Couples stand side by side, both smiling widely at the camera against a backdrop of sunlit mountains and open fields

An Intimate Colorado Elopement at Loveland Pass

Sophia (she/her) and Johana’s (she/her) proposal, set against a rooftop with pineapples and rose petals, had Johana saying, “What the fuckkkk?” in the best way possible. For their wedding, they chose the stunning Loveland Pass in Colorado, where they shared an intimate ceremony surrounded by their closest family. Between trekking through snow to say “I do” and a laid-back picnic at sunset, their day was filled with unforgettable moments.

How did your love story begin at The Home Depot?

We always joke that The Home Depot is our matchmaker. I (Sophia) was a cashier handling returns, and Johana worked at the customer service desk. We opened together a lot, and I found myself always asking if she was coming in when I wasn’t working with her. Eventually, we swapped numbers, and she started greeting me with, “BABY SOPHHH!” whenever I walked in for my shift.

One night, I was out with friends in Reno, and Johana came up in conversation. Feeling bold, I drunk FaceTimed her and asked her to be my date to our work Christmas party. I wasn’t sure if she’d say yes, but she did, and it all started from there. We went to the party at the Delta King in Old Sacramento, and what I thought might just be a one-time thing turned into so much more. We’ve been inseparable ever since.

What was your proposal like?

It was a whole thing! I took the day off work, planning to get everything set up for a rooftop proposal, but Johana unexpectedly called out of work too. So, I had to head into work to kill some time while she got ready for what I told her was a “work dinner” with friends.

Once everything was ready, I set up rose petals and pineapples. When Johana walked in and saw everything, her first reaction was, “What the fuckkkk?!” I said my speech, she said yes, and here we are, engaged!

What was the inspiration behind choosing Loveland Pass, Colorado, for your wedding?

We wanted something intimate and meaningful, so we decided on Loveland Pass in Colorado for its breathtaking views and the sense of peace it gave us. With our chosen family by our side and the stunning snow-capped mountains as the backdrop, it felt like the perfect spot to say our vows. It was simple, beautiful, and absolutely unforgettable.

What challenges did you face while wedding planning?

Honestly, planning a wedding can get pretty stressful. We really wanted to make sure we were surrounded by people who supported us and had a positive impact on our lives. 

Luckily, we had an amazing photographer, McKenzie Bigliazzi, who connected us with vendors and even helped organize everything through a super helpful portal. That took a lot of the stress off our shoulders. We’d check the timeline, vendor recommendations, and reminders, so everything stayed on track. 

It wasn’t all smooth sailing, but with McKenzie’s help, it felt more manageable.

How did you go about selecting your wedding vendors?

McKenzie was a huge help in connecting us with some amazing vendors. From florists to restaurants and even dispensaries (because, you know, Colorado), she had recommendations for everything. Since we were planning a wedding in Colorado while living in California, we had to get a little creative with logistics. Most of our items were shipped directly to McKenzie to make sure everything would be ready on the big day, which worked out perfectly!

Can you share some of your favorite moments from the wedding day?

There were so many moments that stand out! One of my favorites was our first look under a canopy of trees. It was such an emotional moment, just seeing Johana in her wedding attire brought me to tears. 

Then, there was the adventure of trekking through the snow to our ceremony location, which only made the day more special. 

And of course, after the ceremony, we had this quiet picnic as the sun set over the mountains. 

It was the perfect way to soak in everything that had just happened.

What advice would you give couples planning a wedding on a budget?

Wedding costs can add up fast, so my best advice is to prioritize. Figure out what’s most important to you, whether that’s the venue, the photographer, or the food, and focus your budget there. 

We found that keeping track of expenses was easier by using just one credit card for everything wedding-related. That way, we could easily see what we were spending and adjust if needed.

How did you choose your wedding outfits?

We both wanted to feel like ourselves while still dressing up for the occasion. Johana went with a custom suit from Indochino, and I found my dress through BBX Brides. It was a perfect reflection of our personalities, and we felt amazing walking down the aisle together.

Photography by McKenzie Bigliazzi

Caterer Tacos MC
Dress Boutique BBx Brides
Florist Fern and Sun Palm
Hair Stylist Breckenridge Hair
Suit Designer Indochino

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