artistic authentic wedding photography

artistic authentic wedding photography

2015 in review

I’m not sure if it's that we become more aware of the world as we get older or we really are in a time when things are much darker and uncertain on a global scale. With all the headline felonies, religious persecution, poverty and injustice in 2015 it’s hard not to grieve over the threatening darkness that covers the peace and freedom we all seek and expect. Yet, as I sit here looking out the window during this still, winter evening I rest as the snow so silently covers all things sitting peacefully. I look through these images of all the love we’ve seen this year and know that despite the darkness, there is nothing that can truly steal joy.

 Photographing weddings is quite satiating for curious observers like Matt and myself. We have front row seats to what is one of the most significant days of someone’s life. We’ve taken nearly a hundred thousand photographs in 2015 and have whittled the collection down to 136 moments to feature. It’s interesting to see which images we impulsively share in our year wrap up. We’ve never been the type to spend most of our time helping you remember posed images, trends, details or photos that only show what was happening on the outside. Emotion in its artistic expression has always been one of our favorite things to photograph. This year we've refined those skills and are proud to share a set of artistic, authentic wedding photography that is some of our best.

It's an honor to use all these wonderful people to tell you about happiness and authenticity. I’m featuring over thirty couples, mainly based or rooted in Denver. Most couples are similar in age, demographic and style. Though I can see many of them being friends with each other, every couple is so beautifully unique and their stories reflect their personhood and relationship so accurately.

A very special thank you to everyone we photographed this year for sharing so much of yourselves. The impact that you have on us is great. Despite the headlines and uncertainty, life is good.

Thanks for the significant reminder of that.

devil's thumb ranch wedding

Devil's Thumb Ranch wedding

The dress was her mother's, the location was one of Colorado's best, we photographed the bride as an attendant of this wedding and it was a perfect blue sky winter day in the mountains.

Liz and Rudy. They met in the cafeteria while working at the same hospital. I don't know that they would have said it was love at first bite but the two were intently drawn to each other before they had officially met. They are kind, poised and authentic and those personality traits were knit through every piece of their wedding. The wedding day was outlined like the kind of weddings we believe to be the best. It was filled with classic pieces of the couple's personality, focused on relationships and celebration. It set every guest in an endearing atmosphere and gave them a delightful filling of food and a lasting impression of love. For most couples older than 20, the likelihood of many of your guests having been to many weddings is high. How do you curate the day to make it one of the best days of your life while leaving a lasting impression on all of your loved ones? It sounds complicated, but it can be broken down into steps. We've found several connections to what makes weddings an incredible experience no matter what.

1. Make every step count. Don't do a tradition for the sake of the tradition. Only do things in which you find meaning and purpose. Below are a few undertakings that people opt out of or adjust if it's not something significant to them. -cake cutting - toasts - flowers - something blue - bouquet toss - traditionally matching wedding party wear - wedding favors. Omit the question "what is everyone else doing?" and fill the blank in with your favorite things. Maybe it will be trendy, maybe not. It simply needs to be you.
2. Decorating and DIY is not for the faint of heart. Does the thought of crafting for a year make you really excited? If you could care less, choose a venue that is beautiful as it is or choose a planner who will create an atmosphere in your style. Your wedding does not need to look like a top Pinterest  pin to be wonderful.
3. Make your party the priority. The most incredible thing about a wedding is the people. Everyone you love most is in the same room and all their attention directed towards celebrating with you. How can you connect with your guests? Can your wedding day be more than a quick hello or a "it would have been nice to meet you?" Explore elaborating your rehearsal dinner, throwing an after-party or setting up activities preceding the wedding day. Find a way to spend time and enjoy as many of your guests as possible. Weddings are about relationships, don't lose sight of that.

