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! 

Alex + Cayla Married

Alex and Cayla - two seriously golden souls. Ever since our first meeting we clicked, like legos coming together to build something magical. We gathered in central Denver for their engagement photos, and ended the evening with a taste of Alex's current brews.  Then off to a brewery to finish the session there.  Their energy, laid back vibe, was everything to me.

Now fast forward to July 29th, 2017. That same energy filled the room with confidence.  It couldn't have been a more beautiful day.  

The traditions ran strong throughout their wedding. The biggest being the church they said their vows in, The Kirk of Bonnie Brae Church, is the same church Cayla's parents were married in years before.  The garter Cayla wore was her mother's. Alex wore one of his grandfather's rings. Even the details of the flower girls are based on tradition. The flower girl and ring bearer in Cayla's parents wedding have since grown up, both married and had children. Those children were the flower girls in Alex and Cayla's wedding. The list goes on and on.

One of the best parts of the day for me, was during the reception when I got to mingle with the guests who blew my mind. Honestly some of the most genuine, welcoming humans I've ever met. And what a small world it is, when your Uncles golf partner, your Grandma's realtor, and extended family members are all in attendance as well. It was so great to meet and catch up with them. I love my job.

Alex and Cayla, I could write a long and wordy ending here. But I think you know and have already put in place what I'd even say. You love hard and live life in a positive light. You will have a marriage more beautiful than your wedding day, I can guarantee you that.  Your petty fights will end quickly with hugs, your struggles will be comforted with family and friends, and your love will grow stronger each day.

Cheers Alex and Cayla! 

“I love you not only for what you are but for what I am when I am with you.”

— Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Sarah + Charles MARRIED

Wedding season has only just begun, and this is my third bride named Sarah (with an H)! But this wedding was anything but ordinary. It was not only the celebration of the union of Sarah + Charles, but also Braylen, Charles' son. With three "first looks" it was an emotional day.  The first "first look" was with Sarah's dad. I haven't had the chance to photograph a moment like this yet, and I loved it! It was an absolutely beautiful moment when Sarah and Charles had their first look, then brought Braylen out for another first look. The smile on his face seeing Sarah in her beautiful dress and Charles in his crisp suit and tie, was priceless. The hugs and tears that came after were incredibly powerful, enough to make me tear up. 

These two are meant to be together. Through the thick and the thin, the tough and the easy, the good times and the bad: however you want to state it, these two are a force to be reckoned with. They have a love that will heal the pain, and fuel the passion. I just adore them. They danced back down the aisle, showing how excited they are to be married. My kind of couple!

The day was beautiful, with History Colorado as the venue. The cityscape of Denver looming over us on the 4th floor balcony during the first look, cocktail hour and of course during more photos later on at night. We felt the energy of the city enter the wedding party as the guests danced the night away to 90s music. 

Sarah and Charles and Braylen: I wish you an absolutely beautiful marriage, full of love, family, 90s dance parties, and amazing adventures. Cheers to you!

“It was a million tiny little things, that when you added them all up, it meant we were supposed to be together. And I knew it. ”

— Tom Hanks, Sleepless in Seattle

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

RYAN + JILL MARRIED

In the days leading up to Ryan + Jill's wedding, snow was falling and anxiety was climbing. This is the biggest gamble when having an outdoor wedding in Colorado - that we can have a freak snowstorm at the end of May ... or June, or July! But rest assured, the phrase is solid. "If you don't like the weather in Colorado, wait 5 minutes."  And that we did. The day of their wedding finally came, and we had a sunny and 60 degree ceremony, with most of the snow melted. 

It was a beautiful ceremony, at Arrowhead Golf Course. Their landscape is breathtaking, and the couple is stunning. The ingredients to an amazing wedding day. The outdoor space, overlooking the red rocks, adorned with crisp white chairs for the guests to enjoy the ceremony. Jill and Ryan picked an amazing location. 

With no first look scheduled, the couple made their way around the venue in rotations, as to not get a peek of eachother before the moment when Jill walks down the aisle. Mission accomplished.

These two families that came together on that day in May are two gems. They both left me feeling like I became an honorary member of their families, and I was very lucky to be a part of this small moment in their lives.  I cant speak more highly of the families, the bride and groom, the wedding party and the guests. They are full of love and laughs and I know their future is going to be bright. I can't wait to see how Jill and Ryan's life unfolds, now as one. Congratulations!

Venue: Arrowhead Golf Course
Flowers: Petals Floral + Gifts
Hair: Amanda Barbieri
Makeup:  Leah Patterson 
Dress: Davids Bridal 
Suites: Men's Wearhouse
DJ: Matt Rowles

Joe + Colleen MARRIED

When two people love each other so much, it makes my heart swell with emotion. Every detail of another is cherished and treasured to the point of eternal connection.  Joe + Colleen engage in this type of relationship, which got them to this amazing Dr Who themed wedding day. 

I was in awe the whole day of the love and happiness expressed between people.  With almost a foot of snow on the ground, people gathered at Baldoria on the Water in Lakewood, CO to witness these two tie the knot. 

And that they did. Then they partied and celebrated. Dance offs between brothers and young ones. Clinking of beers Joe + Colleen brewed themselves. I cant say enough of the evening.

Cheers to Joe + Colleen on a lifetime of Dr Who quotes, and fun theme parties like this one. 

