Rachael + Christian

What does it mean to be married if it’s not all about navigating life’s ups and down’s together?! Rachael and Christian had big plans for their wedding this weekend, but like many others, due to COVID-19 they had to reimagine their day. Because of the state regulations, their guest list had to be cut significantly, they found a new location, and their vendors shifted to make it work. Of Course I was on board to help pull this off!

I was honored to spend the day with R + C and their immediate family in Boulder Colorado. Camp chairs made up the ceremony seating, all of the families dogs ran together throughout the fields, and everyone had the biggest smile on their faces because A WEDDING WAS HAPPENING! Even if it looked different.

R + C took wedding portraits throughout property, which a family friend of the Groom graciously allowed them to use for their elopement location. Horses, a winding creek, apple trees, + humongous peonies were just a few of the insanely beautiful details we got to play with.

Some of the many Highlights:

Cutting the cake with a family heirloom sword, Unita Brewing Beers donated from Unita!, Their “Sanitize Then Sign” Guest Book Sign, Celebrating among a global pandemic.

Dancing on the Roof

This quarantine has presented a space for me to create: to have projects where there are no intensions of selling the product. This idea of creating just to create hasnt come up in my life in years. The hustle is real, and the drive is strong. This time reminded me to slow down, and get lost in a new artform. For me, that was video and editing.

I hope you take the next 2 minutes to just relax, ease your thoughts, and have a moment . . . while I share mine. Stay Safe + Sane, Friends. We’ll make it through.

“Tell me about your passions.
Tell me what makes you tick.
Tell me all the things you’ve discovered about yourself...
after all these years of searching.

Why do you do the things you do?
And how did you get to be such a beautiful creature?

So often we strive to be ordinary in life
Try to be normal.

But is there such thing as normal?

We all have different beliefs,
we all have different interests,
and we all have different dreams.

Why not embrace your differences to live your best life.

I will remain utterly obsessed with all things outside of the ordinary.
What society calls madness, I call being alive.

You can have your normality,

I’ll have an extra doss of strange happenings.
”

Tyson + Alison

This session with Alison and Tyson was so fun, and so ‘effing cold. However, the promise of Puppy Kisses + a cool Omaha Neighborhood: Okay, twist my arm. Finding quaint alleyways, wine bars and benches was a refreshing difference from mountaintops and muddy trails. Don’t get me wrong, I’d choose mountains over just about anything, and I’m thankful they’re coming to the great state of Colorado for their intimate elopement.

Sal + Rachel

Oh hey, its been a little while. Do you hate me? Have you written me off? I sincerely hope not, but I understand if you’ve got a bit of a bad taste in your mouth about my absence. But. I’m. Back.

Not only am I ramping up my blogging, SEO, all things website, in my off season…I’m excited to reconnect with my inspiration, passions, and knowledge.

This session was delivered to Rachel and Sal today, and its no coincidence that I’m sitting looking out my window to over a foot of snow. Here in Colorado, we love our snow.

Ben + Lizzie

One thing I love in life: Strong Entrepreneurial Babes, an Lizzie is just that! She’s the owner/creator of both CraftBelly + Paper Girl Creative. She designed our beautiful wedding invitations and is a great friend of mine. I couldn’t be more honored to photograph her wedding in the upcoming months. With this pandemic spreading across the nation, we’re not sure what their wedding day looks like right now, but I can tell you that it will be loads of fun, full of love and laughs Lizzie + Ben, you’re solid gems and I’m so happy you found each other. Plus your doggos are cute too. :)

Tony + Nicole

When I got to this session (almost the middle of nowhere) my car started acting really weird. All the lights on my dash were flashing, so naturally I was a little freaked out. This is the second time that summer that I had car troubles in the mountains. I did Nicole and Tony’s engagement session without skipping a beat. Photographing is my happy place and I knew I could deal with my car afterwards.

When the time came to say goodbye, I casually mentioned that my car was acting weird and Tony immediately stepped up to take a look. He and Nicole followed me into town, as Tony chatted with the local Fire Station where I was allowed to leave my car overnight until auto body shops opened up the next morning. What gems these two are, for real. (Also, huge thanks to the Breckenridge Fire Department!)

