Weddings Archives -

Category: Weddings

February 4, 2019

Lexci and Peter at Devil’s Thumb Ranch

I still get a serious case of the jitters before every wedding. 20 years into this game and I still feel like a fraud. What if I don’t nail an important moment? What if I annoy the wedding party? What if, what if, what if. I want to produce my best work for EVERY WEDDING. I pour all of my heart and energy into each and every couple. I know how important my job and I know the gravity of each and every moment. So I guess it’s only natural that I had a case of the nerves when I arrived to Lexci and Peters wedding last July. I remember being a little shaky right before I walked into the bride’s room, debating whether to take my water bottle with me. I should drink more water. Stay alert. Stay energetic. Breathe.

Lexci saw me walk through the doors, stopped what she was doing, squealed and gave me a big hug. I mean, there is no better way to start off a wedding day for a photographer than that. My nerves were dissolved instantly and she enthusiastically introduced me to all of her bridesmaids and family. This is Lexci. And Peter too. When I interrupted their dinner to take these two out for a quick sunset session, they were excited. We chatted and joked and talked lenses while enjoying the blue hour (Peter is also a photographer). I had no nerves. I didn’t over think things. I was present with friends. I felt so embraced.

Obviously this wedding wasn’t about me. I haven’t written a sentence about how exquisite everything was. How inky the sky against the lush grass of Devil’s Thumb Ranch. How handsome Peter was…how gorgeous, Lexci. And the flowers-they were to die for. It truly was one of the prettiest weddings I’ve been to. But what stood out to me about this wedding wasn’t in the details, but in the hearts of the bride and the groom. Lexci and Peter are two extraordinary people who make everyone around them feel loved an appreciated. They know how to laugh and make fun of what to others might be a bummer (can I say extremely windy first look?) They are good people, good friends, the best couple, and they also throw one hell of a party. Thank you for the honor, Lexci and Peter. Happy almost 7 months of marriage 😉

September 19, 2018

Jordan and Pat’s wedding — and a bit about gratitude.

Every once in awhile a couple crosses my path and I find myself feeling extraordinarily grateful. I’m grateful that I get to make a living doing my art. And I’m grateful that I get to make my art with such remarkable people. Jordan and Pat set the bar. They are Authentic. Kind. Creative. Stylish. In-love. Today was one of those mornings when I genuinely woke up feeling grateful and excited to to write and share the images from a wedding.

I met Jordan serendipitously through a wedding coordinator 7 or 8 years ago. Little did we know then, that we share a long line of friends and history. Jordan’s Grandmother lived right next to my grandmother out in Eastern Colorado and were best of friends. When Jordan found out 7 years ago that I was going to name my daughter Ramona after my grandmother, she put two and two together. Ramona Harris. Julie Harris. Nonie (my grandma, Ramona). I learned that Jordan is almost a cousin to me. And that was just the beginning… As I’ve gotten to know Jordan and Pat, I’ve come to appreciate who they are so much. I find myself wanting to connect with them more and more every time I look through these pictures and relive their wedding day, and I hope that this will be just another page in our history. I hope to foster a deeper friendship with them and get to know them even more. And so I feel grateful. I feel grateful that my art has brought me to Jordan and Pat. Thank you, guys for giving me the opportunity to get to know you and the honor of shooting your wedding. I adore you both so much

February 14, 2018

Laura and Mike’s Wedding at the St. Vrain in Longmont

When I thought I was done photographing weddings, I didn’t think about all of the friendships I would miss out on. I forgot how many people I had met and come to love, simply because of my career as a wedding photographer–people like Laura and Mike and their precious son, Levi. Its these relationships, these beautiful people full of light and love and stories fairy tales are made from that I’ve missed.

Laura and Mike have quite the story–they’ve journeyed from loss and heartbreak to a renewed hope. They have trusted to love again and they know that above all, family is their sanctuary. This was all so palpable at the St Vrain on 12/28. Laura and Mike’s wedding was more than a beautiful wedding (that, it was!). It was also a tribute to hope, joy, love and God. All the fruits.

Thank you Laura and Mike for reminding me that love is so much bigger than a rapid heart beat and a flutter. Your love is so clearly unconditional–for each other and for Levi and for all of the wonderful family that surrounded and supported you on your wedding day. Blessings.

