This is how it should be done. I had that thought at least three separate times while shooting Shelly & Daniel's fabulous wedding in Estes Park. For three days, I watched their love for each other, the kindness and playfulness they shared with their friends, and the way each of their separate families had already become one huge family, and I loved every moment.Okay (deep breath). This post is going to be HUGE. Actually, I could probably devote an entire blog post to Shelly's facial expressions :) She is so animated and expressive, making her a blast to work with. Excitement, contentment, and joy radiated out of Shelly & Daniel and everyone close to them. I love shooting at Della Terra, and I strongly encourage you to take a look at them if you're thinking about getting married! It's perfect for photographers - it's like it was designed with photographers in mind. I love it! Congratulations you guys! I am so so thrilled for you :)
Venue : Della Terra Mountain Chateau, Estes Park
Florist : Floral Design of Europe, Estes Park
Dress: Sottero & Midgley
Shoes : Liz Claiborne
Daniel's mom's reaction to seeing Shelly in her dress :
Want a two story indoor waterfall with amazing backlighting? Yeah, sure, Della Terra's got that.
Brigitte from Floral Design of Europe created these stunning arrangements :
The image below feels like it summed up the wedding for me. Shelly's family genuinely loves Daniel's family. Daniel's family adores Shelly's family. This is how it's supposed to be (and this was an "outtake" shot in between family photos, which makes it twice as sweet.)
A little drizzle wasn't stopping anybody.
I LOVE this shot on the left, below. Shelly had no idea I was shooting them walking away, and that's what made it perfect.
Here's part of what makes Shelly so cool. "Yeah, sure! I'd love to get in this great bathtub in my wedding dress and curl up like I'm sleeping inside an egg. No, that's not weird at all!" Thanks for making me feel normal, Shel :)
I challenge you to not smile while looking through the ceremony:
Not only is Della Terra in a totally unbeatable location, but they shuttle you around everywhere in golf carts, like you're really important. These little guests were loving the star treatment :)
Right about now, I have to give a huge shout-out to DJ Austin Quinty from 1s and 2s DJ Company. I have seen my fair share of weddings, and I've definitely sat through my fair share of wedding DJs. I really can't recommend him highly enough. He was laid-back, classy, and fun, and I'm pretty sure I didn't hear "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy" one time. Thanks for being so cool, Austin.
Phew! That was a ton of images. But - I think you'll agree- totally worth it. Stay tuned for Shelly & Daniel's Day After/ Trash the Dress shoot in Rocky Mountain National Park :) Congrats guys! Hope you had fun in Hawaii!