A last minute AirBnb booking, a late night very greasy cheeseburger and multiple IPAs, and a trip to the gas station for a toothbrush and deodorant was the ending to my fun filled evening. (I now keep an “oh-shit” bag in my car full of necessities. Go pack yourself one now).

I honestly have the best couples. Real, caring humans, who want to have fun, and keep each other safe. I’m one lucky photographer.

Evan + Jess

This engagement session goes down as one of my favorites of all time. I adore these two humans, and I can not wait until their Wisconsin wedding this fall (if this pandemic allows…).

Want to know why this session was so much fun? Because Evan and Jess showed up with laughter and silliness. I know its strange being in front of a camera. Trust me, I know. But when we stepped out of the car on Guanella Pass, cracked a few beers and told jokes for the firsts 20 mins, they knew this session wasn’t meant to be awkward. These adventure sessions are meant to get to know each other, take some epic photos, and honestly just screw around.

Scroll to the bottom, to see where Jess and Evan wanted to take this session. It involves piggybacks + shotgunning beers.

My. Kind. Of. People.

Madi + Matt

I absolutely loved getting to know Matt and Madi during their engagement session while they were visiting Colorado. Their adventurous souls, deep laughs, and welcoming spirits made the connection immediate. I’m jealous of the lucky photographer who gets to capture their amazing wedding day back home in OH later this year.

To Matt + Madi: Stay rad. Stay adventurous. And Come back to Colorado and hang out with me again. :)

Cody + Sarah

Colorado weather can really throw you a curve ball sometimes. March typically is our snowiest month of the year, accumulating snowflakes like we’re a snowglobe factory. So naturally, when planning wedding in March, you need to have indoor locations that are as beautiful as any outdoor locations. Cue: Lionsgate Event Center Chandelier Barn.

Holy smokes this venue is gorgeous. A Barn outfitted with tons of vintage chandeliers to light up your ceremony in the most intimate way. Yep, I love shooting here.

Sarah and Cody’s day was so amazing. Their laid-back vibe before the ceremony put everyone at ease, and created an environment full of laughs, love and family. As the time came for Sarah to walk down the aisle, her brother’s took their places. See, Sarah’s father had passed away a few years ago, so her brother’s stepped in to make Sarah’s walk to marriage one to remember. And to everyone one you reading this thinking “I bet Ashley totally teared up”: Yes you are correct. I almost wept like baby. I love my job, sue me. (Actually don’t please, that sounds terrible).

Okay, back to Sarah and Cody. Their vows were filled with promises to love each other forever, and then just like that - they were married! I’m so happy for these two and to continue to follow along their journey as they embark on life as Mr And Mrs.

Congratulations to the Youngs!

HIGHLIGHTS:
Sarah Icing Cody during the Garter Toss
Their sweet vows
The “Father of the Bride” Speech delivered by one of Sarah’s Brothers
The feeling of absolutely love all day long

The Dream Team:
Venue: Lionsgate Event Center
Day of Coordinator - Hanna Stamic
Bridal Dress Shop/Designer - David's Bridal
Mens Suit/Tux/Tie Store - Black Tux
Hair - Stephanie Ellis
Makeup - Elegance by Design Studio
Bridesmaid dresses - Davids Bridal
Ring Designer - Shane Co.
Bridal Jewelry - Family Heirloom
Florist - Painted Primrose "
Caterer - Jim-N-Nicks BBQ
DJ - Encore DJ
Bakery - Cake/Donuts - Button Rock Bakery

Therese + Eric

Abby + Justin

Nick + Nikki

Yep, Nick + Nikki are their real names, and both left handed. These two BELONG TOGETHER for many other reasons, other than those listed. Their love is true. Their laughter is full. And Adventure is always present. Check out their engagement session here, where we romped through the Paint Mines!

Their wedding day took place at a local Catholic Church, where they said their vows, pinky swore and made their marriage official. But Rembrandt Yard, a beautiful art gallery in downtown Boulder, is where the celebrations happened.

Throughout the day, there were many surprises. I was in on a little secret that happened before the wedding day ever came. Nick and Nikki were presented with a wedding gift from their wedding party: A videographer to assist in capturing the day. If you’re wondering if you should hire a videographer as well as a photographer, I say do it!

