John + Beri
Cats, Snakes + Eurovans
John + Beri’s Engagement Session in their quaint apartment was so romantic and intimate. Their pets even got involved
They're an amazing, honest, wholesome, and adventurous couple. They believe in vegan lifestyles, cruelty free products, and being the best versions of themselves that they can be. #yaaaaaaas One amazing detail I learned about these two, is that John bought Beri's ring with Bitcoin! Its a stunning vintage yellow stunner. A unique couple with an abundance of travel stories, advice on healthy living, and just two golden souls who are living their dream!
I cant wait for their outdoor wedding coming up this fall. Until then, check out their amazing in-home engagement session.
Jeff + Lauren
The Most Fun Wedding
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 + Carissa
We Went To A Dog Park
Where do I start here? Maybe with a thank you.
Thank You Carissa for being the one who's been taming my mermaid hair for years. Ya'll she's the best hair stylist in Denver so go check her out. My hair was a mess before she got her hands on it. She's a color wizard and a beautiful soul.
Jason: Thank you for loving this woman. You two fit together like stars in the sky, and I'm so honored to have captured your engagement session. Your Mexico destination wedding will be so amazing, maybe I'll just end up at the same resort around that time. lol. Kidding. Sort of.
These two took a leap of faith with me and went to a location that I've been a hundred times, but never photographed at. LOL - YUP A DOG PARK! My four legged fur-baby and I walk this park frequently, and I had always admired the mountain views, the rolling hills, and the meadows of unique desert-like plants. So we met up here, and magic happened.
After a few initial poses and prompts, Jason and Carissa got really into it and we started playing around with Double Exposures. They threw out ideas left and right, and I loved the collaboration that happened. I absolutely love their gallery, and I'm so so so so so stoked to share it with you.
Feast your eyes on this.
Jason + Katie
A Wild Love
Jason + Katie's Wedding at Wild Basin Lodge in Allenspark, Colorado stole my heart with their welcoming souls, their strong love and bright laughs. These two define sweet, and down-to-earth with big hearts for the people in their lives. Especially Bear, their doggie, who was the cutest Ring Bearer ever.
With anticipation of the first look surrounded by trees, we got Katie in her dress as the boys relaxed in a cabin near by. Allenspark was the perfect backdrop for this wedding. Serene, chill, full of nature, but down to party - and that's exactly what happened. They drank Tequila shots after the ceremony, assisted in the most fun wedding party photos, and danced the night away.
Katie and Jason, no one deserves this perfect day more than the two of you. I am so beyond happy that I got to be there to witness the beginning of your next big adventure. Thank you a million times over for being so incredible. I hope this new adventure together gets better each and every day. Your joy is contagious and I absolutely loved being surrounded by it on your wedding day. Cheers to many more decades of love, happiness + adventures!
Highlights: Allenspark Colorado, wildflowers, feeling like a part of their crew, mountain views, yelling "farts + buttstuff!" to make people laugh, the amazing geode decor, their sweet love, and an epic thunder + lightning storm for my drive home.
Dream Team:
Venue + Caterer: Wild Basin Lodge
Wedding Coordinator: Tommy Giaime
Florist: Babylon Floral Designs + Floral Design of Europe
DJ: Walter White
Dress Shop: David's Bridal
Tux / Suit / Ties: Men's Warehouse
Bridal Jewelry: Kyle Chan Design + Custom piece by bride's grandfather
Hair + Makeup: Kai Robinson Makeup - B Martin Hair
Wedding Rings: Love & Lux
Anthony + Komal
A Colorful Indian Wedding
When I stare at the screen not knowing where to start, I know it was a good one. Anthony + Komal's Colorful Indian Wedding at Lionsgate Event Center in Lafayette, Colorado was one for the books.
Going into this wedding, if I'm honest with myself and with you all reading this, I was flipping nervous. I had never photographed an Indian Wedding, and while I'm absolutely-without-a-doubt an all inclusive photographer, I just wasn't familiar with all the moments that I NEEDED TO CAPTURE. So days + weeks before their wedding, I did research, as any good documentarian would. I looked into what parts of the day are important, and asked the couple what parts of the day mean the most to them. I hope, with all of my heart, that I captured the day as they wish.
And now I want to photograph all the cultural weddings. ALL OF THEM. When I'm not in my comfort zone, creativity can flare up, and I'm faced with new traditions and new items to be photographed in new ways. I was happy as a clam (where did that phrase even come from?!).
