Brandice + Joel elope in Pagosa Springs

Brandice and Joel have been hiring me as their family photographer for years. It’s been so fun seeing their son Ethan grow up over the years. I don’t normally advertise as a family photographer but I’ve actually known Joel since I was in high school and would be honored to capture their little family. We have all become real friends over the years so we were pumped when they told us they wanted to elope in Pagosa Springs.

It was peak season for leaves and they rented a house big enough for all of us. We had the best time - scouting the day before and cooking together. Brandice is a florist and owns her company Birch and Bramble Co so the living room was full of flowers she had brought up to build her own bouquet.

The night before we HAD to check out Pagosa Hot Springs. We got there right before sunset and I grabbed my camera for a couple shots. Hot springs on the river at sunset in the fall! Can’t think of a better way to spend the night before your wedding.

Brandice had this natural bohemian, Colorado chic style that went perfect with the adventure we were about to embark on. They made a charcuterie board together and Joel brought Brandice her requested Moscow Mule while she did her make up.

Our adventure had many stops along the way. The best thing about adventure elopements is the diversity you can get in your photos and not being in a rush. We started early and ended past sunset. Making sure to make time for Champagne and a beer (their favorite - Stone IPA).

Right before we were about to head back to eat dinner I had Joel put on one of their favorite songs on the car stereo so they could do their “first dance” in font of the headlights. Probably my favorite moment of the day.