Rocky Mountain Elopement A Frame Cabin Adventure Ahead: Sacred Hot Sulphur Springs Winter Elopement in Kremmling, Colorado

"Not often do you find a photographer who is willing to leave her home at 3 AM, all in the name of capturing the best sunrise light for your special day - that was my first indicator of just how passionate Justyna is about her work. She is one of the most calming and encouraging souls I have had the pleasure of meeting. She was relaxed throughout our entire day and encouraged my husband and I to be the same way regardless of the environment we were shooting in. She takes time to be genuine and embrace every moment - even the unexpected ones! She is the perfect balance of spontaneous and someone who puts your mind at ease. She was so well prepared for everything during our day. My husband and I, being from Kansas, are not accustomed to the chilly mountain top temperatures of CO. She encouraged us to get out of our comfort zone, yet also prioritized “breaks” to go back to our car and warm-up! When I think about my special day with Mark, all I can say is there was so much joy and love in everything we did. Justyna was absolutely a catalyst for that joy and I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else to join us on our adventure. " The adventure Elopement Couple

From the husbands point of view:

Waking up at 3:00 AM was a bit rough. But after getting a cup of coffee in i was able to just sit back and enjoy watching my beautiful bride to be get ready. When Justyna pulled into the A-Frame cabin I immediately felt comfortable with taking pictures and doing all of the fun, intimate, and loving poses with Corrine (my wife😍).

One thing that stuck out was Justyna’s ability to just go with the flow. We spent the early morning exchanging our vows in front of a cross located in a rancher’s valley. After falling through 2-3ft of snow regularly, we made it back to the landowners home, where Corrine & myself wanted to thank him for allowing us to do that. Little did we know, Justyna, Corrine, and myself were about to be taken back in time for over an hour as the older landowner shared his history, home, and even a bottle of champagne with us. Instead of rushing to get to the next spot, Justyna saw it as an opportunity to snap a few pics that will end up being some of our favorites!  Driving up to Loveland Pass, we were able to get some amazing shots. With all of the travelers on the road honking & cheering for us, we just went with it! It was cold but just the experience was amazing! Thankfully, at the top of Loveland Pass, Justyna had asked that i step away so she could get some shots of Corrine and I’m thankful for that because my wife’s image, dress, hair, eyes, and the mountain’s background will forever be ingrained in my mind. Justyna made us feel comfortable, encouraged us to just let loose and enjoy the day, and very accommodating. She’s not just a photographer, she’s a new friend and the best hype-woman ever! 

Are you ready to see this sacred Hot-Sulphur Springs Winter Wonderland Elopement? Let's dive in!

From the adventure groom's point of view:

-My perfect wedding day with Corrine would be very simple and elegant. Truthfully, i could marry her on fiery coals without shoes and it would still be the greatest day of my life. I am imagining seeing her for the first time in her dress and i am already getting teary eyed. I imagine us cooking breakfast together in our different football teams jerseys, lighting the wood burning stove together, laying in one another’s arms in the hot tub, and simply just not being able to keep our eyes off of each other.  Doing anything with Corrine,  both good-or-bad, just sounds like the life i would like to live. I love seeing her as happy as she can be so please be a little heavier on her wants as opposed to mine. My one want is to just see that perfect, beautiful, and amazing lady smile and be in love with me on the sacred day. 

-Where do i go to get away from the daily life i live? Typically just go and see Corrine! Pretty easy going individual and it doesn’t take the world to make me happy, just being loved as much as i love someone & i suppose that is why i go to Corrine to step away.. She brings me comfort & peace.

-Mountains absolutely, really love meadows with rivers/streams running through them with killer views.

-My favorite ways to connect with nature are fly fishing, hiking every now and then, and never forgetting to step back and admire the beautiful world we live in.

-I’m not sure how i would do waking up at 3 am in the Colorado march, but if she wants to then i will happily go!!

-My favorite thing to do alone would be to play video games as nerdy as that sounds. Also i do enjoy finding an amazing meadow to fly fish and snowy mornings to do some bird hunting. I do enjoy remodeling my house and being able to be outside with my pups. 

-My ideal morning routine: Working out, meditation, making breakfast, and then grabbing a cup of coffee. Corrine & my morning routine ALWAYS starts off with coffee at Starbucks because she has a ton of reward points from work😂

-I can’t speak of our favorite thing to do..😂 Outside of that we really enjoy just spending time with one another and dreaming. We enjoy bouncing ideas off each other, people watching, grabbing coffee, learning about one another’s lives in as great detail as possible. We FaceTime every night we are away from one another for at least more than 2 hours each time.. and call & text in the hours between. 

