Celestial Themed Elopement on the Full Moon

Lida & Joe’s celestial themed elopement completed their engagement and brought their relationship full circle! We had the wonderful opportunity to spend both of these occasions together beneath a full moon. Read more about our experience helping Lida & Joe elope in the mountains beneath a full moon, how the moon appeared during their engagement adventure, and how we achieved these two different events!

Lunar Reflections: Light & Shadow

We found the intersection of everything, the center of the universe, a junction where every corner of the world could be found. It was as if the land and sky were enacting the yin-yang symbol in real-time. The stark contrast of lighting projected half of the land beneath stormy shadows and the other half in glowing sunlight. Cool winds swirled about like sweet spirits on merry-go-rounds. Rain showers stirred the horizon.

Time disappeared, and the heavens moved as Lida and Joe cleansed each other with sage and self-solemnized at this intersection of everything, everywhere, all at once. As their final vows were spoken, refreshing rains joined the party and purified the land. This wasn’t even where we had originally planned for, but it was exactly where we were supposed to be.

Observing a Full Moon Rising

Being out in nature and away from significant light pollution allows one to greatly appreciate the expansiveness of the sky and the millions of lights above. On really clear nights in the mountains, you can see the Milky Way. Shooting stars are just a moment away.

The experience of watching the moon rise is one of the more deeply felt moments we’ve had outdoors. The motion is subtle, and although it’s difficult to see it ‘move’ at any particular moment, the overall progression is pleasingly steady. The moon’s impact is a constant and something we rely upon without even consciously acknowledging so.

That’s kind of how love and relationships work: you can subtly see and understand that things are progressing, but there’s nothing like taking a step back and seeing your marriage together and how far you’ve come.

Patiently connecting with the moonrise was transformative in its own way. She brought such vivid, welcoming light. We descended the mountain that evening with hearts as full as her.

Moreover, it is remarkable how much light a full moon provides. We waited for her to not only rise but also to work her way around some fluffy clouds. Once we had an unobstructed view of the moon, the ground was basically fully illuminated. It’s such a pure and natural connection to enjoy something so useful that is simply given to us by Mother Nature.

Moonrise Kingdom: An Infinite Tent

After Lida & Joe’s vow exchange and symbolic wedding rituals, we met their guests at a nearby lake. Castle-like peaks of the San Juan Mountains traced the perimeter, and we made our way down onto the rain-softened sand. Kevin officiated Lida and Joe’s ring and handfasting ceremony on the lakeshore with their guests. They even had their dogs sign their marriage license!

Lida’s parents had set up a pop-up tent that came in handy with the rain. Walking inside felt like entering Harry Potter’s tent at the Quidditch World Cup – we’re not exactly sure how space works, but this tent was definitely using an undetectable extension charm! There was plenty of seating, a lovely charcuterie spread, bedding, and room for the dogs to hang out – it was wild!

Moon Pies: Splitting Them In Two

These two different days were easily achievable by splitting up a larger package. Because the light is most often not pristine for 8 consecutive hours, we give you the option to split your time in two. This allows your photos to achieve an even better overall quality.

It isn’t that we necessarily don’t want any sunlight, it’s that really harsh midday light creates stark contrasts and unwanted shadows. It also causes many people to squint and feel uncomfortable. So splitting your time between sunrise and sunset is the best overall use of light during your elopement! There are also strategies to make the most of harsh light, but if avoidable, that’s the way to go!

Splitting your time is also very useful if you want to have your elopement with guests and then subsequently spend the rest of the night with them. In this example, you can immediately celebrate with your pals and still get the most stunning newlywed photos during a separate adventure with just you and your partner.

Furthermore, if you want to have an engagement session and an elopement like Lida & Joe, that’s also possible! It can be nice to be in front of the cameras ahead of your elopement if you are anxious about having your photos taken for any reason. Once you know what the experience feels like, this can help put your mind at ease.

Some couples even wear different attire for their second day! So feel free to put together a completely different look and dig into a whole other vibe! A break can also be a welcome thing – it can become tiresome to go for 8 hours straight (for all of us).

Garden of the Gods Adventure

It was a few lunations (moon cycles) before their celestial themed elopement that we photographed Lida & Joe’s Garden of the Gods engagement photos. The full moon rose early and ascended well over the horizon while there was still daylight! She was like the sweetest bulb glowing ever so radiantly! The skies were clear, and there was something pleasantly mesmerizing about the atmosphere. Check out these photos of their engagement!

Are you feeling inspired by Lida & Joe’s celestial themed elopement? Let us be your guides to capturing the celestial love story you’ve always dreamed of. Hire us as your full moon elopement photographers, and together, we’ll craft a day to remember. Your love story deserves to be illuminated by the sun and moonlight! Contact us today to start planning your celestial adventure.

Vendors:

Lida’s Dress: Flora & Lane

Joe’s Suit: Indochino 

Florist: Fluorescence Flowers 

Make-up Artist:  Salon Envy

Vow Books: Etsy

Rings / Jewelry Lida’s Rings: Jewelfire of Broom Field / Marrow Fine