I will say it until I’m blue in the face: we have the best couples. With each passing wedding, elopement, or engagement session Chuck and I capture, we are overwhelmed with just how grateful we are. And having the opportunity to capture love stories alongside the love of my life is truly the cherry on top. When Chuck and I hopped on a consult call with Jess and Alex to chat about what they envisioned for their laidback Telluride, Colorado elopement, we immediately knew they were going to be a good time. The good vibes certainly didn’t stop with the consult call, though.

Newlywed bridal portraits in an aspen grove in Telluride, Colorado.

Telluride, Colorado Elopement inspiration

When we first started walking through wedding planning with Jess and Alex, I had recently found out I was pregnant. Because the Lord’s plan is greater than any, it was no surprise when I realized I would be NINE months pregnant on their wedding day. When I brought it to their attention, and let them know that there would be no hard feelings if they wanted to go a different direction, they were so reassuring. Jess and Alex loved our work and our personalities, so it wouldn’t be a problem. But the real kicker is that Alex is an EMT, so if I went into labor, he could deliver my baby! Thankfully, our baby girl didn’t make her arrival during Jess and Alex’s elopement!

As if Chuck and I weren’t already completely smitten over this duo, Jess and Alex made it clear from the get-go that Hoka (our furbaby) was invited for their elopement festivities. In fact, they specifically asked for her to join their elopement in the San Juan Mountains. If you happen to have a dog, you know just how cherished they are. Hoka has been by our side for so many elopements, and I couldn’t imagine it any other way. Dog people = our people.

Jess and Alex’s early Spring elopement in Telluride began downtown for lunch at The Baker and the Butcher. After our bellies were full, we headed over to Bridal Veil Falls for a hike. As we all got our gear on for the hike, Alex pulled out some dog treats that they had brought specifically for Hoka! Like, are you kidding me?! In case you’re wondering, my pregnancy emotions were high and I absolutely was tearing up over the thoughtfulness of Jess and Alex towards US on THEIR wedding day!

A bride and groom hike to Bridal Veil Falls before their laidback elopement in Telluride, Colorado.

Fuji Film Colorado Elopement Photography

Eloping in the Mountains | Colorado Elopement Photography & Videography

Once I composed myself and we were set for the hike, we began the trek to the falls. The trail was blanketed with a thin layer of fog, and the mountains still had snow remnants coating their surface. When we reached Bridal Veil Falls, we were amazed by its roaring presence, spilling into a thick covering of snow at the basin. After taking in the gorgeous views, Jess and Alex sipped some cold ones from Camp Lager before making our way back to our vehicles.

We made the short drive from Bridal Veil Falls back to Jess and Alex’s gorgeous vacation rental. The architect (John Young) clearly achieved his goal of “bringing the outside in” when he designed this home. The views of towering aspen trees and Wilson’s Peaks from the 20’ floor-to-ceiling windows were unreal. While Jess and Alex got ready in their respective rooms, a private chef began preparing dinner in the chef’s kitchen. We decided to head out to the vacation rental’s front yard for the ceremony, and allow the chef to continue to prepare.

Mountain elopement in Telluride, Colorado.

Telluride Elopement | Chuck & Shiloh Photo and Film

Once outside on the lawn, Jess and Alex shared their first look before beginning their ceremony. Sunshine peeked out from the clouds while they exchanged vows and shared communion. The couple took time to pray, and just thank Jesus for the blessings that He has shared with them. Their ceremony couldn’t have been more perfect or more intimate, and it was such an honor to witness. As soon as they exchanged rings and shared communion, Jess leaped into Alex’s arms as they were finally husband and wife!

With sunshine still peeking through the clouds, we moseyed around the property and surrounding areas for newlywed portraits. In typical Colorado-fashion, we experienced snow, cloud coverage, fog, and glimpses of sunshine while wandering throughout the Telluride wilderness. And to no surprise, Jess and Alex embraced every single weather event with grace and excitement. Their smiles were just as wide catching snowflakes on their tongues, as they were strolling through the aspen grove. Once we wrapped up bridal portraits, we all headed back inside the vacation rental to warm up and see what the chef prepared.

Newlyweds snuggle up beneath snowcapped mountains during their early Spring Telluride elopement.

Airbnb Mountain Elopement | Colorado Destination Wedding

Back inside, the chef had bruschetta and champagne waiting for the newlyweds. But the main meal of filet mignon was mouthwatering. Chuck and I ended up hanging out with Jess and Alex, playing cards, and sipping wine until the night ended. And once again I will say: there is nothing better than when clients feel like lifelong friends.

Celebrating Jess and Alex’s laidback Telluride, Colorado elopement was so incredibly easy. They are a couple who are undoubtedly the best of friends; their kind hearts and genuine souls made each moment of their day feel like time was standing still, despite how quickly their day flew by.

Searching for more Colorado o love stories?! Well, BOY are you in the right place! Chuck & Shiloh Photo and Film are a Colorado-based photography and videography duo with a passion for storytelling. Check out some of our latest blogs down below! And be sure to keep up with our adventures (and Hoka’s) over on the ‘Gram (@chuckandshiloh) so that you don’t miss a thing. And as always: we’re so glad you’re here.