Ryan & Kelli's Engagement~June 24, 2015

It was only last week that Ryan got down on one knee to propose to his girlfriend, Kelli at the Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado.

Ryan worked so hard to make this day special for Kelli. I talked to him months ago about his plans and he wanted to have a photographer there to document this once in a lifetime moment. We decided quickly that since this couple is from the Washington DC area, we would do some engagement photos immediately following the proposal and that way, they would be done! 

Ryan was nervous, but he played it cool. The setup was that Breeyan, the business manager at the Black Canyon, was supposed to take pictures of them down at the bridge before they headed out to dinner. As it would happen, Breeyan had to leave work a bit early, but I was there, waiting on another group to take pictures. That group was running late, and since they were guests of the Black Canyon, and I had a few minutes, I would gladly take their pictures.

So down to the bridge we went. I stopped the couple at the top of the hill and did a few pictures, then moved them closer to the bridge, did a few more pictures, and then asked them to move onto the bridge where it was strung up with beautiful flowers and pictures of the couple from throughout their relationship. Ryan slowly led Kelli across the bridge, stopping at each flower and picture to reminisce over their time together. I think Kelli figured it out about half way across. Once on the island, Ryan got down on one knee, and BAM! She said YES!!!!

The engagement pictures are amazingly, awesomely, PERFECT! I got real tears that you can see in several pictures, I got love, I got happiness, I got perfection! These two were made for the camera! This moment will go down as one of my favorites…..ever! Ryan and Kelli are sweet and kind, genuine and loving. EEEK! I love this!

Congrats to the future Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Turkaleski!

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

The set up. Just getting a few pictures before dinner. 

"Hey. These are pictures of us!"

Hmmmm….

What's happening here?

Starting to figure it out. 

"Oh yeah! There's a photographer here. Kim's been in on this the whole time!"

Look at those tears and the sparkler!

You can actually see Kelli saying "It's beautiful!"

Chris & Niki~May17, 2015

Chris and Niki were joined in marriage on May 17, 2015 in Estes Park, Colorado at the Black Canyon Inn. It was a beautiful, almost fairy-tale like day in the Rocky Mountains. 

Niki and I spoke several times leading up to her special day. I learned rather quickly that they had southern theme to their wedding that she was very inspired by vintage and classic looking photos. When I hear that from a bride, I know right away that their wedding day will be rooted in tradition and elegance, and I was right! Niki looked amazingly gorgeous in her lace gown with the beautiful beading around the back and neck. The simple white flower in her hair looked beautiful as it gathered her long blonde hair. Chris was handsome in his pressed jeans, vest and tie, and his cowboy boots. He was even nice enough to take them off for me so I could get some of the vintage-y pictures that Niki desired.  

Chris and Niki decided to have a moment together before the ceremony started by holding hands and exchanging words but strongly agreed that they did not want to see each other. So, I set them up at a neat log cabin with a cool corner where they could hold hands but would not be able to see each other. I love these moments. They are sweet, they are unique, and are often are emotional. I love that I got to witness this moment. 

Chris and Niki's day was full of a southern courteousness that isn't seen very often any more. Even the youngest guest, the flower girl, Miss Kennedy, was full of yes m'ams and no thank you's, This family is doing something right, and it's called respect. Everyone was so respectful of each other and it made the day simple, pleasant, and a real treat to be apart of. Chris and Niki looked at each in a very special way: lovingly, deeply, and with such passion that I see a bright and long future ahead for them. 

To Niki and Chris, I will offer this to you: keep that respect as the foundation of your marriage. If you do, you will fight fairly, love deeply, defend each other passionately, and always have the mutual respect of your partner. In my opinion, it is one of the cornerstones of the strongest of marriages. May you have many years of wedded bliss ahead of you. Congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Lowrie!

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