-I am enthusiastic about college football, mainly Oklahoma state but will set aside my pride to cheer on Corrine’s Nebraska corn huskers.. I enthusiastic and excited every time i come home from work to my two pups greeting me and then playing chase in the back yard. I get really excited when i finish a house project or get close to finishing cleaning. I really get enthusiastic when i head to see Corrine or she comes to see me. The first hug/kiss/hello always makes any bad day amazing. I get excited watching her associate with my parents and seeing how much they love her.

-Current things that are sparkling in my life are #1 Corrine, but aside from her, i feel like work is coming together and so are the many house projects of mine…

-What means the world to me are simple acts of kindness and general positivity when speaking with anyone i meet. And no better way to embody my world with a lady who exemplifies those two things perfectly. She is kind, compassionate, caring, and loving. 

-My favorite way to cozy up after a long day hiking would be a glass of solid scotch, red wine, and sitting by the fireplace.  I would really want to do that with Corrine as we haven’t had the opportunity to go on any major hikes!

-I can’t describe my favorite hike with Corrine, but i can describe my favorite time i have spent with her and learned that she was going to be the girl i wanted to marry. We went to a concert with one another the second weekend we ever hung out together in Dodge City, watching her get dressed and get fancied up i just remember thinking to myself “man she’s beautiful”. The drive there she put makeup on and we sang every song we knew with one another. Walking hand in hand into the concert we made our way to the standing area to watch. Once Jon Pardi got on stage and started playing, Corrine turned away from the stage & looked me in the eyes with the most loving, reassuring, faithful, and exciting eyes.. From that first song to the very end i could not stop grinning ear to ear while keeping my eyes locked in on her the whole time. In a room full of thousands, she was the only one i saw, the only person i craved and longed for. From that night on i knew she was special and i knew there wasn’t another person in this world that could love me the way she does and that i could love with my whole heart the way i do for her. 

-I find the following words beautiful or interesting:

Faith, Complacency, Perseverance, Longevity, Integrity, Intimacy

-If i were to share something with my younger self i would say something along the lines of, “things will be rough for you in the future, you will have you heart broken several times and you will have thought you found the one you could live with on more than one occasion. You will let loved ones down and have to have difficult conversations. You will doubt everything you have done, the path you have chosen, and the career you pursue. However, one day, those negative, self loathing thoughts will stop. You will be driving home from the mountains when you tell your dad that you don’t think you will ever find someone who loves you as much as you love them and then you will check a crazy dating app and a fiery redhead will message you first. After that first leap you take in going to see her, your whole life will change and you will shift your focus in seeing the beauty in hardships” then I’d probably tell my younger self that the said redhead is super HOT 🥵 

-I have no fears of this journey that i will be taking with Corrine, i cannot wait!! 157 days and counting!

-When people think of us i hope they see that true love does exist. I hope they see that it isn’t just a way we act in public, but a full time thing. I hope we inspire, motivate, and show kindness to all of those we meet.

-Every day i spend with Corrine.. I’ve felt like i have lived the fullest when i take risks.

-Favorite time of the day: Sunrise/Sunset but love rainy/overcast weather with thunder in the distance.

-JOMO: CROWDS…. FAMILY STRESSING… GUESTS JUDGING…. Pretty much everything that doesn’t involve just my future wife at a wedding😂 I’m not the most relaxed individual when i am in a crowd of people

-Favorite way to spend a rainy day is opening up a window, lighting a candle, and watching a movie while sipping on coffee, whine, or a good beer. 

-Adventure looks my beautiful soon to be wife Corrine. Life is an adventure and i can’t wait to spend the rest of it with her.

Traditional wants:

Getting Ready

First Look

Vow Exchange

Ring Exchange

First Dance

Dancing

Read letters from those not there

Outdoor:

Mild Hike

Star Gazing (if not freezing or overcast)

Hot air balloon

Botanical gardens/greenhouse

Picking wildflowers

Horseback ride

Snowball fight

Ice Skating

Soak in a hot spring

Elopement Ideas:

Cook breakfast/dinner

Light the wood burning stove

Cuddle by a campfire

Listen to music and dance

Extreme outdoor:

Skiing

Fly Fishing

Camping

Ice Skating

Urban:

Coffee shop

Winery

Art gallery

Brewery

Tattoos

Classes:

Art class

Cooking class

Massage class

Yoga class

I’m not sure of how i could include her mom (60’s and has had brain cancer her whole life/Alzheimer’s in a sense) but I’m going to try and get a video of her saying that she loves corrine. I think it’d be very special to show while she is getting her dress on. 

The Adventure Birds, Corrine

Let's start simple...

Can you describe your vision for your day?

Mark, myself, all the love God has given us to borrow, His creation and His omnipresence as our witnesses to the moment we devote the rest of our lives to loving one another as deeply and unconditionally as humanly possible. I could go on and on about innumerable details, but I see all the other aspects to be “gravy” if I have the aforementioned items. 

