3M Curve Elopement at Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, Colorado
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Describe your ceremony in three words:
Adventurous, romantic, and cold haha
Who is your officiant? How did you choose him/her?
We are self solemnizing!
Why did you choose the ceremony and reception locations?
This is where we went on our first vacation together.
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!
What were your vows like?
Cold but heart warming. A few happy tears and beautiful mountains.
What was your favorite thing about your wedding ceremony?
The privacy. The gorgeous landscape. AND the hike to the special spot, 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!
Do you have any budget tips for other couples?
DIYs, Etsy, local food, and artisans are your best friends.
What was your favorite part of the planning process?
Picking out my wedding dress
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
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.
How would you describe your reception theme?
Romance in the Pines
What food are you most looking forward to on the wedding reception menu?
We are going to Bird and Jim’s!
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
What was the best advice you were given?
Do what you want despite everyone’s opinions and advice.
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.
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.
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.