Perfect Elopement at the Smokey Spanish Creek
With 2020 changing the landscape of the event industry and we see a shift from traditional weddings to more small events and elopements, Fine Art Curation photographer Troy Meikle Photo and planner Beautifully Born Events wanted to create a beautiful mountain elopement inspiration for couples thinking outside the box for their wedding day. The stunning and smokey views at Spanish Creek created an unexpected ethereal atmosphere. Each element came together perfectly to create a small but radiant Fall elopement.
From the planner, Beautifully Born Events: "We were nervous as we made our way down the winding dirt road to Spanish Creek Trailhead. Not even 18 hours earlier, the fluffiest white clouds filled a brilliant blue sky. The crisp, clean outlines of the surrounding mountains created an ideal backdrop for a ceremony setup, reception and portraits. It was the perfect day for an elopement shoot!
September 13th was different. The smoke from wildfires in our neighboring states crept into Montana overnight. It quickly made its obscure presence known by masking the brilliance we witnessed the day before. We thought to ourselves, “Of course this would happen to us. Thanks a lot, 2020! Have you not punished us enough?”
Fully aware that we could not win this battle with mother nature, we rolled with the punches, making sure to take advantage of the talented vendors selected to bring this elopement to life. Even though those onsite that day knew how spectacular each and every detail was, we could not help but wonder if the images would be a bit off or discolored due to the presence of smoke.
Upon receiving the complete album, nothing but joy and pride emerged from the vendor team. The smoke ironically heightened the impact of the details, couple and scenery. Our natural color scheme paralleled the tones that presented themselves through the smoke. The smoke also downplayed the expansive views that can sometimes distract viewers from the main attraction in each shot, whether it be the peach colored cake tastefully decorated with flowers made out of sugar or the sophisticated tableware selected to elevate the couple’s intimate dining experience.
Similarly to couples who decided to elope instead of host weddings with 100+ guests, the focus was on simplicity and two individuals becoming one. Despite all that 2020 threw at us vendors, as well as those who vowed their lives to one another, there was a beauty amongst the haze and uncertainty. We hope that these moments captured are a reminder to find the light in darkness and to keep pressing on, even when the results are unclear."
vendor details
Photographer: Troy Meikle Photo | Planner: Beautifully Born Events | Florals: Habitat Floral Studio | Paper Goods: Bon Temps Calligraphy | Jewelry and watch: The Gem Gallery | Dress: Odylyne the Ceremony | Dress Boutique: Jasmine Lilly Bridal | Rentals: Tailored & Tied | Tabletop rentals: Habitat Events | Cake: Cakes from Cabin Ridge | HMU: Fumi Makeup | Linens: La Tavola Linens | Runner: Silk & Willow | Film Lab: PhotoVision Prints
