Leslie & Steven’s Wintery Chautauqua Park Ceremony

If you’re a sucker for winter ceremonies with a mountain backdrop, then you won’t be able to get enough of Leslie and Steven’s ceremony. These two lovebirds had an intimate Chautauqua Park wedding on February 22nd in Boulder, Colorado. From their emotional vow exchange to the celebratory popping of champagne, this intimate and fun elopement is one for the books. Here’s the story of how Leslie and Steven came to be in their own words.

How did you two meet? What was it like?

A mutual acquaintance introduced us to each other one night in a Kroger parking lot. My first impression of him was that he had an amazing smile and was funny and super nice to me. His first impression of me was that I was pretty and and out of his league.

When did you first fall in love? How did you know?

We fell in love in December of 2017. We both have a mutual love for Christmas, and it is our favorite time of the year. He knew I was the one from the feelings that he felt when he was (and wasn’t) around me. He said that I was his missing puzzle piece. I knew he was the one, one night, after we had dinner when he asked me exactly what I wanted to ask him, “What do you want from this?,” And we both had identical answers. It was as if I had found exactly what my life was missing.

How did Steven propose?

Steven proposed to me on Christmas Eve of 2018, at his family’s Christmas Eve dinner. I was completely unaware that it was happening until I saw him reach for a little navy blue box. Before I knew it he was on one knee asking me to marry him and I was sobbing and nodding my head. After he put the ring on, our family brought our newborn baby Weston out with a onesie that said, “Daddy put a ring on it.” It couldn’t have gone more perfectly.

What do you love about him?

I love how caring he is. How close he is to his family. How incredible a father he has become. He’s has a great sense of humor. Not to mention a killer jawline, blue eyes and a perfect smile. He’s seriously my best friend and I’m so grateful to have someone, as generous as he is, in my life.

What is the greatest strength of your relationship?

Communication and teamwork. We both have witnessed relationships fall apart due to lack of communication and partners not having each other’s back. We always communicate with each other, and make a great team when it comes to raising our child.

How did you find Simply Eloped? How did you know we were the right one for you?

Pinterest! I’ve pinned so many of Simply Eloped’s pins on Pinterest. I had been engaged one time prior to Steven, and knew what it was like to plan a wedding. I knew that I didn’t want to have a wedding this time at all and loved that Simply Eloped did everything for us!

How was your experience with Simply Eloped? Tell us about your big day!

I loved the constant line of communication leading up to the big day. Every time I had questions, the replies were always prompt! When our initial location fell through, Simply Eloped provided us with an alternative at no additional cost!!! Our officiant and photographer both were incredible and we’ll always be grateful for both of them!!! Also, our pictures are INCREDIBLE. This may be biased but I think that they’re the best wedding photos I’ve ever seen.

Coordinated by: Simply Eloped
Officiant: Clinton Andersen
Photographer: Noah Berg, Walnut Street Photography
Hair & Makeup: Wedlock Bridal
Flowers: Ruffly Rose

Written by Karen Norian

Karen Norian is an elopement photographer and has photographed over a hundred elopements. Karen has also worked as an elopement planner for Simply Eloped. She's been quoted in the New York Times, Brides, Hello Giggles, Bustle, Yahoo, and more.