spruce mountain ranch weddings

Natural, nature filled wedding images | for Jeff and Gretchen I believe Gretchen's first words to Jeff were something along the lines of, "so I hear we are soul mates." Jeff said that he was freaked out, but I've got a hunch he was secretly excited that their mutual friends had already paired them as the perfect match before the two had even met. That was many years ago and as you've likely figured out, here we are today celebrating the commitment of two pegged soul mates.

Aside from the couple being awesome, there were many details that were perfect. Larkspurs Spruce Mountain Ranch is one of the more personal and unique venue's in Colorado which melded perfectly with this wedding. The whole celebration was laid back and felt more like a really well planned party than your typical wedding. Gretchen by trade is an accountant, but I've got a feeling she has a pile of hidden talent outside of her number skills. We were blown away when we heard that she was the crafter of a life sized jenga game, an incredible corn-hole set and a few other yard games. Every part of the wedding was done well and filled with the couple's personality. These natural wedding images highlight much of that.

If you're more of a picture skimmer, make sure you surf your way down to the bottom of the blog posting for a dare I say "epic" starlit night photo of the two towards the end of the evening.

urban engagement denver

Urban , Artistic Engagement Photographer in Denver | for Paul and Sarah Now that we have their album cover finished, Paul and Sarah will need to start recording some music. It wasn't our direct intent to make these two look like rockstars, but it didn't take much to photograph their personalities in a way that develops a set of engagement photos to hang on your walls or glue to the cover of your favorite CD case.

These two will wed at the end of December in Colorado Springs. From the first e-mail exchange with Sarah I knew that I would love to photograph them. It may have been a bit biased as they came from a trusty referral who happens to be one of my favorite couples, Jeff and Angie. Their unique, Colorado mountain wedding is worth checking out if you've not already.

Here they are, Paul and Sarah. A passionate, kind, intelligent, laid back couple who we are honored to photograph.

Artistic engagement photographers

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Artistic engagement photographers

 for Hai and Nhu

We often wait for the best things. I am reminded of that as an infant miraculously grows inside of me and to another degree was reminded of this as we sat in the car during Hai and Nhu's engagement session awaiting a break in the rain. It seems to be without fail that the sky and light provides a brilliant piece of art every time a storm ceases and this session proved that. Natures beauty did a wonderful job highlighting the joy of this couple as we walked around Sloan's Lake and Cheesman park documenting their natural, fine art engagement photos. We couldn't have planned a more beautiful setting and I definitely couldn't have asked for a better couple to be in it. These two will wed on the East coast in just a few months.

Check out more engagement photos

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Wedding Photojournalists Vail

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Wedding Photojournalists Vail 

for Scott and Hilary

To visit a wedding in Vail, CO can only be a rewarding experience.  As wedding photojournalists Vail offers a mecca of opportunities to highlight the beauty of a wedding day story. With its assortment of fine hotels, high quality golfing, and majestic mountains in its perimeter, it's easy to get caught up and swept away in all the beauty. This is probably why Dallas couple, Scott and Hilary chose it as the location of what would be one of most superlative emotional days of their life. As wedding photojournalists, Vail offers one of the best backdrops Colorado has to offer. This combined with the great personalities of the family is why we at Selah were so thankful to be a part of it.

Despite the unexpected rainstorm and some last-minute accommodating, the day was a success from the get go. Their location for first look was on a private access peninsula near the golf course. A little overcast clouds, the surrounding foliage, and the sincerity on Scott and Hilary's faces made this a photographical daydream. We soon did a series of photos of the couple near their honeymoon getaway car, Hilary's father's Bentley. We have yet to see a car with better reflective properties.

Due to rain (which is considered good luck by the superstitious), the location of the ceremony was moved indoors. This was a happy accident in that everyone fit and everyone could see, and everyone got to stand in their wedding as they made their vows and had a traditional Christian wedding service.

The reception, of course, was the birth of many highlights and memories, starting with a large group flashmob dedicated to the bride and groom, and completely unbeknownst to them. There were tears of joy and much laughter, especially once we saw what an amazing dancer Hilary's mother, Merrole, was. It's people like this that make us love being photojournalists that document real moments. These photos don't make everyone look joyful, they show the joyful and genuine interactions...the things I hope that people never forget.

