As a single mom that came from a blended family, I always love when I have the opportunity to photograph an elopement with kids involved. I have a lifetime of first hand experience with all kinds of unique family dynamics: adoption, step-parents and siblings, half siblings and now single parenthood. It definitely adds a layer of personal connection and emotion when I have the opportunity to photograph elopements with kids like Shawna and Keith’s beautiful Fall elopement along the Chautauqua Trail.
Shawna and Keith have a son together and Shawna’s daughters and other son joined them for their nuptials at the base of the flagstaff mountains on this gorgeous Fall day. They exchanged their vows with each other, but also incorporated their family in to their ceremony in a special way too. Each child wrote a letter, even the 3 year old drew a little doodle, and each year on their anniversary they’ll read the letters from the previous year and write new letters to be added to the box. I love when people come up with special traditions to involve their children in the ceremony when they’re having an elopement with kids.
I’m sure it’s pretty evident after spending some time poking around my website, but I feel all the feelings for every amazing client I photograph and I’m just used to having “crying at work” on my resume at this point. After their ceremony, Shawna’s oldest son was so overwhelmed with emotion that he immediately started crying and gave his parents the biggest hugs. That sparked tears from everyone else there too (well, except for the 3 year old that was mostly just excited to be exploring in the tall grass – but can you blame him!) and they all took a few moments to be present in their happiness and hug it out. It was absolutely beautiful – and yes, my camera (which is waterproof thank goodness) was soaked in my tears.
I hope you enjoy all of these amazing moments from their elopement day with their kiddos!
Their son really wanted to take some pictures using my camera (one of the many reasons why I have liability insurance lol!) so I handed it over and let him snap a few shots. They definitely have a future photographer on their hands – so cute!
Elopement Officiant: Lisa Hunter
If you’re planning an elopement with kids in Colorado check out these other recent elopements I photographed where young ones were involved:
Claudette and Dustin’s Loveland Pass Elopement with their 1 year old
Maegan and Josh’s Cheley Colorado Camp Elopement with their 3 kiddos ranging from 9-16
Kerry and Mike’s Backyard Micro-Wedding in Boulder with their 3 elementary aged kids