Kara + Amanda’s Horseback Riding Elopement at Devil’s Thumb Ranch
When Kara and Amanda told me that they wanted to go horseback riding for their elopement, I knew exactly where to recommend: Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Tabernash. I’ve photographed a few weddings there over the years (including this one), and it’s such a beautiful property with wide open meadows, evergreen forests, and mountain views in every direction.
After getting ready at their private cabin, and the sweetest first look right outside, we headed down to the stables where we met our horses. One of the wranglers took us on a long ride to the spot where Kara and Amanda exchanged their vows at sunset, before riding back down to the ranch. We hit up a couple of my favorite spots for photos, then ended the evening by one of the fire pits.
The whole day was relaxed, filled with laughter, and exactly what Kara and Amanda wanted when they decided to include horseback riding in their elopement!
We decided to elope!! We started off googling photographers not really knowing what to look for. We happened to come across Nina and knew right away she offered what we wanted—quality work and an eye for beautiful backgrounds; It was just an instant connection. She video chatted with us and kept on task the entire time, our stress melted away with each correspondence we had.
She was the first part of our planning that we set in stone. Being from Iowa and not knowing Colorado we didn’t have a single clue where to start. She sent us a questionnaire to help her understand what we needed to make this the perfect day. Ultimately we decided on Devils Thumb Ranch and not only was it perfect for the horseback elopement we wanted but it was fun the whole week we were there!
We were worried that it would feel uncomfortable having a stranger follow us around. Not Nina. From the moment she arrived we felt like we were hanging with an old friend. It was never awkward and we could feel how much she enjoyed not only her work but just being at our elopement.
Nina does not photo shop nor manipulate the pictures in any way ( I was kind of nervous about this lol) I’ll tell you right now a truly talented photographer doesn’t need to. When we opened up our gallery we were absolutely BLOWN AWAY. From the first picture to the last we felt like we got to relive the day all over again and it was absolutely wonderful!!
Okay guys stop looking at this review and hire her already, I promise you will not regret it. My words could never do her justice.”
Kara & Amanda
