Sprague Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado

Elopement

Gosh, thinking back…was probably at least a year from this post where Jordan had first messaged me about changing their plans from Michigan to Colorado. I later learned that they were surprised (and happy) that they had a photographer so down for this kind of change. My heart really lies on the west side. The west side of Michigan and the west side of the U.S. I had done a surprise elopement in Colorado before so I was familiar with the area. I’ve been specializing my business in elopements too so I was so down and excited to help them plan their timeline and location recommendations with all my resources. We ended up keeping it super simple and hiking around Bear Lake Trail for portraits with the promise to visit Dream Lake next time!

Jordan + Ian rented out two Airbnbs right in Estes Park, which is a little mountain town found right outside Rocky Mountain National Park. Both Airbnbs were decorated in Colorado fashion and super cozy with wrap around decks and edison bulb lighting outdoors. I had only wished I brought my bathing suit for the hot tubs!! Nestled right on Lake Estes and a short distance from Downtown Estes Park where I TOTALLY recommend going to The Egg of Estes for breakfast! I probably went there 2-3 times for their avocado toast! Yum!

Estes Park, Colorado

I have to say, it was VERY convenient for me to walk from one Airbnb to the other when doing getting ready photos! It helped to have so much space full of natural lighting too. I spent my morning with Jordan + Ia'n’s family. They cracked open some mimosas, jokes and enjoyed every second without rushing around. Ya see, I actually had my own room and I stayed with their family too (which is something I do not normally do, but have no regrets doing!)

I got to wake up with them and have some me time at night while they partied haha I’m actually in business mode until I am off the clock…always! For your wedding, and I know my body and how it is when I travel and hike. I know the certain foods I need, the amount of sleep and water I need to be able to have the strength and energy for the hikes.

I actually trained and ran for a few months preparing myself for their elopement and altitude changes. I wanted to make sure that if I was out of breath and needed a minute it was only due to the altitude changes and not because I was out of shape or something. I took this seriously as I do all weddings!! Once Jordan + Ian signed the marriage license back at one of the Airbnbs, I cracked open that beer and played a few games of Left, Right, Center…but with actual dollar bills!!

Catchfly Photography is a traditional wedding and adventurous elopement photographer based in Farmington Hills, MI. Julie Believes in the little details and in between moments. Nature completely inspires Julie and she incorporates nature into almost every photo she takes. Julie travels to photograph traditional weddings and intimate elopements in Traverse City, Mackinaw City, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Colorado, Arizona, Puerto Rico and Ireland.