestled in Telluride's charming streets. Embarking on an evening of joyous celebration, filled with laughter, tender moments, and delightful toasts, they cast aside any reservations and embraced the profound joy of being in each other's company, eagerly embracing the promising future that lay ahead.

“I can’t say enough amazing things about Dawn (and Dan)! She absolutely crushed it with our wedding photos and made our entire day one to remember. She was always available to chat in the months leading up to our wedding and was a constant calming energy for me. She made the day so comfortable and fun. We had the best time laughing with her and Dan. And the PHOTOS!!! INCREDIBLE is an understatement. They are everything we hoped for and more and I’m so very thankful to have them as they captured the love and beauty of the day perfectly. Can’t recommend her enough! Thank you Dawn for making our wedding day the most magical day we could imagine!” Alexa&Jeff

Considering a Telluride elopement or intimate wedding? Check out my work or contact me, I’d love to celebrate with you!

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Dawn McClannan Dawn McClannan

Off-Roading Adventure Elopement

In a world filled with grandiose weddings and elaborate ceremonies, some couples opt for a more intimate and adventurous route to tie the knot. The San Juan Mountains of Colorado, with their breathtaking landscapes and rugged charm, provide the perfect backdrop for an elopement that is as unique as the love it celebrates.

In a world filled with grandiose weddings and elaborate ceremonies, some couples opt for a more intimate and adventurous route to tie the knot. The San Juan Mountains of Colorado, with their breathtaking landscapes and rugged charm, provide the perfect backdrop for an elopement that is as unique as the love it celebrates. Kristina and Trever journeyed into the heart of the mountains, where accompanied only by her grandparents, embarked on a memorable and off-the-beaten-path celebration of their union.

Nestled in the southwestern part of Colorado, the San Juan Mountains are a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Towering peaks and alpine meadows create a picture-perfect environment for an elopement that promises both serenity and excitement. The couple chose this scenic location to exchange their vows, surrounded by the grandeur of nature and the love of their closest family members.

Intimacy was the key to this elopement, with only the couple and the bride's grandparents in attendance. The small guest list allowed for a deeply personal and meaningful ceremony, where every moment was shared with those who held a special place in the couple's hearts. The bond between generations added a touch of nostalgia and wisdom to the celebration.

The couple chose a secluded spot with panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains for their ceremony. Against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks and the crisp mountain air, they exchanged heartfelt vows, promising a lifetime of love and adventure. The bride's grandparents, witnesses to decades of love themselves, added a touch of wisdom and warmth to the ceremony.

As the day unfolded, the groom's vintage car took center stage. This classic vehicle wasn't just any car; it held a special place in the couple's hearts. A few years prior, the groom, along with his late father, had painstakingly rebuilt the car. The vintage car became more than just a mode of transportation; it became a symbol of cherished memories and a connection to the groom's past. Every rev of the engine echoed the love and dedication poured into its restoration. The groom's father, who had passed away before seeing the completion of their project, was present in spirit, adding an emotional layer to the elopement. The vintage car, now a tangible representation of the bond between father and son, added a profound depth to the day's celebration.

After the vows were exchanged and rings were placed on fingers, the celebration took an adventurous turn. The couple, eager to infuse their day with a sense of exploration, embarked on an off-roading adventure through the rugged mountain terrain. Dan and I and our Jeep Rubicon took them to remote and breathtaking locations, providing an exhilarating experience that perfectly complemented the thrill of their newfound commitment.

Eloping in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado proved to be a whimsical and unforgettable experience for this couple and their cherished guests. Against the backdrop of nature's grandeur, the intimacy of the ceremony, the thrill of off-roading adventures, and the timeless allure of a vintage car with a poignant history created a day that was as unique and extraordinary as the love it celebrated. In the heart of the mountains, this couple found not only a breathtaking setting but also a perfect beginning to their lifelong adventure together.

Considering a Ouray elopement or intimate wedding in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado? Check out my work or contact me, I’d love to celebrate with you!

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