James + Dani MARRIED

What does family mean to you? Is it your mom, dad and any siblings? Maybe your crazy aunt from up north? What about your friends and relationships who spend every day with you? 

All of the above? Yes.  

James and Dani demonstrate the meaning of family with no error. Their son Derek is a bright young boy with a personality to fill a room (and dance moves to challenge anyone on the dance floor). Not only do they show love to their son, but to everyone around. Their wedding day was no less. They are kind, passionate, and caring. And damn fun people to be around. 

Evergreen painted the picture for the day they made it official. A faint dusting of snow made photos a bit chilly, but worth it as we scampered around in the hills.  As as made our way to the venue, they popped champagne to celebrate the love. 

What a fan-flippin'-tactic day.  

Now if you've made it this far in my blog, I'm guessing that you've read through my wedding day packages. But if you haven't (what are you waiting for?) you'll notice that in every package it mentions that I'll dance at your wedding in some form. I believe dance is one of THE BIGGEST and BEST avenues of happiness. So why not dance at my clients receptions? I'm not some amazing dancer, but I can cut a rug and it gets people to relax. However, at the Ford wedding I stepped it up a notch. 

I got word that Dani, some of her bridesmaids and a good friend of mine, Sally (a phenomenal Zumba instructor!)  were planning a secret flash mob to surprise James after the garter toss. OF COURSE IM JOINING IN! The details were tough to sort out as I had to get photos of the flash mob as it happened and see James' reaction. Which was priceless. Seriously. 

Midway through the songs I jumped in the flash mob, camera in tow. Praying to the camera gods that I don't drop my equipment, I dance my little heart out with my girls while their guest list cheer and go nuts. 

Yep. That happened. Video to come, but those who know me even a little bit know that this story is most definitely true. "Yea, that sounds like Ashley" you're all thinking.  

I love my job. That's really what this boils down to. I love seeing families join forces, couples give themselves to eachother for eternity, and friends dance the night away. I'm thankful that James and Dani are not only a part of the Ashley Tiedgen Photography family, but that I'm a part of theirs. 

I wish you a lifetime of family adventures, inspiring moments with Derek, and loving date nights. Cheers to the Ford Family! 

Matt + Wendy MARRIED

Aspens. Canned champagne. 80s cover band. Good food paired with alcohol. Glow sticks. These 5 items Make up Matt and Wendy's wedding in the mountains. These two are so chill and fun which is a combination I am extremely fond of. 

While taking photos before the ceremony, driving from location to location, we kept her flowers alive by placing them in her iron man glass full of water. Yea, my brides complete iron man competitions. I seriously get the coolest brides! 

The ceremony was on top of a mountain with a view to die for. The scene was of love, happiness, nature and the land. It was a dream wedding through and through. 

Their reception was at Artwork Network, a gallery I tend to gravitate towards on the daily. Their curations are always on pointe. Wendy's hand made decorations, aspen branches in every corner, and delicious food stations made this reception sensational.

As good food and great people circulated the space, I felt at home. Never was a time where I felt like I was working - a perk of wedding photography. I gain new friends and families, welcomed into their big day, and have the chance to celebrate their love.  I love my job.

Congratulations to Matt and Wendy. I wish you a lifetime of Ironman competitions, very few injuries, love, laughter and lots and lots of adventures. Cheers!

Dave + Whitney MARRIED

Dave and Whitney, and let's not forget Charlie, had a beautiful photoshoot in the hills of Evergreen CO. We met for a beautiful afternoon walk, chatting about dogs, hikes, just getting to know each other and I can tell you - these two are so rad! They are outdoorsy, funny and some of the sweetest people I know. 

I can't wait to see what the future brings for this amazing family. Congratulations Friends!

Michelle + Shaundell MARRIED

I got to spend the day surrounded by people who understand what life is about. Love and laughter. My cheeks have never hurt so much after one day behind my lens.  

Let me describe to you the preceremony mood. I walk into Michelle's moms beautiful Boulder home to Michelle in curlers with the biggest smile on her face. Now THIS is how I want every wedding day to start. A huge spread of breakfast and fruit prepared by Michelle's mom, six bridesmaids scattered about getting hair and makeup done, and nothing but love and happiness.  

I head over to check on the boys and they are out back on the porch listening to 90s rap and bustin' out the Kid n' Play moves. Seriously, how is this my JOB?!  

The "first look" at the church and their personal vows were enough to make a girl shed some tears while trying to hold it together and take some photos. Even though I couldn't hear their
vows, their body language said it all. I am so happy for these two love birds. 

The ceremony started off with the wedding party and Shaundell dancing down the aisle to "Latch" by Sam Smith. As soon as I look up for a split second from my camera, I notice the wedding guests start to bust a move in their seats. I crack up and quickly get back to taking photos. This is the BEST. DAY. EVER.

To end the day, we celebrated in Shaundell and Michelle's backyard, under lights strung throughout their massive tree. They started to learn a formal dance that they'll continue to learn throughout their lives. They only knew a few steps for their first dance, and it was beautiful. To not finish a routine for your wedding, and have the plans to continue to learn and add to it, is the same idea of a marriage. Continually learning and growing together.

This is what weddings are about. Not how much money you can spend on champagne fountains and chair covers. Its about a gathering of family and friends, dancing together to music and toasting to loving one another. 

This is one wedding I'll never forget. Congratulations Shaundell and Michelle. May you have a marriage more beautiful than your perfect wedding day. Cheers.