JOE + JULIA'S Winter Sunrise Elopement at Lake Isabelle
Nestled in the pristine Indian Peaks Wilderness near Boulder, Colorado, Lake Isabelle provided the perfect backdrop for Joe and Julia's adventurous elopement. As the winter sunrise warmed the alpine bowl around us with golden light, the two exchanged their vows and had their first dance.
Joe + Julia met while solo-traveling in separate journeys of self-discovery. Turns out they not only found themselves, they also found each other — even if it took Joe asking Julia seven different times before she finally said yes to marrying him! And if their journey to marriage sounds like an adventure: the sunrise hike to exchange their private vows encompassed a 12-mile round trip in late-winter conditions, requiring a pre-dawn wakeup call at 3 am. Julia wins the early morning rally — she was up at 1 am for hair and makeup preparations!
The journey to Lake Isabelle presented its fair share of challenges. Icy conditions on the hike up and a frustrating amount of post-holing on the return had the potential to put a damper on the morning, but Joe + Julia’s warm spirits, good-natured teasing, and genuine love for each other created an infectious atmosphere of joy and happiness.
Upon returning to the trailhead, Joe and Julia embarked on a unique adventure: we made our way to a tattoo shop in Lyons where they commemorated their commitment with matching ring tattoos at a local tattoo parlor. We were so hungry from the hike that we had to order tacos right to the shop!
Following the sunrise ceremony and the tattoo stop, we headed back to Boulder, where the couple's closest family and friends had gathered together and transformed a local Airbnb into a stunning backyard reception, adorned with fresh peonies and roses. Tearful speeches, an iconic amount of pizza, and 3 delicious cakes (including a vegan and gluten-free option!) made the reception an unforgettable celebration.
Joe and Julia's elopement was a testament to their unwavering love, their adventurous spirits, and their commitment to embracing life's challenges with grace and humor. As the night wound down, thunderstorms crashed in the mountains all around their Airbnb — but above us, the sky remained clear and scattered with stars. This elopement was a testament to the magic of people and place, and what happens when the two are brought together in celebration and love.
