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

Jen + Jaime

Jen and Jaime's story is so great.  Rugby + Rock Climbing brought them together.  I know, pretty flippin' awesome, right!?  Okay, here's the story.  Jen and Jaime's sister played Rugby together. They decided to go rock climbing one day, so while Jen was picking her up at her house, Jaime came around the corner and introduced herself to Jen.  The way Jen tells the story is the best. She describes how the sight of Jaime got her all flustered, and couldn't string words together to form a sentence. She was enamored. Jaime ended up tagging along to the rock climbing gym that day, and the two ladies were belay partners.  The start to something amazing was formed right there. 

These two are the balancing act we always talk about in relationships. Jen is extremely social, the life of the party, while Jaime can hang back, and quietly take in a party. But what's equally displayed is their love for each other. It's perfect.

The wedding day was so amazing. The ceremony took place at the beautiful Botanic Gardens, surround by family, friends, and all the plants and flowers possible. Then an incredibly fun limo ride took them over to their reception where they danced the night away.

Highlights:  The "Officiating a Wedding for Dummies" book the officiant carried with him, The pocket watch one of the ushers gave Jen, The look on the wedding coordinators face (and her daughters!) when Jen and Jaime told her she's going to see Justin Timberlake in concert, when the ladies gave me a coin for my own wedding day (I literally almost cried), their first dance to Adam Sandler's "I want to grow old with you" (I almost cried again), but the best part of the day: All the love in the room. 

The Dream Team:
Ceremony: Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms
Reception: Peak Community + Wellness Center
Florist: Sue Kimball
Caterer: Tony's Catering
DJ: Matt Burris
Dress Shop: Blue Bridal
Suit: Denver Dressmakers
Coordinator: Tara Austin
 

Jeff + Lisa

Dinos. Everywhere. My Heart is Exploding!  When I met Lisa for our consultation, way back when, she said their wedding was going to be dinosaur themed, but classy! She showed me her inspiration photos, and I was instantly hooked. If I haven't made it apparent enough - I LOVE IT WHEN COUPLES ARE 100% UNIQUE! It makes photographing each wedding an experience that stands out and makes your photos so incredibly you.

The week preceding Jeff and Lisa's wedding threatened a true Colorado thunderstorm, but mother nature spared us and gave us the most beautiful day to celebrate their marriage at Church Ranch Event Center in Westminster. 

There's a whole heap I could say about these two. About how much fun they have together. About their creative vows (the first part of Lisa's vows to Jeff he actually wrote for her to read... and vice versa), their taste in decor and style for the wedding, but most importantly is their love for each other. They will have an amazing lifetime of marriage, one with plenty of laughlines (eventually). :) 

Highlights: The Classiest Dinosaur Decor, Lisa and Jeff's contagious energy, their amazing choreographed first dance, the 9 foot dinosaur equipped with sound effects, sparkler send off, all the love, also having my gal Sarah by my side as my second shooter! 

Congratulations Newlyweds! I hope you're enjoying your honeymoon in Greece!

Dream Team:
Wedding Coordinator: Mitchell Ray & Jesi Henry - Church Ranch Event Center
Venue: Church Ranch Event Center
Caterer: Greens Point Catering
Florist: Bonnie w/Colorado Bloom Room
DJ / Band: DJ Connection
Hair + Makeup: Glam Team LLC
My Second Shooter: Sarah!

Scott + Christine

The cutest smiles were exchanged all day. Christine looking up at Scott, with all the love in her eyes. Scott returning the exchanges of confidence in their choice to get married. 

These two. Seriously. Keystone Colorado was the perfect destination wedding location for these two. Coming all the way from hot and humid TX, the mountaintop gave a dreamy backdrop and relaxed feeling for their 30 guest wedding.

