It’s easy to become transfixed by what’s in front of you, but don’t forget to look up 💫🌕 The magic of the Great Sand Dunes is in its nighttime and daytime views—Sam and Pete wanted to experience both! They started the day with a hike to a waterfall on the outskirts of the dunes. Chacos, wedding attire, dog, and all they made their way through the icy waters in the cave to the falls. It was eerie how quiet it was with only the sounds of trickling waters and our voices. After drying off they grabbed their boards and headed to the dunes to play! Sam and Pete would climb to the top of the dunes and sled down the silky sands—oftentimes they would topple off and land laughing with sand flying around them. Safe to say they were having a total blast! Then it was time to get serious, it was time to make their forever promises. Leeloo, adorned with her very own flower collar, laid patiently aside her parents as they self solemnized their marriage. Afterward Sam and Pete began to set up a sweet candle-lit picnic as the light of the day slowly disappeared. They snacked and read letters from loved ones and before we knew it everything around us had become inky black. Just when you think the Great Sand Dunes couldn’t feel any more out of this world, the sun sets and the sky above reveals yet another world. You’re completely engulfed by the night sky and all the dazzling galaxies above dripping with shooting stars. Despite being prepared to stargaze, Sam and Pete were blown away by the layers upon layers of stars stretched overhead. They wandered aimlessly and peacefully along the ridge of a dune, trying to savor every single thing they were witnessing. Hopefully Sam and Pete’s elopement serves as a reminder that the day’s adventures don’t have to end with the daylight. Just like them, you can split your day between the sun and the stars. xx Maddie Mae