Our Epic Honeymoon Across Colorado
As our wedding anniversary approaches, Soraya and I have been reflecting not only on our elopement in Crested Butte but also on the unforgettable honeymoon that followed. Every moment was filled with magic, laughter, and the incredible beauty of Colorado’s landscapes. Looking back, it feels like a journey that still shapes how we see love and adventure through our lenses today.
Starting Our Journey
The morning after our vows, we kicked off our honeymoon with a hearty breakfast at McGill’s in Crested Butte—fluffy pancakes, strong coffee, and the kind of small-town charm that made us feel at home. Afterwards, Brandon surprised me with a massage (much needed after the whirlwind of wedding planning!). With full stomachs and relaxed shoulders, we set off on our road trip through the Rockies.
Discovering Nature’s Beauty
Our first scenic drive wound us through fields of old-man-of-the-mountain flowers, golden and defiant against the rugged peaks. We couldn’t resist pulling over, hiking a little ways in, and soaking up the stillness. Those quiet pauses—the ones where we just breathe, look around, and exist together—are what we cherish most.
Telluride Adventures
Telluride welcomed us with its cozy mountain-town vibe. We grabbed lunch at Baked in Telluride and then rode the gondola, suspended above a canyon with panoramic views of jagged cliffs and lush valleys. Drifting above it all felt surreal—like we were floating between chapters of our story.
That day we wandered through Telluride’s historic streets, letting the mix of old-west charm and alpine grandeur work its magic on us.
Ouray’s Relaxing Hot Springs
Next, we drove the winding road into Ouray, often called the “Switzerland of America.” We soaked in mineral pools at Wiesbaden Spa, including a hidden cave pool that felt like a secret world just for us. Later, we tucked into burgers at The Yankee Girl, cozy and content after hours of hot spring bliss.
Scenic Drives & Portrait Stops
The Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton was a highlight—rugged cliffs, snowcapped peaks, and sweeping valleys. Somewhere along the drive, we stopped for an impromptu portrait session with a backdrop that looked straight out of Switzerland. Just the two of us, laughing on the roadside, with the mountains towering behind.
Pagosa Springs Magic
Pagosa Springs gave us another round of soaking, this time under the open sky. We lingered in the pools until our fingers pruned, talking about dreams for our future. At Pagosa Baking Company, we devoured pastries and carried a bag of goodies for the road—simple joys that tasted even sweeter on honeymoon time.
Thrills in Cotopaxi
Wanting a dose of adrenaline, we signed up for an ATV tour in Cotopaxi. The ride was bumpy, wild, and exhilarating, with views stretching endlessly across the valley. Soraya’s laughter echoed through the mountains—moments like these remind us how much adventure fuels our love.
A Culinary Delight in Florence
By the time we reached Florence, we were craving steak, and Quincy’s Steak and Spirits delivered. With just one item on the menu, they didn’t have to complicate things—the steak was perfect, melt-in-your-mouth, and exactly what we needed after days on the road.
Final Relaxation at Desert Reef
We ended our honeymoon at Desert Reef Hot Springs, a secluded retreat where each cabin had its own private spring-fed tub. We spent our last night under a blanket of stars, wine glasses in hand, reflecting on all the miles, moments, and memories we had packed into one incredible week.
Looking Back
Our Colorado honeymoon was more than just a trip. It was a celebration of who we are: seekers of beauty, lovers of adventure, and partners in both wild journeys and quiet moments. Every stop—whether soaking in hot springs, hiking among flowers, or laughing on an ATV—deepened our connection.
Now, as Cannon Beach photographers, we bring that same spirit into our work. We want the couples we photograph to feel what we felt in Colorado: that nature can be both a grand stage and an intimate refuge, and that love deserves to be celebrated in the middle of it all.
A Few Honeymoon Tips
If you’re dreaming of your own Colorado adventure, here’s what helped us:
Take time to acclimate. Spend a night in Denver before heading into high elevations.
Drink more water than you think you need. Altitude sneaks up on you.
Pack layers. Colorado can swing from summer to sweater weather in a single afternoon.
Leave room for spontaneity. Some of our favorite moments came from pulling over on the side of the road.
Respect the land. Stay on trails, leave no trace, and let nature stay as wild as it is beautiful.
This trip will always hold a sacred place in our hearts. For us, it wasn’t just a honeymoon—it was the beginning of a life defined by love, adventure, and stories worth remembering.
With love,
Soraya & Brandon