They gathered and laughed, and danced and witnessed the most amazing cake smash ever. I feel so connected to Scott and Christine, only confirming those feelings as I left their reception: Scott, Christine, their Best man and his beautiful wife told me "We should move to Colorado, I feel like we'd be friends!" Bring it on, friends. Bring it on. Settlers of Catan and craft beers all night. 

I hope their honeymoon in Norway is bringing them lots of down time to connect as a married couple. Christine was telling me all about their packs they brought with them, so I know its going to be a wonderful adventure.

Cheers friends. I wish you all the best. 

Highlights:
The best cake smash ever, their cat and dog incorporated into their cake, danceoffs, the view, how welcomed I felt with their families, tearful speeches.

Dream Team:
Wedding Planner: Courtney Hayes-Jurcheck with The Day Of
Hair + Makeu: Beauty Bee
Flowers: Little Flower Shop
Officiant: Keith Horstman
Musicians: Front Range Strings  
DJ: A Music Plus Entertainment
Caterer: Alpenglow Stube
Rentals: Provided by venue
Bar: Alpenglow Stube
Dessert: Caterer
 

Travis + Alicia

Wedding days are amazing. They’re all about flowers, details, timelines and color-coordinated outfits. A visual representation of your style, relationship, and dreams.

Travis and Alicia started their relationship off on the right foot - Friendship. They were interested in each other for many years but waited to start dating until the timing was just right, and most importantly waited to get married until the timing was just right. Love stories like theirs remind me that its okay to stop and look around for a second. Gather all the information, feelings and situations, and make a move when it feels right. Rather than moving along a timeline not made for you.

They exchanged their vows among their closest friends and family, while all the spring colors created such a gorgeous backdrop.  With these gorgeous details, the beauty of Willow Ridge Manor, their personal vows, their contagious laughter and the clear love and passion these two have for one another, their day was simply beautiful, meaningful and love-filled.  

They are truly some of the kindest and most thoughtful people I've gotten to know through my photography business. I cant wait to see how their love story unfolds.

Highlights: Alicia’s dad dressing up as Woody from Toy Story for their father/daughter dance (they danced to “You’ve got a friend in me”), the amazing dance party, flowers from Project Floral, views of the foothills and the red rocks of Morrison, one rad pink balloon, and all the love. 

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Bell!

The Dream Team:

Venue: Willow Ridge Manor
Florist: Project Floral - Lauren Evans
Dress: Green Bride
Suits: The Black Tux
Hair: Liz Rillo
Coordinator: Amanda Bell Wiig
Rings: Williams Jewelers
Caterer: Rocky Mountain Catering
DJ: A Music Plus
 

Nate + Lisa

Do weddings ever go to plan? Nope. Are they off timeline always, yep? Lisa and Nate’s wedding took that mindset to a whole new level, and I’ve never witnessed two people take on this a day with that much calm. 

A long story, turned short: Lisa’s dad had a slight medical emergency on the way to the church and ended up in the hospital to run some tests. After the tests came back in his favor and the hospital discharged him, he was rushed to the church while everyone pulled together to figure out why the reception flowers had gone MIA. We had pushed back the ceremony by 40 minutes, just enough time to still walk his beautiful daughter down the aisle. Mission Accomplished!

I have no doubt these two will have an amazing marriage. I can see it in their eyes that their love runs deep and their support of each other is strong. I cant wait to see what adventures come their way.  

Highlights: watching the families come together during unplanned hiccups in the day, food trucks for dinner, Backstreet boys music video remake, high fives at the altar, flower girls killin’ the dance floor with their singing and dance moves, insanely beautiful windows in a super old church mixed with sick graffiti art at their reception venue. 

The Dream Team:
My Second Shooter: Hannah!
Ceremony Venue: Church - The Sanctuary Downtown  
Reception Venue: Bliss Studio
Caterer: Mile High Sliders + Tocabe: American Indian Cuisine Food Trucks
Florist: Nate's Mother!
Rentals: Colorado Party Rentals"
Dress Shop: Timeless Gowns
Bride's Shoes: Sam Edelman
Hair: Evolution Salon
Videographer: Mary M Cinema

Austin + Kristin

Love. Balloons.  