Our Sixth Man Award (our favorite person to photograph besides bride and groom) was a challenge this time. It came down to the MOH, Kelly, who had a wide assortment of faces and poses in her quiver and single-handedly made the success of the photo booth, or to her husband (Hilary's brother), Jonny, who came with handstands and lightning bolt socks. When your family this fun, your wedding is bound to be a momentous event, and in the case of Scott and Hilary, it certainly was, and we were happy to be there.

A big thank you to Christine of Soiree Studio for planning the day in a way that allowed us to photograph so well for Scott and Hilary. Weddings at the Sonnenalp are some of our favorite. It's a highly recommended Vail wedding venue for us.

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Denver Clocktower Wedding Photographers

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Denver Clocktower Wedding Photographers

 for Eric and Tiffani

Because of a childhood steeped in folklore and Disney movie, most people associate clock-towers with hunchbacks or women with long hair in captivity. Though neither when Eric or Tiffani were long haired or hunchbacked, it didn't take us long to guess that they were bound to creative, fun, and our kind of people. They did not disappoint.

With a cozy, Sunday afternoon wedding that was small in number, Eric and Tiffani booked the upper levels of the Denver clock tower in downtown Denver on 16th street. For an urban wedding photographer in Denver, this historical landmark of a location made for a beautiful downtown wedding and some really great aesthetics for artistic wedding photos. With the rocky mountains as a backdrop, the skyscrapers on the horizon, and a close-knit group of smiling family members from out of of town, we were able to take some wonderful shots of some wonderful people.

Some other highlights were, the bride and groom moving chairs and helping the caterers carry in their equipment. This kind of everybody-pitch-in mentality made things go really smoothly and highlighted the servant-like down to earth nature of the couple. Another great part of the night was the catering was Chipotle... needless to say, your photographers were pretty excited about that. Furthermore, the music was hired out to a professional guitarist who had an uncanny resemblance to actor, Zac Efron (his actual name is Aaron Medina and was quite impressive). The wedding cake was as delicious as the bride and groom were awesome.

These were the type that make you say, "you guys should get married more often. You're doing great!" We did say this, but neither Eric nor Tiffani seemed up for it. We were honored to be a part of their special day and to record their Midwestern awesomeness. The reputation of the clock tower owes them a big "thank you", and so do we. [/flo_one_third] [flo_two_third_last padding="20px 20px 20px 20px" class="" ]

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Wedding Photojournalists in CO

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Wedding Photojournalists in CO

 for David and Laura

As Wedding Photojournalists in CO, we couldn't have asked for a better set of people to tell stories about. If there were an Oscar Awards night for weddings, first of all, that would be a good idea, but second of all, the recent wedding of David and Laura would be tough competitors in many of the categories. Having some experience already with weddings with Laura's family, our expectations were high already for the catering and for the "coolest mother of the bride" categories (her mother catered the wedding). What we didn't see coming were the other parts of this celebratory occasion that made this wedding one of the most fun we've attended all season.

The ceremony

The ceremony itself was traditional, sincere, and meaningful, taking place in the church Laura grew up in. This included some wonderful traditional music. The most impressive part, was the two families put together all of their musical members, which numbered about 30 - 40, and sang an a cappella benediction during the service. It was amazing.

The reception

During the reception, the bride and groom did a joy-filled first dance, which was followed by a highly impressive father-daughter dance; possibly the most entertaining we've ever seen. It started slow and then suddenly broke into a different, faster song, during which Laura and her dad performed a choreographed dance that had to have taken hours to prepare.

The nights highlight?

This was followed by the highest photo booth participation we have ever seen since the Donaghy-Felton wedding of 2003. The guests knew what to expect and were lined up all night ready to throw out a fun expression for the couple to remember them by. David and Laura put their wedding together with the best possible ingredients: a lot of fun people in a room. When people like that get together, only good things happen, and we have the photographs to prove it. We're so thankful to be a part of their big day, and secretly wish Laura's folks would have another kid so we could get the Elmshauser wedding beans a third time.