All of the other surprises revolved around getting “iced”. As Nikki came out of her preparation room to show off her beautiful dress, in tow were 12 Smirnoff Ice bottles, ready to Ice her bridesmaids. Retaliation came later on during the Trolley Bus ride, when Nikki got iced by the bus driver! Nick got iced during speeches to round out the evening.

All these surprises say a lot about Nick and Nikki. They care about the people around them, they care everyone has a good time, feels important, and feels like part of the family. Their wedding guests and family reciprocate those feelings towards the beautiful couple as well. It was just the most fun wedding day I’ve ever been a part of.

Nick and Nikki didnt hire a traditional DJ. Their friend and wedding industry professional Ben Hammond is a looper and is absolutely fantastic. As his cover of Kip Moore’s ”Hey Pretty Girl” played in the background, they danced as Mr and Mrs and their guests swayed along, feeling the love.

After dinner and donuts were served, the dance floor opened to two cultural events. One of the most popular Polish traditions at wedding celebrations is called the "unveiling". As the guests circle around the bride and groom, music is played while Nikki’s sister and maid of honor, removed her veil and replace it with a bonnet, representing a rite of passage from a young women to married a woman. Nick also was adorned with a fun hat, I believe to wish them a long and happy marriage. The next cultural event was a Lebanese line dance, where everyone grabbed hands and danced: stomping, kicking, smiling and moving throughout the art gallery. Seriously, check out the photos - it was so awesome!

Nick + Nikki, you two are seriously two of the most amazing humans I’ve ever met. I cant wait to follow along with your adventures, and hopefully partake in a few! Cheers, new friends!

Dream Team:

Venue: Rembrandt Yard
Dress Shop: Emma and Grace Bridal Studio
Dress Brand: Pronovias
Catering: Greens Point Catering, Longmont
Music: Ben Hammond
Florist: FairyTale Floral
Invites: Minted.com
Jewelry: Shane Co
Make Up: Alchemy Face Bar
Hair: WedLocks Bridal Hair
Videographer: mnafilms

Maggie + Chris

Phil + Brittany

Phil + Brittany. Two souls who pave their way through this world to the beat of their own drum. They are passionate about life, about being honest and loving, and about taking care of those around them.

To say their wedding was a dream was an understatement. They said their vows in the exact spot that my husband and I did only 3 short months before. I arrived to the venue early, just so I could walk around the property and relive our wedding day memories: to have a moment to reflect.

The threat of snow loomed all week prior to Saturday, but on the day of their wedding it was sunny and bright, in typical Colorado style. The perfect day, at the perfect venue: The Lyons Farmette.

There are many reasons why I love this venue, but the main one is the beautiful organic flower farm that they open up to us for couples photos. Walking the rows of colorful petals not only gave smiles to our faces, but a space to grow creatively and have a little fun. Lyons Farmette: I love your beauty.

To Brittany + Phil. May your laughter continue to echo throughout your marriage. May your love shine bright through all your adventures. May you find yourselves with your cups full of happiness and libations.

Cheers to the newlyweds!

Highlights: Brittany’s amazing dress and shawl, a wedding party that made me feel like a close friend, Bowties + Bourbon, Nanhattans, The Farmette Flower Field, Britt + Phil + My friendship, having my face hurt so much from smiling all day.

Dream Team:
Venue: The Lyons Farmette
Wedding Coordinator: Diana Adkisson
Caterer: Spice of Life Catering
Florist: Honey Smiles Flower Company
DJ: Russell Adkisson
Dress Shop: Blue Bridal
Suit / Ties: Suit: Indochino || Ties: Knotty Tie Co.
Bridal Jewelry: Sarah O Jewelry & BHLDN
Hair + Makeup: Hair: Blo Bar Boulder || Make-up: Alchemy Face Bar
Wedding Rings: Phil: Sarah O Jewelry || Brit: family heirloom

David + Lindsey

Weddings can be such a production and big ordeal. But not this beautiful wedding in Golden, Colorado. Nope, not this wedding, because David + Lindsey’s chill backyard wedding was relaxed, simply beautiful, and fun for all involved - including me!