September 27, 2017

Nicolle and Hunter

It’s been so long since I’ve blogged. Months, actually. It’s been years since I’ve blogged consistently. I miss it. I miss the frosting on the cake–the final words that wrap up a project. I miss the meditation on each wedding or session and recalling the highlights.

But getting back into blogging is like starting a workout regimen. It’s hard to get back on track. I’m not entirely sure where to begin. So in an attempt to gather some inspiration, I went out and searched the string “wedding blogs”. What I found solidified both my decision 3 years to ago to stop shooting weddings, and also why I’ve started to do them again. I’m pretty sure I stopped shooting weddings because of these blogs that I visited today. I was reminded of how exhausted I was with the obsession over the details of a wedding: The “Season’s Hottest Hues”, “100 wedding cakes almost too pretty eat.” Trends, trends, trends, money, money, money, etc etc. What happened to the WEDDING? I was so frustrated by the pressure I felt to highlight all this extravagance so that I might be featured on one of these blogs, that I lost sight of what I’m best at. I’m not making my best work when I’m fretting over the perfect light in which to photograph the wedding shoes (they look much better on the brides feet in my opinion), or setting up fancy table shots. I’m doing my best work when I’m watching the wedding. The union of two souls, the emotional father’s of the bride, the butterflies right before the first look or march down the aisle, the friends and family gathered in support. These are the beautiful details I aim to capture. So while these blogs reminded me of what I don’t love about the wedding industry, I was also reminded that there’s a lot of room for photographers and couples alike, who don’t care as much about the table runners. There are many photographers and couples who aren’t style-obsessed but just want a good party and still cry at a heartfelt ceremony, even if it’s in a simple field with no bells or whistles.

This couple last week was Nicolle and Hunter. I’m not saying their wedding was lacking style or beauty–quite the contrary, actually. Everything was perfect from the wedding dress (that made me want to get married again so I could wear it), to the babbling brook behind the ceremony. What I’m saying is that Nicolle never once mentioned how excited she was about anything other than what was going to happen between herself and Hunter–and maybe the gifts and letters she gave from the heart to her bridesmaids and parents. Nicolle and Hunter gave me the honor of photographing their wedding to be their eyes and witness to it all. To be reverent. It was an honor to be in their presence. It was an honor to hold that space for them and capture that authenticity. And they were an inspiration to get me back into this game of weddings.

I will continue to blog and let my images speak for themselves, but I had to put into writing today how lovely Nicolle and Hunter were to work with–how pure and truly beautiful from the inside out they were. Had Nicolle taken off her wedding dress and walked down the aisle in yoga pants, the radiance that poured from the inside out, could not have been hidden or stripped. The real details–the real beauty of a wedding, lies in the depth of the two who are joining hands, and in the love they share for one another and their friends and family. And depth, these two have in abundance.

January 24, 2017

Claudia and Alex’s Denver Wedding

Claudia and Alex had the quintessential Denver wedding. They stayed and prepped at the Crawford hotel, had their first look and drinks in Union station and had their ceremony at Blanc–one of Denver’s finest venues in the heart of the RINO district.

Claudia and Alex spent their day how everyone should–relaxed, with their best of friends and drinks in hand. It was a party all day.

October 19, 2016

Sara and Kenny

Let me just start by saying that Sara and Kenny opened the can of worms, so to speak, of me re-entering the world of wedding photography. I was done. I had sworn off shooting weddings for eternity (okay, maybe a little dramatic here). But then Sara got engaged, and obviously I had to make an exception. Sara is like family. Her sister Caitlin is my “soul sister”. Caitlin was my personal assistant for 3 full years–doing everything from running errands, to editing weddings, to shooting along side of me through many a tough gig. . I LOVE HER. And I LOVE HER SISTER. Sara is the yin to Caitlin’s yang. She’s the best sister and friend that Caitlin could have ever asked for. Sensitive, sweet, thoughtful, I want to adopt her. And then, there is Kenny. Wow–Kenny might genuinely be one of the kindest most honest man I have ever met. This is not hyperbole. He is an incredible man (not bad on the eyes, either). He is an insanely talented musician and the front man of Natural Geometry (he even laid down some tracks on the day of the wedding–see below).