4. Remember it well. We say that wedding days are emotionally intoxicating. Months prior you rip the calendar days off one by one awaiting a day that will seem to never arrive. When it comes there is so much going on it's hard to experience. Invest wisely in your photography and documentation but also, think of ways you can remember more than the images. Is there a specially scented flower you can designate as a sensory item you can keep in a wedding box? Can you wear a piece of jewelry you will give to one of your children? Prioritize the documentation but don't lose sight of additional pieces that can help you remember your wedding day. If you're in need of help with any of this, head to the hospital cafeteria and ask Liz and Rudy.

This Devil's Thumb Ranch wedding would not have been as wonderful if Danielle and her team from Entwined had not been involved. A very special thanks to them for orchestrating the day so seamlessly.

urban denver weddings

Urban Denver weddings

Perhaps we have John Denver to blame, but often if you're planning a Colorado wedding, your first thought of vow exchange is in the mountains. Though we at Selah love nature as much as any resident, there is a very special place in our hearts for the urban Denver wedding like Russ and Diana's. There are many Denver city wedding venues to choose from and whether you choose a hotel ballroom or combination of hip church followed by Space Gallery like these guys, the aesthetic majesty holds up compared to those mountain nuptials.

It was a modern, unique, sentimental, creative and emotional. Their day started getting ready separately.  Russ was given special notes through the day reminding him of all the pieces of life that have brought the two to where they are. There was something blue sewn into Diana's dress and her borrowed headpiece had been worn in weddings for generations. You could say their wedding was traditional in sorts; the church ceremony was held at Park Church and Russ overflowed with emotion as he saw his veiled bride walk down the aisle with her dad. Though the tradition seemed to be an outline, the couple definitely made a new mold for their wedding, filling it with personal details that made it clear to all the guests that they were attending a party of Russ and Diana.

These two are beautiful, many may say photogenic. Even a stranger will be able to easily pick out that trait. At Selah, we talk quite a bit to couples about being photogenic, which is typically referenced to the level at which a person photographs. Most people believe they are not good at taking pictures, however, we believe that all people are photogenic; it depends on the photographer. Let us use Russ and Diana to explain. One of the first things many people will notice about these two is they are quite attractive, which you would think would be the main reason they shoot so well. Though it's helpful, we beg to differ. If the evenness of your smile, your body type or symmetry of your face was the only thing that made these photos beautiful, you wouldn't feel anything when looking at them. The images may be pretty but they wouldn't be compelling or moving.

We believe being genuinely photogenic has to begin with sharing your inner beauty first.

In Russ and Diana's case, it begins with being creative, kind and joyful. These photos show beauty because they have very special relationships with their families and they love each other deeply. Russ and Diana were ready to enjoy their entire wedding day, whether it be cake, microphone, or camera in their face, and the radiance of that joy is what jumps out to the viewer and makes these photos as great as they are. We are so thankful to have been invited. A very special thanks to Space Gallery and Stacy with JA Special Events for making this day run so flawlessly.

colorado natural wedding photographers

 

 

 

Colorado natural wedding photographers

There were so many adjectives that came to mind when I was trying to put together a focus for this wedding's blog posting. I could talk about the poise of the Air Force, the amazing architecture at the Air Force Chapel, how Grant and Angela were two of the kindest people we've run into or the visible love and support the couples' guests showered on them.  Though all of those elements were substantial, I would have to say that the way the couple allowed us to capture these real, natural wedding photos is what stands out to me most. The term, Colorado natural wedding photographer, can mean many things. It could be a photographer who loves to photograph in nature, a photographer who likes DIY - unprimped weddings or like us, photographers who want to document the existing character, circumstances and surroundings of life as you know it. It's a photo of the father of the groom explaining the medals of honor on his jacket, the bride running up the steps of her wedding venue as the ceremony is minutes away, the groom standing at the door of the chapel greeting his closest as they walk through the door to support one of the biggest decisions of his life. It's friends and family standing at the edge of the dance floor as if it were a starting line for a race awaiting one of the most enjoyed dance parties we've seen this year or the night shot that was made perfect by a spontaneous moment of laughter.