Lindsey and her girls got ready upstairs overlooking their property watching as guests arrived early for cold beverages and conversation. As go-time neared, their guests took part in their unity ceremony by placing a tile in their mosaic that would eventually get their hands prints pressed into it. Such a cool idea, and one that I had never seen before.

Their ceremony, full of laughs + Prince quotes ended with a kiss and the applause cheered on the rest of the evening. Hayrack rides brought guests into town where the reception kicked off with a bang. And by bang, I mean everyone got “Iced” with a Smirnoff Ice under their chair. It was hilarious.

David and Lindsey: Keep being the fun loving humans that you are, and I cant wait to see what adventures come your way through marriage. Cheers!


Highlights: Lindsey + David’s killer home aka ceremony site, apples upon entrance, the beautiful arbor made by family, turning around right before the ceremony and seeing a few of my friends in attendance! (smallll world), Photo Locations on mountainside, hayrack rides to the reception, When the ENTIRE reception got “Iced” with Smirnoff Vodka Shooters under each of the chairs, The Shoe Game!, Fresh Hamburgers, All sorts of love and laughter.

Dream Team:
Venue: Their cozy home + The Mountaineering Center in Golden for their reception
Wedding Coordinator: Ashley Zimmerman
Caterer: Bob’s Atomic Burgers
Florist: Self
DJ: Matt DiAno
Hair + Makeup: Anita Mcgann
Wedding Rings: A Friend and Local Artist

John + Beri

You know those people you meet and you just know that they’re putting all the good back into the world that they possibly can - yea these two are it.  Their wedding at The Pines at Genesee in Colorado was a representation of how much they love the people in their lives and the earth.

With an emphasis on family and conversation, their daytime wedding led to greeting your neighbor at the ceremony, a mimosa bar, an all vegan + gluten free menu, and lots of family and friends sharing laughs and hugs.

During the speech of John’s parents the sentence was boldly stated: “May the world be changed by your love story”, and I certainly think that it will.

Beri and John met in Costa Rica while teaching English to ESL students, and they brought their knowledge, love and support to kiddos in Roatan as well. After traveling around, Denver called them back and they started their lives in the Mile High City, eventually turning their relationship to a marriage.

Highlights: Daytime lighting, Beri’s dads Porsche, The florals, Billy (their Cat) walking down the aisle, when they all sang to Queen at the end of the reception, the after party, but most of all all their genuine and unique love.  

Dream Team:
Venue: The Pines at Genesee
Dress: A and Bé, Rue de Seine
DJ: Quality Mobile Sound
Catering: The Pines at Genesee
Florist - Sturtz and Copeland (Artist Heidi Mehok) 
Hair and Makeup - BelViso (Beauty by Belviso Artists Kristin Dawkins, Lindsay Miller)
Cake/Cupcakes (all vegan!) Beet Box
Bridal Jewelry - Norah Stella Jewelry from Etsy (Ceremony Jewelry), DONGAA from Etsy (Hair Branch Pins) Buddha Blossom Jewelry from Etsy (After Party Quartz Necklace)
Videographer - Toast Wedding Films
Wedding Rings - Custom made from Evergreen Goldsmiths

Keanan + Alyssa

In the wedding industry, there’s a little thing called COMMUNITY. Us industry professionals have each others back, whether its me bringin the DJ a drink during the reception ‘cause he can’t leave his stand, a Florist giving a wedding coordinator some flowers to take home at the end of the night for a job well done, or just understanding that we’re all drowning 8+ months out of the year.

This wedding came to me in a way of Community. 3 weeks before Alyssa and Keanan’s wedding they got word that the badass photographer they hired out of Tennessee had been in a motorcycle wreck and would have to find another photographer to take over. Alyssa reached out to see if I happened to be available, and after I shifted my calendar a smidge, I was able to say Yes, and add these two to my lineup for September. I am so thankful that photographers have each other’s back. There was no way I was going to let these two not have a photographer, and I wanted Jaime (their original photographer) to feel at ease as she recovered from her surgery. So here we are.

Alyssa and Keanan‘s wedding at Casa Vista in Fraser Colorado was seriously the best day. The laid back vibe paired with the immeasurable love between these two, their family and wedding guests, made it an incredible day to be a part of.  Seriously, so many laughs. You’ll see the absolutely joy in every photo below.

