Shelby & Michael’s Moraine Park Amphitheater elopement in Rocky Mountain National Park was a day that we will live rent-free in our minds for a long time. Being able to document a day that is filled with so much love, joy, and intention is always an honor. We couldn’t help but want to relive it with all of you.
Shelby & Michael’s Love Story
Shelby and Michael owe the start of their relationship to good old Mark Zuckerburg, but mostly just Facebook. It was there that they had their first interaction. When Micahel sent Shelby a private message about something, she had posted. The conversation continued until he eventually asked her out on a date. Not really thinking much of it, she said yes. Safe to say the sparks were flying on that first date, which kept them chatting in a parking lot until three in the morning. Shelby tells us there was an instant connection between the two of them. A connection that has kept them together ever since.
The Proposal
Michael planned a long weekend trip for the two of them to Colorado. A nice little getaway that included skiing, going out to nice dinners, and exploring all Colorado has to offer. At the weekend’s end, he took Shelby up to Loveland Pass on a snowy winter day and proposed. She, of course, said yes once again (this time with much more excitement).
Shelby tells us they fell in love with the state during that visit and couldn’t think of anywhere more fitting to say “I do.”
Their Colorado Elopement Experience
On August 24th, Shelby and Michael returned to Colorado for their elopement at Moraine Park Amphitheater in Rocky Mountain National Park.
They started their day at an Estes Park Airbnb, where they got ready. Their little girl was there to help Shelby put the final touches on her wedding day attire, and it was probably the cutest thing we’d ever seen.
After they finished getting ready, they shared their first look at the Airbnb so they could venture into Rocky Mountain National Park together for epic wedding portraits on Trail Ridge Road. Fun fact: the elevation on Trail Ridge Road is 12,183′. The road is typically only open from late June – September, so if you have the opportunity to take photos there on your wedding or elopement day, you don’t want to miss it!
Their Elopement Portraits on Trail Ridge Road
Their Elopement at Moraine Park Amphitheater
They were joined by their loved ones for the intimate ceremony at Moraine Park Amphitheater. During their ceremony, they did a ring-warming ritual. For those who don’t know, a ring-warming ceremony is a ritual that invites guests to warm their rings with wishes for the couple before they exchange them. It’s a special way to honor the couple and also include the guests.
One of our favorite photo opportunities during an elopement at Moraine Park Amphitheater is to have the couple stop at the top of the stairs after their ceremony recessional and kiss with all of their guests in the riser seating behind them!
Their Sunset Portraits in Moraine Valley
Just a quick drive down the road is a gorgeous spot called Moraine Valley. This gorgeous view is a must for portraits either before or after an elopement at Moraine Park Amphitheater!
Dreaming of getting married at Morraine Park Amphitheater? Head over to our Rocky Mountain National Park elopement guide for everything you need to know about getting married in the park!
Photographer | Sharee of @coloradophotographersquad
Elopement Location | Moraine Park Amphitheater
Officiant | Ceremonies with Lisa
Make-up | Bella Capelli
Guitarist | Alan Skowron
Estes Park Florist | Enchanted Florist