I watch Kenny and Sara and all of their family and friends and I yearn to know them more. Their vivacity is contagious, and their loyalty, fierce. I am so honored that I got to be a part of this perfect union and beautiful wedding day.

sara-and-kenny-4184

October 13, 2016

Julia and Craig

Love is something that I believe can not be defined. In fact I looked up the definition in the dictionary before writing this and it was almost esoteric: 1.)An intense feeling of deep affection 2.) verb: to feel a deep romantic or sexual attraction to someone. So basically, by definition you CAN love somebody you meet at a bar or have just known for a few hours. The word and definition of the word, Love seem pale compared to the connection I see when Julia and Craig are together. They have something DEEP–something more organic and destined than Webster’s definition. It’s Love, of course, it just can’t be felt or described by anybody other than Julia and Craig. It’s simply just there–a beautiful connection so conspicuous and pure, it’s captivating. Julia and Craig’s wedding day was a celebration of this magic–the union of these two souls who are clearly made for one-another. The wedding day felt as equally pure and honest, and will surely go down as one of my favorites.

Congratulations, Julia and Craig. You guys have “it”. Thank you for letting me witness the magic. xo

August 26, 2016

Elise and Steve’s Boulder Wedding

Sometimes something will surprise me in such a way that it fundamentally changes the way in which I view that something. I don’t want to sound over-dramatic here, but after taking a 2-year hiatus from photographing weddings and thinking I had seen it all and was completely jaded, Elise and Steve’s wedding completely took me off guard and had me on the floor, remembering why I used to love shooting weddings. It’s not the details (although the flowers blew me away) or the dress–(okay Elise’s gown had me reeling with envy). It’s not the “connection” between the couple that gets me–the transparency of that is often lost in the fretting over all of these details (again, clearly not the case here). I was reminded, thanks to Elise and Steve that it is the community of the bride and groom that I am most enamored with–the pouring out of love and support from friends and family. It’s the reason none of us actually elope, isn’t it? We care too much about that community to remove them from the gravity of our wedding vows and celebration.

Elise and Steve’s wedding was seamless. Beautiful. Perfect. But what made me go home refreshed and excited to be shooting weddings again was that pouring out of love from everyone in attendance and the genuine gratitude and reciprocation from Elise and Steve. I was so engrossed in this community and all the warm, good energy, that I completely forgot that I was making images. I was present and part of something bigger than the photographer documenting the table settings. The camera and my images (at least at this wedding) were truly an extension of my heart, shot from my “third-eye”.

A huge thanks to Elise and Steve for allowing me to be a part of their community, if for even just one day–it was an honor. Also–many thanks to Calluna Events, Yonder, Alchemy and the St. Julien for seamlessly creating a wedding where Elise and Steve could just show up to their own party and love, and be loved on by their people.

June 30, 2014

Natalie and Dustin

Mother Nature had her own idea of how June 8th should look for Natalie and Dustin on their wedding day. It rained. Hard. But what can one do? Everyone rolled with it beautifully and it was actually a very romantic, and quite memorable day. To me, the rain added to the overall feel of Pastures of Plenty. The earth was more fragrant, the grass, more green. The colors in the pale pinks of the flowers popped and there has never been a more desirable June day for a bonfire and s’mores. There was even a whiskey fountain to warm people from the inside out. To me, it was perfect and intimate and something out of a woodland fairytale. Mother Nature always knows best and at the end of the day, Natalie and Dustin married their best friend and left in a warm farewell of sparklers and cheers.

April 1, 2014

A “Once in a 1000 Years” Wedding

Lisa and Brad’s wedding happened to fall on the day after the 1000 year flood hit. Originally, Lisa and Brad planned on having a small ceremony at the Sunrise amphitheater in Boulder, then head to Brad’s aunt’s home in Longmont for a small reception. Needless to say, there was no wedding at the amphitheater, but that certainly didn’t stop Lisa and Brad from having a wedding. They “rolled with it” and swiftly moved the ceremony to Brad’s aunt’s house and notified all their guests. They are my heroes. Their optimism and ability to make the best of a situation inspired me. They were incredible through all of this, knowing that a wedding would be a wedding no matter where they held it, and at the end of the day, they would be married. I honestly can’t imagine a more beautiful ceremony. Backyard weddings are always a personal favorite, but this one makes the top of the list. It was extraordinary. It was also incredible to see guests drive through flood conditions and brave the elements to make it to the event. Every guest was honored, and Lisa and Brad were honored by every guest. I couldn’t have dreamed up a better wedding for Lisa and Brad myself–Flood or no flood, this wedding goes down in history as one of my all time favorites. For so many reasons…