And now for the coveted sixth man award that we give to wedding attendee who we photographed almost as much we did the couple: Molly the bridesmaid. It was only right to begin this story with the photo booth so that we can prove to you right away the deserving repentance of this award.

Here's to David, Laura and Molly. Congrats you three.

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photographers at the della terra

Photographers at the Della Terra | for Jeff and Sarah As I work on the edits of this wedding, all I can think about is Sarah's Christmas-like smile, Jeff's gracious interactions with everyone, the musical serenade during the ceremony, the 80's music at the reception, the killer dance moves of the lady in the green dress, and the kids dancing at the reception like it was the best moment of their lives.

I was fortunate to have a talented wedding photojournalist, AD, alongside of me to help document the wedding day in a way that allows me to cut down my description in this blog posting. Thanks to him, the family, wedding party and great staff at the Della Terra Chateau we had yet another great experience photographing an awesome couple.

vail wedding photojournalists

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vail wedding photojournalists

| for Matt and Roberta

If anyone were to make a snap judgment based on photos alone, they would accuse us hiring good-looking people who are professional dancers to stage a wedding for a photo shoot. However, the truth is that Matt and Roberta and just that handsome and hang out with people who are just that talented. It may have been Vail's remarkably high elevation taking over the international mix of party goers (mostly Brazilian), or it may just have been that Matt and Roberta have been practicing choosing good people even before they chose each other for a beautiful mountain wedding.

The setting was near a creek and a swimming pool, in the yard of the Lion Square Lodge. With some brief spells of rain for good luck, and some moving dark cumulus props giving us good shooting light, it was a good day to immortalize. Whether zoomed in or out, there were aesthetics all over - God's landscaping and human emotion.

Our MVP of the night (not including bride and groom), was of course Roberta's grandfather, who had flown in with his wife of many years all the way from Brazil, knowing very little English. However neither age nor language was a barrier from this awesome guy getting his hands on some of our photo booth props and donning them in the middle of the dance circle to modern day hip hop. These are the kinds of kinds of grandparents we are thrilled to see at a wedding, and the kinds we hope to be when we're their age.

These and more, including a Belgian in a green spandex suit, were dancing like no one was instagramming, in support of two good friends in their commitment of lifelong love and partnership. Good photos of good people. We were so thankful to be a part of their big day, and we know now that the bar has really been set for our next Brazilian wedding.

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vail wedding photographers . colorado

Vail wedding Photographers | Colorado Photojournalists | for Dave and Taylor There is never a bad reason to visit Vail, Colorado, but "for the wedding of Dave and Taylor" is now one of our favorites. Dave and Taylor, some Colorado transplants, brought in two families from the Midwest and convinced them to put their football rivalries aside in order to make one family, loving the mountains and dancing their hearts out in some of Vail's finest locations. Like anybody who chooses to move to Colorado, Dave and Taylor have good taste in hobbies, gastronomy, decorations, kimono robes, and people, and all of these things were well-represented on their wedding day (except for the hobbies).

We started with the preparation photos in their hotel rooms (and their kimono robes) where we got to hang out the with friends in all of their comfort of being around each other. Dave and Taylor took us in like some of their close friends and this definitely helped get some real, genuine, and wonderful emotion out of the group when we were together shooting the couple as well as the bridal party. There are a lot of really nice photo locations in Vail, but we couldn't help but train our cameras the whole time on Taylor's beautiful smile, or on Dave's struggling to hold back his tears of joy. Of all the couples we have met, these two gave us some of the most real emotion we have seen. Whether it was reading letters, first look, vows, or reception toasts, there were always some tears of joy in their eyes.

Dave and Taylor are two of the clients that you go home thinking, "it would be so fun fun to be friends with those guys". Their wedding was truly a great time, even for the vendors.

And, it was truly great to work with Amber, from Save the Date Events who did an amazing job and brought along her spirited husband, Alex - What a great team.

PS: It should also be mentioned that Taylor's sister, Mackenzie, had some really great facial expressions as well and we wished we had a trophy to give her because of them.

