custom wedding photographer | matt . leah

Matt | Leah

"You came because life is good. Life is so good you want someone to photograph it, to memorialize it for the rest of time so you can always remember how good it was..." -Matt

I find myself continuously telling people why I think photography is significant, but there is nothing quite as strong as someone telling me why they think it is important.

Matt, Leah and I have been brainstorming ideas on how to package and document their story for the last month. We focused on doing a custom, stylized post-wedding session that pushes for fresh, individualistic and unique imagery. Successful? Indeed. The images are filled with pictures of open hearts, anticipation, connection, memory, color, light and trust, along with images of Leah laughing at Matt's jokes only because she loves him. All this is the "what's important" that Matt is talking about.

Want to see more? Have no fear, there is a Part II. Matt and Leah's musical inspiration shoot will be posted soon.

This set of images is taken at the House of Commons. A lovely little tea shop that the couple frequents. THEY HAVE GRAPE JELLY NOW!

This next set of images was taken at Benders, which is the spot that a long wait in a line met the two and sparked the beginning of a forever relationship.

Allow me to team up with the shameless promoters of the H is O. Check out these folks on Saturday at Larimer. My experience is speaking to you Denver...It's totally worth it. In case you don't get this from the clip, they are a band. It's a concert.

Featured on Wedding Blog | Boulder Wedding

Check out this review of Selah, a Denver photographer along with a feature of a Boulder vintage wedding held at Hotel Boulderado. These are some of the best wedding photos alongside of one of my favorite couples Katie and Paul. Enjoy!

"She is all about making art of her photos, not just the stock formal shots. I treasure every single photograph I got from her....I had family and friends tell me that they were the coolest wedding photos they had ever seen. I would recommend her as a photographer in a heartbeat" - Katie

Katie and Paul's Vintage Boulder Wedding Story is featured on Style Unveild.

Interview with Denver Photographer

"My best photography happens when I am allow myself to be present and feel what is going on. Listening as a photographer requires much more than observing the picture. As a photojournalistic photographer, your heart has to be open too."To view Jackie's full interview dicussing Non-Traditional Wedding Photography, click the International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers Blog.

unique winter wedding photographs

[flo_one_half padding="20px 20px 20px 20px" class="" ]

unique winter wedding photographs

Matt | Becca

Matt and Becca committed the rest of their lives to each other on New Year's Eve 2010. The Colorado wedding in seven degree weather didn't  put any sort of freeze on their winter wedding day. Matt & Becca are one of those couples who exudes so much joy and anticipation that you can't help but be equally as excited about their union. I have photographed many of the couple's attendees prior to Matt and Becca's wedding. I typically tell clients, "The more we know you the more we can do for you." I believe that statement reigns true after this wedding. We were able to capture some genuine, photojournalistic moments. If only I could post all of the photos for everyone to preview.

Ever wonder what would happen if it snowed on your engagement photos?

[flo_button url="http://selah.dev/unposed-engagement-photos/" style="blue" size="large" type="round" target="_self"] Blizzard engagement photos [/flo_button]

[/flo_one_half] [flo_one_half_last padding="20px 20px 20px 20px" class="" ]

[/flo_one_half_last]

Everyone always wonders what it is that guys do in order to prepare for the wedding. Here, they in the most loving way are quoting Braveheart:  "They can take our lives but they can't take our freedom!"

This is the first time Matt and Becca saw each other.

This is the first time everyone else saw Matt and Becca see each other :)

It was freezing outside. Being able to see your breath is an excellent way to affirm that. It maybe wasn't necessary for me to make the groomsman do this for over a minute, but the goal was to find some good expressions. I believe this image was taken right after I made a joke that went the wrong way.

These are the hands of my favorite organist in the world. Paul and I have been a part of approximately 6-8 weddings together, and it is always a treat.

Though it was freezing outside, Matt and Becca's sparkler exit was a unique and epic send off.

