'Tis the season!  After shooting all day Saturday, I was right back at it on Sunday (with Krista by my side) for another beautiful wedding with Mandy and Mitch at the top of Beaver Creek Mountain at the Spruce Saddle Lodge.  We had some pretty major plans for outdoor photos and even a ride up the lift, but the rain clouds rolled in and hung around most of the day. I know this might sound crazy, but it's refreshing to have my "plan" fall apart because then I have even more of an opportunity to be creative and I enjoy being forced to think on my feet. We did all the family formal shots inside the lobby of the Park Hyatt with the beautiful window light.  I wouldn't have done that if not for the rain, but they ended up looking so gorgeous.  And we had great soft light and cooler temperatures for all the men in tuxes when we were able to get outside for a few shots.  I used locations I might not have used if we had felt more comfortable getting further from the hotel that ended up looking gorgeous. AND, not only that, but there was literally a hole in the storm right over Spruce Saddle for just long enough to have the ceremony outside.  I've never seen anything like it before!  You could see the rain coming down all around the ceremony- but not a drop ON the ceremony.  It was amazing seeing clouds hanging in the sky behind and lower than everyone's heads- Talk about a dramatic backdrop!  Kudos to the Perfect Petal for working so hard and fast to set up the outdoor ceremony at the last minute and for their gorgeous flowers (as always!)

Mandy and Mitch were an absolute joy to photograph and another couple that I connected to the instant I met them!  They were both so happy, sweet, and so cooperative considering the chaos of the large families, wedding party, and all the last minute changing of plans.  The look on Mitch's face when he saw Mandy for the first time was one of the best expressions I've ever seen!   They both just beamed with radiance and pure love.  And talk about a FUN reception!  Funkiphino rocked the lodge all night long and completely packed the dance floor.  Thanks again to Krista for being such a fab second shot.  It was awesome having you with me all weekend!

Here are some of my favorite images from the day and be sure to check out their slideshow online here!

From the first time I met with Katie and John, I was in love---with them both!  There was just something so beautiful about their energy together and a twinkle in their eyes that stayed with me for days.  I could feel, just by looking at them, how in love they were with each other.  Then we met again for their engagement session and it all came flooding back. In leading up to their wedding, I was sooo excited!  But truly, as prepared as I was for an amazing day, what I didn't know was how much their wedding would effect me personally.  Weddings are always emotional, but it's not every wedding that the tears flow so openly and honestly from the bride, from the groom, and from the family and friends.  I swear, there wasn't a dry eye in the building!  The thoughtfulness and sincerity of their vows combined with the look in their eyes created a lump in my throat that threatened a waterfall of tears several times during the day.  Admittedly, anything that can make me cry, I love.  :-)

Paige is not only a dear friend of mine, she is also an amazing wedding coordinator and I always love working with her (and CC!) at Colorado Wedding Company.  When I was chosen to photograph her wedding to the wonderful, charming (and goofy) Jeff Reberry, I truly couldn't have been more honored!  It was such a gorgeous and FUN wedding!  I had Krista second shooting with me as well as Bonnie assisting.  The three of us girls absolutely shot our hearts out and I couldn't have been happier with how the day flowed. I knew Paige and Jeff's wedding would be nothing short of spectacular, but I really didn't know we were going to have as much fun with everyone as we got to have!  Or that we would have such a gorgeous day for photos. The ceremony was at the Beaver Creek chapel, the reception was at the Park Hyatt, and the floral and decor, all by the Perfect Petal, were to die for. Check out their wedding slideshow here! 

It seems like weeks ago now (the summer is getting so busy!) that I met with the lovely ladies (and gentlemen) at the Denver Ritz-Carlton to photograph a special project for them.  Leslie Ann had designed some beautiful cakes so that the Ritz could get some portfolio images to show their clients the wonderful work she is capable of!  Brides and Grooms getting married at the Ritz may not know it, but there is an incredibly talented chef/artist creating the custom wedding cakes there.  I recommend trusting her completely!  We got to eat the cupcakes after the shoot and they were nothing short of heavenly. Delicious.  Thank you so much Angela, Leslie-Ann, Shannon, and everyone that helped me that day!  You are a wonderful team and I love every opportunity I have to work with you.