Northern Colorado Adventurous Horseback Elopement
Cydney and Kenny’s Northern Colorado adventurous horseback elopement was the most beautiful representation of a couple designing a day with their love at the forefront. From their emotional vows to the presence of their sweet pup and horses, it couldn’t have been more authentic to their story. Witnessing such an intentional elopement truly just reiterated how blessed Chuck and I are to hold the responsibility of preserving couples’ most treasured moments.
Northern Colorado Elopement
With such an important responsibility comes a bit of pressure — which ultimately just makes for a funny story to tell. Chuck and I are based in Colorado Springs, which means we are frequently traveling throughout Colorado (and the US) for our incredible couples. On the day of Cydney and Kenny’s elopement, Chuck and I were well on our way to the remote “hideaway” among the pines. And by remote, I mean zero cell reception. Driving up I70 on the endless switchbacks, I noticed a vehicle pulled over that looked like it had spilled clay shingles all over the road. Unfortunately, I had to drive over them since we were in a pretty narrow spot. As luck would have it, once Chuck and I stopped for a stretch-breach, we immediately heard a hissing sound. *Cue the first bought of panic*. We spotted a piece of clay lodged in the back driver’s side tire.
Immediately, I messaged Cydney on her satellite phone to let her know that we had a flat. We always leave plenty of room in our travel time to allow for emergencies like this, but I don’t know that Chuck and I ever actually anticipated having to bank on that extra time. So as we scrambled, we stopped at an auto shop to see if they could help us. As luck would have it, they had a tight schedule and didn’t have time. Awesome. We backtracked a bit and found a hardware store; praying that they would have a patch kit, we scrambled inside. Wouldn’t you know it - they had sold their last patch kit earlier that morning! The panic was real at this time. The pit I felt in my stomach was unreal.
a northern Colorado elopement with horses, dirt bikes and the cutest little pup
An adventurous horseback elopement
I am always so thankful for days that I get to work alongside my sweet husband. But even more thankful that he was filming this elopement on the day that I got a flat! Chuck swapped out the tire and somehow calmed me down as we just prayed for an easy rest of the day. Although we were both absolutely filthy by the time we made it to Cydney and Kenny’s campsite, it certainly made for an adventurous start to a memorable elopement. And much to our relief, we still managed to show up 30 minutes early! Talk about a rollercoaster!! Upon our arrival to Cydney and Kenny’s pull-behind trailer, Blue was perched in the door monitoring the happenings. With big hugs and lots of laughter over our recent adventure, Chuck and I got to work capturing the details.
One of my favorite parts of elopements is the uniqueness behind every detail. While I absolutely love a traditional wedding, elopements are an opportunity for even more character and personalities to shine through. Cydney and Kenny’s elopement was no exception to the thoughtfully chosen elements to tell their story. Part of the Chuck and Shiloh Photo and Film experience is forming meaningful relationships with our couples, and getting to know their hearts so that we can document their day to the best of our ability. Throughout the planning process with Cydney and Kenny, it became very obvious just how sentimental they are as a couple (and as individuals).
Kenny’s groom details were comprised of cufflinks, socks, and a bowtie that belonged to his late brother. I can’t even imagine just how special it felt to wear those items, and know that his brother was walking alongside him on such a monuments occasion. Cydney’s details included pearl earrings from her great aunt, miscellaneous trinkets from other great aunts and her grandmothers, and a hand-tooled leather bouquet wrap. To fill that intricately crafted leather bouquet wrap were flowers chosen by Kenny, from a shop that he frequently buys Cydney flowers from.
Eloping in Colorado | Chuck and Shiloh
With the details photographed and filmed, it was finally time for Cydney and Kenny to share their first look (with Blue, of course). Cydney took her time getting ready among the pines, which couldn’t have been more fitting for what she had envisioned for that moment. Her stunning lace gown with the flowing train of tulle contrasted with such grace among the rugged environment. Once she placed her white, wide-brimmed hat (complete with a veil), it was time to see her groom for the first time in his suit. Kenny’s deep forest green suit was perfect for the overcast skies overhead. As Cydney emerged from behind the pines with Blue in tow, the smiles on hers and Kenny’s faces said it all. Kenny handed Cydney her bright bouquet, she affixed his boutonnière to his lapel, and we were off to their intimate ceremony location.
We made our way to the lakefront with rolling mountains in the background. Blue stood patiently with Cydney and Kenny as they exchanged the most emotional vows. Witnessing the love and trust they have for one another was the epitome of “heartwarming”. I am a big crier, so I was fighting for my life out there as they spoke from their hearts. As they slid their rings onto each other’s fingers, the happy tears were accompanied by bright smiles. After the “I do’s” were said, their marriage license was signed, with Bleu as a witness. The pen used by Cydney and Kenny to sign their marriage license was actually a replica of a pen made with Cydney’s grandfather. And Blue’s pawprint on the marriage license was the cherry on top! As a gal who is obsessed with her own pup, I just was a puddle. Gosh… I am realizing that I really cried a lot during this elopement!
Western Elopement inspiration | Colorado elopement photographers
We then headed back to the trailer to grab Apache and Camanche for horseback bridal portraits. Prior to Cydney and Kenny’s Northern Colorado adventurous horseback elopement, I had only ever dreamt of photographing bridal portraits alongside horses. I can’t even comprehend just how majestic and powerful it feels to see the elegance of a bride paired alongside horses. Cydney and Kenny stopped for a sweet picnic among the forest of charcuterie, cake, and wine. The wine glasses and flatware were a family heirloom on Cydney’s mom’s side. And the wine that the newlyweds sipped on was the same wine enjoyed the night that Cydney said “YES!!” to Kenny’s proposal. Like I said, these details were just unreal!
After indulging in the yummy picnic, we snagged Kenny’s dirt bike for some fun bridal portraits before venturing to the open field as the rain and fog covered the area. Despite the gloom in the sky, Cydney and Kenny were troopers! Their joy was so evident as the strolled hand-in-hand, and danced beneath the pines - the snowcapped mountains looming beneath the fog in the distance. The moody mountain bridal portraits were the perfect way to wrap up Cydney and Kenny’s Northern Colorado adventurous horseback elopement. And Chuck and I couldn’t be more grateful to tell their love story.
For more mountain adventures, Colorado cuties, and adventures with us (and Hoka), be sure to follow along on the ‘Gram (@chuckandshiloh). And of course, don’t forget to binge the blog for even more inspo and elopement tips. ’Til next time.