Found below is a time lapse video of the dancing at Matt & Becca's wedding. Matt of Amore DJ Entertainment is one of the best, most professional and caring DJs I have worked with. This video showcases a bit of the energy that his services facilitate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5dRm8mTyVY

Keep clicking through the blog. The next two posts feature Matt and Becca's photo booth along with a tribute to Matt's groomsman.

Please tell us your thoughts. Review us on Yelp or Google

candid wedding photo booth

New Year's Eve Photo Booth | Best of 2010 It would only make sense that the year's best photo booth would occur on the last day of 2010. Here's to another great year. An open air photo booth is a great opportunity to feature your friends at their greatest. These images can make for great thank you gifts and possibly some great black-male.

fun groomsman portraits

A Tribute to Matt's groomsman It's freezing...yet the best day of this best friends life. All it takes is a group of best friends getting together to celebrate their brother...a few interactive prompts and you have yourself a set of character filled groomsman photographs. They kind that the guys would be proud to hang on their wall. The kind of photographs that will help you to remember the things you love about these guys.

It has been a joy to photograph this group of boys at recent weddings. The more I photograph them the more ridiculous they get, which makes them worthy of their own blog post. Cheers to Matt and your wedding party. These images get better every time.

Unique Fashion Wedding Photography

I had the honor of photographing Jill and Ryan for their vintage post wedding session with Brian of Muntz Photography. These images were taken quite some time ago, but as I was sorting through digital files I found myself lost and inspired in this folder's images.The couple's brown suits were indeed the unique attire the bride and groom wore for their wedding. These images represent a new side of unique wedding photography. I love these photos so much. The unique wedding photographs were taken downtown Denver in the dark. The lighting and post production make these feel so dreamy. I just couldn't resist re-posting these.

Let us know what you think! Review Selah on Yelp or Google

Photo Booth tips featured on ISPWP

Photographers:  Are you struggling to find a way to create fun and candid images during the wedding day? Adding in the photo booth can make for a fun option for clients who are in love with photography. Our open air photobooth is manned by an actual photographer. We don't print out the images on the spot but the clients receive the digital files. They make great thank you gifts and can also be a sure way to get a photo of all your crazy guests. Check out Selah's article featured on the International Society of Professional Wedding Photographer's blog:"5 tips for Wedding Photo Booth Success"

These tips help to understand how as photographers, you can set up the environment and interact with the guests to help get the best out of them.

emotional weddings

Emotional Weddings like this

Emotional weddings like this are my favorite. As a photographer, they invite me in to the story immediately. This couple opened up and allowed the kind honest documentation to flow.

Chelsa and Nick exchanged vows in Kearney, Nebraska, on a brisk, sunny September afternoon. Chelsa and I grew up together going to drama camps and participating in any activity where we could perform or express ourselves. She sings, and she was always traveling to some contest when she was young. I believe I proclaimed myself your manager at some point. That didn't last long, but I've always been a whole-hearted fan since the beginning. These images are so special for many reasons. I love how there is a distinct feeling and story in each of them. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have been able to participate in this experience with you both. There are a million things I would like to put words to that I thought and learned during this day.

Introducing the Bennett's:

This is where you should go to youtube and type in "Can you Feel it" by Jackson Five and then finish looking at the rest of the images. In case you actually do it, find the 2001 final concert version.

And the award for excessive photobooth users goes to Channing, Jessica and Andrea. At one point they asked if they were taking too many photos and generally I say not at all...but this time smiled and said "Ahhh..." But girls, the more the merrier right? This beauty is an award winner. Chelsa and Nick were able to display a wide range of their personalities in their photos. They were one of the best, nonprompted photo booth couples I've seen.

vintage DIY wedding

Vintage DIY Wedding I had my GPS on my dash, Google maps on my phone and my dad on the line (who has been everywhere ten times) trying to find the shortest way to a little museum. It was a privilege to celebrate Kody and Veronica's vintage "destination wedding" held in Alliance, Nebrasaka. I have posted somewhere within the text on my website, "The more we know you, the better we can do for you." For this wedding that statement is as true as ever. There is a unique sense of knowing that comes when you have grown up with one another. This wedding reminded me of how much I love people from Central Nebraska. I hope you experience nothing but the deepest blessings. Much love! The Wadas wedding...featuring Matt the usher/part Native American.

