3M Curve Elopement at Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, Colorado

LB

This romantic elopement at the 3M Curve in Rocky Mountain National Park was certainly the experience of a lifetime! We were all closely watching the weather forecast in the days leading up to the elopement. Temperatures kept dropping lower and lower, and signs of snow began to appear. Andrea and Eric chose to get married in Rocky Mountain National Park because they wanted a snowy wonderland wedding, and they got it! Andrea was a trooper in weather that started out at -1 degree Fahrenheit when we did the First Look around 7:30am. What a beautiful, beautiful morning they shared. #pezziinthepines

For me, well, this was a dream come to life. I fought hard against asking them to pull over every 30 seconds so we could take photos in a new spot. Everything in this area is breathtaking. Even when the time came to edit, I was torn between all the different directions I could take these images. Did I want to go with green tones to enhance the rustic vibe? Did I want soft blues to complement the snowy mood? Or did I want to stay as true to life as possible, avoiding the hubris of trying to improve on what the universe had already given us? I ended up making the decision image-by-image, doing what felt right for each composition. #noregrets

I can’t begin to thank Andrea and Eric for trusting me to tell their wedding day story. There was so much shared laughter and joy that day. I’ll hold these memories in my heart forever. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

bridal boots in mountaintop scene during winter with snow

How did you and your partner meet?

Bumble dating app — we hit it off and met after a week of chatting. For our first date, Eric grabbed us green tea and we met on the beach for sunset.

wedding day detail shot in estes park colorado wedding rings jewelry plane tickets

When did you first know he / she was "the one?"

We both just knew. For some reason we can’t ever think of the words for it. It’s become a little inside joke between us.

bridal portrait in estes park colorado on wedding day

How did he / she propose?

Eric surprised Me with tickets for 6 Flags Holiday in the park. We haven’t gone to 6 flags yet together and I had a special holiday request for a Christmas lights. We didn’t realize I was scared of most of the rides lol! Eric proposed while the dance of the sugarplum fairy played under an archway with red Christmas lights. I grew up dancing in the nutcracker and this was always one of my favorite parts.

bride and groom in estes park colorado

What are you most looking forward to?

Being together forever! …and checking out the Stanley Hotel in Colorado. The shining was filmed there. Our love for scary movies is something that brought us together.

bride and groom in estes park colorado

What inspired you when you were planning your wedding?

Our love for the outdoors and nature. We love hiking and camping together with our two dogs Bennie and Birch.

bridal portrait in estes park colorado
bride and groom portrait at rmnp entrance sign
bride and groom at entrance sign of rocky mountain national park
wedding portrait of groom on mountaintop

Describe your ceremony in three words:

Adventurous, romantic, and cold haha

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Who is your officiant? How did you choose him/her?

We are self solemnizing!

3m curve wedding location

Why did you choose the ceremony and reception locations?

This is where we went on our first vacation together.

bride and groom at wedding ceremony 3m curve
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bride and groom at 3m curve
elopement at 3m curve in rocky mountain national park

Are you including any traditions / religious rights in your wedding?

I am spiritual and Eric happens to like gemstones and rocks so we are cracking open a geode!

bride charges crystal
bride and groom break geode
elopement at 3m curve in colorado

What were your vows like?

Cold but heart warming. A few happy tears and beautiful mountains.

wedding ring exchange rocky mountain national park
wedding ring exchange 3m curve

What was your favorite thing about your wedding ceremony?

The privacy. The gorgeous landscape. AND the hike to the special spot, 3m curve.

bride and groom elopement 3m curve

What advice do you have for other couples in the midst of planning a wedding?

There will be some times of stress but it’s all worth it. If you’re thinking of eloping, do it!

bride groom first kiss 3m curve rmnp

Do you have any budget tips for other couples?

DIYs, Etsy, local food, and artisans are your best friends.

bride and groom elopement photos 3m curve
bride and groom at 3m curve

What was your favorite part of the planning process?

Picking out my wedding dress

bride at 3m curve

What was the worst part of the planning process?

We are not quite sure what will happen when we get to the airport with my dress. Lol ask us again later

bride at rocky mountain national park

Are there any DIY details you’d like to tell us about?

Andrea is doing her own hair and makeup as well as her bouquet. Our cake will be a DIY as well.

winter wonderland wedding portrait of bride

How would you describe your reception theme?

Romance in the Pines

bridal portrait in snowy mountains

What food are you most looking forward to on the wedding reception menu?

We are going to Bird and Jim’s!

bride with long veil in the wind

Tell us about the cake!!

This is a toss up! We are heading into Safeway and hoping for the best. We are hoping for a stacked diy cheese cake idea. Another love we share..cheese cake. 💕

If you had it to do over again, is there anything you would do differently?

I would have worn warmer boots for the ceremony and changed into my fancy ones later. -Andrea
Too many layers. -Eric

bride puts on snow boots

What was the best advice you were given?

Do what you want despite everyone’s opinions and advice.

rocky mountain national park in winter
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What was your favorite moment from the day?

The walk to and from 3M curve was pretty memorable. Andrea hiking in a ball gown was pretty entertaining with some especially funny moments.

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hat was your favorite moment or part of the reception?

We are having a reception later on with the family, but we had a mini One for our elopement. We piled donuts from voodoo donut located in Denver for our cake. Andrea was so excited about this donut heading towards her that she ended up shoving a donut In Eric’s face and not realizing. Delicious dinner at bird & Jim’s! Every moment was our favorite.

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3m curve elopment at rocky mountain national park

Ceremony location:

3M Curve at Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Colorado
40°22'50.3″N 105°36'13.3″W

Florals:
Safeway, 451 E Wonderview Ave., Estes Park, Colorado
https://local.safeway.com/safeway/co/estes-park/451-e-wonderview-ave.html

Dress Designer / Shop:

David’s Bridal, 3633 U.S. 9 North, Freehold Township, NJ 07728
https://www.davidsbridal.com/

Shoes:
Steve Madden
https://www.stevemadden.com

Etsy / Artisan Vendors:

Necklace
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CaitlynMinimalist?ref=yr_purchases

Earrings
https://www.etsy.com/shop/RockAStud?ref=yr_purchases

Bracelet
https://www.etsy.com/shop/houseofsagittarius?ref=yr_purchases

Cake topper
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheOnlineArtist?ref=yr_purchases

Wedding Theme / Colors: Burgundy, green, white, and ivory.

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