Shannon and John's August wedding at Blackstone Rivers Ranch in Idaho Springs. There's so much I'm excited to share about this wedding, I'm not sure where to start!
When Shannon found me through Instagram she wrote me a message that grabbed my attention for several reasons. She used descriptors that resonate with me (candid and authentic photographs, mountain modern, casual elegance) and mentioned that she had met John in college and started dating over 10 years ago (very similar to my relationship). They got engaged on a hike (one of my favorite things to do) and mentioned that they have family "on both coasts and everywhere in between" and were hoping to bring as many of them together as they could. Well, count me in.
The first time we met in person, Shannon and John suggested one outside location and one inside location with a "swanky cocktail lounge type of vibe." I threw out several of my favorite Boulder options because I am all about a great ambiance. So this was also a no brainer for me and a fun change-up from shooting in the mountains. We made some *magic* at the bar while Shannon sipped her favorite cocktail (which made a reappearance as their signature drink on their wedding day). John tried a new whiskey, neat. At the outdoor location I got to meet their wild fur baby Hank and I swear you'll melt if you check out my blog post about their engagement session.
When their wedding day rolled around the weekend forecast called for quite a bit of rain - and while it did rain, we had many pockets of sunshine that were even more special because they felt rare. Emotions were running high as Shannon's mom helped her into her dress. A flower arrangement with a hand written note from the groom and a glass of champagne sat on a nearby table and all of the bridespeople were gathered round. When she was ready, we loaded into two separate cars to drive to a nearby overlook for Shannon and John's first look. After waiting out a short rain shower the videographer, my second photographer and I hid among the aspen trees to document the moments Shannon and John shared after seeing each other for the first time.
As we arrived back at the venue, the guests were already there and huddled underneath the awning of the patio as a new rain storm rolled in. We opted to delay their ceremony, but when our weather window came their 100+ guests wasted NO TIME getting into their seats so that we could take advantage and start the ceremony! Everyone was engaged with the officiant's ceremony script and there was laughter and tears. After their pronouncement everything went exactly as Shannon and John had hoped. We took family photos while guests grabbed cold drinks and hot appetizers, exploring the cozy fire pit by the river and the candlelit reception tent. The tent was decorated with flowers grown in Shannon's garden and planter boxes that she and John made themselves.
The rest of the night saw rain showers coming in and out. The newlyweds had chosen all of their favorite 90s and 00s rock songs to dance to and they were all about their ice cream sundae bar (which they preferred to cake, hell yeah). By the time our photography coverage was done I was sad to leave.
So tell me:
- Would you grow your own flowers for your wedding?
- Would you have an ice cream sundae bar instead of a cake?
- Would you get married in the rain?
Because in my opinion, the best way to have a wedding is the way that feels best to you. And this was how that came together for Shannon and John.
VENDORS
Wedding Planner | Kelleen with Be Your Own Guest
Caterer | Aimee with Relish
Rentals | Colorado Party Rentals
Invitations | Minted
Shannon’s Attire | Brilliant Bridal
Hair & Make-Up | Rollers & Rouge
John’s Attire | Men’s Warehouse
Rings | Brilliant Earth
Officiant | Keith Horstman
DJ | A Music Plus
Videographer | Michael Ring
