Ann & Chris — We Eloped · 06.16.26

On 06.16.26, we exchanged vows and became
husband and wife.

While we celebrated intimately, we were thinking of all of the
people who have loved and supported us along the way.

The Place

Vows on a marble staircase, beneath a dome gilded in Colorado gold.

From above: the grand staircase, glowing chandeliers, and the two of them at its foot

Beneath the rotunda: the grand staircase and gilded balconies of the Capitol interior

The Colorado State Capitol

One Mile High

We were married in Denver at the Colorado State Capitol — up its granite steps, through the arches, and onto the marble staircase beneath the rotunda. Our small ceremony borrowed a very grand room, and we'll never look up at the gold dome the same way again.

The gold-leafed dome of the Colorado State Capitol against a soft blue Denver sky

June 16, 2026 · Golden hour

The Ceremony

Chris twirls Ann on the terrace above Civic Center Park at golden hour

Ann glances back at Chris mid-laugh as they climb the Capitol steps hand in hand

Reading handwritten vows to each other on the Capitol's marble staircase — Handwritten vows on the staircase

The Vows

Just us, two rings, and a marble staircase

We read our vows at the foot of the Capitol's grand staircase — handwritten, a little tear-stained, entirely ours. No aisle, no program, no audience but the brass lamps. It was exactly right.

The Rings

Promises, in writing

Two rings on two pages of promises. We keep the pages — and we keep the promises.

Two wedding rings resting on pages of handwritten vows — The rings on our vow books

A Few Moments We Hold Close

Click any image to continue the story

Black-and-white: Ann in the colonnade, caught in a shaft of soft light

Reaching for each other across the Capitol colonnade, a blue spruce framed in the arch

Black-and-white: Chris laughing beside a granite pillar

Black-and-white: the couple walks out through the Capitol's grand arched entrance holding hands

Laughing and skipping down the Capitol steps hand in hand

Black-and-white: descending the Capitol steps together

Black-and-white: crossing the Capitol plaza, dress swaying mid-step

Seated together on the steps beneath the Capitol's towering columns

The full Capitol facade rising behind the newlyweds seated on its steps

Sitting close on the granite steps, sharing a quiet moment

Portrait on the steps, wedding dress draped over warm stone

Dancing beneath the arches of the colonnade

Standing close in the colonnade, hands nearly touching

An embrace under the arch, evergreen boughs beyond

Laughing together in the colonnade of the Colorado State Capitol

A gentle touch to the forehead while dancing under the arches

The hem of the dress mid-twirl against the stone floor

Black-and-white: a small kiss beside the vast granite corner of the Capitol

Climbing the sunlit side steps, dress catching the light

Black-and-white: an embrace on the sunlit steps

A long hug at the balustrade as the evening sun warms the stone

Seen through brass balusters, seated together on the marble stairs in golden light

The marble stair hall of the Capitol, murals and brass lamps aglow

Black-and-white: descending the curved marble staircase hand in hand

Ann fixes her shoe while Chris waits on the marble steps

Sitting together on the marble staircase, catching their breath

Reading vows at the base of the grand staircase, brass lamps glowing

The grand staircase holds just the two of them and their vows

From the landing above: a private vow exchange on the stairs

The stair hall in full: gilded railings, glowing globes, and a wedding of two

A quiet word between vows on the marble steps

Glimpsed through the brass balustrade, reading vows by lamplight

Black-and-white: a kiss on the marble staircase

Dancing beside the brass lamp at the foot of the stairs

Black-and-white: sunglasses on, celebrating on the front steps

Back home, on 35mm

On Film

One kitchen, two rolls of film, Terry and Chief as our witnesses, and a very good red velvet cake.

Film photo: Ann, hair pinned, blowing a kiss while getting ready

Film photo: Chris suited up at home, one of the dogs at his side

Film photo: standing together beneath the framed photos in the hallway

Film photo: signing the marriage license at the kitchen counter under gold balloons

Film photo: both leaning over the counter to sign the license

Film photo: Chris mid-story at the counter, champagne balloons floating behind

Film photo: the dogs supervise as the marriage license is signed on the floor

Film photo: pressing the husky's paw to the marriage license — an official witness

Film photo: signing paperwork on the living-room floor, dogs close by

Film photo: inking a paw print onto the license on the dog bed

Film photo: the golden retriever adds a paw-print signature

Film photo: the golden retriever guards the freshly signed marriage license

Film photo: the golden retriever grinning up at the camera

Film photo: the husky lounging on the dog bed, unbothered by the occasion

Film photo: the golden retriever wanders the kitchen while the couple toasts

Film photo: happy tears and champagne in the kitchen, balloons overhead

Film photo: leaning in close over the cake at the kitchen counter

Film photo: opening the champagne together

Film photo: easing the cork out — the big pop moment

Film photo: pouring the first glasses as husband and wife

Film photo: a toast beneath the balloons

Film photo: a hand-stitched heart banner strung across the kitchen

Film photo: white roses, champagne, and a wooden 'Mr & Mrs' sign

Film photo: the cake table set beneath the balloons

Film photo: hands stacked on the knife for the first slice

Film photo: Ann plates the first piece of wedding cake

Film photo: offering the first bite of cake

Film photo: feeding each other cake, mostly successfully

Film photo: a kiss washed in a red film light leak

Film photo: an embrace in the driveway of their first home

Film photo: a kiss in front of the house, blue sky above

Film photo: Chris celebrates in the driveway, jacket flying

Film photo: carrying the bride across the driveway

Film photo: walking toward the camera outside their home

To our family & friends

With all our love

While our ceremony was intimate, it was never just about the two of us — every lesson, every laugh, every word of encouragement, and every moment we've shared with you helped lead us to this moment.

Thank you for loving us, supporting us, and helping shape the life we've built together. We are so grateful to have you in our story.

We can't wait to hug you and celebrate together soon.

Ann & Chris

The Cabreras