f you've been wondering where those wildflower fields on Instagram actually are, this episode is for you. We're covering our top four destinations for wildflower elopements in Colorado, the timing, the vibe, and what to know before you go.

Crested Butte: The Wildflower Capital of Colorado. Peak bloom early July through early August. Go early in the morning and it will blow you away.

Ouray / Yankee Boy Basin: A dramatic hanging valley ringed by 13,000 foot peaks. You'll need a 4x4 or high clearance vehicle. Peak bloom mid-July to early August.

Summit County: Great accessibility and variety. Above treeline at Loveland Pass or tucked into the aspens. Wildflowers peak mid-July into August.

Boulder: The pick for May blooms when the mountains are still snowed in. Close to Denver and more accessible than most.

Not sure which one is right for you? Email us at hello@wethelightphotography.com or check out our Elopement Planning Guide to start planning.

What if your wedding ceremony was just... yours? No script, no stranger with a three-ring binder, no one telling you when to look up or how long to pause. In this episode, we're breaking down what a self-solemnizing ceremony actually looks like when it's truly just the two of you.

Self-solemnizing means you don't need an officiant. In Colorado, you can legally marry yourselves, sign your own license, and that's it. No witnesses required. Want the full breakdown of how it works? We've got you covered.

We walk through what we call the four bones of any ceremony. The introduction, where you set the scene and say "okay, we're doing this." The vows, which have no rules except that you mean them. (We have a downloadable vow workbook to help you write something that actually sounds like you, link below.) The ring exchange, which is worth slowing down for even if nobody's watching. And the pronouncement, which can be three words, a kiss, or a "hell yeah" and a high five.

We also talk about how to make it feel like a ceremony and not just a Tuesday. Short answer: presence. Know the structure so you can stop managing the logistics and actually feel what's happening.

If you're in early planning mode, our Elopement Planning Guide is a solid place to start. If you don't know where to start with writing your vows, here's our Crafting Your Elopement Vows Workbook to get you un-stuck. Ready to talk about your actual day? Check out our range of elopement package options.

Resources mentioned:

How to Self-Solemnize in Colorado

Crafting Your Elopement Vows Workbook

Elopement Planning Guide

Elopement Package

Getting ready photos: worth it or skippable? 🎙️

Larissa is making the case for them, but not for the reason you'd expect. It's not really about the photos at all. It's about what happens when your photographer gets to meet you before your ceremony instead of right at it. The comfort, the ease, the ability to actually be present when the big moment comes.

Plus, a reframe on what "getting ready" can actually look like on your elopement day. (Hint: Catan is fully on the table.)