Estes Park Elopement at Knoll-Willows Open Space | Tom + Anya

I absolutely love being an Estes Park Elopement photographer because it means crossing paths with people like Tom and Anya. I’m an enneagram 3, which means when I’m feeling overly emotional I have no control over the amount of tears that fall out of my face and this elopement at Knoll-Willows Open Space in Estes Park was one of those evenings where once the tears started they just did not stop, it was way too good.

This special pocket of space near Rocky Mountain National Park has gorgeous views of the mountains and the Stanley Hotel, but that’s not even what makes it the most special. This sweet little mountain spot is actually the exact spot where Tom proposed to Anya and The Stanley Hotel, which you could see perfectly in the background is where they had their first date years prior.

One of my favorite things about being an elopement photographer is that couple’s make a valiant effort to make their day their own. Collectively, Tom and Anya have four kiddos. During their elopement ceremony they not only exchanged vows with each other, but they read vows to their children as well. Then, each of their children and both sets of their parents were given chords for a hand fasting. They each draped a cord over the bride and groom’s hands before their officiant, Lisa, tied the cords in a knot (get it – tie the knot) and they shared their first kiss as husband and wife.

The moments were all so good and the kiddos were so sweet and well behaved that we ended up shooting well after the sunset and the moon was the only light for their bride and groom photos and to be honest they’re some of the most favorite photos I have ever taken!

Estes Park Elopement Photographer – Sharee Davenport