Conni & Jon’s Mountain Top Elopement at Garden of the Gods in Colorado

Conni & Jon first met at a music festival in New York. They discovered they shared a love for music along with hiking and camping. Jon proposed at the perfectly named Bridesmaids Falls, and they began to plan their wedding. They had previously discovered Garden of the Gods in Colorado and wished to share the otherwordly beauty of the spot with friends and family. Conni & John eloped at the top of the world, looking down on creation! We love Conni’s trendy bridal bouquet of dried flowers and grasses, as well as the fun champagne toast! Find out why these newlyweds chose to put off the big party and how Simply Eloped helped them plan this intimate mountain top elopement.

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

Conni: We met in 2015 at Mountain Jam Music Festival in NY. We both were excited to make a new friend who shared our love of live music and good ole fashion fun. We grew closer over the next year and started dating early the following summer. 

How did you propose or accept the proposal? 

Conni: Jon surprised me one Friday morning in March. He told me to pack a bag and get in the car, but he wouldn’t say where we were going. He secretly booked an Airbnb in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where we spent a lot of our free time hiking and camping. After arriving at the mountains, he took me on a hike down to Bridesmaid’s Falls. At the end of a walk was a frozen waterfall, where he got on one knee down in the snow and popped the question. It was so intimate and perfect! 

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

Conni: We decided to elope at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, CO. We chose this destination because of its mystical landscape. We also appreciated its accessibility – it was easy for our parents to navigate the park. 

What attracted you to the venue you chose for your elopement? What were your favorite parts about eloping there? 

Conni: On our trip to Colorado, Garden of the Gods was our first stop. Coming from the east coast, we were amazed by the red rock landscape. Our favorite part of eloping there was sharing the beautiful landscape with our family.

 

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

Conni: I would describe the Garden of the Gods as an otherworldly place. Looking at the red rock formations, you will think you are on Mars. However, the astounding mountain backdrop will remind you that you are in colorful Colorado. 

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

Conni: We stayed at a hotel in Colorado Springs. The night before, we greeted our family, who all flew in from the east coast. The morning of our elopement, we ate breakfast with our friends before separating for the day. I drank a mimosa and got my hair and makeup done with my mom and maid of honor/sister.

Jon: I played a round of disc golf with my groomsmen. Leading up the ceremony, Conni and I exchanged letters with our personal vows to one another. That increased the excitement leading up to the elopement! 

How was your experience with Simply Eloped?

Conni: Our experience was excellent! Coby was very reasonable, even allowing us to move the ceremony date to accommodate our schedule better. She kept us updated on the uncertainty of the Covid-19 Pandemic. We also loved working with Kelli and Lisa, our officiant and photographer. Kelli wrote a beautiful, personal ceremony script that perfectly described our love story. Lisa captured our day wonderfully through her killer photos, which we will cherish forever.

How did you choose to celebrate your elopement? 

Conni: We booked a private room at Phantom Canyon Brewing Company in downtown Colorado Springs. There, we listened to good music, ate, and drank with our family.

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

Conni: Just do it! You won’t regret spending the day in an intimate setting with your love (and closest friends and family). The big party can always come later!

 

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