An Amazing Couple, The Pajak's

Sarah and Casey were married on September 27, 2014 in Silverthorne, Colorado in the company of friends and family. Sarah and Casey are an amazing couple that just seem to "fit." They compliment each other so well and seem to have a calm presence about them when they are together.

Sarah and Casey's wedding was like none other that I have attended. This couple is deeply rooted in family and tradition. Casey's family is Polish, and in honor of his heritage, this couple incorporated some really cool rites into their special day. For example, upon their entrance into the reception hall, Casey and Sarah were stopped by each member of their wedding party and the only passage was a kiss. Too cute! Then there was the Polish meat and cheese bar with some of the most amazing fresh smoked meats I have ever had. The DJ was also kind enough to translate some of the speeches so that nobody was left out. I had more fun at this wedding just watching everyone have fun. The dancing and the singing and laughter was amazing!

When I met with Sarah and Casey for the first time months ago, I was thrilled to know that they were to be married in the mountains in the heart of the fall season with the spectacular colors. They picked an amazing time to be married. I have lived in Colorado for more than 20 years and have been photographing the fall leaves for at least half of that time and I have never, and I mean NEVER seen the colors like they have been this year. I'm thinking its good luck for this wonderful couple. The warmth and love on this day can certainly be felt in their pictures.

I has so much fun on Sarah and Casey's special day and am left with a smile on my face just thinking about what fun this day was not only for Sarah and Casey, but for their families as well. So, to Sarah and Casey, I say, I hope that the beauty that you experienced on your wedding day stays with you for a lifetime, but when hard times come, remember this: marriage is not always 50/50. Somedays, you need your partner to carry you and they will bear 70, 80, or even 90 percent of the weight, but know that you too will have to help carry them on their hard days. Love beautifully, wonderfully, forgivingly, happily, and most importantly, with the knowledge and expectation that you will love them deeply and hardest on the 40/60 days, and even the 1/99 days, always and forever. Cheers to Mr. and Mrs. Pajak!

(*All images are copyright protected. Please do not replicate or alter any images without photographer consent or share images without the watermark.)

Here Come the Zellers!

Paula and Jared were married a few weeks ago in a small and intimate ceremony in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Estes Park. The Black Canyon Inn was a beautiful backdrop for their special day. This sweet couple hails from Ohio and loved the clean, crisp air on their beautiful day.

August 8th was beautiful. Rain threatened briefly, but it turned out to be a perfect day. Paula was sweet and glowing. She was stunning in her ivory gown. Her ear to ear smile is truly what I will remember about her. Jared was polite, but nervous. I could see him fidgeting with something in his hand as we chatted before the ceremony. His jittery nerves seemed to melt away when he saw Paula walk down the isle. These two seem perfect for each other, each quietly spoken and polite, respectful and caring. 

My absolute favorite part of this day happened in a first for me. In one of my favorite spots on the Black Canyon property, the bridge, Paula dropped her flowers right into the pond, in a rather hard to reach spot. Any of my past brides and grooms will tell you that I will do just about whatever it takes to get the right shot, climb trees, lay over rocks, hang precariously over edges, but swimming into chest deep water with an hour left to go in the shoot wasn't really an option. Some onlookers came quickly to the rescue by bringing a broom, which Jared used to save Paula's flowers! I got some great shots of it. Paula was great about it. She said "Oh Well! They are just flowers! It's no big deal." 

So, to Mr. and Mrs. Zellers, when you drop flowers, allow those around you help to pick them up. Your friends and family are here to support you in your love and marriage. Let them. Allow each other and those that love you to help you through the awesome times, the silly times, the hard times, and the sad times. How you choose to handle those moments will forever be the testament to your relationship. Choose your battles, and if it is truly no big deal, just let it go. 

Congrats and Cheers!

(*All images are copyright protected. Please do not replicate or alter any images without consent or share images without the watermark.)