Nakita & Joe wanted their elopement to be only with their closest friends & family. They also wanted a beautiful Colorado mountain backdrop, which is where Brainard Lake worked out perfectly. Located just 40 minutes from Boulder, Colorado, this staple is perfect for elopements. Whether you want to hike, or drive up to a location for accessibility, it has the perfect range of options.

We started out the day hiking in to a more remote section of Long Lake, where Nakita put on her dress as Joe waited by the waterfront. After their first look we hiked around the edge of the lake as the sun rose. With perfect lighting in the trees, we took full advantage of our time there, before heading out to meet their families for their vows.