PPS: How could we forget to mention Taylor's dress? This masterpiece was made custom by an incredible boutique dress designer. I was pretty excited to meet the designer who was a guest at the wedding. I sought out the person who had the coolest outfit and knew it would be her. The dress was actually designed after a dress in her current collected named after Taylor. It was our favorite dress to date.

arrowhead wedding photographers

Arrowhead Wedding Photographers | Colorado Wedding Photojournalists | for Eric and Gina In the wedding business, you always get a varied smattering of ideas and customs from one wedding to the next. Some include a unity candle, whereas others may have the stepping on of a glass. In the case of Eric and Gina's Chinese-American bilingual wedding held at one of Colorado's finest venues, Arrowhead Golf Course, there was tears of love and dancefloor joy, though each of them were preceded by a kidnapping and a tea ceremony.

Before the first look, bridal party photos, or even driving to the venue, our groom, Eric, was informed that his bride, Gina, had been kidnapped and the ransom for her retrieval was the completion of various tasks; some of which were physically challenged, others were just plain silliness. Lucky for both Eric and Gina, his party of international groomsmen were up to the challenge. This included dancing in high heels, answering questions, and using team skills. For the average USA wedding attendee, this was unorthodox, but for everyone in the room, it was very fun and made for a lot of genuine moments for the photographers. The beauty of the "kidnapping" was that it set the tone for the wedding itself. The message was clear: we're going to do whatever it takes to make this happen, and we're all going to have a good time.

The following events included some more Chinese traditions, as well as some of the more familiar American ones, What we didn't see coming though, was a heavy rain and hail storm, and then lots of accommodating and changing of plans because of it. In the end, the rain subsided, the ceremony and reception all took place, and lucky for the photographical aesthetics, the rain brought some great overcast clouds to shoot in, just as Eric and Gina brought great attitudes and smiling faces to shoot at. Their wedding was one of the more fun ones we have done this year and we were really blessed to be around such a fun-loving and dynamic crowd. You can see the joy in the faces.

colorado engagement photographer

Colorado Engagement Photographers | Jeff . Gretchen It's hard to say whether Colorado draws great people or creates them, but it is undoubtedly full of great people; people who enjoy nature, physical activity, and a good time. Jeff and Gretchen are two of these people, which is why is was definitely a good time doing their engagement shoot at the beautiful neighbor of Denver, Evergreen Lake. It makes for some captivating photos with dogs in warm weather, and for amazing ice-skating in cold weather.

It's always fun to photograph people with style and good taste like Jeff and Gretchen because you know it will be enjoyable. Thanks to the help of a 7 am sunrise light, these natural engagement photographs show the best of Colorado but also highlight the best of this couple, their joy and busy dog family... who you can't help but fall in love with upon first interaction.

We're definitely looking forward to spending more time with these guys shooting their wedding, and hopefully getting together and returning to Evergreen for some reminiscing on ice later this year.

brown palace wedding photographers

Brown Palace Wedding photographers for Andrew & Nicole

There are many perks to getting married on a Sunday in the summer. One of them is not the Denver heat. However, that heat didn't stop Andrew and Nicole from celebrating their lifelong commitment with one another in the company of good friends, good music, fantastic cake, and some time honored Jewish traditions.

Once again we at Selah had the privilege of partaking in a creative and well put together wedding ceremony that challenges the norm. Some highlights of this Jewish wedding were the intimate small circle signing of the ketubah, some surreal shots of the bridal party in downtown Denver, and of course, the madness of the reception, with the help of the band Raising Cain. Apart from the cain being raised, there were also glasses raised in toasts, and of course, perhaps our favorite part of every ceremony that is wise enough to include it, the raising of the bride and groom in their chairs as the family dances in circles around them to the tune of what is perhaps our new favorite song, Hava Nagila. The Brown Palace, a favorite historic hotel located downtown Denver, was the perfect reception setting for this couple and their friends and family that traveled from all around the United States.

