Adele & Tom were actually already married. We met through a previous client of mine (if you’d like to see Sam & Alex’s elopement and wedding, see them here), who are great friends of the couple. Surrounded by their best friends and chosen family, Adele and Tom’s Colorado National Monument elopement felt like a true backyard-style family reunion.

In order to make their day laid back and stress free, they invited only who they wanted to a luxury airbnb in the mountains outside of Colorado National Monument. If you’re wondering if your getting ready space makes a big difference in your getting ready photos, I’ll be the first to say it’s one of the most important ways you can set up your gallery to truly tell the aesthetic and feeling of your day. Their space felt vintage but elevated, and this transitioned into the rest of their gallery.

We spent the morning getting ready with plenty of time; not rushed, not rehearsed, and absolutely not “re-creating” moments that already happened. It was real and raw and so much fun, with their supportive group around them. The guys played music downstairs and it became the ambient vibe of the day, with the girls upstairs having fun, smiling, and assisting Adele into her dress.

We left the airbnb to complete their first look out in the yard, and then drive up to Colorado National Monument for their elopement ceremony overlooking the canyon. It was absolutely epic. Portraits took place along the cliffside, and then we headed to Red Fox Cellars for wine and portraits in the Palisade, Colorado countryside. A fucking perfect day.

Want to plan your own Colorado National Monument elopement? I’ll help you the entire way.