Of the four seasons, fall is simply my favorite. Mainly because it happens so fast that if you blink, you could miss it. Fall forces you to get outside and enjoy your surroundings; to take note of the earth and its wonders. One of the best places to do this is up in the San Juan Mountains in Southwest Colorado. Known as the Million Dollar Highway, US Highway 550 bears the most brilliant autumn leaves on its hundreds of miles of aspen tree groves, growing on some of the most rugged terrain in the state. Toursits come from near and far to drive the winding mountain passes and photograph the changing leaves.

Now, add a wedding to the that scene we just set, and you’ve got on heck of a marriage location! Liz and Jeff saw the enormous beauty that our little corner of paradise offered in the autumn season and made the fantastic choice of getting hitched at Cascade Village, about 20 miles up the Million Dollar Highway from Durango, Colorado.

Everything about their wedding day was a dream: The colors of the leaves were at their peak, the sun shone through soft, billowing clouds, the temperature was perfect for elegant dresses, and loving laughter filled the air all day and night. Oh, and let’s not forget the donut bar!

Congrats to Liz and Jeff!