Andrew and Nicole are two beautiful people who know how to put on a beautiful ceremony for their beautiful union. There's more to every wedding ceremony than cake and music, which of course is the lasting love and commitment of the bride and groom. This meaning was not lost on anybody at the ceremony, least of all the picturesque bride, Nicole. It was written all over her face and that's exactly the kind of face. Thanks to Andrew and Nicole for letting us be a part of this momentous event.

Best tips on planning a destination Wedding

Best tips on Planning a Destination Wedding | Storytellers Events image by Selah Photography

We've asked a local Denver expert Cielle, the lead wedding planner at Storytellers Events to share some of her thoughts on destination weddings. Typically, when we think of destination weddings we think of Mexico, the resorts and the beach. If your destination wedding is in Colorado, France or a far land Cielle and her team have explored an avenue of planning destination weddings that only a specialized planner could touch. "We are some of the only planners that do what we do in the world."

Did you know that you can actually save money by having a destination wedding? That there can be a good and bad way to wear your hair on the beach and that not talking to your family prior to "saving your date" can be the biggest headache of planning? These destination wedding planners have some of the best tips on planning your wedding overseas.

image by Kim Nodurft Photography

What are the benefits of a destination wedding?  My favorite benefit is that it is a memorable way to spend time with the people you love the most, in a beautiful location and for longer than just a day. It also creates a new vacation destination that you and your spouse can visit yearly on your anniversary- it’s a destination that will always mean something special to the both of you.

What many people do not know is that it can also save you money!

image by JM-Photo Art

Any recommendations on saving money? Many venues will include the wedding ceremony at no charge, and discount the reception hall and even the food with the booking of rooms for your guests. Do not hesitate to ask! When choosing a destination, try to pick their low season where there are not many tourists, but it still has great weather! This will make both the hotel and the airfare less expensive. If you do not know when this is, ask your wedding planner, travel agent, or hotel at the destination.

What are the headaches of a destination wedding? I think the biggest headache is everything that goes on in your head and the conversations you have with family and friends BEFORE you choose jump and have a destination wedding. Your family and friends will have a say, and figuring out what is right for you and your spouse is important. With this, coming to terms that not everyone you pictured to be at your wedding will be able to attend. Some couples love this idea, and some do get disappointed.

On the logistics side, if you are planning the wedding yourself, the headache comes with not knowing exactly what to book, how to book, finding and managing the vendors, the legalities and rules of marrying in a church vs. symbolic weddings, possibly communicating with people who do not speak English, and constant doubt that what you are envisioning is truly how it will be. This is exactly why we do what we do, to alleviate all of these stresses so that your vision comes to life without all of the doubt.

What are your five top tips for planning a wedding overseas? Don’t forget to plan transportation to and from the hotel for your guests- and remember to tell them the plan. Too often the guests assume someone will pick them up- but do not know from where or with whom. Don’t leave them hanging- it will only stress them out after a long day of travel.

Plan group activities for your loved ones. This can be in the form of a welcome cocktail hour, breakfast together every morning, a group tour of the area, afternoon tea, croquet on the lawn, a group cooking lesson (where you then eat the delicious food you created), a dance lesson, whatever you can think of...Stick with what you as a couple love to do, bring your guests into your lives.

Also, plan downtime. Do not fill every waking hour with activities. Your friends and family will want to relax and you will want to just lounge and spend quality time with them.

Many people dream of getting married on the beach- but they forget about humidity and heat. With both of those, you do not feel pretty, sexy, or romantic as your makeup is running down your face and your hair gets frizzy. Be sure to check the humidity and heat levels during the time that you are getting married (seasons are different around the world)- and if you can visit beforehand, please do.

Once you are there, have fun! It is about the people in your life celebrating your love for one another. That’s it. They will remember the memories of the entire event and the way they felt throughout. You will too!

image by Selah Photography

How do I choose a location? My first question is always to ask if there is a place that is already special to the couple-, which could include family heritage, a special vacation the couple took together, or even someplace they have always dreamed of going. If they do not fall into any of these categories, then I ask the both the bride and groom to describe what they picture when they imagine their ceremony. Many couples will already have an idea…walking in the grass with meadows all around, walking barefoot in the sand with the water behind us, standing there together surrounded by vineyards, a castle…

Once I get their vision, we then narrow down based on budget, lodging, airfare, and distance you want guests to travel.