Komal + Anthony, along with their family and friends: Thank you for welcoming me into your culture, into your traditions and into your wedding day. I will never forget how you made me feel so a part of the day. So welcomed. I want to be friends with you all, so whether that means you hop on another 24 hour flight back to Denver, or I make my way to you in India - I want to follow your lives. For those who live in Denver - we're meeting up soon. Like seriously, you're all super rad.
I could go on and on about the events of the day (The Baraat, the Dancing, the Rice + Rose Petals Throwing) but in my mind the photographs speak highly of the happenings and emotions. The only thing I will say, is that they all danced circles around me and I loved every second of it. So please, if you do nothing else today, scroll through this tiny little snippet of their day. Ps. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THEIR VIDEO FROM ALL DIGITAL STUDIOS. I get chills just thinking about the footage Brandon caught.
Highlights: The colors!, the amazing dancing incorporated into every part of the wedding - especially during Anthony's Baraat, getting to see a horse, the feeling of the unknown, the love between Anthony + Komal showcased in all their guests speeches, Komal's sweet smile and gorgeous outfits (yes! Multiple outfits!), The Fire Free Sparkler Send off (no fried hair - Thanks Scott!), working with Ashley at Lionsgate, the buffet of the best wedding food I have ever tasted in my entire life. Can I have more?!?!?!?!?
Dream Team:
Venue - Lionsgate - The Gatehouse
Coordination - Ashley with Lionsgate
Catering - Masalaa Restaurant
Ceremony Horse - Pony Express
Bakery - Das Meyer
Henna - Stephanie Rose Henna
Florist - Statice Floral
DJ - Norvan Entertainment
Videographer - All Digital Studios
Lighting + Design - Scott Lighting + Design
Hair + Makeup - Rock, Paper, Shears
Officiant - Chayantanya Das
Steve + Selena
Wedding Celebrations in the Mountains
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
Jon + Meaghan
A Free-Spirited Wedding
Ahhh, the great Riverbend. Nestled into the foothills of Lyons, Colorado, full of life and nature, it's a stunning location to set the tone for an outdoor wedding + celebrations alike. Its open landscape is great for dinner al fresco, but sprinkled with trees to make you feel like you're in a wooded campsite, its perfect for Meaghan and Jon to say their vows.
Colorado weather in the summertime can be as indecisive as a 7th grader picking out their first day of school outfit. Sunshine, clouds, rainstorms, hail, back to sunshine (sometimes all in 20 minutes). Meaghan and Jon's day did bring a little rainstorm during their first look, but thankfully the storm passed and we were able to enjoy the day exactly how they planned.
The ceremony was focused on individuals becoming one, the birth of their son Henry and how important family is. It was filled with laughter and lots of love. The sun is now lighting the far west, sweeping away the guests into a magical sunset as they enjoyed dinner, toasts and dancing.
Honestly, if you're reading this and are looking for a wedding venue, do yourself a favor and go check out Riverbend and The Farmette. They're magical places just perfect for a Colorado wedding. Plus, if youre a free-spirit like Meaghan, you can also get in the river!
Cheers to a lifetime of adventure Meaghan, John + Henry! I cant wait to see what comes your way!
Dream Team:
Venue: Riverbend, Lyons Colorado
Wedding Coordinator: Root and Gather Events - Darcy
Caterer: Lulu's Barbeque
Florist: Boulder Blooms
DJ / Band: Paul Vincent Frost (dinner musician) and Masontown (after-dinner band)
Rentals: Colorado Party Rentals and Harvest Table Company
Dress Shop: Aandbé - Hailey Paige
Tux / Suit / Ties: Men's Warehouse
Bridal Jewelry: ShaneCO and Kendra Scott
Hair + Makeup: Hair by Hillary and makeup by Kaytee Everhart
Wedding Rings: ShaneCo
Dessert: Sweet Cow Ice Cream Truck + Nothing Bundt Cakes
Appetizers: Debby McQueen
Liquor: Hazel's Beverage World
Alterations by Anne Thomas Couture
Shuttles: Premier Charters
Jen + Jaime
Love Always Wins
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
Howard Family
Family of 4: Almost
I drove out to Meggin + Patricks house to photograph this growing family two years ago for a maternity photography session ... one of my favorite family photo sessions to date. How bizarre is it that on the exact same day two years later, I drove out to their new house, for maternity session #2. The universe is crazy, I tell ya.
