Photo Native

Hey-yo friends! I'm on a journey to be better than I was yesterday. ((Aren't we all?)) So, I embarked in a trek outside the bubble known as my comfort zone to a Photo Conference in Utah.  Photo Native, was a cool space to let my brain wonder and expand on my dreams and my questions about my photography business. I love being surrounded by creatives, especially ones who are open-minded and push the creative boundaries. 

Among the amazing speakers and vendors, was Rebecca Johnson of Nhiya Kaye Photo. I took her class to learn more about styling a couple, evoking emotion through direction and posing, and just to meet one of the industries radest photographers. She was inspiring, funny, and 8 months pregnant! What a rockstar.  

Anyhooters, instead of boring you with all the nitty gritty details and all the nuggets of info I learned, how about I make your eyeballs happy and show you the photos from the styled shoot. Okay cool.

Vendors
Mentor: @nhiyakayephoto
Venue: @thestartupbuilding
Styling: @renatastone
Florals: @thepottedpansy
Cake: @flourandflourish
Jewelry: @marrowfine_
Hair + Makeup: @alexcrabtreehmua
Dress: @altamodabridal  @ruedeseine
Rugs: @shage.co
Ceramic Plates + Flower: @innerspacism
Table + Backdrop: @halitecity
Stationary: @anthologyprint
Models: @aubreecarter @lifelikecarters

 

Rebecca showing us how its done, even at 8 months pregnant.

What a lot of my images look like: shooting around the other photographers with their head or shoulders in my shot. Made me super anxious, but also made me move and get a better angle.  Such a good lesson to always think of. 

The Best of 2017

Years come and go. priorities advance and fall to the wayside. Goals get fueled and more defined.

Many moons ago I had an idea of taking my hobby of photography and making it into a career. Into a full time passion machine to pump out happiness for me and memories for my clients. That idea had been examined over many beers and many tearful conversations, always coming to a different conclusion of possibility.

This year, I snapped. “To hell with it!” I said. To hell with putting my dreams on hold, letting thoughts of failure overtake dreams of happiness. I said “yes.”

What happens when you say yes. If you do say yes to an idea, and now it's showtime. Now your job becomes both simple and difficult. You have officially entered into a contract with inspiration, and you must try to see it through, all the way to it's impossible-to-predict outcome. - Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert.

Among that happy path of saying YES, I found the rigid dichotomy of entrepreneurship and balance. The stress of paying bills and power of being my own boss. Of having all the time in the world, and no time at all.

You guys, why did I not do this earlier?

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. That's for damn sure. But it’s my dream, now paired with my soon to be husbands dreams on this road to whatever the future brings. His dreams and mine collide in a beautiful dance of give and take.

This year has been a doozy. An amazing ride. I’m so humbled to be where I am, writing this blog post, celebrating 365 days of the unknown. This year, I got to travel all around Colorado to some of the most beautiful venues, photograph 2 of my closest friends weddings, my future brother- and sister-in-laws wedding, and many rad coupes that have turned into friends.

I can’t wait to hustle and make some crazy moves in 2018. I get to be a bride and witness this wedding industry from your eyes. I get to be a wife and keep supporting Shea’s dreams in the medical field. I get to be a fur-baby mom to the cutest dog and monster-cat I know.  I get to decide how I live my days.

Keep your frequency high and do your work from a place of power and joy. - You Are a Badass, Jen Sincero. 

In 2018: I’m going to put boundaries on social media, screen time, and negative emotions. I’m going to embrace what my mind and body tell me and push them to the limits. Opening closed doors to new ways thinking and respecting the earth. Become a better friend and better listener. Become the best woman I can be, when I marry my best friend.

Bring it on 2018. I’m ready for ya. Let’s dance.

---

... To my rad friends of 2017, I laughed so hard on the plane to and from my hometown while compiling all these photos. What great memories you created and let me be an intimate part of. I truly hope we stay in touch. Let’s grab a drink, go on a hike, FaceTime, whatever.

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!
 

Jon + Meaghan

Photography brings me in contact with some of the most amazing humans. I get to be an intimate part of their lives for just a second, a kaleidoscope of emotion that I am so fond of. I could just squeeze these two! They were champs by braving the cold and the wind for their photoshoot. I mean, wiiiiiiiiind.  If it wasn't such a bone-chilling hurricane of misery, I would have asked to stay out there all day with them.  But alas, Colorado wins again. 

In the end I can thank creativity, for having blessed me with a charmed, interesting, passionate existence. Because with out creativity and photography, I would have never met Meaghan and Jon and their adorable son Henry. And without all of this, we wouldn't have been on that mountain top. and I like mountain tops. 

Okay, I'll stop talking.

Phil + Brittney

What constitutes a great place?  Is it a beautiful landscape? Loved ones? A budding career?

I'd argue a cocktail of all of the above. And that's what I got when Phil, Brittney and I met up for their engagement photos. 

I love it when life comes full circle. I've known these two for a few years, and life's circumstances had drawn us apart for a bit. You can imagine my expression when I opened up my inbox one day to an email from the beautiful Brittney injuring about wedding photography! Heck yes I'd love to photograph your wedding day, but most importantly catch up on life, love and all things exciting. 

These two never cease to amaze me with their passion for all things. Love, Life, Careers. Brittney is crushing her job at a solar company, and Phil is dominating the craft brew industry and even entrepreneurship.  This is why my job is so fun. I get all jazzed up (people still use that phrase, right?) about taking photos, but I also get jazzed up (there it is again) in learning about other people's passions. What makes them wake up in the morning. 

