Amber & Maddy’s Vespa Get-Away Elopement |Salida, CO|

La Dolce Vita of Amber & Maddy

There’s something incredibly special about a wedding that’s personal, intimate, and stripped down to what truly matters—love, commitment, and celebration. Amber and Maddy’s courthouse elopement perfectly captured this essence. It was a beautiful afternoon that felt less like a typical wedding and more like an intimate love story shared among close friends, chosen family, and a really cool yellow vespa. Fitting because the couple got engaged in Florence, Italy. As they say in the old country “La Dolce Vita,” meaning, the sweet life.  

The Vespa Arrival

Amber and Maddy are far from traditional, showing up in a traditional bridal car—never—they arrived in style on their yellow Vespa. This wasn’t just any ride, this is Ambers pride and joy and the first big purchase the couple had made together. The yellow Vespa was symbolic of their vibrant and joyful spirits, and it made their entrance a memorable one. As soon as I saw them roll up, with the sun shining down and their smiles lighting up the street, it felt like a moment straight out of a dream. I was surprised however that Amber didn’t show up with her derby skates on… time and place I suppose. 

They decided to keep it small, inviting only their closest friends for a 1 PM ceremony during a workday—a refreshing, no-fuss choice— but held sentimental value because it was the anniversary of the first time they met. Their goal? To keep the focus on what really mattered: their love for each other and their commitment to building a life together. There was no need for a huge guest list or elaborate details—just the people who could make it and those who supported them from the beginning.

A Meaningful Start to Their Journey

The ceremony took place at the Salida courthouse, a place that’s often associated with simplicity and efficiency, but for Amber and Maddy, it held a deeper meaning. It was a quiet, personal space where they could make things official and take the next step in their lives without all the distractions of a traditional wedding. The room was small stuffed with them, the official marriage certificate signing government employee and me, and I couldn’t help but feel privileged to witness it. A funny plot twist when we arrived… they didn’t realize the certificate filing fee was $32, luckily Maddy had that exact amount in her wallet. Fate I suppose or was it immense support from the Goddess of Love, perhaps?

Champagne in the Park

After the ceremony, we all headed to a nearby park where Amber and Maddy popped open a bottle of champagne to toast their new chapter. It was so refreshing to see a wedding celebration that felt so organic—no pressure, just a couple of people celebrating their love in a way that felt true to who they are. The laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the easy joy in the air were so contagious that even the passing strangers couldn’t help but smile and congratulate their local friend, coach, and teammate. 

A Sweet Ending

After the bubbly was gone, and the tears had dried up, Amber and Maddy led their small group to a local ice cream shop, one of their favorites, to enjoy a sweet treat to cap off their elopement celebration. The shop had the kind of charm you only find in small local place—the kind that feels like home—and the ice cream was absolutely delicious. It was the perfect way to end a day that was uniquely their own. 

Ciao Bella

What made Amber and Maddy’s elopement so special wasn’t the venue, the Vespa, or even the gilato (though those were amazing). It was the genuine connection they share, the way they stayed true to their personalities, and the love that was woven into every part of their day.

Their story is a reminder that weddings don’t need to follow any rules but your own. Whether it’s a courthouse elopement, a weekend celebration, or a simple gathering in a park, the most important thing is honoring the love you have and sharing it with the people who mean the most to you.

As their friend and photographer, I’m so grateful to have captured this beautiful moment. Amber and Maddy’s elopement was a testament to the power of simplicity, authenticity, and the kind of love that shines bright no matter how you choose to celebrate it.

Cheers to Amber and Maddy, and to many more years of love, laughter, and sweet living! 🍦💛