Real micro wedding photographed and written by Nina of Larsen Photo Co.
Erica and Mark knew they wanted to get married in Crested Butte, Colorado because of how small and authentic the mountain town feels. They were looking for a photographer who was experienced in the area when they came across my work at Larsen Photo Co. and we hit it off immediately. The couple knew they wanted to time their wedding with the wildflower season, and together we decided on the first week of July when the lupines would be in full bloom in the valleys surrounding the small mountain town, but before the area gets busy during the wildflower festival a few weeks later.
Why did you choose to get married this way over a more traditional wedding?
“We knew from the beginning that being outside, having the ability to drink in the day and some special moments just the two of us was very important, but we also couldn't imagine not having our closest friends and family there with us. It was really important to us to be able to be present with ourselves and with our nearest and dearest that day, and have quality connection versus a big spectacle.”
Can you describe your overall vision for your elopement day?
“Our vision looks something like this: we get up and have great coffee and a yummy breakfast, and maybe a little walk or yoga in the morning. We've rented a house and will be staying with some friends, so maybe just having a chill somewhat 'normal' morning with our little crew. Then, we'll get gussied up and imagine going on a little adventure, hiking around and taking some beautiful photos. It'll be great to steal away and have some alone time before it's full 'go' mode with the ceremony/dinner. We imagine getting back to the Woods Walk for our ceremony, where our friends and family will be ready to watch/support us taking our vows, then we all walk to the Breadery where we enjoy a beautiful dinner. To round out the night we'll bop around to a bar or two before we head to our hotel for the night.”
The guest count was kept to 31 of the couple’s closest friends and family, as everyone was traveling to Crested Butte from across Colorado and out-of-state. I love when couples prioritize spending quality time with a smaller group of people over barely having time to greet each of their guests throughout the day.
We started the day with getting ready photos at two different vacation rentals, before the couple shared a first look with a gorgeous mountain view right outside one of the homes. From there we took off on an adventure up a dirt road outside of town that I had scouted the day before their wedding, and knew the lupine wildflowers would be in full bloom. The beautiful bluebird day was perfect for enjoying our time outside, but also harsh and bright for midday photos.
The ceremony was held at Woods Walk, a natural venue managed by the Crested Butte Land Trust. Getting married in a natural setting was important to the couple, and this aspen grove has a beautiful view towards Mount Crested Butte. With a group of this size, reserving a ceremony site is the way to go, to ensure that the location can handle the added foot traffic of a wedding. To top it off, the CB Land Trust is a non-profit organization, so most of the cost of having your ceremony here is a tax deductible donation!
After the ceremony, the guests all walked down to Breadery CB where the couple had rented the Creekside Event Room for their reception. Breadery is one of my favorite small reception venues in town, because the food is always incredible—and for smaller weddings, they have the perfect space to keep your celebrations private without having to buy out a whole venue.
It’s easy to think that micro weddings ditch all traditions, but in the words of the couple: “We realize that we are still sort of getting married the "traditional" way... it's just on a mini scale!” From walking down the aisle with their parents, to having Mark’s sister officiate their ceremony, to inviting their closest people to give toasts before dinner, to cutting their wildflower-inspired wedding cake, Erica and Mark incorporated all of the traditions that were important to them—and skipped anything that wasn’t.
One of my favorite parts of photographing this wedding was how intentional the couple was about every little detail—and especially their florals. Erica is a talented wedding florist who runs Field Supply Floral in Denver, and she made all her own wedding florals, including the stunning bouquet and arrangements to line the aisle at Woods Walk. The couple also included a handwritten card to each guest at their dinner table, and if the tears being wiped were any indication the heartfelt gesture was a big hit with their guests.
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Jennie Swenson is a former micro wedding bride, and she now supports countless couples in planning their own intimate celebrations through her blog, featuring real micro wedding stories and a curated vendor directory. Her practical advice and firsthand experience make her a go-to resource for those seeking to create memorable and meaningful micro weddings.
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