I am a flower enthusiast, so an “out of this world” bouquet is important to me as well. 

Where do you go to get away from it all?:

Anywhere on the outskirts. My childhood was somewhat “non-traditional.” My dad has been my number one supporter for any hobby I’ve ever expressed interest in. After receiving my first camera, he and I would hop in his pick-up to chase the best view of the sunset before it completely gave way to the West. I would do my best to capture a few shots, then we would stand there together and enjoy the vast beauty of another ending day. Any place I can find, in the mountains or the plains that remind me of those simplest of times, or remind me how small I really am, are where I go to get away. 

The outdoors of any environment…the mountains or a forest etc. alpine lakes, or deep deep forests…?

Mountains. Few things in this world compare to the mountains! They are full of beauty in every season. 

What are your favorite ways to connect with nature?:

… backpacking adventures and leaving behind technology and just spending days hiking to your next camp spot, and cooking over a fire while just enjoying all the beauty and different elements of being in the woods…? Please share! 

I adore hiking in the mountains! Backpacking is a great way to disconnect. There is something so natural and surreal in living as one with the planet - packing the “essential” bare minimum and existing in the simplistic wonder of the world. 

Is there anything better than hitting the trail at 3am while it's still dark? It's a perfect opportunity to let loose and connect with your love one and nature?:

If I’m awake at 3 AM for the views and some dreamy shots with Mark, then it’s completely worth it! On a normal day, I would be sleeping at 3 AM, but I am so excited for this adventure with Mark - I will do whatever it takes!

What is your ideal morning routine?:

I thoroughly appreciate the use of “ideal” here! 🙂 

My ideal morning routine consists of waking up at least an hour before the rest of the world gets out of bed. I’d love to take my dog on a walk or run and enjoy the stillness before the noise with him. I’m intrigued by the mysterious camaraderie shared amongst early risers - like they all share some secret yet to be told to those who are still sleeping. I would love to learn the art of “pour over” coffee. Upon mastering such craft, I would enjoy a stiff cup of coffee with Mark and our dogs while reading a good book. 

What are your favorite thing to do alone?:

I really enjoy sitting in a quiet place - preferably outside - and thinking of all of my favorite memories. I like to think of it as going through a brain exercise to keep those moments close and vivid - especially moments made with people who have completed their journey of this life. I want to make sure my memories are sharp.

What are your favorite thing to do together?:

Laugh! Mark has a great laugh and such a handsome smile w/ the most irresistible dimple above the left corner of his mouth.

I don’t want to be a sappy romantic, but I seriously love doing anything and everything with Mark. We are so passionate about one another, and that passion is undeniable in everything we do together. I simply love doing life with Mark. When I reflect back on my favorite memories we’ve shared together, the last weekend in July really stands out. We ended up going to a Jon Pardi concert together. I will quickly admit - Mark is the FAR better singer in our duet. However, I know every word to most Jon Pardi songs, so I definitely had the edge that night. I spent the entire night holding Mark, smiling in to his eyes, and singing all the lyrics as loudly as I could. I couldn’t stop smiling at him. I could tell by the way he was looking back at me - we truly have a once in a lifetime love. I will never forget that night. Concerts with Mark - whether that be a music festival or riding shotgun in his Jeep - will always hold a special place in my heart.

I think it\'s pretty cool to be an enthusiast in life. Getting excited about the things I like is a great way to live. What are the things that make you absolutely giddy?:

Feeling the breeze on my face and in my hair while on a boat - that is definitely number one! 

Nebraska winning a football game. 

Successfully baiting and reeling in a fish,

Seeing a close friend I haven’t seen in a while. 

Making plans to go out and then deciding to stay in and fall asleep watching movies with Mark. 

Reaching the summit of a mountain. 

Seeing my family laugh and take joy in one another.

When I was growing up - digging through my grandma’s freezer for tins of frozen cookies, and finding candy corn my grandpa used to hide in the pocket of his shirt. 

What things are currently sparkling in your life?:

Mark. Mark is my sparkle. Mark is my life’s most wonderful surprise, and the best plot twist to my story. My little dog, Sajak, also fills my life with joy. Seeing the way Sajak can communicate beyond this world’s loneliness with numerous people, always warms my heart and puts a smile on my face. 

My mom was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer in August of 1996. My parents had only been married for about 5 years at that time. Numerous brain surgeries and countless round of treatment led my mother to suffer drastic mental complications. My dad has never left her side - not even once. The way he loves her completely unconditionally, regardless of how much she has changed from the person he married, has always inspired me to chase after deep love from my partner. My father is far from perfect. He has many flaws, but the way he has demonstrated love to my mother will always be something I am so proud of and so thankful for. 