I get a little giddy every time a client contacts me about an in home session to document their newest family member, their love for one another, their traditions, or whatever! There is something so incredibly special to be invited into a client’s home and document a newborn and their family (Watch for their next session coming up, when Baby #2 comes home!). Storytelling through photographs has always been something I have loved and I am thrilled to now be offering these type of in home lifestyle sessions to my clients. Anyways, back to the real deal.
The Howards are such a unique family, with killer artwork throughout their house, design oozing from every room. Their personalities a mix of sweet, hip, interesting + bold: I couldn't adore them any more. Except when it comes to their spunky little one, Eleanor. She's so adorable, with big bright eyes, and a smile that lights up a room. She's got my heart.
My trick with Ellie? When she wasnt feelin' the photoshoot, I'd let her take a photo on my camera. Her eyes light up like the fourth of July, when she saw her work on the screen. What a doll.
Anyways, Baby #2 is on its way, and Meggin is a stunning mama-again-to-be, and Patrick a handsome daddio. Without further ado, I present to you, The Howards.
SIDE NOTE: Keep scrolling to see the most hilarious outtake, that had to make the highlight reel!
Fernando + Caroline
Engaged and Eating BBQ
These two met forever ago. Isn't that the best start to a love story? Fernando was hanging out with Caroline's brother quite a bit, until she stopped him one day and said "When are you going to ask me out!?" :) I LOVE IT!
On their first date, she met his mother, and Fernando knew she had to become his girl. So right there, on the spot, at the Frisco BBQ Festival, he asked her to be his. Fast forward to the next year, in the same exact spot, he asked Caroline to be his girl FOREVER, and proposed to her. Its totally fitting that we did part of their engagement session at the BBQ Festival this year, and next year on the same weekend of the festival they'll be tying the knot not far away from the BBQ and beer. I love the tradition these two have created.
Their love story is super fun, and I cant wait to photograph their wedding next year. Cheers new friends!
Jeff + Lisa
A Dinosaur-sized Day of Love
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!
Matt + Alli
A Sweet Engagement
Alli and Matt have been together for 2.5 years and they had the sweetest proposal: On their front porch after a night at dinner and the symphony. OMG RIGHT!? These two are so down to earth, fun and full of love.
Lookout Mountain was the perfect spot to capture their fun, sweet love for one another. Alli and Matt were so easy-going and it was such a joy to work with them. These two will be tieing the knot this winter at one of my favorite venues, and you bet your bottom dollar, I am so flippin' excited about it. Bring on the snow!
I truly couldn't be more excited for these two as they plan to commit to forever together.
Scott + Christine
A Mountaintop Wedding
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
Springtime Beauty
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
Traditional + Graffitti
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
Nick + Nikki
The Most Beautiful Engagement
Any one who makes up voices for their dog and talks for them - IS THE COOLEST HUMAN EVER. So on our drive out to the middle of no where, when Nick and Nikki (I know, I know, perfect name combo, huh?) talked for their doggie Aspen, I about lost it. I DO THAT ALL THE TIME! Glad I'm not the only one.
These two are so much fun with their constant laughter, jokes, up-for-anything-attitude, and most of all their love for each other. Its a sassy kind of love. The down to earth type that you know will be comforting in the rough times, but it's the everyday happy-go-lucky passion that will fuel their lives. I am so excited to capture their wedding day this winter.
“I have fallen in love with someone that shares my sense of humor. Nothing is better than looking over at the one you love and know they’re smiling for the exact same reason. ”
Austin + Kristin
A Rainy Day Kind of Love
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
Steve + Selena
Engaged Above the Mountains
You know how I'm constantly laughing, making jokes, being majorly sarcastic? Take that and mold it into this couple x 2! I honestly went home with a sore face from laughing so much.
Selena and Steve have been together 6 years, and I can imagine all 6 were full of smiles and hugs. They are amazing snugglers, which makes for a perfect night at home on the couch, but also helps during their engagement session! No prompts to get closer and kiss on each other a little! :) They made a quick stop in Breckenridge to view their wedding venue, hotels, and have their engagement session at Sapphire Point. Beautiful spot! Then they went off to Telluride to complete a Colorado road trip. I love when I connect so much with couples. Subaru Car Camping, Dancing + (trying) to rap to Warren G "Regulators ... Mount up!", and just being one with the scenery.
