McKenzie & Tristan's Foggy Sunshine Canyon Elopement

A Moody Mountain Elopement Above the Clouds

Some wedding days feel straight out of a dream — this one actually looked like it.

McKenzie and Tristan chose to exchange vows at the very top of Sunshine Canyon, surrounded by just 15 of their closest friends and family. But as the morning unfolded, thick fog rolled in and wrapped the canyon in clouds, creating one of the most surreal and unique atmospheres I’ve ever had the chance to photograph.

The fog moved constantly — sometimes hiding the canyon completely, sometimes opening up just long enough for a few quiet moments where you could glimpse the trees and cliffs beyond. During family photos, we found ourselves waiting for windows of clearing, letting nature set the pace for the day. It made every moment feel even more intentional, like the fog itself was part of the experience.

A heartfelt embrace amidst the foggy rocks of Boulder, Colorado, captures an intimate moment.

Calm, Intentional, and Fully Present

McKenzie got ready with her three best friends at her family’s home, while Tristan got ready with his brother and two close friends in a separate spot nearby. They kept the entire day simple and focused on what mattered most: each other, their families, and the experience of being fully present.

One of my favorite moments was during the ceremony itself — Tristan’s brother played the cello as McKenzie walked down the aisle, and the sound carried beautifully through the misty mountain air. It was emotional, intimate, and perfectly matched the tone of the day.

Playing with the Fog

After the ceremony, we took advantage of the fog’s moodiness to capture portraits in the surrounding trees and along the canyon's rocky edges. The lighting was soft and even, almost dark at times — but the atmosphere it created added a quiet, romantic tone to every frame. Some of my favorite images from the day came from embracing the fog completely, especially the veil shots where the mist wrapped around them like a second layer.

A Day Unlike Any Other

This was one of the calmest, most intentional wedding days I’ve ever been part of. Everyone — family, friends, and even the couple — fully embraced the weather and leaned into the uniqueness of the day. The fog didn’t take away from the experience; it added an unexpected layer of beauty and made their elopement feel even more like their own.

Vendors:Venue: Sunshine Canyon, Boulder, COCello: Tristan's brother