Melissa + Luke's Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement -

Mr. + Mrs. Rhine

There’s absolutely NOTHING that pulls at my little photog heartstrings more than a couple so in love. Do you know that effortless kind of love and connection? Truthfully, these two have definitely got it.

It was super obvious in their cuddly couples shoot that these two have the hots for each other 😉 And it was amazing to take that to the next level with views like THIS!

Melissa told Rocky Mountain Bride Magazine (where their wedding was featured!) that her favorite moment of the day was their vows on the mountain top.

“For a moment the world stopped and it seemed like it was only the two of them. Time stood still. It was perfect! There is nothing like the beauty of Colorado plus looking at your favorite person in the world.”

And for all of you who are suckers for a good love story like I am, here’s the story Luke & Melissa told Rocky Mountain Bride for their feature story, on pages 25-27 of this wedding guide!

“Luke and Melissa have known each other since they were young. Their best friends were brother and sister and their parents taught at the same school. As they grew up, life took them in two different directions. Each of them got married. Melissa had a little girl in 2011 and Luke had a son in 2013. They both realized life is full of ups and downs, and they both ended up going through a divorce.

After Melissa’s divorce, she eventually started dating and would see Luke a few times while she was out. He would text her and tell her that her dates weren’t good enough. After about a year and a half, Luke finally asked Melissa out. She agreed, assuming it would be two friends hanging out, and since date one, they’ve been inseparable!”

When they returned back home they had a reception to include their two children and allow Melissa to have a father-daughter dance. 🙂

Melissa + Luke’s Colorado Rocky Mountain elopement was everything I’ve ever hoped to capture. In short, if you’ve ever dreamt of planning a mountain-view elopement, this is 100% the right place to get ALL the inspo.

In other words, I am still swooning! (ALL the emotions, ALL the details, ALL the love … and then there’s that VIEW!)

Planning a Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding

Melissa + Luke’s breathtaking elopement location took place at 3M Curve on Trail Ridge Road. Melissa said they chose to have an Estes Park elopement because “our relationship has been about adventure, and neither of us has ever been to the Rockies. Colorado took our breath away and we couldn’t be happier!”

Details to note about a Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement:

Include your officiant, photographer, videographer, and children in your final headcount. The maximum allowed in any ceremony area is 30 people.
If you don’t love the cold, don’t plan for a winter wedding! Estes Park has intense winter weather November – March. But it’s SO gorgeous that it’s worth it for a lot of people!
Chairs, drones, arches, aisle runners, or other decorations aren’t allowed. Trust me, the views are plenty!
You’ll need to submit an application for a wedding permit at least seven days before your ceremony date!
To learn alllll the details about how to have an Estes Park wedding, visit the National Park Services Rocky Mountain website.
For inspiration, vendor recommendations, and gorg photos, check out the Estes Park Wedding Guide 2020.

If you could just SEE the way he looks at her or the way they laugh together or the way she wipes his tears instead of offering a tissue …. it’s everything. It was such a blessing to witness and capture their sweet elopement!!

Have I mentioned lately how much I love being a wedding photographer?!

In short, Luke + Melissa I adore you both! Truly, truly! Here’s to a marriage more beautiful than your elopement!

xoxo,

Mel