Alma, Colorado Airbnb Winter Elopement |Colorado Wedding Photographer | Jamie & Tom
Jamie and Tom’s 2020 Airbnb Elopement
Now that we’re in 2021, It’s easy to reflect on all the hardship 2020 has left us. Today I want to look at the growth and positivity gained through the trudging experiences. This story is from Jamie and Tom’s wedding reschedule and elopement.
It was one month away. Getting geared up for a beautiful wedding at Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, CO. 125 guests scheduled to celebrate the new beginning’s of Jamie and Tom’s life together. Then 2020 hit. I remember that first phone call we had. The reality of having to reschedule didn’t sink in until I actually heard the words hit my eardrum over the phone. My own worrisome feeling of rescheduling fleeted quickly when I thought of Jamie and Tom. Not only did they have to move around multiple vendors and venue to a new date, their anxious excitement of their wedding day was pulled right out from underneath them. Since that thought, every hard talk around rescheduling and canceling events this year have started with the simple thought of “How can I be of service and make this the smoothest transaction possible for my clients.” One of many positive reminders 2020 have given me.
After they successfully rescheduled to a new date, we started the conversation on planning an elopement on their original wedding date. They found a beautiful Airbnb south of Breckenridge near Alma, CO. A nice sized home with a backyard overlooking beautiful mountain caps.
They booked the place for several days, so they could settle in before hand and enjoy a mini honey-moon after the big day. Leading up to the day, it was sunny skies and 40-50 degree weather. Then Colorado spontaneously did what it does best and dumped a gorgeous coat of soft snow, and dropped the temperatures down in the 20’s for the wedding day.
(Note: In my experience, every time weather throws a curve ball on a wedding day, the images and memories magnify and make it that much more special.)
Once the day came, Jamie (my significant other and owner of Anthia Floral & Design) and I drove down to the location and met with Jamie and Tom. It ended up being just the four of us there. Still to this day, this has been the smallest, most intimate marriage I’ve been apart of. Anthia Floral provided a beautiful bouquet, I provided the photography services, and Jamie and Tom provided the commitment to each other.
When we arrived, we all enjoyed catching up and just being around other people. Besides phone calls and zoom chats, we all have been in quarantine leading up to this day. After Jamie and Tom got dressed, we found a spot on the side of the house for the first look. Was great seeing their reaction, emotions, and joy.
Now that the excitement was amplified and the reality that this is finally happening set in. We found a great place out back for Jamie and Tom to tie their love together once and for all. Now viewing the spot and actually walking to the spot were to different stories. We didn’t realize one miss step (or in Tom’s case.. many) would elevate you down to the basement of the ten story snow mound that the backyard was. Like I alluded to earlier, sometimes unplanned situations lead to the best memories captured.
The ceremony was short and sweet. They shared some special words and emotions together.. Just the two of them. I can’t say in words how honored and grateful I felt, to be one of only two people witnessing Jamie and Tom’s once in a life time moment together. Although I love everything about large weddings and all the specifics involved, I can truly say their wedding day was at the top of my list of favorites.
After they said YES! The excitement and joy overpowered the cold temperatures, so we trudged (and sunk some more) through the deep snow and kept the moment going. They had their first dance in the snow and overlooked the great power of the view with every breath.
Next we all emptied the snow out of our shoes, signed the license, and made it official! After a few laughs I utilized my off camera flashes and took advantage of creating some more artistic images in the home.
Since Jamie and Tom rescheduled, they’ve had to reschedule two more times. Although it has been a challenge, I truly believe they wouldn’t change a thing around their marriage. Knowing Jamie and Tom, and there “living in the now” attitudes this story will live on through their words for the rest of their lives.
“The greatest treasures of growth in my life have came from the hardest trials I have walked.”
Bouquet by the great Anthia Floral & Design
