Downtown Denver Elopement | Cas + Gus

“So…funny story. Lol… About that. You know how when they say “Love at first sight.” Well, it wasn’t but seeing him definitely piqued my interest. I was 21 years old working in an intake position at a local non-profit that provides social services to high-risk moms and babies. My boss and her 18-year-old brother-in-law walked into my office. She asked if I took a mathematics college course that he was currently taking and if I could help him understand the problems on his homework. I, being bored at work and very interested in this dude, happily agreed. We sat there for a few hours talking, showing each other stupid memes on social media, and laughing and doing anything but the homework assignment. After that, we began sending each other the stupidest memes and DMs through our social media and it all started.

What’s your proposal story?

Our proposal was hilarious in my opinion. Gustavo is very shy and a man of few words. He asked me to leave work to go to a local jewelry store with him. I did not even think of the possibility that it could be for an engagement ring as Gus was religiously showing me Cuban link bracelets that he wanted to purchase. When we got to the jewelry store, Gus ran to the counter that showcased the Cuban link bracelets. I knew Gus went to the shop the day prior to look at the bracelets so I figured he just wanted my opinion before making such a big purchase.

The jeweler grabbed me and put a ring on my finger. I thought maybe Gus asked him to get my ring size while he was in there the other day. When the ring was too big, the jeweler went in the back to resize the ring. Silly me, didn’t think anything weird about the guy customizing the ring to fit me instead of just grabbing another ring that was already made in my size. So I sat there when the jeweler came back out and put the same ring, just now a better size, on my finger. I said “Oh, It’s so gorgeous” and took it off. I handed it back to the jeweler and he looked very confused. He simply replied with “Congratulations” and put the ring in a little box and handed me the receipt. I turned to Gustavo, who at this time is still looking at bracelets. I said “Did you really just buy me an engagement ring?” and he replied with “yes, for in the future.”

We went home and I was on cloud nine. I had to walk past the ring every day for a month or two. He finally built up the courage to ask my dad without me knowing and proposed the next day when I got home from a weekend volunteer event for work.”

What are your favorite things to do together? What makes you two “you”?

“We have a standing tradition of a Friday night date night. We loveeee going out to eat, exploring, traveling, and experiencing new things. We love our little (big) puppy. We love our Sunday morning cuddles and our Starbucks dates. We enjoy four-wheelers and shooting guns. We are total opposites but we work perfectly together, kind of like chocolate-covered bacon. We shouldn’t work on paper but yet, in real life, we do so magically.”

Their Perspective

What made you choose to elope in lieu of having a traditional wedding?

“I may not seem it… but I am ate up with social anxiety. I hate being the center of attention or having to speak in front of people. That’s why I eliminated that job responsibility from my job description. I also was diagnosed with syncope at a young age. It’s no big deal but I pass out when I’m nervous. My brother has always referred to it as the “fainting goat syndrome.” I only have passed out twice in my life due to this disorder and I have not passed out in a hot minute but you never know lol. I find it comical. I was the maid of honor at my best friend’s wedding and when I gave the speech (the best one anyone has ever heard,) I instantly knew there was no way in hell. Also, Gustavo is just a shy boy. Lol!”

What was your favorite thing about your elopement?

“The amount of planning that was put into our shoot day! So many places, such an easy schedule that didn’t feel rushed. We got to further explore places at our destination elopement that we might not had a chance to do by ourselves! Anna made it as easy as showing up!”

What advice do you have for other couples that are considering eloping?

“JUST FUCKING DO IT! Gus and I are both not the type that love the spotlight. We never imagined a wedding. Trust me, plenty of friends and family members tried voicing their opinions of “you guys must have a wedding!” or “you’re really going to do that to your family.” …The answer is YES! Yes, I am! The money we saved not having a wedding was spent in the mountains with my bestfriend and our new union. We loved each and every minute of it.”