Why are you (Cielle) different as a planner? We are the only ones in the world who do what we do. Let me write that again- no one else does what we do.

We are your wedding planner through the entire process, not just a travel agent, not a planner you have never met in another country…

I truly care about creating memorable, unique, and special weddings for the couples, their families, and their guests. Because I am your liason between languages and cultures, the planning process becomes more fun and you are able to trust that your wedding will be what you envisioned.

image by Kim Nodurft Photography

How do you recommend a couple chooses their photographer? Visit various websites and make note of the sites you are drawn to. There is a reason you are drawn to them. Go with your gut. Meet your photographer! Have a conversation. Do you love them? Do you want to spend more time with them? Do they make you feel comfortable? (Do they fit within your budget?) If you answer ‘yes’ to all of these, go for it!

image by Autumn Cutaia with Crystal Allen Photography

Coming from a photographers perspective, know that the stories are true. Resort photographers are a fraction of the cost but also a fraction of the quality. We believe that weddings are "emotionally intoxicating." It's the most incredible experience but can be so overwhelming it's hard to believe it is real. Make sure your memories are safe with someone you trust.

What is your favorite thing to do as a planner? I love the fun details!!!!!! I love creating the details that are unique to the couple and that commemorate guests so that each guest feels special. That- and alleviating the headaches and stress that planning a wedding can cause. Burden me with all of it, so that you can enjoy the process as much as possible.

image by J Lucas Reyes Photography

What is your experience as a wedding planner? I have been planning events for over 13 years. It started as a hobby of mine, and I never thought I would create a career out of it. But I did- and I love it! All of it! And I would not go back (to the corporate world ;).

I have also spent years living abroad in Europe, with many summers spent in the Philippines. I love traveling and I understand what it takes to create an event in a different culture (with different rules and expectations), so it was a natural fit for me to focus on international weddings.

Tips for experience I've taken some time to poll some of my recent destination clients and their parents for their top tips on planning a wedding overseas.

-I wish we would have sent out invitations because later we found out that some people felt like they weren't invited.

-We opted for a destination wedding because we enjoyed Lyndsay's so much that we wanted to do it again and for the stress-free planning.

-I attempted to make my own flowers because I was worried about what they would look like at the resort but mine turned out horrible and the flowers at the resort turned out really beautiful. I would do it all over again, we had a great time.

-For the mother of the bride destination weddings are stress free and how wonderful to get to spend so much time with your family and friends and never have to cook or clean! Much the same for mother of the groom, and you can wear pants instead of a dress if you want. It is such fun to spend time with everyone. You get a lot of really quality time with friends and family.

-The photographs! Though it was an investment, I don't regret bringing Matt and Jackie along for a second. This was the best day of my life and I don't know how I could remember it so accurately without these images. We couldn't be happier.

Thank you Cielle of Storytellers Events for sharing your wisdom. Plan away!

image by Selah Photography

colorado wedding photographers | mountain home

Colorado Mountain Destination Wedding | Ryan . Andi Though it has never been proven, it is often said that that most photographers, if asked, would say that their dream job is to work for National Geographic, thereby enabling them to take photos in breathtaking landscapes while onsite in a beautiful location. That's why when Selah is asked which was their favorite destination wedding in Colorado, Ryan and Andi's is near the top of the list.

Tucked away in Golden in a location that many GPS would struggle to locate, is the sylvan wonderland that is the vacation of many years of Ryan's family. Included in the surroundings is an ocean of Rockies, lending us the opportunity for the best Colorado mountain photos we've been able to capture under 14,000 ft. The only thing that could improve the scenario would be a wonderful, outdoor wedding with a lovely bride, a dashing groomsmen, straw bale seating, and a dog with a bow tie. Lucky for those of us in attendance - Ryan and Andi delivered. For many, the location (and bow tie dog) would be enough, but it didn't stop there. The ceremony itself included wonderful music, and some sincere longstanding nuptial traditions. the pastor asked at the beginning if anyone who opposed the union would speak out (and no one did) and when Ryan and Andi gave their personal vows, there wasn't a dry eye in the straw bale patch (for the record, even Moe, the dog, was crying during that part). It was truly was a beautiful ceremony.

