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.

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

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 

Steve + Selena

Selena and Steve’s Wedding at The Lodge in Breckenridge, Colorado last weekend was one I won’t soon forget. This wedding was one I had been looking forward to for MONTHS. We were connected through their wedding coordinator Brittany of Prive Events, and we vibed right away over the phone and even more so at their engagement session. Their hearts are big, and their laughs are strong.

We were outstandingly lucky to have a beautiful summer engagement session at Sapphire Point in Frisco, CO and their wedding day was even more perfect!

Selena and Steve define fun-loving, adventurous, outdoorsy couples in love and this is everything I hope for when I photograph couples. I wish for laughter, and joy, engagement sessions outdoors, and down-to-earth brides + grooms with big hearts for the people in their lives. This is Selena and Steve to a T!  During many of the reception speeches were heartfelt remarks on how these two turn friends into family and strive to take care of the people around them. That is incredible.

The wedding day was super chill. Like the most chill wedding I’ve ever witnessed. Steve and his guys got ready at the insanely classy Breckenridge Distillery back room.  They ate BBQ, drank cocktails and joked with each other. Selena and her girls dolled up at The Lodge, until we loaded up Steve and Selena into separate cars to drive down Boreas Pass to have their first look overlooking a lake in the company of trees, clouds, and the Mountains.   With rain sprinkles throughout the day, their ceremony cleared up for the most amazing moments on the deck of The Lodge. The view was breathtaking, and so were Selena and Steve.

Selena's Man of Honor, Davis, a professional dancer and choreographer, choreographed a special dance to “I wanna dance with somebody” for the married couple during the reception, while including all of their wedding guests. Anyone who knows me, knows I love this song, so I had a hard time photographing and not dancing along. But when Davis did a backflip, into the splits, you betcha I caught that on camera.

Selena and Steve, 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: Breckenridge Colorado (enough said), wildflowers, lake views for the first look, feeling like family, Selena's contagious laugh, when the flower girl wouldn't walk down the aisle - so Steve walked down to her and picked her up and carried her down the aisle helping to distribute the flowers,  all the dancing at the reception - like when during Selena and her dad's dance they broke out into the "Tootsie Roll" and her brothers joined in wearing masks, and when Davis stole the show with his choreographed dance.  Ahh, bring me back.

Dream Team: 
Wedding Coordinator + Floral: Brittany Tolibas with Privé Events
Venue + Caterer: The Lodge at Breckenridge
Cake: Fluffed and Frosted
Donuts: Habit Doughnuts  
DJ / Band: Complete
Dress Shop: CC's Boutique
Tux / Suit / Ties: Nordstrom
Bridal Jewelry: Mavilo earrings
Hair: Jenn Marchetta
Makeup: Nicole Toledo Makeup Artistry
Wedding Rings: Mavilo
Videographer: Whitney Milton
Stationary/Escort Cards: Lucky Onion
Officiant: Kim Tavendale