Dianna and Randy live in Arizona but came to the mountains for their elopement and hired my husband and I, who are Durango Photographers, to capture their memories. Elopements in Durango CO are extremely popular and we love to photograph them. The time line is much more relaxed than a full day wedding.
They were engaged two years ago yesterday. They’ve been together for 26 YEARS! About time they got married, dontchathink? The proposal on January 1, 2018, took place while they were at the home they were building in Arizona. The home had just been framed in, and Randy said “why don’t we tailgate out here for New Years Eve”. He had steak and lobster to cook on the grill, along with wine and candles. It was a beautiful eve, fairly warm, as the super moon came up in the east and the sunset in the west. He proposed and it was very romantic and fun.
The ceremony inside the gazebo in Durango
They both love being outdoors, hiking, and beautiful scenery. They held their elopement ceremony under a gazebo at Rotary Park in Durango CO. The officiant for the ceremony was Chessa Gill. We’ve worked together for several weddings and I love her. Chessa, the bride and groom, and Durango Photographers (that’s Ken and me) were the only ones present.
Elopement Ceremony under the gazebo in Rotary Park
Dianna and Randy are both hard workers, but still have time for each other and time to go outside to play. Dianna works in sales, and Randy is a home builder, which explains why they are building their own home. They’re also very romantic as you can see from their First Kiss.
Their First Kiss
Even though it’s an elopement, and there were no guests, I think it’s fun to do a first dance.
The First Dance
We also love to have them cut a small cake, and toast their new married status. Since they’re from out of town, we bring the plate, knife, and glasses. They buy the cake and champagne. It’s another fun thing to do.
Cutting the Cake
I had them sit on the gazebo steps to show off her ring and corsage. They are both beautiful and it was a beautiful day.
Sitting on the steps of the gazebo
We moved over to a different area of the park where you can see the river. We had a lot of snow that winter and the river was the highest I had ever seen it. Hard to tell from this picture though.
Portrait of Dianna and Randy
After the snuggling, a little dip is in order.
The bride being dipped
Then we walked on the bridge to cross the river and go back to the gazebo area. They were definitely having fun.
Walking across the bridge back to the gazebo
A fun last photo with the sunglasses.
Looking cool with their shades
Hope you enjoyed Dianna and Randy’s elopement story. Let me know if I can help you with your photography session.
Thanks, Karen
Karen Skelly Photography
Durango Photographers
970.884.5292