Horsetooth Reservoir Elopement
Brooklyn & Kaeden had a sweet picnic elopement at Horsetooth Reservoir in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Their simple but gorgeous elopement day broke several "elopement stereotypes" – and involved literally the coolest cupcakes I've ever seen!
Hey there! I'm Sam, Your Colorado Elopement Photographer & Planner
I know and adore Horsetooth Reservoir (and the rest of Colorado's Front Range!), and I would be thrilled to help make your elopement just as amazing as Brooklyn & Kaeden's.
You can totally have an epic adventure right in your own backyard.
I think when a lot of couples picture an "adventure elopement," they think of traveling to a far-off place and hiking for miles.
But Brooklyn and Kaeden's elopement didn't involve getting on an airplane (or getting sweaty). This Fort Collins couple chose a gorgeous spot just minutes from their house for their elopement. And their epic activities? A little casual exploring and an adorable DIY picnic.
I'm a big believer that an adventure elopement can look like whatever you want.
The most important thing is that it looks like you.
Picnic on the Rocks
I love a DIY picnic as part of an elopement – and Brooklyn and Kaeden's was one of the cutest I've seen.
Having a picnic lets you set aside some time in your elopement day for a little relaxed, one-on-one hangout. And if you DIY your own picnic, you can include your favorite snacks and personal details.
Plus, picking a cute picnic blanket, basket...even florals are fun ways to incorporate your color scheme (which can be harder to find ways to do in an elopement than a traditional wedding).
Brooklyn and Kaeden's stunning picnic floral arrangements were from local Colorado florist Tina Leix Wreath Co. They are faux florals- and you'd never know!
Espresso Martini Cupcakes
Of course, the highlight of Brooklyn and Kaeden's picnic was the espresso martini cupcakes – yes, those are cupcakes!
I first caught wind of these cupcakes when they went viral on social media, and then I realized the baker was from Fort Collins! I reached out to Lolo Bakes Cakes about working together, and Brooklyn & Kaeden's Horsetooth Reservoir picnic was the perfect fit. Brooklyn had also seen the video and was stoked I recommended them!
The cupcakes not only looked amazing, they were also ideally suited for an elopement. They travel better than regular cupcakes without getting smushed, and the glasses stack together!
Elopement in the Off-Season
May is usually considered part of the muddy "off-season" in the Rocky Mountains, when snow is still possible and everything starts to thaw. But it's a perfect time to elope on Colorado's Front Range.
In places like Horsetooth Reservoir, everything is super green and beautiful in May. And while actual snowfall isn't likely, the big mountains in the background are still gorgeously covered in snow.
In our case, the weather for Brooklyn and Kaeden's elopement day was perfect – it got cloudy towards the end of the day, and only started raining just after we finished!
