carolyn & dan (aspen engagement photographer)

Carolyn & Dan forgave me for being super late to their engagement session when I called and explained that I was stuck on the highway behind an accident that involved a semi that had CAUGHT ON FIRE.  In hindsight I'm actually kind of glad that it worked out the way it did, because when I finally got to their adorable Aspen home, the light was simply perfect.  After our shoot at their home and at Maroon Bells (literally just down the road!)  we went out to dinner and ended up having one of the deepest conversations I've ever had with clients about Life, the Universe, and Everything, and I loved every minute.

Dan & Carolyn, you guys are SO WONDERFUL and I can't wait for your Aspen wedding - that meadow is going to be so stunning!

allie & jason (buena vista wedding photographer)

Allie & Jason's woodland wedding was absolutely lovely and perfect, down to the last detail.  It was held on her parent's property and home at The Reserve in Buena Vista and I loved the simple, dramatic elegance of their day.  I don't know if I've ever seen a lovelier bride...

Lorrie at Mountain Meadows provided amazing flowers, as always:

Isn't this location amazing?  I wish that's what MY backyard looked like...

(And thanks to Antero Event Rental for the lovely setup)

Seriously!  What a gorgeous couple :)

The moon was unbelievable :)

And fake (biodegradeable) snow for the last dance and exit!

Allie & Jason - thanks so much for allowing me to be a part of your gorgeous day!

lindsay & aaron (salida wedding photographer)

What began as love between a handsome bearded fisherman and a Katrina-refugee artist developed into this fabulous eclectic wedding and will continue on to a beautiful marriage as Lindsay & Aaron begin their life together.  Seersucker suits.  Louboutins.  Cruiser bikes.  Pedicabs.  Balloons. Two amazing dresses, paired with two amazing veils.  Live jazz band.  One amazing historic art deco home.  I loved absolutely EVERYTHING about this wedding!  I know a lot of you have been anxious to see the results of this fabulous day - enjoy your preview!  The rest of your images will be ready soon :)

Lindsay, you are absolutely radiant!

Lindsay looked especially lovely, thanks to my dear friend Peter at Mr. Beauty.  Oh, how I love working with Peter!

Lindsay & Aaron's families stayed at the Heister House in Salida - this totally amazing art deco home that's available for rent (and listed on the National Register of Historic Places!)  I love love LOVED shooting there.  And how crazy amazing is this gigantic bow veil?  I could have NEVER pulled it off - which is what makes me love Lindsay even more - she totally can :)  This girl has some serious style, in ways that I can only dream about.  Both veils were custom made by Sara Gabriel.

Love the Heister House and love dress #1 from J Crew!

One of the wonderful things about Salida is how most things are within walking and biking distance.  Since the ceremony at First United Methodist is only a few blocks away from the reception at the Salida Steamplant, most of the guests rode their cruisers, and Lindsay and Aaron took a pedicab :)

Guestbook?  Nah.  A signed paddle is way cooler :)

Dress #2 : A custom tea-length creation by the utterly fabulous Stephanie James.   I really cannot begin to explain how much I love the blue tulle.  I'm tempted to try, but my love for this dress is totally beyond words.

We had perfect lighting.  Perfect.

At one point during the reception, I overheard Lindsay & a guest talking about me.  Lindsay referred to me as " this awesome indie photographer".  This totally delighted me.

I always love shooting at the Salida Steamplant! What an excellent venue.

Unsuspecting dude catching the bouquet = do-over.

Lindsay & Aaron - you guys are wonderful!  I absolutely loved your wedding and I was thrilled to be a part of your festivities :)

shelly & daniel: the day after (destination wedding photographer)

Other than the fact that they're wicked fun, destination weddings are extra special because we get to shoot for a few days!  Shelly & Daniel recently got married in Estes Park, and the next day, we headed to Rocky Mountain National Park for a fun day after / trash the dress session.  I realized how spoiled I was when we were driving through the park and hit a traffic jam on the narrow, windy mountain road.  Huge black thunderclouds threatened in the distance, we hadn't started shooting yet, and I was getting a little frustrated.  I knew if we didn't hurry, we were going to get dumped on.  So, we're crawling along, we pass some elk on the road, and then traffic sort of let up.  It took me a few minutes before I realized that traffic was stopped FOR the elk - everyone was taking pictures out their windows and ooh-ing and aah-ing.  Me, I'm just like, "Elk, whatever, let's go."  People from all over the world come to Rocky Mountain National Park probably just to see the elk, and I see them so regularly that I don't care unless they're about to hit my car :)We finally found the perfect spot and pulled off the road and started shooting.  Within minutes, people were honking and waving and yelling congratulations from their windows.  One older German guy was cracking us up, shouting things like, (to Shelly) "You are ze best animal in ze park!"  and (to Daniel) "You are ze best hunter I have met!"  Which... you know... was a little awkward.  But made us laugh.  So there's that.

Anyway.  Here's to timberline, marshy fields of wildflowers, and knowing what the elk feel like in front of the tourists.

Then it got all dark & stormy & awesome.

theresa & jason (nathrop wedding photographer)

Oh holy wow, I have been so excited to blog this wedding, and it's gonna show.  Be prepared to be overwhelmed with a TON of images...  like, maybe way too many :) Theresa & Jason had one of the most magical, mellow, joyful, honest weddings I have ever been a part of.  I honestly enjoyed every minute.  I have loved getting to know them as friends and was blown away when they thanked me in their speech at dinner!  I loved the subtle colors that flowed together so well.  The dress was perfect, the flowers were astounding, the location was unbeatable, and the love was radiant.  Thanks for everything, J & T.  It was an honor to be there with you :)Venue : Chalk Cliff / Antero Hot Springs

Dress: Two / Clark by Rosa Clara

Shoes: Kate Spade

Flower girl dress: J Crew

Flowers : Plum Sage

Makeup : Peter from Mr. Beauty

Hair: Studio 24 Salon, Buena Vista

Ahh!  These flowers are ridiculous!  I've never seen anything quite like them.  I was in love!

A big thank-you to Katja with Antero Event Rental & Planning for helping make everything look so amazing!

Love this totally candid moment in between shots:

Campfires, paper lanterns, Christmas lights?  Yes please!

After the wedding was over and the guests were leaving, Katja (the event planner) and Michelle (the caterer) and I sat with our feet in the hot springs pool in the dark and relaxed a little bit before heading home :)

And I'll save my two favorites for last :)