By: Zach Miller

Every big dream begins with a question: Can I really do this? For many entrepreneurs, that question lingers in the shadows, making every step forward feel challenging.

Founder of Vows and Peaks, Sean Oblizalo, has a similar journey to share. He knows this feeling all too well. Before he became one of Colorado’s well-regarded elopement photographers, he too wrestled with doubt and fear.

The pressure of turning passion into a business left him wondering if he could actually succeed. Yet through personal growth, spiritual awakening, and resilience, Sean built a business that thrives in one of the most emotionally intense industries out there: elopements.

Today, Sean runs Vows and Peaks, a Colorado-based elopement photography service that has helped numerous couples design their dream adventure weddings. His journey shows how inner transformation and resilience can contribute to professional success.

Sean’s Road to Self-Mastery

Before he was known as the “elopement ninja,” Sean was a guy standing at the edge of uncertainty. Building a career in such a niche industry was daunting. But instead of letting the fear win, he began a process of inner work. He calls this his dharma: a belief that everyone has a purpose to serve.

“The true essence of fulfillment in my work lies in approaching it from a place of pure service and passion, where I get to show up without any expectations of rewards or attachments to outcomes,” Sean explains.

That philosophy drove him to shift from self-doubt to self-mastery. Sean discovered that the better he managed his inner world, the more success he found in business.

• He learned to view challenges as opportunities for growth.
• He embraced mindfulness, which kept him grounded during chaotic wedding seasons.
• He built routines around clarity and service, which helped his brand stand out.

For Sean, photography is no longer just about images. It’s about presence, purpose, and creating space where couples can celebrate love without stress.

Building Vows and Peaks: From Idea to Thriving Business

Starting a business in the elopement industry is not a small achievement. Couples come with high expectations, emotional stakes, and dreams that hang on every decision. Sean knew this. That’s why he built Vows and Peaks on more than just photography. Business ownership for him also involves stepping into multiple roles, such as:

• A guide, helping couples find breathtaking mountain locations.
• A planner, designing customized timelines so moments unfold naturally.
• A friend, offering reassurance, hype, and calm when nerves hit.

When hiring a photographer, clients are looking for a partner who genuinely cares about their experience. Sean becomes that person. One couple put it best: “Sean was awesome from the start! He was super open and communicative from day one; by the time our wedding day came, we honestly felt like we were meeting up with a long-lost friend.”

Over the years, Sean has documented more than 450 elopements across Colorado and beyond. Each one has reinforced his belief that business success often flourishes when service comes first. His packages are built around each couple’s story, from sunrise hikes to lakeside vows.

• Adventure is key. Couples are encouraged to ditch traditions and chase experiences.
• Planning is personal. Every detail, from permits to vendors, is handled with care.
• Photography is soulful. Sean’s mountain landscapes frame love stories with authenticity.

Through this approach, Vows and Peaks has become a popular name for couples who want photos along with a day that feels like them.

Mindfulness in the Mountains: Lessons for Entrepreneurs

The elopement industry is high-stress. Timelines shift, weather changes, emotions run high. Sean thrives because of spiritual awakening and business ownership. These lessons extend beyond photography and offer wisdom for entrepreneurs in any field:

• Stay present. Focus on the moment instead of obsessing over outcomes.
• Serve first. Approach work as an opportunity to give, not just to gain.
• Embrace uncertainty. Mountains and markets both bring surprises. Flexibility is strength.
• Protect your energy. Self-care fuels creativity and keeps burnout away.
• Find joy in the process. Success is more fulfilling when the journey feels meaningful.

By building mindfulness into his business, Sean’s work feels genuine and refreshing in a crowded wedding industry.

Summary

Sean Oblizalo’s story is about much more than photography. He shows how overcoming the voice of doubt, stepping into purpose, and creating a business that reflects who you are can lead to true fulfilment. Through Vows and Peaks, he proves to couples that weddings don’t need to be stressful. They can be adventurous, soulful, and unforgettable.

For entrepreneurs, his journey offers a reminder: business mastery begins with self-mastery. When you align passion with service, success tends to follow naturally. Or as Sean would say, “Grab the trail mix, climb the mountain, and say, ‘I do.’”

To the adventure ahead.