Days 1 & 2


Our adventure began with mom, Aspen, and I loaded up for the loooong drive out to Denver. We made it to the city just in time to check into the hotel, grab a bite to eat, and rest up for the long day to come! The next morning, we drove into the mountains, stopping for a bit in Idaho Springs to kill some time! We met up with our remaining buddies at our Airbnb, then headed to the Maroon Bells outside of Aspen to location scout for the next day's elopement. A great way to tell how a hike with camera gear is gonna go?? Do the same hike carrying a toddler.

 

Misty mountain peaks rise above a dense evergreen forest on a cloudy day in the wilderness.
Misty mountain peaks rise above a dense forest of evergreen trees and lush vegetation on a foggy day.
Hiker carrying a child in a backpack carrier on a mountain trail surrounded by lush greenery.
Hiker with backpack traversing a scenic mountain trail through lush green vegetation.
Misty mountain lake surrounded by evergreen forests and alpine meadows in a serene mountain valley.
Hiker carrying child in backpack carrier walks along rocky mountain trail surrounded by greenery.
Hiker in red puffy jacket takes photo with phone on nature trail.
Rocky mountain trail with hiker ascending through evergreen forest under cloudy skies.
Misty mountain peak emerges through clouds surrounded by evergreen forest and rocky cliffs in moody wilderness scene.
Dramatic mountain peak shrouded in misty clouds rises above dense evergreen forest.
Panoramic view of majestic mountain peaks surrounded by green forest landscape.
A majestic rocky mountain peak rises above evergreen forest under cloudy skies in a wilderness landscape.
Rocky hiking trail winds through a mixed forest of birch and evergreen trees.
Hiker ascending rocky mountain trail with dramatic jagged peaks and evergreen forest in background.
Dramatic mountain landscape with evergreen forest and rocky peaks under cloudy skies.
Majestic mountain range with jagged peaks and patches of snow towers above alpine forest.
Dramatic rocky mountain peak with traces of snow and low-hanging clouds in a moody landscape setting.
Delicate purple wildflower blooms among rocky mountain terrain.
Dramatic mountain valley landscape with snow patches and evergreen forests under cloudy skies.
Wooden trail marker post with directional signs stands on dirt path in forest.
White and orange wildflowers blooming in mountain meadow with soft focus background.
Misty mountain peak rises above evergreen forest and yellow wildflower meadow.
Dramatic mountain landscape with lake and fallen logs in foreground under cloudy sky.
Dramatic mountain reflections in alpine lake with rocky shoreline.
Panoramic view of a mountain lake surrounded by steep peaks and alpine meadows.
Majestic mountain peaks reflecting in a calm alpine lake surrounded by rugged terrain.
Adventure photographer with backpack takes photos on mountain trail.
Photographer with gear captures mountain scenery beneath dramatic rocky cliffs and misty clouds.
A photographer with camera and backpack captures mountain scenery in an alpine setting.
Majestic layered mountain peaks partially shrouded in misty clouds with snow patches.
Majestic mountain landscape with misty clouds drifting through evergreen forest and rocky cliffs.
Hiker takes a rest break on fallen logs in a serene forest setting.
A cascading waterfall flows down rocky cliffs surrounded by lush evergreen forest in the mountains.
Hiker wearing orange puffy jacket and backpack pauses on forest trail.
Fallen tree logs scattered across forest floor with green vegetation in background.
A small bird perches on a fallen log in a forest clearing surrounded by green vegetation.
Adult and child standing by mountain lake shore with dramatic peaks in background.
Adult holding child in bright red jacket by peaceful mountain lake.
A nurturing moment outdoors with a small child in a bright red winter coat.
A heartwarming outdoor moment with a child taking first steps in colorful winter gear.
Person standing by mountain lake with dramatic peaks and reflective waters in background.
Two people explore the rocky shoreline of an alpine lake beneath towering mountain peaks.
Hikers resting by mountain lake with towering rock face and snow patches in background.
Mountain lake shore with dramatic peaks and valleys in background.
A peaceful moment by a mountain lake with gentle guidance on a rocky shore.
Rugged mountain peak emerging through dramatic clouds at sunset.
Adult helping child climb rock by mountain lake with dramatic peaks in background.
A family explores the rocky shoreline of an alpine lake on a cloudy mountain day.
Hiker in red puffy jacket stands by mountain lake surrounded by evergreen forest and rocky peaks at dusk.
Dramatic mountain landscape with layered rock formations and alpine meadow reflected in a small lake under cloudy skies.
Scenic mountain landscape with a pristine alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks and forested slopes in the wilderness.
A small child in winter clothing plays joyfully on a dirt trail surrounded by forest scenery.
Small figure sits on rock among aspen trees in mountain forest setting.
A small child sits on a log in a forest wearing winter clothing and a sun hat.
Small child in light blue jacket and red pants sits on rock in wooded forest setting.
A small figure rests on a rock among birch trees along a forest trail.
Serene mountain lake reflects rugged peaks and evergreen forest while camping gear rests on fallen logs in the foreground.
A parent and child in warm clothing share a tender moment on a forest trail surrounded by fallen logs and evergreen trees.
An adult and child stand at the edge of a lake surrounded by pine trees and driftwood in a mountain setting.
Hikers stand at the shore of a serene mountain lake surrounded by steep rocky cliffs and evergreen forest.
Group of hikers with backpacks standing near a mountain lake surrounded by rugged peaks and wilderness terrain.
Hiker with backpack traverses rocky mountain trail through dense evergreen forest during moody evening.

 

Days 3 & 4


Took Aspen into Aspen for the morning, before Stephanie and I headed into the mountains to capture Bri & Yancy's Maroon Bells elopement. After we were done, mom, Aspen, & I loaded up the car and headed back home to Missouri. We drove through the night...all so Ryan and I could go to a Green Day concert courtesy of Ashley!

 

Hikers navigate a rugged dirt trail through a scenic aspen forest on a sunny summer day.
A photographer with a backpack takes photos in a mountainous landscape surrounded by evergreen trees and peaks.
A photographer sits on desert ground while adjusting settings on a professional DSLR camera.
Hikers walk along a rocky forest trail surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery in a peaceful woodland setting.