Amanda & Joanna’s Magical Garden of the Gods Elopement

Amanda & Joanna met online and found themselves lost in conversations with each other. Love and laughter are a big part of their story and their elopement. They chose to wed at Garden of the Gods in Colorado, where their vision of mountain views and peace came to life. Friends and family witnessed their ceremony and, afterward, celebrated with them. We love that they stayed in their wedding finery and enjoyed the many best wishes that came their way! Read on to find out why Amanda & Joanna describe their Simply Eloped experience as magical!

How did you meet? What was your first impression of one another? 

Amanda: We met through a dating app. My first impression of Joanna was that she has a laugh and a smile that just blossoms. I could get lost in our conversations. 

Joanna: My first impression of Amanda was how funny she was. She always makes me laugh to this day. 

How did you propose or accept the proposal?

Amanda: I had picked out the ring, and it was delivered. Initially, I had it planned out; however, I couldn’t wait with the ring in my hand. So I said, let’s take the dog for a walk around the lake, and I had my sister hiding around the lake, ready to take pictures. I found the bridge to be a perfect spot to bridge our lives together. It just so happened to be also on the national rainbow day! 

Joanna: When Amanda asked to take the dog for a walk, I did not want to go. It was super cold, and I just wanted to stay home, but she was insistent. So we finally walked on the bridge around the lake. Then I noticed she was no longer beside me. So I turned around, and she was down on one knee. I immediately started to scream and freak out, basically crying yes even though she hadn’t even gotten the chance to ask me yet.

Where did you choose to elope, and why did you choose that destination? 

Joanna: We chose Garden of the Gods in Colorado. We chose this beautiful destination because Amanda had never been to Colorado, and I always wanted to go back after visiting there once before.

What attracted you to the venue you chose for your elopement? What was special about eloping there? 

Amanda: You could get it all in one view. There were the mountains, rock formations, skyline, and peacefulness. My favorite part was marrying Joanna and the views that came with the location. 

How would you describe your elopement venue to someone who has never been there? 

Joanna: The view was magnificent. You can see the mountains in the background, but we were high enough to feel like you’re in the clouds. The area we were in had beautiful rock formations, allowing for beautiful pictures and making the experience even more magical.

What did you do before the wedding? How did you get ready? How did you feel in the moments leading up to your elopement? 

Amanda: We made the day about us. We took a morning hike to clear our minds, and then we had brunch with my family, and afterward, we went back to our hotel. We listened to music and wrote our vows separately, and then we slowly got ready together. Leading up to the elopement, I was nervous. I didn’t want to mess up my vows or our ceremony, but looking at Joanna reminded me why we were there. 

Joanna: Leading up to the elopement, I was so nervous.

Amanda: I was so excited to finally marry my favorite person. 

How was your experience with Simply Eloped? 

Amanda: We loved all the services that Simply Eloped provided. They assisted us every step of the way. 

How did you choose to celebrate your elopement?

Joanna: After the ceremony, still in our wedding outfits which included me in a full-blown wedding dress, we went to dinner with our families. Afterward, we went for ice cream. We were still dressed up, and we got so many congrats from strangers. It made the day so fun!

What words of encouragement do you have for those considering eloping? 

Amanda: Do it! It is so much more intimate and less stressful on your big day. 

Joanna: You will not regret it. Eloping was the best decision for us, and I loved the whole experience.

Officiation by: Amy Wikstrom
Photography by: Lisa Rose Rankin
Planning by: Simply Eloped
Venue: Garden of the Gods, Colorado

Written by Janessa White

Janessa White is the co-founder of Simply Eloped and has helped thousands of couples plan elopements. As an expert in the field, she has been featured on Brides.com, Vox, and HuffPost. Janessa thinks elopements are the ultimate way to tie the knot.