Cottonwood Pass Hiking Mountain Elopement
Buena Vista Mountain Elopement at Cottonwood Pass
Alex and James, how did I get so lucky to be able to spend an evening with you two? From the moment I pulled into the brewery where I picked ya’ll up, I knew it was going to be an amazing night. Thank you so much for allowing me to journey and adventure along with you in the mountains for your elopement. It means so much to me that I was included and that I have made a friend in you both from our time together.
When I picked up Alex and James for the drive up to Buena Vista for their elopement, they loaded their things into my car. James works for a brewery and brought along with them two cans of celebratory beer. Well, one of them busted and without skipping a beat, I made them go stand in the shade and chug the shit out of that busted can of beer. Let’s start this evening off right!
On the drive up to Buena, we chatted and got to know one another. It was such a lovely time. To really get to know them. To know their story. I informed them of my less than fit body and that I might be a tad slow hiking the 45 minutes from the trailhead to their ceremony spot. They were so gracious and kind the whole way. James and I buddied up and were like, “I…need…a…break….” haha. Alex is a go-getter and we could barely keep up with her!
We traveled through trees, across makeshift stick bridges over mud and muck, across what is to be known as “The Sound of Music” area and then scrambled over boulders. We made it, when we climbed over the hill my heart raced, it was the most beautiful pond I have ever seen. Surrounded by snowy mountains and solitude. It was perfect.
James and Alex got changed into their wedding clothes in the great outdoors while I worked some magic with their wedding details. It was time. I followed them down to the most lovely space for them to exchange their vows, rings, and heart. Their authentic love. Right before me. It was moving and something I won’t ever forget.
After their ceremony, we made our way to another spot around the pond for another ceremony of sorts. They exchanged drinks of scotch from a small dish. It is a tradition where the couples (and sometimes families) drink the same scotch from the same dish or cup to show the other that they are true to one other. To build and show trust. It was unique and I am thankful I got to hear the tradition and story.
Right about the time they were to start this exchange, it started to sleet. We held out and it passed within a few minutes. It was such a beautiful, quiet, and serene moment. The cold white flakes. The laughter of Alex and James. Their love kept them warm.
We headed back to the trailhead just before dark. James was our trusty navigator; we only got lost once but quickly found our way. On the way back, it rained and we listened to their favorite songs. It was peaceful. It was right. It was authentically what I would call love.
Thank you Alex and James for allowing me to be with you. To document your love. To provide you with images that you can look back on and not just memories.
Are you reading through their elopement story and wishing you had one of your own that was just as authentic and lovely? Why not? Reach out. Let me help you create a space where you can share your love in your own unique way.