Our initial meeting over coffee inspired me. Their ideas for a different type of engagement session got my creative juices flowing, so we went to my favorite spot in Colorado for some outdoor love. However, the ending of the photoshoot is where the magic happened. Old Major was kind enough to let us play after the brunch crowd had gone home. I love sessions like this, where its real life. Its showcasing you can love someone no matter where you're at! At brunch, on a hike, in the grocery store, heck even at the DMV (Anyone up for an engagement session at the DMV?)

Anyhooters: The photos are more interesting than my rambling. So here ya go, friend!

Lisa, Jeff, Ivy + Hashtag

What do you get when you have a man, a woman, two awesome dogs and the dream of having a Dino themed wedding? You get Lisa and Jeff.  

How rad, right?  

Their engagement session in Golden was like finding the prize at the bottom of the cereal box: THE BEST DAY EVER! Photo proof below. 

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!

Scott + Felicia Engaged

My heart shines when couples know who they are and they let it shine. Felicia and Scott are 100% committed to their faith and that's what makes them them. Even the moment they met, faith was intertwined and made itself a huge part of their relationship. 

Picture this: Felicia and her girls were hanging out at a local bar in Georgia. When a mutual friend introduces Scott to Felicia, sparks begin to fly. One of the first questions Scott asked her, was inquiring about the bracelet she had on. It was from the Passion conference she had just attended. One that Scott had been to years previously.  After a clumsy move where Felicia ended up with a spilled beer down her blouse, a first date was set.  Numbers were exchanged.  

When you get beer spilled all over you, things will get damaged. Clothes, a purse, possibly a phone. And that's exactly what happened. Felicia's phone went on the fritz and Scott had been texting her for a few weeks (1 month according to Scott) with no reply! He'd been ghosted.  But when she fixed her phone, and reached out to him, he breathed a sigh of relief and they got together, for church service. Throughout dating, Scott would text her bible verses, and she was hooked. These two are meant to be together 

I just adore this love story. It's sassy and sweet and all things that make a relationship fun. I know they'll make the most beautiful bride and groom in their Atlanta wedding. And more importantly an amazing husband and wife. Congratulations in advance, and I can't wait to see your wedding photos!

Quinn + Catie ENGAGED

These two are adorably sweet and absolutely stunning! They came all the way from Nebraska to the mountains of Colorado to capture their love for their engagement session. Yes!

They created a little vacation out of their trip, staying in cabins in Lyons, then up near Golden, enjoying dinner in Boulder and of course meeting me at the top of North Table Mountain Trail to get some photos during sunset. 

I highly encourage couples to swish this idea around in their wedding planning. Some couples want a destination wedding, but costs can build up so quickly that it becomes too difficult. In that case, change the strategy and opt to have your engagement photos taken in your ideal destination! Colorado is that place for many people, and while I get to live here and enjoy the outdoors on a daily basis, I love to invite couples from out of state to let me show them a piece of my heart. 

Let me show you the beauty that Colorado is. Let me witness your love in a new environment where it can only grow and surpass your dreams.

Cheers to Quinn and Catie on their engagement and upcoming wedding in Nebraska. I wish you the most beautiful wedding, and an even more beautiful marriage. Oh, and GBR!

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!

Drew + Renee: Anniversary Session

365 days to say I love you. Forever to continue. 

These two met me up on the mountain where they said their vows exactly one year earlier. Renee in her beautiful wedding gown, and Drew back in his suit and tie. To relive these moments is a rare occasion, but one oh-so-beautiful. 

How many of you have revisit the reasons you got married? Not necessarily being in the space again, or having a nice dinner each year. But revisited the REASONS you got married. Anniversary sessions can do that for you.

Full of laugher and life, these two made the promise to revisit the mountain where they confessed their lifetime of commitment to each other. And it was magical. 

Cheers to 1 year + many more to go! Happy Anniversary!

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!  

At Home with Alex and Amber

Alex and Amber have done things a little differently (HECK YES!). They're recently married, but never had a ceremony, huge dance party, or the hangover the next day. They instead, quietly and lovingly said their vows from the comfort of their own bed, and wanted an At Home session to capture this time in their lives. Just the two of them, and their adorable home.   Then of course we stepped outside for a bit, because we do live in Colorado, and it's insane outdoors. 

Amber and Alex have been on the move much of their relationship, so this space is finally one to call their own. A home to start their lives together. I can remember when Amber met Alex, and how she spoke of him with light in her eyes. She told me of how he was different, how they were different. I get it now after meeting Alex. Yes, these two are different. They speak frequently of the love they have for each other, wanting everyone to know the level of passion and respect they feel. Honestly, I left this session with tears in my eyes and a full heart. How the hell is this my JOB!? Jeze, I'm lucky.

It was seriously such a fun day & probably the cutest way to do an indoor engagement session. I definitely welcome more sessions like this in the future! Cheers to the newly weds. You two are some of my favorites. 

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

Cody + Heather ENGAGED

This beautiful, small town Colorado couple, Cody and Heather, met me right before sunset for their engagement shoot at one of my favorite places to photograph. It's in the middle of Westminster (I know what you're thinking, Westminster?!?!) and as you drive up it doesn't look too special. Like, at all.  But once the sun goes down and we walk under this bridge, boom. Here's the spot. 

Cody and Heather are two totally laid back individuals that mesh brilliantly. They are funny, and know how to love. They are kind to each other, but also spat sarcasm to keep things real. These are my kind of people. Those who don't take life too seriously, and see the fun in any situation. Like me asking them to get into not so sparkling water to take a few photos and have a dance off in the middle of a field. 

Cheers to Heather and Cody. I can not wait to capture the day you say "I do!".  Until then, keep dancing and making jokes.