These two currently post up in Tampa, FL, but if Colorado is lucky enough they'll be residents by next year. Come on over to CO, my friends. We got some happy hours to catch!
Enough of my wordy shenanigans. Here is this loving couple! I can't wait till your wedding. Just a few short months!
Traveling Storytellers - Oregon
Our Travels
If you know anything about Shea and I, its that we love to travel. I don't care where the location is, close or far, we love everything about it. Our latest trip was so amazing, we're already planning on how to get back to Oregon. Like soon.
I decided to head out to the beautiful state a day earlier than Shea to get some solo camping in. I'm a field scout for a rad company called HipCamp, (which means I photograph campsites to showcase how cool they are before the public camps there). So, I booked a stay at a property west of Portland just outside of the Tillamook State Forest, picked up a Eurovan Weekender through GoCamp named Trillium, and went out to spend some time in the woods by myself.
This property I stayed at was one of those places that you pinch yourself while there. A farm sporting a rare breed of furry Hungarian pigs with 360 views of mountain ranges, volcanoes and the the far off city lights. A yurt had just been built on their property, and I was asked to be their first guest. I nearly didn't let them finish their question before I jumped right in to volunteer. Just like in the Hunger Games. Stunning, doesn't even describe it. Elk Moon Yurt was absolutely perfect. The bed is situated so that when you look past your feet at the end of the bed, you look right out the door to the mountains. #swoon. It took everything I had to leave that place in the morning.
more of our adventures after these photos below...
TRILLIUM. What a beaut, huh?
After picking up Shea at the airport, we decided to head straight to the coast. Being from Nebraska, and living in Colorado for almost a decade, one could say that I've been landlocked my whole life. Man, the ocean is hypnotizing. We started at Cannon Beach, drove south, and just stopped at little towns along the way. When we wanted to chill for a while, we found a place to park the van and explored a little. This is our favorite way of traveling. Not really having a plan, just truly embracing where we are and if it feels right, we stay. If not, we drive.
We found ourselves at ease while in Cape Kiwanda, so we spent a whole day exploring the beach and the restaurants. This little town had such a cool vibe. Along the beach was a huge incline very popular with the tourists. We climbed up and walked around, taking in the views, the waves. I could have stayed there forever. The ocean is such a magnificent piece of this world that we don't experience often. Shea even helped me out with a little photoshoot that you can see here, along with other photos I took throughout the trip. Self timer magic at its best. :)
Our second to last evening in this state that we now want to move to, I booked another field scouting property outside of Salem, OR close to Silver Falls State Park. This farm is a historical landmark, and an absolute gem of a place to camp. AND THEY HAVE A TREEHOUSE! The staff was wonderful, the land was full of friendly animals, and we loved every second, even the Oregon rain that pushed us into the van at an early hour of the night. A game of Shithead was played, beers were drank, and laughs were loud.
After sleeping in Trillium, our trusty camper van, for almost a week, we headed back into civilization and spent our last night exploring Portland, only solidifying our want to move to Oregon. Who knows if we will, who knows anything really, but knowing that we feel so passionate about the places we travel will continue to get us out exploring.
I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into our lives. Cheers, my friends.
Self-Timer Magic
Dancing Alone in the Woods
When I'm scouting locations, or hiking around, very rarely am I with someone else. This part of my business is my time to strategize, dream, and just be my weird, creative self. Everytime I go out, I'm carrying a dress or a unique piece of clothing, jewelry: You name it : so if the opportunity presents itself, I can point my camera towards myself and embrace the situation.
I've come to the point where I schedule our vacations around these types of situations. (Sorry babe!) Our latest trip to Oregon - Blog Post Coming Soon - was primarily to scope out the land and I found some epic spots to dress up. I brought along an outfit that could very well be worn for a wedding dress, and I hope to attract brides that think outside of the box for their attire.
A majority of these photos were taken by myself, using a Pulse (Nope that's not an affiliate link. I just love this product so much that I need to share it) but some were taken by my fiancé Shea. It's gotta be annoying to travel with a photographer. I'm constantly stopping and holding up our progress because of some pretty scenery or foliage. So for putting up with me and my camera: I thank you, Shea.
I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed taking them. There's something magical about hiking into a remote location, putting on a dress, and dancing alone in the woods. Cheers friends.