As for the reception, the food and desserts were gastronomically comparable to the landscape. And to boot, the photo booth on the deck, the band Mike Beck and the Bohemian Saints, and the disco light dance party downstairs near the billiard room was a real tour of enjoyment for everyone brave enough to stay through dark and ride the shuttle bus back to the hotel.

Though the goal of the event was not to strike envy in the hearts of National Geographic photographers, it certainly had that potential. Aesthetic often times gets overlooked, but it's people like Ryan and Andi that keep it alive, even as they're off on a honeymoon through Northwest American, sleeping in a trailer with their bow tied dog, Moe.

Also, a special thanks to some new vendor friends of ours who did an outstanding job, We the Tie Knots, the wedding planners, and Chipper Booth, easily the best Denver photo booth company we've ever worked with.

boulder engagement photographers

Boulder engagement photographers

Tim and Katie

Within a couple mile radius we were able run into many of Tim and Katie's favorite things. Starting on Pearl Street in Boulder, Colorado we documented their first favorite thing, each other, alongside of nature, culture, chocolate, and sentimental spaces.

Often when couples are trying to decide the when's and where's of their engagement session I recommend that they focus the session around things that they love. Coming from someone who does this for a living I ask the question...really, why engagement photos? What makes this important to you? Is this something that will be in the bottom of a box in a few years or do you want it to be more? For my clients, I can hand them a photo where they look like they are straight off of a magazine cover yet, if it doesn't mean something or doesn't feel real to them, it's not worth it. The type of documentation I specialize in shows you, you. It remembers more than just what you look like.

Tim and Katie's engagement photographs so accurately represent why I believe engagement photos are important and timeless. I think that a stranger could look at these and make a pretty accurate guess about how genuine and happy these two are. After spending some time with these natural engagement photos you will get what I mean.

Thank you Tim and Katie for sharing your story and being so great.

snowy wedding pictures

Snowy Urban Wedding Photos | Denver, CO Photo shoots like these you can't quite plan for. We had the date set but it seemed like everything else went off of our original plan. Jamie's original dress which was handmade and one of my favorites I've photographed, was ruined at the dry cleaner days before our shoot. Our vision for the night-time city scape shots of Denver were fogged by storm. Yet, there are some things in life that end up turning out more beautiful when you have an open heart and create with what the world gives you.

This winter scene was so beautiful that we never could have planned for it. With snowflakes this large and a city quiet enough for us to pose in the middle of one of Denver's most busy streets, Jamie's freezing toes and adventurous spirit allowed for some stunning images of her six months after her and Steve's wedding. These unique, artistic and fashion-like bridal portraits will be at the top of my favorites list to date.

Thank you Mary for the hair and makeup and thank you Jamie for being up for anything.

Denver Photographer Inverviews

What motivates me | Why I love being a Denver Photographer It seems not too long ago that I would read interviews from great photographers and want to forget the thing that get me excited to be like them. "Yeah, I like that author too...Crazy, that is also my favorite way to edit pictures!"

I think that one of the keys to being a strong voice in the art world is making sure the voice is your own and you have your energy and vision to back that up. If every restaurant had the same menu and every musician had the same set list I think we would run out of things to be interested in.

I'm thankful to have reach a point in my photography career where I know what I love to do and it sounds different than my fellow photographers next door. Couture Colorado's lifestyle blog recently interviewed me. Check out my photographer interview for insights on the things that motivate me to document pieces of life along with why I love being a Denver photographer.

Photographer Interview | Couture Colorado

Destination Wedding Photojournalists

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Destination Wedding Photojournalists

for Jeff and Dede

In a place where the horses run free like iguanas and the rental cars are built wider than the roads are some of the loveliest beaches on which to wed. The place is , Puerto Rico, and the couple was Jeff with the genuine smile and Dede the adorably animated. They rented the place, they invited their friends, they booked Selah, and they booked the local wedding planner with an iron fist so as to ensure a seamless event. Little did know, however, that the "island life" would pay a visit.

