Finally! Jay and Monica are Mr. and Mrs. Brewer!

Monica has been waiting for June 22, 2014 for a long time. 6 years, to be exact. Monica and Jay have been a couple for many years and waited until this moment, this day, June 22, to become husband and wife. They stood in the Pavilion at the Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado among their family and friends as they took their sacred vows to love each other forever. 

The day started off, well, it was not so pretty outside. It was dreary, rainy, and windy. I sat for most of my morning with my phone in hand watching the radar. As I was putting myself and my gear together, which included my raincoat and umbrella, I took a peak outside. Was that blue sky? Could it be? By the time I arrived at the Black Canyon, the weather was moving out and the blue sky had settled in. Whew! I was relieved, but Monica was ecstatic! Her beautiful wedding day arrived a little late, but it was worth the wait. 

Monica had a nervous calm about her. She was beautiful in her pure white halter gown. Jay was ready. All smiles and ready to see his bride. And it was time. The ceremony was simple, but poignant. The love and happy energy could be felt throughout the day. They stood at the end of an isle decorated with stands of flowers that were handmade by Jay. Monica personally embellished her flowers with jewels. Everything about this day was assembled with thought, love, and care. 

One of my favorite moments of the day came in the form of a comedy of errors of sorts. I had Monica and Jay on the bridge for one of my favorite and most picturesque shots on the property, when suddenly, a bug flew right into Monica's eye! Of course, we were nowhere near a mirror, so Jay, very chivalrously ran up the hill (a steep hill, I might add) to grab Monica's bag which included a small mirror. It was a sweet moment and telling of their future together. That Jay is willing to climb mountains for Monica. 

Our time concluded as a white carriage whisked Monica and Jay away. They rode off like a fairytale. So to Monica and Jay, my your marriage always be filled with fairytale moments. Whisk each other away from time to time, and when bugs come your way, be loving and helpful to the other. It is at this moment that you must depend on your partner for help and to love you through the hard times. May the storms always clear before your special moments and may every day be filled with love, as it was on your wedding day. 

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It's the Hadley's!

Will and Amy became husband and wife only a few days ago on the island at the Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado. It was a gorgeous, not a cloud in the sky, 70 something degree day in the Rocky Mountains. Picturesque. 

When I first arrived on the grounds of the Black Canyon, the wedding coordinator told me that Amy was as sweet as she could be. She was right. Amy had a grin on her face from ear to ear, the whole day. I even caught a quick gasp when she saw Will walk by the window as he was preparing for the ceremony. She said, "Oh! There he is, " and just like that, I knew. I knew what she was feeling. It was the same feeling I got when I saw my husband for the first time on our wedding day. It's seeded in anticipation, excitement, and love for the one whom your heart cares for like nobody else. Then there was Will with his quick and witty sense of humor. He was calm, excited, ready for this moment. 

Amy walked across the bridge to her waiting groom with her dad beside her, Will grinning the whole time. Eyes were teary from the onlooking family, but Amy and Will were nothing but smiles. I have a feeling that this couple really likes each other and enjoys having fun from time to time. You see, I think its important that you like the person you will spend your life with. Sure, love is part of the package when you become husband and wife, but do you like them? Think about it. Do you like the person you will wake up with for the rest of your life? These two like each other. I can tell. 

This sweet couple was such a pleasure to work with. They were up for anything. And its a good thing too. They were willing to walk through some mud and even some elk poop to get to some beautiful aspens where we captured some amazing shots. These two seemed to glow among the towering trees. I just love some of the pictures we got. 

To Amy and Will, may your marriage always be full of smiles, passion, gasps of excitement, witty humor, love. Kiss each other and laugh daily, like you did on your wedding day. Love fully, completely, and tell each other not only that you love them, but that you like them too. Cheers!

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Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Paul Pearce

Ok, I know what you are thinking. I went and hired models again, but seriously, Nicola and Paul are just this good looking and so incredibly sweet and perfect for each other. 

Nicola and Paul were joined in marriage on June 6, 2014 at the Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado. While the skies were threatening throughout the day, it turned out to be rainless, and surprisingly not windy! While the temperatures were chilly, it was a lovely day. Nicola was stunning in her ivory drop waist gown. I was told that she purchased 4 or 5 gowns before she finally found this one, the one, and it was worth the hassle! She was glowing and seemed to be floating on a blissful cloud the entire day. Paul was charming and so gentlemanly. He consistently offered to help carry my gear and help me up from the precarious positions I constantly find myself in to capture the perfect shot. 

Paul and Nicola were surrounded by their children, family, and friends on this perfect day. I captured a ton of candid, happy moments with them. These are my favorite kind of shots. When I don't have to tell someone to smile or laugh or look lovingly at their new spouse, it speaks volumes to the caliber of love and commitment that has been committed. They could gaze at each other, then giggle or simply burst into laughter. Maybe it was an inside joke, or maybe they were shyfully aware of the cameras snapping their pictures, or maybe, just maybe, they were just that happy. Happy to be married. Happy to begin a life together. Happy to build a home and share the joys and celebrations that are certain to be apart of their future. 

One of my favorite parts of the day was when Paul realized that the mountains that stood tall and proud behind them as they were joined in marriage were called The Twin Owls. Here is a little known fact: owls mate for life. How fitting that Nicola and Paul stood in the presence of such a majestic mountain bearing their intention to have a mate for life as they shared their own personal vows and promised to love each other forever. The Twin Owls can be seen in the background of many pictures. 

Paul and Nicola are amazing together. Gorgeous, sweet, loving, gentle, a classically perfect pair. I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to share their special day with them. To Paul and Nicola, may laughter always be with you as you travel in your future as husband and wife. Steal simple glances, giggle, be kind, be gentle, be loving, the same way that you were on your wedding day. Cheers!

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First Kiss!

Twin Owls in the background (to the upper left)