Didn’t think throwing objects at two people on their wedding day could be so adorable. But then came inflatable LOVE balloons and here we are. 

In all seriousness, these two are something special. Their love is the sweet but incredibly shy kid at school who has a heart of gold. Their love is 50 years down the road and they’re still holding hands. Their love is solid and strong. 

Photographing this wedding as the kick off to my 2018 season of love, was like winning the lottery. I felt so welcomed into their families and lucky to have captured such a fun day. 

Highlights: Pie, dances with granddad, love balloons, rainy ceremony, parents tables competing for hilarious shenanigans (toilet paper throw and pyramids!) and the contagious laughter.  

To Kristin, Austin, their family and friends: remember the love you felt on this day and spread it like wild fire. Sprinkle those feel-good vibes everywhere and help make this world a little more beautiful.

Cheers to the newlyweds. I introduce to you: Mr. and Mrs. Patten.  

The Dream Team:
Venue: The Manor House
Coordinator: We Tie The Knots
Florist:  Something Styled
Band: Honeycomb Band
Caterer: The Manor House
Dress: A & Bé Bridal Shop
Dress Designer: Wtoo by WATTERS
Bridal Shoes: Sam Edelman
Suits: Generation Tux
Ties: Knotty Tie
Hair + Makeup: Captivate Salon
Wedding Rings: Ooh Ahh Jewelry
Pie: Long I Pie Shop

Dustin + Ali

Scene: Loveland, Colorado
Humans: My best friend and her man + all my girls!
Purpose: Get these two hitched! And dance my heart out. 

This was the most magical way to end my 2017 wedding season. True love, best friends, great food, dance moves all night long.  My kind of wedding. Cheers Ali + Dustin! I can't wait to see the adventures you go on!
 

Ryan + Klancy Married

In this simple scene, two madly in love humans stroll through a field - the forest is alive. These aspens which are not mere backdrops to our existence but active presences affecting who we are, what we believe, and how we live. 

Klancy and Ryan advocate this loudly. Living their lives to make this world a better place: taking care of our environment, our peers, and our homes. I won't go into their career paths, because that's not what defines these two. It's their love and affection to each other and their surroundings. 

Lots of photos were captured that day. Friends and family using iphones and DSLRs. Although I've known Klancy for 10 years or more (College Softball Teammates), and Ryan for a few years, their guests and I are outsiders. Outsiders to their most intimate love. However, all of the outsiders that took photos that day, depict them in such similar ways - suggesting that no matter who takes the photo, their love has a magic all its own. 

Their wedding day was absolutely enchanting. Down to each detail, I was in a photographer's dream. Custom turquoise jewelry for Klancy, a vintage turquoise tie clip for Ryan. Her flowers by Natalie Boyer-McClain radiated with beauty. The Dress, the suit and tie, the landscape at Purgatory Resort in Durango, CO. All of it was magnetic.

Klancy and Ryan: I can not tell you how humbled I am to have captured your wedding day. I honestly can't wait to watch your grow in your marriage through many adventures together. And without further words from your little 'ol photographer. Here are my (many) favorites from your day. Love you two! CHEERS!

Ps. If you're in the Durango area, do yourself a favor and rent yourself a campervan from these two gems. They are the owners of VangoDurango!

Paul + Oakley Married

Weddings are so much fun. I mean, I seriously have THE. BEST. JOB. EVER.   Paul and Oakley made my job even more fun, with their smiles and laughter.  These two gems came all the way out from Texas to say their vows along a river in Boulder, CO and it was the most beautiful scene I could imagine.

The day was set at Wedgewood along Boulder Creek. This venue is a photographers dream. Outdoor ceremony along the water, tons of private spots for photos, a large beautifully decorated tent for dinner al fresco, and a dance floor to show your moves. 