January 13, 2014

Jess and Warren at Keystone Ranch

To many couples, it boils down to the fine details. The perfect flowers, the right colored table clothes, the shoes, the dress, even the photos at the end of the day. But with Jess and Warren, it became clear very quickly that what was most important to them was community, and of course the actual ceremony that made them man and wife. After about 10 minutes into their beautiful ceremony out on the lawn at Keystone Ranch, lightning struck. Literally. There was a huge lightening storm and rain and wind and chaos and a random guest who stood up in the middle of the ceremony to request that everybody move inside out of a better “safe than sorry” mentality. It was a good call. It was getting pretty hairy– and by hairy, I mean hairs on the arm standing up, hairy. A bit disappointed, Jess and Warren moved the whole wedding into the tent and started over from the precession. And it was absolutely perfect. PERFECT! The laughter, the literal closeness of friends and family and the positive attitudes of everybody made this ceremony one of the best and most meaningful (certainly most memorable) ceremonies I’ve attended. I feel in love with Jess and Warren even more than I already was and I just think the world of them. They are fun loving, carefree, and above all, these two have their priorities straight. It is clear they are adored by many (including their furry child, Boo).

Kudos to Emily Campbell and Taylor Brownlee of Bella Events for rolling with the punches and pulling off an absolutely stunning event.

October 29, 2013

Emily and Alex at Bella Vista

Sometimes there aren’t enough words–or the right words, to accurately describe a certain couple. I guess I would say that Emily and Alex are simply exquisite.

Every few years I work with a couple who seem to be my “soul-mate” couple (for better words, without sounding creepy). They had me at hello. Their style, their sense of humor, their values, their friends. They are that couple whose wedding to me feels like I’m actually attending and reveling in the occasion, rather than working. Then I walk away and think–“I hope we can be friends after all of this over”.

Not to mention that Emily might be the most beautiful woman on the planet-Holy Cow. She was fun to photograph, to say the least. And Alex rivals Cary Grant. I mean, really. This wedding, this couple, was perfect all around.

October 18, 2013

Margarita and Kyle at Devil’s Thumb Ranch

Margarita and Kyle have a very special place in my heart. It’s like I’ve known them for years and they are old friends, but as I couple I’ve actually only known them for about 9 months. I have had the pleasure of working with Kyle and his daughter, Avalon on a regular basis in the past–Kyle has me photograph the two of them once a year and I always adore documenting their father-daughter-relationship, which seems so easy and comfortable. When Kyle sent me an email a year ago telling me he had gotten engaged to “the most amazing woman, Margarita”, I seriously got chills and couldn’t wait to meet her. And she is amazing. Kyle and Margarita found each other, love each other and seem to have so much RESPECT for one another that photographing them is just a breeze–it is the natural chemistry between them that shines through in these images, I think. I believe they are soul-mates.

A big Kudos to Kara Delay of Love This Day Events for making everything about this day sparkle even brighter. Love this gal’s vision…

October 11, 2013

Stacy and Ben’s Denver Greek Wedding

October 1, 2013

Christine and Tim’s Fall Wedding

There are a handful of weddings that are so incredible and blog worthy but have been sitting in the vault waiting for a rainy day, or a special occasion or in this case, an anniversary. Christine and Tim were married September 21st, 2012 and I’m just now posting these images. Christine and Tim’s engagement shoot was my first shoot after Ramona was born, and then their wedding fell the day before my sister’s bacheloretteparty which was out of state…and put me in the weeds with my post-production. Long story short, poor Christine and Tim’s photos were almost never showcased because of all these timing logistics, until today. I had been wanting to blog their wedding for awhile and this morning I was sitting out on my deck drinking coffee, marveling at all the changing colors and I actually thought of Christine and Tim, and their gorgeous fall wedding at Donovan Pavilion. This nostalgia, along with their belated anniversary is why I’m posting this right now. Honestly–the 2nd to last weekend in September must be the height of beauty for fall colors in the mountains. (Note to self, future brides).

My dear Christine and Tim–you guys freaking rock and I hope that you know how much I adored working with you albeit the very very late blog post. You are darlings and I hope to see much much more of you as your little family grows…. xoxo

September 24, 2013

Sara and Rene

I never had the opportunity to meet Sara and Rene before their wedding as they live in London. I never even saw a photo of them. But I knew they would be super cool when they asked me to shoot half of their wedding with film. I was obviously stoked as my love for photography is because of film. I love the soft focus, the skin tones, the grain. I love the ethereal and imperfect way that film can capture a moment almost better than digital. You will know which images were shot with film below.

