Throughout planning, Olivia and Mark's main goal was to keep the day simple yet beautiful. They wanted the feel of an elopement, while still having their immediate families there to celebrate with them. Their photographer, Larsen Photo Co., helped them plan a two-part day that encapsulated both an elopement and a traditional wedding. This Ouray Gold Mountain Ranch micro-wedding was the best of both worlds!
They started the day by off-roading up a mountain pass in the dark to watch the sunrise from the top. Here the couple got to exchange their vows without anyone else around. Off-roading is the perfect way to get off the beaten path without spending all day hiking. It also allows these two to visit multiple locations along the epic mountain pass. When they stopped at a quiet alpine lake, the couple could not resist dipping their toes in the freezing cold water as the sun started warming them up. And while the 4 AM start might have seemed excessively early, they felt well justified when they drove back down the pass and saw dozens of other vehicles heading up for the day!
After a midday nap break, Olivia and Mark met back at Gold Mountain Ranch for the micro-wedding portion of their day. This venue is one of the most unique in Colorado. It's situated on the side of a cliff high above Ouray with the most incredible views down the valley. The couple loved getting to spend a few days there with their families, rather than splitting their time between lodging and a venue. This helped the whole day feel relaxed and intimate.
The bride is a classical singer, and having live music was important to her, so they hired a local violinist to play for the ceremony and cocktail hour. Both of the couple's mothers did readings during the ceremony, and their nephews each had the important job of carrying a ring up for the exchange. Most importantly, the couple's beloved old dog Spud got to be part of the celebrations—even trying to eat the flower petals that their niece had spread down the aisle.
They had an incredible dinner on the deck, with a beautiful table styled by their coordinator Hannah from Gathered Events. Afterward, Olivia and Mark shared their first dance on a stone patio in the last light of the day. The twinkling lights of Ouray sparkled far below. By splitting their twelve hours of photography coverage into two parts, they were able to get the best light at both sunrise and sunset, and it made a huge difference in both the photos and the couple's experience of the day. They were able to do everything they wanted without any stress!