"The world only exists in your eyes-your conception of it. You can make it as big or as small as you want to\" F. Scott Fitzgerald Where would be your dream location to adventure if SKY was the limit?:

IRELAND. Norway might be a close second, but Ireland for sure. 

What are your favorite ways to cozy-up after a huge hike in nature?:

Cozy up by a fire enjoying a desert? etc.

Mark and I have yet to share a hiking experience together, but they say everyday is an up hill battle, right? I personally love to cuddle up next to Mark. He feels like home. He even lets me have snacks in his bed, as long as I’m not under the sheets! He has a wood burning fire place in his basement that we are birth excited to use when the weather gets cooler! I love candles, and fireplaces, all things cozy, and all things Mark.

Describe your favorite ever hike you two have done together? What made it so special?:

Since Mark and I have yet to hike together, I will use the night we met as an example. . .  The outdoor concert we were attending was abruptly canceled due to a sudden powerful windstorm. We were being annihilated by dust, sand and dirt ion our way back to his Jeep. At that time, I hadn’t even met him for 2 hours yet. He gave me his hat to protect my face, so I wouldn’t get all the nastiness in my eyes.

I was swooning. That was just one of many selfless acts Mark has displayed and continues to display to me. He does so many little things to demonstrate he is always putting my well being above his own. 

What words do you find to be the most beautiful or interesting?:

Euphoria Fika

Delight

Charm

Love

Perpetual

Orchestrate

Vast

Serve

Pursue

Adore

Depth

Beckon

Consuming

Captivate

Immense 

Tenacity

Surpass

Collide

Reckless

Provoke

Cherish

Steadfast

Imagine you are talking to your younger self. What good things have happened to you that you\'d share with her/him?:

Dear younger self, 

There is no darkness so consuming that a light cannot shine. You will experience deep pain, but even greater joy - live for the joy and learn from the pain. Life is a journey, and you are not meant to journey alone. CHERISH the hell out of the people you love. Be intentional and present. Be adaptable and do not ever give up on yourself - even when your plans change. Do not accept less from anyone. Trust God - you have no idea what is around the corner, but he does. 

List different obstacles and maybe fears about this adventure.:

I am a huge believer in everything happening for a reason. Any unexpected weather event, schedule change, altered plan - those are all orchestrated by a higher power. The only obstacle I see is a lack of understanding from my sister and my father. I love them both so much, They know I am calculated and careful. They have never known me to fall head over heels for anyone or anything. I just want them to be able to see how much better I am and how I’m strangely more of myself around Mark. He is someone who truly brings out my best. He is the only man I will not hesitate with or for and I hope/pray they can see that and support our decision to start the rest of our lives together so soon. Their support is nothing I need, but it is something i would love to have.

When people think of you, together, what do you hope comes to mind?:

I hope they see the closest thing to pure joy on earth. I hope they see two people wildly content to be with one another. I hope 3, 7, 10, 22, 45 years from now they see two people who still cannot get over each other. I hope they’re inspired to never give up on finding the one. I hope they feel the freedom to let go of their own time lines and plans. If they chose to settle, I hope they are rotten with jealousy... just a little. 

List all the times you've felt like you\'re truly living to its fullest.:

Anytime I’m in a boat on the water - fishing or not. Picking fresh okra from my grandmother’s garden. Enjoying breakfast on the porch. Watching NE win a home football gem in Memorial Stadium. Watching my childhood neighbor decorate cakes. Any day spent hiking another 14er. Catching craw dads in crystal clear water in Wyoming. Moving cattle on horseback. Belly laughing with my two best friends from high school. Volunteering my time to put a smile on a stranger’s face. Watching Mark trim the locust tree in his back yard with  sheer ambition and a hand saw. 

What is your favorite time of the day?:

The evening. I love sleeping. I cherish the solace and familiar comfort of being home. 

JOMO is all about the joy of missing out. It\'s so easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing and want to be part of it all. What things are you joyfully missing out on.:

Bachelorette parties for sure - thank the Lord! The stress of arranging travel plans and accommodations for anyone but just the two of us. Continually increasing disorder that comes with every additional person present at any event.  

And last but not least: What is your favorite way to to spend a ....RAINY day? As you can imagine...sometimes the weather can get tricky...would you be flexible to EMBRACE ?:

I love rainy day photos! What beats passionately making out with your lover in the rain?? Rainy days inside I will be cracking all the windows to hear the lovely melody of rainfall, wearing the comfiest of clothes, watching movies, napping, and always drinking a warm drink - tea, hot cocoa, coffee, or chai. 

What does ADVENTURE look like for you?:

• Pursuing a new journey or a new chapter. 
• Anything that makes me nervous or lights a fire inside my soul. 
• Amazement that surpasses the anxiety it took to get there. 
• Searching for the views and experiences I’ll regret living without.