Kirsten & Kelsey Elope to Vermont During the Most Colorful Time of Year

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / VERMONT & BEYOND

To say that Kirsten and Kelsey’s gorgeous fall elopement in Stowe, Vermont didn’t go according to plan is an understatement, but they didn’t let anything stop them from having the time of their lives. I got a call the night before we were supposed to meet for a sunrise hike. It was Kelsey telling me she had just sprained her ankle going down the stairs. No worries, I assured her, there are plenty of spots around town that are short walking distance and we can pivot and still have a stunning and wonderful day. Kirsten was there to support her over the uneven terrain, and her crutches made a few appearances in the photos, but overall she was able to limp and sit and rest when needed. And at the end of the day, they were able to say their vows and they were married to one another, which is the most important part.

To add to the excitement of the day, there was rain in the forecast. But ultimately it only drizzled on us here and there, which honestly just adds to the ambiance. Their families made the trek to their waterfall ceremony location. They enjoyed a mini celebration at a mountain lake before heading back to their rental for the after celebration dinner with family. Their ceremony included tears from the officiant, Kirsten’s sister, and many of their family members were misty-eyed as well. The fall colors were in absolute peak form, just putting on the show of a lifetime and everyone was in awe of the scenery.

Watching Kesley and Kirsten together throughout the day was one of the most fun parts of the day. They genuinely have so much fun together, even when nothing goes as planned. They didn’t seem stressed at all, again even with plans changing from their original form. After our sunrise session where there was more misty fog than sunshine, Kirsten mentioned that she was a little bit nervous before the first session, but that honestly it just felt like we were hanging out and that it was so much fun. The rest of the day I just captured as it unfolded because their family was along for the ride, and in the end, the visual story of their day is one of my favorite I’ve captured so far!

Their joy, happiness, and love took center stage, and they let go of the things they couldn’t control, and honestly, they were the easiest, go-with-the-flow couple ever. Stowe is one of the easiest and loveliest places to elope because there are so many options for beautiful places to elope, even if you have a couple of changes of plans.