• Real Weddings

This next couple had a tight timeline to get married on but that didn't stop them from having THE PERFECT wedding day. With a little help from friends and family, as well as Sara Elizabeth their wedding planner it turned out spectacularly. 

But why the hurry to tie-the-knot? You'll just have to keep scrolling to find out. Oh and don't forget to scroll down to see the entire gallery.  All captured by the ever so talented  Courtney Dueppengiesser Photography.

Why An Elopement

Ali and Ryan were born and raised in Wisconsin but they had always dreamt of eloping somewhere unique and incredible, since the day they got engaged, almost a year ago! They knew that they wanted to create an authentic and beautiful day for their families. 

Ali and Ryan started planning their Rocky Mountain National Park elopement on the same day that they found out Ryan was going to be deployed. When they realized how soon he was going to be deployed, they decided to speed up the process. Their elopement ended up being everything they wanted and more. A weekend of fun in the incredible Estes Park, Colorado, surrounded by only their immediate family and a few extras! 

The Best Day Ever

Ali describes the day as a fairy-tale like experience, full of jaw-dropping scenery and simple details that allowed their love and the beautiful Rocky Mountain backdrop to shine through. They tied the knot at Sprague Lake, surrounded by 21 of their closest family members. Each family member had a special role in their ceremony, reading a verse or line that was special to Ali and Ryan. Ali’s uncle married the two of them and her grandfather set the tone of the day by playing the bagpipes so beautifully as the ceremony came to an end. 

Ali, Ryan and their guests enjoyed a cocktail hour at Estes Park Condos, surrounded by tall trees, mountains, roaming elk and the sound of the river flowing, followed by an intimate dinner at a nearby restaurant. Ali says, “We couldn't have dreamt of a better way to begin our lives together than, with our families as witnesses, eloping in the Rocky Mountains."

A wedding Planned

Wedding planner Sara Reddick says, "When planning and designing this Colorado elopement it was important to create a specific mood and feeling for Ali, Ryan, and their family. I wanted their memories to be nothing but an intimate and love filled day. 

I was so lucky that Ali trusted my vision and even allowed me to surprise her with every element of the day! A few of my favorites...the simple and sweet greenery garland alter they stood within as they said “I Do” and the custom trolley ticket that each guest received when they arrived to use on the wedding day! Each carefully curated by amazing professionals!

When starting the design process I knew I wanted the simple beauty of the scenery to shine through with touches that only embellished it. It was also important to keep Ali’s style in mind for every element. I choose a color story that enhanced our settings natural tones and added texture with the velvet tablecloth, marble dinnerware, hammered copper flatware and leather to tie the napkins!”

Budget

Rentals: $1,800
Planning: $4,000
Photography: $5,000
Champagne & Food: $800
Permit: $250
Florals: $2,000

• Rentals: La Tavola Fine Linen
• Bridal Boutiques: Erika's Bridal Couture
• Bridal Party Shortie Sets: Plum Pretty Sugar
• Cakes & Catering: Shamane’s Bake Shoppe
• Event Planning & Design: Sara Elizabeth Weddings
• Event Planning & Design: E Events Co.
• Event Planning & Design: Amy Abbott Events
• Flowers: Project Floral
• Paper Goods & Calligraphy: Lo in London
• Photographers: Courtney Dueppengiesser Photography
• Rentals: Colorado Party Rentals
• Travel & Transportation: Estes Park Trolleys
• Venues: Estes Park Condos
• Wedding Dresses: Watters