A Romantic Picnic + Canoe Ride Elopement
Sunrises + Serenades for Anna + Garrett
The Love Story
“I don’t think I can pick an exact moment that I fell in love with Garrett, but it was definitely how he made me feel when I was around him. He was, and is, always the best part of my day. He is so funny, kind, beautiful, caring, smart, and he knows all the good music. Sully, my dog, also loves him and he doesn’t love just anyone.”
Garrett was just as poetic about his feelings for his bride, Anna. “We spent our first weekend together and I knew then that I didn’t ever want to be without her. She is the most caring, thoughtful, loving, beautiful person I have ever met.”
Naturally, the question of marriage popped up early in their relationship. “We went to Estes Park for the weekend. It was very cold and windy and we hiked up to Gem Lake where he proposed at the top. He brought a bottle of champagne and some beer to celebrate!”
These two were meant for each other. A blind date was set up for them to meet at a bar. Anna was running late for the date when she got a text from Garrett asking what he could order for her so it would be waiting when she arrived.
That gesture solidified his status as “very sweet,” and a “complete gentleman,” in Anna’s mind. But even as they enjoyed their conversation and found they had many things in common, she thought he wasn’t that into her and didn’t think she would hear from him once they parted.
Incredibly, Garrett was thinking about how Anna was the most beautiful girl he’d ever met and was fighting major nerves. He asked for a second date before the night was even over.
My goodness (dabs at eyes with a tissue). That kind of love practically demands a romantic canoe elopement in the gorgeous countryside surrounding Crested Butte, Colorado.
The Big Day
I met them at sunrise on July 15, 2021 and we drove toward a mountain lake for First Look portraits, vow reading, and a picnic. A total downpour the night before gave way to a dry, chilly but sunny, morning.
The First Look was perfect! Garrett fetched the vessel for their romantic canoe elopement and the whole scene, plus Anna’s dress, was amazing. Afterward, they enjoyed a picnic. Garrett brought his guitar along to serenade Anna with Coldplay’s “Green Eyes.”
We took more portraits before heading back to their Airbnb to meet family. Anna refreshed for the ceremony while I got some fun candids of the family. Then we all went to a wildflower field for their ceremony. Helpful hint: Crested Butte has a wildflower festival in July!
At the ceremony, I captured tears, toasts, and another sweet song from Garrett to his bride. Their first dance was photographed at the Airbnb, along with the marriage license signing. All in all, a full consecutive 8-hour day packed with love and romance.
You can also read all about Crested Butte Elopements and Micro-Weddings in my complete guide.
Enjoy these emotion-filled photos of Anna and Garrett’s micro-wedding. Congratulations, you two!
All photography by Andrea Enger Photography.
Here Comes the … Groom!
Getting Ready
First Look
Intimate Vow Ceremony
The Most Romantic Picnic
Couple’s Portraits
Romantic Canoe Ride
Time to Meet the Fam…
…for an Intimate Ceremony
Serenade No. 2
..and the Celebration Continues!
Elopement Location // Crested Butte, Colorado
Anna + Garrett
Back to Top
Ready to Book?
Elopement Photographer Andrea Enger (Portrait by Jennifer Garza Photography)
If you’re ready to get the ball rolling to secure your photographer (slash wedding planner!), let’s do it!
You can do that by contacting me through my website, emailing me directly at andreaenger.photography@gmail.com, or by calling or texting me at (720) 739-0784. I look forward to hearing from you!
If you’re still in the research phase, I hear ya! Here are some more resources that my couples have found helpful. I hope you do, too!