A couple hours before the wedding was to take place, the power went out on the island, thereby making various things more difficult like ironing shirts and cooking the supper. Then came the rain. Just as the rain let up, all the guests set up on the beach thinking the storm had passed. Alas, it was just taking a break, so the rain came back with perfect timing to give all the guests, bridal party, and peeping neighbors a good soak. This would probably be the point where most brides would fall apart. Instead, this was the point where Jeff and Dede shrugged their shoulders and smiled through it with a "what the hell?" attitude. It was awesome. Their character flew.

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Afterwards, we took some bridal party photos in even thicker rain (see below) before sitting down to some speeches and supper. A day this memorable could only be topped with something that we as photographers always hope to see, but never actually do see - people jumping into the pool with their clothes on (bride included, see below). Alas, Jeff and Dede were not afraid to bring it. This also, was awesome.

The whole day seemed to work out perfectly as an analogy for marriage itself, in that you can plan and prepare all of which you are capable but the unforeseen will remain inevitable. Or, as Jeff's mom put it: "Life isn't about how you survived the storm, it's about how you danced in the rain. Enjoy life for the gift that it is!".

Jeff and Dede were two really great people with some really great families and we blessed to be a part of their important day.

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mexico destination wedding

Colorado to Cancun for a wedding on the beach | Justin and Stacey

When most young girls imagine what their wedding will be like one day, they rarely include the dream of "multiple swimming pools, several of which have a bar you can swim up to... oh, and you don't have to pay for the drinks". After experiencing the Okeson wedding however, this could soon change. Stacey's dress was white and wonderful just as Justin's suit was three piece and fitted, but the two of them definitely thought the whole ordeal through more than your average romantic dreamers.

As far as destination weddings go, on the coast of Riviera Maya, Mexico is as good as they get, and Justin and Stacey picked what could have been the best resort there to have it in - El Dorado Royale: the optimal place to unite your 52 closest friends and family members and celebrate a lifelong commitment.

Not only were Justin and Stacey two of the more dashing and beautiful people we have gotten the pleasure of photographing, but they were also incredibly amicable and inviting. It didn't take long for them to introduce us to the family and take us in as members of the celebration. Glasses were clinked in toasts of best wishes, and fine cigars were shared and enjoyed by the pool by Justin and his fellows. They even went so far as to especially order some wind for the ceremony to give the girls that "super model" touch, as well as some cloud cover for better photographic lighting. The charity shared by these two on the weekend of their own wedding was definitely approaching that extra mile and we were happy to be on the receiving end when it got there. With a Justin and Stacey party, it's easy to forget whether you were hired to dance or hired to photograph, because it feels like you weren't hired at all; you're another special guest invited to their special day, and we've got some beautiful photos to which to remember it.

...you're thinking something aren't you? Don't hold on to your thoughts - share away. Comment below.

open air photo booth | denver

"The photo booth is easily one of the best parts about any reception," Kyle tells us. Kyle is not your regular photo-booth attendee. He is a friend of many and we joyfully celebrate every wedding where we see this photo-booth all star walk in to a reception. "How did he come up with that idea?" We wonder every time he exits the photo booth. We went straight to the source and asked the photo booth king himself. Dear Kyle,

Tell us how you rock the photo booth.

1) I'm a prop guy, I love letting my mind run with some of the props Jackie puts out. I always think it's fun to try and find abstract ways to use the props, like a shoe for a telephone, or chalk for a cigarette, etc.

2) Be expressive. There is a lot of excitement at a wedding, transfer that excitement into the photo booth and then into your face.

3) Do whatever comes into your mind first. The really good ideas are too fleeting to over think or to second guess.

4) A failure usually equals a success in the photo both, so just try it, if it doesn't work out ...no worries, the picture is probably better for it.

5) Have a "ready, fire, aim" mentality. Planning is for fools in the photo booth, spontaneity is the remedy for the most memorable pictures. It's like dancing, there are no rules just response.