This is Veronica's party dress that she changed into the before the reception. The lace on the dress was from her grandmother's wedding dress, which was also the dress her matron of honor wore for her wedding. I'm thinking about giving a discount to people if they promise to let me do funny things with them. Kody has always been a ladies man. Veronica left him for a minute and elementary school girls began flocking. Dear Matt (on the far right) will you please be in all my weddings? What the heck is this, right? Carhenge. It is as ridiculous and wonderful in real life. The wedding colors were Peacock. We went into the museum after hours to get this award winning image.

After this moment I ran over to the videographers and said, "Documentation like this isn't justified by a photo. I was really glad it was covered by video too."

The "true blues" Verons best friends all dressed in blue.

vintage boulder wedding | hotel boulderado

"Here is the deepest secret nobody knows(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide) and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)"

Above is an excerpt from i carry your heart by ee cummings (one of my favorites too) which is one of the poems read during Katie and Paul's wedding ceremony at the Greenbriar in Boulder. Katie has a love for the arts and it strung through every detail of their personal and intimate wedding day. The couple had a small, intimate wedding (around 80 people) and held a larger reception the following day. I had never heard of anyone doing this before, but think it is a great idea. The day was relaxed, personal and a perfect fit for Paul and Katie's personality. This was indeed a one of a kind wedding. We loved being a part of it. Congrats!!

The above images were taken inside Hotel Boulderado. The hotel is so unique and is said to be one of Boulder's first hotels. It is a maze upon first entering, but incredibly original. The backdrop was a great fit for their vintage wedding style. Katie had a great time spinning in her dress, but not such a great time when the wind came up. We love this one :) Katie is so beautiful! We love her individuals if you can't tell...

symbolic wedding wildflowers

Last weekend I was honored to be this flower's maid of honor. I carried a slue of disposable cameras with me through the wedding week. There is something really lovely to me about documenting with disposable cameras. It is impulsive, unpredictable, and unplanned yet very present. I don't ever look through the viewfinder. Those images are still to be developed... maybe in the next year or so. It tends to be best that way. I didn't photograph this wedding but was honored to experience it. Whitney's colors were "wildflowers" and the theme appropriately strung through much of our weekend experiences.The morning of her wedding we sat outside in the crisp air around a vase of these wildflowers. We talked about how God has made us as perfect and beautiful as the flowers. That we were made to give beauty without asking or expecting anything in return. Vulnerability and openness comes when we meet light and water, and is to be given with no requirements or expectations. There should be no fear in the unique openness, as that is the way we were made. The symbolism is endless, and I think many of us that were there that morning are still praying to be more like the wildflowers. These images were taken a few days before the wedding. Whitney's hair is probably still wet from jumping out of the shower and she doesn't have any make-up on...which really enhances the beauty. She is raw and pure and perfect amidst the like flowers. Out of all of these images the ones that stand out to me the most are those that show her movement in the community of flowers. I'm not sure what to make of her looking down but there is such a story in her activity within the flowers wildly giving. Whitney and Dayton's post wedding session will be coming along in a few weeks. Hold you breath for that one.

wedding photojournalism | wash park wedding

My favorite wedding

James and Flora Jane exchanged vows on a lovely Sunday afternoon at Denver's Wash Park. I loved everything about their unique, non-traditional wedding. From Flora's artistic flare in all the details to the mini hot dogs and cotton candy. Every piece of the wedding was such a documentation of the couple's character. Though it is rare, from time to time I get to work with a couple, like Flora and James, who are as quirky as I am. When people say, "Do what ever you want," I smile ,wondering if they know what they are getting themselves in to. You both are so great and I am thankful for your willingness to be unique. I can guarantee that your images are one of a kind and some of Denver's best wedding photographs. Thank you again for reminding me what makes me passionate as a wedding photojournalist.