One of the most touching moments of the night, was a toast to Oakley's late father. His favorite drink, Coke, was the center of a toast among the guests after a beautiful speech, emphasising how proud he would have been of Oakley finding a man like Paul.  Yep, you guessed it folks, I cried a little, too.

I can't say enough words on how sweet and sassy Oakley is. She's just the perfect mix, and I adored hanging with her all day. Paul is hilarious and kind and they are going to make such an amazing husband and wife duo.

Cheers to the newlyweds! Come back to Colorado soon and let's grab a drink!

Craig + Mindy Married

Steamboat Springs, Colorado: a city standing at 6,732 feet, is home to an internationally known ski resort and has been the locale of many world-class skiing competitions.  While this is quite the impressive statistic, I'd say having Mindy and Craig as residents takes the cake. 

These two warm my heart. They are kind, caring, sarcastic, and party animals. They live life to the fullest, and love those around them hard. I guess those who possess these wonderful traits, could only carry on certain careers. Craig: Firefighter. Mindy: Flight Nurse.  CAN THESE TWO GET ANY MORE PERFECT? nope. 

Their wedding day had my head on a swivel. The surroundings at their ceremony were breathtaking. I've decided I'm moving to Steamboat. Hey Mindy and Craig... care if me, my fiance, our cat and our dog, and all of my camera equipment crash in your basement for a while? Kidding... sorta. But seriously, Steamboat is like singing a love song to your eyes. Everywhere you look, is another spot you could stare at for hours. Views that last for miles upon miles.  I miss it. 

Plus we got to play on a firetruck. Yep.

I say this about every couple "I can't wait to see what adventures these two get into." But seriously, I can't wait to see what adventures these two get into.  Between international travels, work assignments, and whatever else they decide to embrace, its going to be epic. Their love will shine bright, their wild side will glow, and their hearts will burst with glitter.  Not really, but that would be incredibly crazy!

Anyhooters, CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MALCHOW'S!  You're some of my favorite.

Dream Team:
Venue: Catamount Ranch + Club
Hair + Makeup: Sophie from Off 7th Studio
The Dress: Vera's House of Bridals, Wisconsin
Florist: Steamboat Floral
DJ: Elite DJ
Caterer: The Drunken Onion

Michael + Kayla MARRIED

Most of my clients find me through The Knot, Wedding Wire or even Rocky Mountain Bride. But not this couple. This couple is family. My family. My amazingly rad family.

I can't tell you how perfect these two are for eachother. Equally quirky and loving, these two fit together like kittens and snuggles. You can't have one without the other. 

Do you remember their epic proposal on top of Mt Sherman? This is kind of how their wedding day went down. Beautiful scenery, a few minor ups and downs, the most beautiful family, and so so so much love. 

The day was filled with love, family and the most incredible humans who have dance moves like Jagger (hey Maroon5 Fans!). The Pines at Genessee was the perfect spot for these two to tie the knot. Among this stellar venue, was a florist who is equally stellar. Michael's Aunt, Jill, was asked to arrange the flowers, and she excelled with not only the flowers and boutonnieres but centerpieces as well. Her designs were top notch, and created with so much love. Only devastated to find out that the bridal bouquet and mothers' corsages have gone missing!  Some families might have crumbled with this glitch, but not the McClanahans and Eddins. They pulled together, creating new arrangements and we were ready to walk down the aisle with no delay. Teamwork makes the dream work. I'm so proud of you all. 

With 2 Best men (One of whom I'm very fond of, and get to marry!) and one beautiful Maid of Honor, the speeches left everyone in laughter turned to tears. Then everyone danced their little hearts out. My kind of wedding!

Michael and Kayla are seriously two gems that I can't believe I'm lucky enough to call my future brother-in-law and sister-in-law. They are passionate about life and about each other, making sure their guests are taken care of, all the while, showcasing their love for eachother. This is the balance of life that they've perfected. 

