Let me paint you a picture of a Maroon Bells, Colorado intimate summer wedding. It’s the month of August, and you’re getting ready in a wooden lodge just outside of Aspen, Colorado. The sun is shining through the windows as your girls bustle about, excitement buzzing through the air. You hear some laughter from outside your window as your fiancé crushes his opponent in a game of corn hole. Your mom zips up the gown that you have dreamt of wearing for months. As you make your way towards your groom in front of a field of wildflowers, the sunshine warms your skin.

Before you know it, you are married to the love of your life – surrounded by your favorite people. When it comes time to celebrate, a torrential downpour rolls in, but you embrace it. The evening is spent running through the rain, giggles erupting through the valleys… Trust me when I say that the photos below do this intimate wedding day far more justice than any words ever could. 

Colorado Elopement Photographer | Sydney Breann Photography

It’s no secret that storytelling and documenting love stories are two of my favorite things in this world. And it’s not too often when my words fail me, but I’m thankful that when those moments do happen, my camera picks up the ‘slack’. Not too long ago, I photographed Danielle and Zane’s Glacier National Park engagement session. Spoiler alert: it was a dream. So when they asked me to photograph their Aspen, Colorado wedding at Maroon Bells — I was giddy. Looking back, I don’t think a more picturesque day ever existed. Each moment was just pure kismet. 

Danielle and Zane began their day getting ready in a rustic log cabin. I always love seeing what different couples choose to do for their wedding day. While Danielle was getting glam, Zane was outside tossing bags into custom NDSU corn-hole boards. It was very evident from those early moments of their wedding day that we were about to have the best day. Once Danielle had slipped into her stunning gown, her and Zane shared their first look and exchanged private vows overlooking Maroon Lake, surrounded by hundreds of wild daisies. 

One of my favorite parts of this dreamy Colorado wedding day was the inclusion of Danielle + Zane’s dachshunds. They were walked down the aisle and served as honorary ‘best men’. The ceremony took place beneath a sky full of mountain peaks, lush pines, and fluffy clouds. The energy was infectious after Danielle and Zane tied the knot; champagne was popped and endless hugs were exchanged. After taking some wedding portraits with the dachshunds (Winston and Otis), Danielle donned her custom ivory Stetsin for some ‘western vibes’ bridal portraits. Gosh, I just love a good hat moment. 

Maroon Bells, Colorado Summer Elopement

Once we wrapped up the mountain bridal portraits, we headed back to the cabin for a dinner beneath twinkle lights and towering oak trees. And while we did get to enjoy the ambience for a bit, the dinner was quickly squashed by a rain storm. Rather than letting the rain “ruin” the moment, Danielle and Zane were ready to embrace the rain. It’s moments exactly like these that show what truly matters on a wedding day: letting go and soaking up every moment with your person. The newlyweds frolicked through the puddles, ran up and down the road, and danced along the lake as rain soaked them to the bone. When we got back to the garage for the dinner, Danielle’s dress had to be rung out because it was so wet! Talk about a new core memory unlocked.

Photographing Danielle and Zane’s dreamy Maroon Bells, Colorado intimate summer wedding was such a joy. When couples visit Northwest Montana and Glacier National Park for engagement photos, I always hope that their wedding will be another adventure. And boy, this one sure set the bar high! 

Aspen, Colorado Intimate Wedding

Looking for more elopement and intimate wedding inspiration? Check out the blog. And you can guarantee I’ll be sharing more photos from Danielle and Zane’s day over on the ‘Gram (@sydneybreannphoto). So what do you say… are you ready to wander?

Vendor List:

Photography – Sydney Breann Photography
Florals – Colossians Collective
Bride’s Dress – A&Be Bridal Shop
Groom’s Attire – Nisswa Tuxedo + Emily Kaye Bridal
Shoes – Vans
Catering – Home Team BBQ