Alyssa found her beautiful geometric design wedding dress in Asheville North Carolina with her grandma Corina and family there.  Her wedding day style was very minimalist: No train on her wedding dress, no vail, Toms for her shoes, adorned with a gorgeous headpiece and simple earrings. Then she rocked a black leather jacket for reception. #pinchme

Keanan’s style was also simple and stylish. A custom IndoChino suit, supporting a local Denver Company with ties + pocket squares from Knotty Tie, but the best part of Keanan’s style — the hops included in his boutonniere. Grown in their backyard (Keanan’s a master small-batch brewer) and picked specifically for the day.

During the ceremony it was noted that Keanan thinks she’s one bad ass chick. I COMPLETELY AGREE!  Keanan, you're pretty bad ass yourself. Between mountain biking, adventure travels, insane smarts, beautiful smiles, and a laid back spirit, you two are a match made in the mountains. It was made very clear that both families raised their children with the emphasis of nature and adventure, so it makes sense that during Keanan and Alyssa's first camping trip together, they slept under the stars and realized there was something more there.

Not only is this a match seriously made in heaven, I about lost my mind when I found out all four parents have forestry backgrounds. No wonder the transition into this marriage is flawless. The added detail of Keanan's dad wearing a wood tie, made me smile. This is just flipping perfect.

The cocktail hour provided delicious drinks, killer music and the anticipation of some Greek food and dancing. The wind picked up rapidly and threatened to rain, but it held off. Perfect cloud cover for the perfect day.

My wish for you. Take all the adventures you’ve had this far, and expand. Expand on how you love each other. Expand your distance from home. Expand your already massive hearts. Expand your knowledge - lets others into this world you’ve created and share the information needed to live such amazing lives.

#sorrynotsorry for the 1 million photos that follow. I forgot that I was just editing for their sneak peek and couldn’t stop obsessing over every photo I came across next. oops.

Highlights: Pure love, a Shotski, Insane Mountain Views, Their adorable dog Bridger, Alyssa's Bad Ass Leather Jacket, Hilarious speeches and Pizza Roll Toasts, Hops in Boutonnieres, Greek Dancing + Food, The Wood DJ Stand Backdrop Keanan made by hand, MadeKeanan's Dad's Wood Tie, Meeting Jaime of Our Andpersand Photo, the endless smiles and laughter.

Dream Team:
Venue: Casa Vista
Planning: Nikki Frazier  - Celebrate by Nikki
Florist: Woodstem Floral
Hair + Makeup: Wedlocks Hair + Makeup
Wedding Dress: WildFlower Bridal - Ashville NC
Mens Ties: Knotty Tie
Mens Suits: Indochino
Invitations: ThinkMake Design
DJ: Dancin' Shoes DJ
Catering/Waitstaff/Bartenders: Wildhorse Catering
Dessert: Gooch's Goodies
 

Dan + Katherine

September 7, 2018 was a dream.  Nestled into the foothills of Evergreen, Colorado is the most gorgeous backdrop from Katherine and Dan's wedding day: The Pines at Genesee.  Mountain views, a ceremony site tucked away into nature, large trees covering the grounds.  It's a stunning location to set the tone for an outdoor wedding.

Katherine and Dan's wedding was focused on family and had many beautiful details. Katherine's veil was made by her mother, Dan's daughter was the most beautiful Jr. Bridesmaid, cousins and sisters and friends as bridesmaids + groomsmen, Kat's uncle as their officiant, the list goes on and on.

The most heartfelt detail was when Dan used his late grandfather's razor + other items to shave the morning of his wedding. His grandfather was a barber, and while his barber chair rests safely in the hands of the family, his razor was front and center to get Dan ready to walk down the aisle.

My wish for you: Keep sprinkling your love on everyone you meet. You’re two amazing souls, and I cant wait to see what adventures come your way through marriage. Cheers, Newlyweds!

Highlights: Union Station shenanigans with the bridesmaids. Dan's Grandfather's razor, Katherine's ease as the day unfolded, Reagan's reaction as she watched her dad get married, their sweet sweet love, french fry bar, and last but never least a killer dance party to bring on the night. 

