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

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

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

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

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

Jeff + Lauren

Sometimes, I don't meet couples until their wedding day (WHICH SUCKS!). These two fit that bill. They live in WA, so we had only connected through email and over the phone a few times. The second I met Lauren, her bright smile and giddy wedding day vibes set the tone for the day. So-Much-Fun. Jeff is the perfect match for Lauren, and vice versa. Balance is key, and these two have it down.

Riverbend in Lyons, Colorado has quickly become a favorite venue of mine. Yes, I'm a little biased since Shea and I got married at The Farmette (The sister venue to Riverbend).  However, the red rocks, flowing St Vrain river, and open spaces of Riverbend make me a happy photographer. 

Throughout the day, Lauren and Jeff laughed with their guests, said the most loving and sweet vows, and danced the night away under the twinkling lights of the outdoor dance floor. I love Colorado weddings with the fresh mountain air and relaxed vibes. 

Highlights: Laurens youth group leader's ceremony words, the views of Riverbend, how many times the wedding party + Lauren + Jeff Shotgunned beers, when the groomsmen got into a pyramid, when Jeff got ICED during the reception (he took it like a champ), Lauren's Bouquet (THANK YOU FARMETTE FLOWERS!), Lauren's Dad's homemade Mead (Fermented honey - so freakin' good), and mostly their sweet guests making me feel like family.

The Dream Team:
Venue: Riverbend, Lyons Colorado
Florist: Farmette Flowers
Coordination: Good Ol' Fashioned Party
Catering: Lulu's BBQ (seriously good BBQ!)
Band: Tim Ostedk
Dress Shop: Davids Bridal
Suit: Mens Warehouse
Wedding Rings: Zales Jewelers
Rentals: Colorado Party Rentals

Jason + Katie

Jason + Katie's Wedding at Wild Basin Lodge in Allenspark, Colorado stole my heart with their welcoming souls, their strong love and bright laughs. These two define sweet, and down-to-earth with big hearts for the people in their lives. Especially Bear, their doggie, who was the cutest Ring Bearer ever.

With anticipation of the first look surrounded by trees, we got Katie in her dress as the boys relaxed in a cabin near by. Allenspark was the perfect backdrop for this wedding. Serene, chill, full of nature, but down to party - and that's exactly what happened. They drank Tequila shots after the ceremony, assisted in the most fun wedding party photos, and danced the night away.

Katie and Jason, no one deserves this perfect day more than the two of you. I am so beyond happy that I got to be there to witness the beginning of your next big adventure. Thank you a million times over for being so incredible. I hope this new adventure together gets better each and every day. Your joy is contagious and I absolutely loved being surrounded by it on your wedding day. Cheers to many more decades of love, happiness + adventures!

Highlights: Allenspark Colorado, wildflowers, feeling like a part of their crew, mountain views, yelling "farts + buttstuff!" to make people laugh, the amazing geode decor, their sweet love, and an epic thunder + lightning storm for my drive home. 

Dream Team: 
Venue + Caterer: Wild Basin Lodge
Wedding Coordinator: Tommy Giaime
Florist: Babylon Floral Designs + Floral Design of Europe
DJ: Walter White
Dress Shop: David's Bridal
Tux / Suit / Ties: Men's Warehouse
Bridal Jewelry: Kyle Chan Design + Custom piece by bride's grandfather
Hair + Makeup: Kai Robinson Makeup - B Martin Hair
Wedding Rings: Love & Lux 

Anthony + Komal

When I stare at the screen not knowing where to start, I know it was a good one. Anthony + Komal's Colorful Indian Wedding at Lionsgate Event Center in Lafayette, Colorado was one for the books.

Going into this wedding, if I'm honest with myself and with you all reading this, I was flipping nervous.  I had never photographed an Indian Wedding, and while I'm absolutely-without-a-doubt an all inclusive photographer, I just wasn't familiar with all the moments that I NEEDED TO CAPTURE.  So days + weeks before their wedding, I did research, as any good documentarian would. I looked into what parts of the day are important, and asked the couple what parts of the day mean the most to them.  I hope, with all of my heart, that I captured the day as they wish.

And now I want to photograph all the cultural weddings. ALL OF THEM.  When I'm not in my comfort zone, creativity can flare up, and I'm faced with new traditions and new items to be photographed in new ways. I was happy as a clam (where did that phrase even come from?!).  

Komal + Anthony, along with their family and friends: Thank you for welcoming me into your culture, into your traditions and into your wedding day. I will never forget how you made me feel so a part of the day. So welcomed. I want to be friends with you all, so whether that means you hop on another 24 hour flight back to Denver, or I make my way to you in India - I want to follow your lives.  For those who live in Denver - we're meeting up soon. Like seriously, you're all super rad.

I could go on and on about the events of the day (The Baraat, the Dancing, the Rice + Rose Petals Throwing) but in my mind the photographs speak highly of the happenings and emotions. The only thing I will say, is that they all danced circles around me and I loved every second of it.  So please, if you do nothing else today, scroll through this tiny little snippet of their day.  Ps. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THEIR VIDEO FROM ALL DIGITAL STUDIOS. I get chills just thinking about the footage Brandon caught. 

Highlights: The colors!, the amazing dancing incorporated into every part of the wedding - especially during Anthony's Baraat, getting to see a horse, the feeling of the unknown, the love between Anthony + Komal showcased in all their guests speeches, Komal's sweet smile and gorgeous outfits (yes! Multiple outfits!), The Fire Free Sparkler Send off (no fried hair - Thanks Scott!), working with Ashley at Lionsgate, the buffet of the best wedding food I have ever tasted in my entire life. Can I have more?!?!?!?!? 

Dream Team:
Venue - Lionsgate - The Gatehouse
Coordination - Ashley with Lionsgate
Catering - Masalaa Restaurant
Ceremony Horse - Pony Express
Bakery - Das Meyer
Henna - Stephanie Rose Henna
Florist - Statice Floral
DJ - Norvan Entertainment
Videographer - All Digital Studios
Lighting + Design - Scott Lighting + Design
Hair + Makeup - Rock, Paper, Shears
Officiant - Chayantanya Das