adam . heidi | classy wedding photography

Every once in a while I get so excited about the things I document that I can hardly wait to begin working on them. This may be the first time that I actually started sifting the photos right when I got back from the wedding :). It's been a bit torturous waiting for Heidi and Adam to return from their honeymoon before I posted their preview. I love these images so much. Heidi is one of the most beautiful brides I have photographed, which is greatly complimented by the beauty within the couple.  As it should be, Adam had to work hard for his bride. I believe he asked Heidi's dad three times and had to pull her out of a tree to propose. The couple will be living in Denver as Adam enters in to his final Pastoral training and Heidi teaches at St. John's Lutheran School. You both have been such a blessing to work with and joy to photograph. I can't wait to show you more.

To view more of the couple's preview visit out facebook page.

Some of our favorite things about the day:

-The Ring Bear and Flowergirl's dressed in traditional German costumes

-Heidi changing in to her mother's suit she wore at her wedding along with wearing her mother's wedding shoes

-Wildflowers

-The maid of honor speech

-Suspenders

-Attention to detail and sentiment

-The cookies at the reception :)

Artistic wedding Pictures

[flo_one_third padding="20px 20px 20px 20px" class="" ]

Artistic wedding Pictures

Normita and Josh met at a funeral and have married each other three times. When explained, it's all very normal and practical. Yet, upon leaving out the details it makes everything sounds quite interesting. So, I'll just leave it at that. QUESO! I yelled at Normita's family during formals. Her family traveled all the way from Mexico to experience this special day. I'm sure they  thought I was an idiot, but I was deeply entertained. I impressed myself with  how much conversational Spanish I pulled out. Like "hace caliente." and "como esta."(brilliant right?) Ben and I were welcomed in Brighton, Colorado by a creamy cloud cover at a beautiful location. This was the first time Ben was a second shooter with Selah, and let me tell you, he was amazing. His perspective behind the camera along with his perspective on life was so fitting and refreshing. I felt like we had worked together for years. The day was filled with a wonderful energy and importance. We are so thankful to have been there to help you remember it. If you notice, a member of the bridal party looks very similar to a member to an attendant we photographed in Nebraska the day prior... Ashley told me that her biggest regret from her wedding is that we didn't photograph it, so I think it is her goal to make sure we photograph every wedding that she is in. I believe this is the third one. I'm so thankful for your trust and referrals Ashley.

Check out more artistic wedding photos

[flo_button url="http://selah.dev/galleries/artistic-wedding-photos/" style="grey" size="small" type="round" target="_self"] Artistic Wedding Pictures [/flo_button]

[/flo_one_third][flo_two_third_last padding="20px 20px 20px 20px" class="" ] [/flo_two_third_last]

fun wedding photographs

[flo_one_third padding="20px 20px 20px 20px" class="" ]

Fun wedding photographs

Alex and Leah exchanged vows last weekend in Seward Nebraska. It was a one of a kind wedding for me. I had another wedding booked the next day in Colorado, which resulted in me only photographing  half of the day. Though I was initially stressed at the thought of last weekend I ended up so thankful for the way things worked out. This batch of images is maybe some of my favorites from the season. There is such genuine joy and personality in every moment. You can feel the love. Many many blessings Alex and Leah.

The Photobooth Awards go to... our photobooth favorite: Leah's mom funniest yet not so funny photo: the pregnant lady holding a beer milo queen award: Peggy Koopman excessive users: Danae, Ashley & the guy with the stick pony best smile: the stick pony looks like a superhero couple: Dave & Rebecca Anderson best impersonation of a one man mariachi band: Jessica Topil creative use of chalkboard award: Ashley & Abbie best use of pom pom as hair: Marcus Nathan best sneak in the photo award: Ben Ahlman creepiest faces, nicest guy: Joel Endorf best dance moves: Andy Banahan photographers favorite: the picture of the man that walked in front of Whitney in the middle of the photo booth and didn't notice. [/flo_one_third] [flo_two_third_last padding="20px 20px 20px 20px" class="" ]

[/flo_two_third_last]

