Five years ago I was asked last minute (literally two hours notice) to fill in on a soccer team headed to Crested Butte for a weekend tournament. I didn’t know a soul on the team and got in a car with a couple of complete strangers bound for the mountains and a new adventure. Looking back, it was a little crazy I knew it would be a story someday so I just went with it. Marla and Chris happened to be on the team. Though they weren’t officially dating at the time we could all tell that the chemistry between the two of them was there.
Fast forward to 2020 and we all know how the story goes at this point. Their East Coast wedding was postponed so they decided to elope and reached out to see if I would capture the day for them. I agreed and I’m glad that I did. They rented a house in the mountains near Black Hawk and asked their friend Dave to officiate things. Within 10 minutes of arriving, Chris had made me an Old Fashioned.
I don’t do many elopements and it was refreshing to not have to deal with a timeline and hundreds of people for a change. The day just happened when it happened. Marla got dressed in the woods and thankfully avoided the local moose. Myself and a few chipmunks were the only ones that witnessed their touching first look. Dave was hilarious all afternoon and did a lovely job performing the wedding. He makes a mean burger as well.
They got married, we drank champagne, made a few portraits in the smoky, wildfire light and ate chips and salsa. I had a blast and was touched that they asked me to stay, hang and celebrate with them. It was a completely different day. It was their day. I’m glad that I was there to document all the fun, special moments.
Congratulations you two, it was truly a pleasure. BOOM! MARRIED
