The Leuthens and Simons

So, Stephanie and I go way back. Not way, WAY back, but far enough. I met Stephanie when I worked full time in advertising. She is the go-to gal for anything you need, be it office supplies, the inside scoop, or a good listening ear. We became friends pretty quickly and had the opportunity to work on a reoccurring annual special project for several years. This project was an intricate planning of a conference that brought dozens of our colleagues to Colorado from all over the country. This project brought Stephanie and I closer together both personally and professionally. We spent ALOT of time together putting this thing together. 

It was during this time that I found myself learning more about her boys and family. She offered wonderful advice and a listening ear as I was just learning to be a mom myself. Ironically, I went into labor with my first child on the very day that our conference was to start. I left poor Stephanie high and dry to run the conference by herself, but in grand fashion, she pulled it off. 

Over the years, I have photographed her with her 3 boys, Josh, Jake, and Justin. The first shoot we did was days before Josh left for basic training in the Army. It was a special shoot for all of us. The next shoot we did was for Justin's senior pictures. We got some amazing photos of Justin, some that are my absolute favorite portraits, ever! Now, this, her full family shoot with her new husband, Rob, and all of their boys. I can't imagine a house of 6 boys! Most days I feel like pulling my hair out, and I only have 2! But Stephanie does it with her calm and gentle smile. 

I just loved seeing my friend again, especially since those times are fewer and fewer since I am no longer in the 9 to 5 work place. Rob is awesome and makes Stephanie happy, which is all I could ask for. All of the boys are polite and were very understanding and forgiving of my asking them to do an early AM shoot. This family is just all around cool. Thanks for the opportunity to take some photos and for the chance to catch up. Cheers!

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It's Mr. and Mrs. Jorge Valadez!

Mackensie and Jorge were married at the Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado on July 4th, 2014. In classic Estes Park 4th of July style, a fast moving rain storm made an appearance for their wedding day, but luckily, we were all safely covered under the Pavilion as it quickly came, and just as quickly (thank goodness) left. 

Mackensie was the picture of a southern belle in her ivory beaded gown. Her purple flowers were the perfect compliment to her stunning gown. We shared a funny moment at the very end of our time together. I had asked for both her and Jorge's rings so that I could get a few pictures of them with her flowers. I had her ring (she has tiny fingers, by the way) on my pinky finger that I didn't run the rush of them slipping out of my hand. Mackensie came up to me and said, "Wow! Your ring is beautiful! Mine looks just like it!" Ahhh….to be SO newlywed that you forgot that you didn't have your ring on! But she is right, her ring is gorgeous. Nice pick, Jorge!

Jorge was reserved and polite, soft spoken and a gentleman. I found him staring at Mackensie everywhere she went. He looked after her in such a caring way, helping her with her dress and across the terrain in her high heals. He looked so handsome in his suit, and I even loved his aqua socks! They were the perfect splash of color for him! 

Jorge, along with his 2 sweet daughters, seemed thrilled to become a family with Mackensie. The girls wanted to be right next to both of them throughout the afternoon. This beautiful family will certainly have many wonderful days and fun-filled memories ahead. To Mr. and Mrs. Valadez, may the storms pass quickly and may each soft spoken moment be followed with exclamations of "Wow! This is amazing!" May your marriage be happy, healthy, sweet, and caring and may you always find a moment to remember how much you love the other as you did on your wedding day. 

Cheers!

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Here Come the McCready's!

Kristy and Erick were married only a few days ago in a beautiful ceremony in Estes Park, Colorado at the Black Canyon Inn. June 30, 2014 was a beautiful day, not too hot, not too cold, maybe a little on the breezy side, but those Colorado blue skies were magnificent!

Kristy wore a pure white Grecian style dress with a Bohemian headband. She was lovely! Kristy recently endured a back surgery and was in some pain on this day, but you'd never know because of her beautiful smile! She wore boots to keep her comfortable, and I promised not to get too many shots of them. Erick was shy, but so polite, and looked dashing in his grey suit. We made small talk as we waited for the service to begin. Both he and Kristy are from Nebraska and found their way to the Rocky Mountains when looking for a simple and beautiful place to get away for their wedding. Not only did they pick a perfect place, but a perfect day!

The ceremony was touching. Kristy recently experienced a loss, a deep loss, but that did not keep her from honoring her dad in simple ways on her wedding day. Tears were shed, but smiles prevailed. I found myself twice unable to speak during the family pictures because I too got choked up as we took pictures with a lovely framed portrait of her dad. Erick was constantly attentive and helpful, offering a firm squeeze of Kristy's hand to assure her and offer strength throughout the day. 

I loved the way Erick helped his bride by holding her dress and her hand as we traversed the hills throughout the property. I hope I didn't make Kristy endure any unnecessary pain as we captured their memories, but Erick made sure that he was there, strong and steadfast in his presence for Kristy. What a sweet and happy couple these two seem to be. I got the feeling that their love was simple, easy, constant, the way it should be. You shouldn't have to "try" to love someone. It should be always there. 

So, to Mr. and Mrs. McCready, I wish you prevailing smiles through tears of joy or sadness. I hope that a firm squeeze of the one you love will brighten everyday. Be helpful, be attentive, be loving, be the strength that your partner needs when they feel the weight of the day. Love simply, but love beautifully as you did on your wedding day. Cheers!

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