Large family wedding | Jon . Rachel

Before there was a "Jon and Rachel", Jon told me that he wanted me to take his wedding photos if he ever got married...and here we are :). The wedding was held in Seward Nebraska and the reception was in Concordia's Campus Center. Being back made me a little dizzy, the air at CU is filled with so much for me. He and Rachel are fellow Concordia Alum and I believe this is the third time I've photographed Jon in a wedding. Rachel and I worked together in the student life department and spent many hours having one on one's together.  I clearly remember when Jon first came in to the picture..... They began taking long runs together and when I started to notice Rach beem with energy upon talking about her work outs, I knew there was something different about this one. The relationship seemed to be unexpected and divinely knit. There is always something really unique and intimate about being a part of someone's wedding day like I am able to, but it without a doubt is illuminated when I have experienced a significant part of someone's heart. Jon and Rachel, it was such an honor to be a part of your day. Even more, it has been so beautiful to see the way that you've changed and become as a result of the love you've been given.

Your wedding was so genuinely you and I love being a part of weddings like that. Star Track for the father daughter dance? Oh yeah.

Small town wedding | Country Wedding

Small town wedding in Nebraska | Jamie and Johnny The heat index was 110 degrees on a humid Nebraska Saturday afternoon. A perfect day for a wedding at the lake, right? It was so neat to be a part of Jaimie and Johnny's day. Jaimie was one of the first seniors I ever photographed and little did we know,  just a few years later I would be documenting her wedding. Everything about the day was so uniquely designed to fit  the couples personalities. The dresses and reception area were filled with color and energy.

The wind started picking up right before the ceremony and the oh so familiar Calamus storm clouds were rolling over the lake. There ended up being no rain, and the clouds provided a beautiful backdrop for the wedding. Jamie and Johnny's reception was held in  the Comstock Community Hall and the couple was escorted by motorcycles. The Community Hall is a very old little building on main street Comstock. The town itself is has a population of 80ish about is about 5 city blocks in length. There is an old bar next to the hall and the floor collapsed in it not to long ago. Every time people started jumping around during the dance I found myself holding on the wall preparing for everyone to go down...and an award winning photo op.

Comstock Nebraska, where dream's come true. This was such a fun wedding. Thanks Jaimie and Johnny!

Check out more of the preview on our facebook page.

Creative Wedding Photographs | Ashli . Shane

Creative Wedding Photography I must begin by thanking Ashli, Shane and the rest of their wedding crew. The scary and exciting thing about weddings is that you never know what's going to happen. The "never knowing" began with all of us bathing in heat and mosquitoes during our time at Stolley Park. This was lovingly followed by my car getting hit in the midst of our tightly planned schedule. Thankfully, the officer was sympathetic and hurried things along  as I was setting up my lights outside of my car and preparing to send Whitney off on her own. It was one of the many Improv lessons Whitney learned during this wedding. Thanks to Whitney and her newly birthed assertion, we successfully ran through formals with time to spare. Though we had to remind ourselves to breathe, the one liners were coming out of the woodwork. After the fact I am always thankful for the chaos...it makes a better story.

Ashli and Shane, you both are wonderful and I am so thankful that we were able to be a part of your day. This one will go in the books.

--Also, I have a new favorite subject to photograph. I like to call him "Taylor". He has many names for me - "Ferg" is common, but my favorite  isn't blog appropriate (it is steak seasoning appropriate, however). To view more of the preview visit our Facebook like page- the link is below.

Colorado Springs Wedding Photographer

A tattooed wedding with bulldogs and a creative bride and groom Brian and I photographed Travis and Carrie over a year ago, Downtown Denver. It didn't take me long to fall in love with their unique style and expressive nature. As I have began the post production of their photo's I've already had numerous moments that have left me lost in the pictures. I usually get a little emotional at the ceremonies, but not typically when I am editing the photos of the ceremony :). You both told so much about yourselves last weekend and I am in awe of the beauty that Sarah and I witnessed. This is what photography is all about.

Travis and Carrie's wedding took place at the beautiful Lodge at Cathedral Pines in Colorado Springs. To view more of their image preview visit out Facebook Page