Boulder, Colorado Backyard Elopement Photo Story Award

The couple giggled in the sunrise light after their elopement ceremony.

Athena and Andrew's sunrise backyard elopement was an amazing, beautiful, emotional morning complete with many personal touches. Both first responders, they chose to say their vows behind Andrew's fire station surrounded by just very close friends and parents. The strength of their bond and prolific giggles from these two are pretty obvious. It was a challenge to shoot the bride's portraits before dawn, but the glow of the early morning ceremony was worth the early wake-up call. The couple's cat was even able to take time out of his nap schedule to kiss the bride on the nose before she left for the ceremony.  

Athena personalized her wedding look with serious warrior vibes. She hand-made her own tweed grey cape and styled a don’t-mess-with-me mohawk updo. Combat boots and a fall flower arrangement on her arm completed the badass look. She even walked Andrew’s meteorite-infused ring down the aisle on a chain around her neck. Andrew looked sharp in tweed and coordinating maroon and yellow shirt and tie, and I don’t know anyone else that could pull off that color combo so well. 

The professor who introduced them in college agreed to officiate their ceremony.  They had a reading of Wild Geese by Mary Oliver, and then an actual flock of wild geese flew overhead in a V formation. We couldn't have arranged it if we tried! After the ceremony, everyone took turns to admire their fresh wedding rings and to exchange hugs. It was intimate, unique to them, and perfect in every way.

Athena shares a moment with her beloved cat, who was able to take a moment out of his extensive napping schedule to help her get ready for the big day.

The bride slips the ring onto her husband's finger.

All their guests laugh as the officiant shared personal anecdotes and jokes about the couple.

The father of the bride embraces his newlywed daughter.