I truly hope Colorado gains these two as residents sometime in the near future, but even if that doesn't happen it's all good, because wherever these two are, they'll bring happiness, knowledge and love to those around them.  I am so stoked to see what adventures life throws their way, and how gracefully they move through them. 

Cheers to the newly weds. You are my life.

“We are all a little weird and,
life’s a little weird,
and when we find someone whose weirdness
is compatible with ours,
we join up with them and fall in
mutual weirdness and
call it love.”

— Dr. Seuss

Shout out to The Parlour Lodo for beautiful hair and makeup! 

Michael + Sarah MARRIED

Another beautiful wedding in the books! Michael and Sarah's classic wedding day was unlike any other. Let's first talk about the teensy tiny degrees of separation.  

Sarah found me through a wedding planning service, like The Knot or Wedding Wire, but once we started chatting the world became so small. Sarah is from Lincoln, Nebraska - the same city I was born and raised in. Facebook confirmed that we have mutual friends, including my nextdoor neighbors throughout my childhood - I babysat both of their beautiful girls, who were close friends of Sarah's. The possibility of us crossing paths more than a decade ago, is very possible. 

Michael met Sarah while he was in Lincoln playing hockey for the Lincoln Stars in the USHL, that my family had season tickets for when I was growing up. It just freaks me out that this world of 7.5 billion people has more characteristics of a small town than we'd like to believe. 

Sarah and Michael fell in love and have been together for 10 years now. I can not tell you how honored I was to capture the making of this couple into Mr and Mrs. Their love is strong, their families are amazing, and it was the perfect day. 

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs Sdao. May this life bring you lots of adventure, love, beautiful surprises and happy endings. Cheers!

Dream Team: 
Venue: Lionsgate Event Center: The Dove House & Gatehouse
Dress: Little White Dress
Florist: Thorn Creek Flowers
DJ: 5280 Mobile DJ
Catering: Relish Catering & Events
Hair: Elegance By Design

Kevin + Debbie MARRIED

Copper Mountain. July 3rd. Family and friends gathering from near and far to this golf course in paradise. This is the perfect day for Kevin and Debbie to say their vows. Closing the ceremony, then promptly teed up and hit golf balls into the wide open. 

I can tell you, I see a lot of love. Love comes in different forms: passion, friendship, the love of a family ... you name it, I've seen it. Theirs is a rare form of love that enters the soul so deeply. One the produces tears of happiness, of commitment, of a life of adventure and respect.  

The speeches at this wedding told the story perfectly. The embarrassing memories of growing up, dicey outfit choices, but most of all the change that occurs when you find the love of your life. The universe is so lovely in the way two souls find each other and create one pathway through life, instead of two.

Kevin and Debbie: spread the love you share. As one, you have something magical that can, and will, enrich the lives of everyone you come in contact with. Spread it like wildfire.

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Ottomeyer.   I can't wait to see what life brings you two. Cheers!  

Mauricio + Sarah MARRIED

ah! I'm so excited to share this wedding day with you all.  Mauricio and Sarah are seriously two gems. With both of them working at Children's Hospital, you can just imagine how much their hearts shine in their personalities. They are sweet, caring, loving and ready to party. They took care of their wedding party, guests and vendors as much as we all took care of them. It was seriously so much fun & probably one of the best dance parties I've been a part of.   

I can not wait to see what adventures come their way during their life together. They will take on struggles with strength and love, they will take on happy times with dance parties and smiles, and all the inbetween will be the life they get to live together.  Cheers to Mr and Mrs Palau!


Dream Team:
Band: The Diamond Empire Band
Florist: Lace and Lilies
Hair/makeup: Jami Hammond
Church: Holy Ghost Catholic Church
Reception/Cocktail Hour: Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Coordinator: Trever Scott Martinez
Dress: The Bridal Collection