Thank you Sara and Rene for trusting and hiring me to photograph your wedding as an artist. Your wedding day was spectacular.

September 6, 2013

Kendra and Jason Aspen Wedding

I had been looking forward to working with Kendra and Jason at this incredible wedding for a very long time. I knew it would be insanely gorgeous, and I knew they would have a whoppin’ time, above all. They met my grand expectations and then some. It was truly one the most beautiful, perfect weddings I’ve photographed. Kendra and Jason were as wonderful to work with as I knew they would be–handing me champagne all night and making me get out on the dance floor with them… It’s weddings like this one that make me remember why I love photographing weddings. Big thanks to Kara Delay with Kara Delay events for making this wedding shine. And Kendra and Jason–you are one smokin’ couple. xo

July 25, 2013

Maria and Michael at the Westin in Beaver Creek

Maria and Mike’s wedding in Beaver Creek was simply delightful. It was classy, elegant, and most importantly, a REALLY good time. These two know how to throw a party! But seriously, Maria’s elegant taste paired with Stacy Pisani’s impeccable style, this wedding was stunning. And Mike brought the house down with his moves and of course his devilishly handsome grin.

July 24, 2013

Molly and Jordan at Red Rocks Country Club

If only Molly and Jordan lived here in Denver. I think we would become great friends–that is, if they would have me. I ADORE these two. They are so kind. So authentic. So in love. So fun. I wish them all the best and hope they’ll come back to Denver to have their babies.

April 4, 2013

Melissa and Ray’s Winter Wedding at Devil’s Thumb Ranch

I may have to renew my vows with Jesse at 10 years (which is next year) and have a winter wedding like Melissa and Ray’s. I want Melissa’s dress, both head-pieces, the flowers, the candles, the ice-skating, the sleigh ride, and of course I want to do it all at Devil’s Thumb Ranch with the help and design by the one and only Kara Delay. Can I say it any clearer? This was my dream wedding. And I loved working with Melissa and Ray. I clicked with them the minute they sat down at my studio and grabbed each others’ hand. They are perfect for each other and are completely in love. And without all the beautiful details and snow and romantic candles, this still would have been a perfect dream wedding. Congratulations, Melissa and Ray!

March 14, 2013

Ashley and Brad’s Colorado Winter Wedding

Ashley and Brad got married on the 16th of February in beautiful Beaver Creek Colorado with their sweet son, Camden by their side. It couldn’t have been a more ideal winter wedding with fresh powder outside the church , drinks at a lodge followed by a sleigh ride up to a remote cabin for dinner. It was simply epic, thanks to Emily Cambell of Bella Designs. And of course to Ashley, Brad and Camden for their sweet smiles and true love.

February 27, 2013

Nadia and Doug’s Wedding at the Aloft Ranch

Nadia and Doug were married last September at the Aloft Ranch in Breckenridge. They had breakfast for dinner, had their two beloved dogs in the ceremony and danced their asses off. Nadia and Doug are simply some of the most fun-loving people I’ve met. Emily Campbell of Bella Designs rocked every elegant detail and kept things relaxed. It was a glorious day of perfect sentiments. I sincerely loved working with them and hope to see more of them in the months to come!

February 24, 2013

Kris and Myranda’s American Indian Wedding

Myranda and Kris had the most beautiful American Indian wedding at the C Lazy U Guest Ranch in Granby, CO. on September 8th. It was feathers and guns, leather and choppers, gun metal and crystals. It was love potions, high fashion and horses. Drum circles, teepees, and bald eagles. I’ve never photographed anything like it and I was so honored to work alongside such amazing artists as Myranda, all her incredibly talented, stylist friends, and of course Erin Hornstein of Plum Sage . You all made this wedding an absolute dream.

January 17, 2013

Marika and Pete’s Denver Greek Wedding

Marika and Pete had a huge Greek Wedding in Denver at the Assumption of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Cathedral followed by a beautiful reception at the Hyatt Convention center. Heather Allen of Table 6 did an incredible job coordinating the days events. The modern details were impeccable and the all white decor, glorious. And I don’t think I need to speak for the party photos below. Opaaa!!

I loved working with Marika and Pete–Marika is my new “Bride of many Faces”– she is so expressive and full of life! And Pete–well he simply had me in tears all day with his emotions. He is a sweeeeet heart!