Elope at Flagstaff Mountain

A few weeks ago, I orchestrated a “styled shoot” with one of my favorite models, Kaitlyn, and her partner, Levi, at the breathtaking Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder, Colorado. For those who aren’t familiar, a styled shoot is a mock photoshoot, often bringing together several different creative professionals to collaborate on a shared visual concept, which can then be used for marketing materials or client inspiration.

I first met Kaitlyn when I was hired to do her high school senior portraits in 2016. I loved working with this natural beauty back then, so when I heard she was home from studying abroad in Italy, a lightbulb went off! Together with her longtime friend (and—bonus!—stylist) McKailyn Quast, we dreamt up this fun adventure elopement scenario for these lovebirds!

A Modern Love Story

In Kaitlyn’s own words, “Our love story is not your typical love story, but it sure is my favorite one!

“Levi and I first crossed paths back when I was a senior in high school, but only spoke a few words to each other since he was almost five years older than me. After I graduated high school, I started working at a pizza shop next to his work, and that’s when we started to get to know each other a little better. He would come in nearly every day I worked there, ordering the same cheese pizza until I started to make fun of him for it. Eventually we began to hang out after my shifts ended. It was obvious Levi was quickly becoming enamored with me while I, on the other hand, tried to refrain from liking him. I was about to leave the country for a long while! It would end up being the greatest adventure—college in Italy for four years!—but it wasn’t exactly the best time to launch into a new romantic relationship. I thought I had convinced myself that we were just friends when all my feelings for Levi rushed in all at once… two weeks before I left! I was quite surprised, but just couldn’t ignore the feelings I was experiencing!

“So I left to Italy, as planned, but Levi and I could not stop communicating with each other in every way possible: FaceTime, calling, texting. We were crazy about each other. We started dating after my very first semester studying in Italy, when I came back to the states for winter break. We quickly fell in love. We have been dating ever since—going on three years!—and making long distance really work for us. We always like to say that long distance only works if both people believe the other is worth it. To me, our relationship is a blessing in more ways than one, and we get the pleasure of falling in love with each other more and more every day. 

“Currently, we are having so much fun together and simply enjoying each other’s company while we gather enough money to go on our honeymoon!” Eventually, we are looking to adopt a great dane (or two!) and hopefully a kitten—if I can convince Levi!”

Scroll on to see the incredible images (captured with help from the talented Jennifer Garza Photography)

I met Andrea a few years back when we were doing a photoshoot together, and I absolutely loved every picture she took, not to mention her fun and energetic personality! When Levi and I got approached for a styled elopement shoot involving a hike, I thought, 'What a fun and creative idea!' Andrea takes incredible photos—so we were in. It was ultimately the best decision because the pictures turned out absolutely stunning.

On top of the amazing photos, Levi and I had a really fun time. Each photo is a beautiful memory of what our future elopement might actually look like! We will cherish these images forever and for that, we deeply appreciate Andrea and her incredible work.

— Kaitlyn Tarlton

Styled Shoot Models // Kaitlyn + Levi
Stylist // McKailyn Quast
Support Photographer // Jennifer Garza Photography
Adventure Elopement Location // Flagstaff Mountain