Dream team:
Wedding Coordinator: Yariela Perez with Pines at Genesee
Caterer: Pines at Genesee
Florist: Nancy Gross - Denver Petals
DJ: Quality Mobile Sound
Decor: DIY
Dress Shop: LUV Bridal
Suits: Men's Warehouse
Hair + Makeup: Oxford Salon and Spa
Wedding Rings: Shane Co.
Videographer: Olivia Tinney & Liz

Mike + Keely

Mike + Keely's wedding at Villa Parker last weekend was such an amazing day. This venue is tucked back into a space where you feel like you're in Italy, not Parker Colorado.  I'll take it! The whole day was filled with sweetness: from the cute glances between Keely and Mike, the fact that both their mothers are named Jeanette, so many kids twirling around, and their vows speaking of becoming that old and grey couple that the young couples look up to. OMG TEARS!

I can't wait to share with you these photos of their day, while Keely and Mike sit on a beach somewhere enjoying married life. Cheer's newlyweds! Enjoy this time in your lives.

Highlights: During the first look Keely turns around to the mothers and says "Doesnt he look like James Bond?", The Adorable Flower Girls, The decor!. Keely's amazing dress, the Mac + Cheese and Slider Bar, During their vows they both spoke about getting old together ... and ice cream, Their choreographed first dance, the length of Keely's veil! It was stunning!

Dream Team:
Wedding Coordinator: Erika Oltmann
Caterer: Spice of Life
Florist: Moonlight Iris
DJ: Elite DJ
Rentals: Event Rents
Dress Shop: Savvy Bridal
Tux / Suit / Ties: Black Tux
Bridal Jewelry: Borcik Jewelry
Hair + Makeup: BelViso
Wedding Rings: Sarah O
Cake: Samm Sherman

Padraig + Katie

Any of you who have contacted me for wedding photography prices, follow my Instagram feed, know me as a person.... you know that I enjoy a beer (or two)! Katie, she's my girl. Every time we met up to chat wedding details, we made a point to check out a new brewery. PINCH ME! I have the coolest brides. 

After a few meet ups, it was finally their wedding day. I was so excited to finally meet Padraig, who hadnt been able to join us for drinks beforehand. Their day turned out exactly as planned. Perfect, down to every detail. and I am so honored to be a part of it. 

Their venue, stuck away in an industrial part of Denver Colorado, is a cute little winery, with an amazing courtyard for an outdoor ceremony. Katie and Padraig decided to not see eachother before the ceremony, a traditional approach.  Man was it worth it.  The second Katie and her dad stepped foot where Padraig could see them, he had the sweetest reaction, coupling over and shedding a few tears. Surrounded by family and friends who travelled near and far, they said their I dos with the biggest smiles on their faces. MARRIAGE!

The rest of the evening was full of laughs, hugs, killer dance moves (my kind of wedding!) and a bottle of Fireball that got passed around with a GoPro attached to it. I seriously cant wait to see that footage, especially since I may or may not be on there, as my shift ended. :)

Enough of my words.. as usual. Check out their day, through my eyes. Cheers newlyweds. I know you'll have the most amazing marriage. 

Highlights:  The Groomsmen jumping in on a wine tour while getting ready, When one of the Groomsmen asked a guest on the wine tour to help with his tie, Padraig's Reaction to seeing Katie and her Dad walk down the aisle, Facetiming Grandma and Grandpa during the ceremony, Groomsmen + Shotguns, Wine Cellars, Chucks, Katie's Bright Smile, The Maid of Honor's HILARIOUS + heartfelt speech, Fireball bottle with a GoPro attached, The wedding party going nuts over "Zombie" by The Cranberries, Feeling like Family. 

Dream Team:
Wedding Coordinator: Felica Goett
Caterer: Balistreri Vineyards
Florist: Felica Goett - Extrodinary Blooms
DJ: Johnny Finfrock DJ Rock Candy Professional Disc Jockeys
Dress Shop: Bridal Collection
Suit / Ties: Men's Warehouse
Bridal Jewelry: Pearls and Diamonds - family jewelry
Hair + Makeup: Leslie Snyder
Wedding Rings: custom made
Liquor: Tipsys