We think a lot about how our couples will interact with their wedding photos - from the first time you hold them in your hands to your great grandchildren flipping the pages of your wedding book.  This natural, story telling, unposed wedding photography combined with artistic, hang-on-the-wall portraits is exactly what we love about making photographs. We believe wedding photography can be so much more than a large collection of files you sit behind your computer and occasionally view on your anniversary. We believe it is more than a portrait on your parents' wall showing what you looked like on your wedding day. We think that natural wedding photos, photographs that show who you are, is the best and most cherish-able way to capture this exceptionally significant time of life. Thanks to Grant, Angela and guests for being beautiful and allowing us to stand by and document it.

wedding at blanc

Wedding at Blanc

If any couple were ever to ask us to plan their wedding for them, which they never do, but if they did, we would zero in on a few important things like location, food, beautiful clothing, small numbers in the wedding party, good music, originality, and more emphasis on photography than other things. Most people don't consult us on such things, including Jeff and Blair, but amazingly, they didn't have to because they already had it all - and then some.

Starting off with getting-ready photos at the nearby hotel, the boys were showing plenty of East Coast brotherly love as they helped each other tie ties and straighten collars. The Philadelphian wit of the boys while getting ready answered the question I have asked since watching sitcoms all during the 90's of, "Can real people really be that funny?" Turns out they can. The girls finished their elegant, yet natural touches as Blair adorned herself in her (not white) BHLDN dress accessories that complimented Jeff's custom made suit oh so well.

After a short stint of being celebrities in Union Station, the couple headed over to what has become one of our favorite urban wedding locations in Denver, Blanc, for their ceremony and reception. A wedding at blanc can never go wrong. From that point on, not a minute was wasted. Jeff and Blair had an intentional schedule that maximized the music, staggered the dance events, and left no room for dead time. It was perhaps the most relaxed celebration we have ever attended, requiring all the guests to do nothing more than just enjoy the night as they please, occasionally visiting one of the three themed buffets.

As for the toasts, they were among the greatest we have ever seen, but perhaps that is to be expected from people who had so much love and personality. The only interruption of the party was when we pulled the bride and groom out for what became some amazing night shots (see below) and they were happily willing to participate with that as well.

Jeff and Blair's wedding was one of the kind when you are filled with gratitude because your job is to hang out with awesome people. Our only regret was that we didn't get them to sign a contract to hire us again in 20 years when they renew their vows. We were so thankful to be a part of their story. 

River Bend Wedding - Lyons

River Bend Wedding - Lyons

Jess and Nick.  Their experience as wedding guests must have been one of the things that primed them to put together a such great wedding. They were one of the last to get married in their friends’ group, which we discovered has many benefits. The day was designed with only the most enjoyable and meaningful touches.

They planned a River Bend Wedding - Lyons, Colorado, a venue that has a natural elegance surrounded with touches of classiness set for an authentic, sophisticated event.

Some of the day’s highlights were the sweet personalized gifts, the quintessential appearance of the bride and groom and the father of the groom’s toast that didn’t leave a dry eye at the reception. It flowed as every wedding day should; not a beat was missed and every guest was treated to a beautiful celebration of love lit by the rays of the supermoon.

As the wedding photographers, Sarah and I took full advantage of all the inward and outward beauty at this wedding. With ease, we were able to capture the storytelling type of photos we believe matter most: photos of moments that show relationship, personality and happiness. 

A special thanks to Rachael from Decor Design and Production Group for orchestrating this event in a way that allowed everyone to experience the best of the day to its fullest.

telluride colorado wedding

A Telluride Colorado Wedding

Telluride Colorado. It's this little city far enough away that it avoids the feel of too much touristy traffic while making every visitor feel like they should live there. It's a place built for peace and pleasantry. A city obsolete from any chain restaurant or stuffy venue and really, is quite possibly the most perfect place in Colorado. The city is quietly becoming a very popular for destination weddings such as this one though I imagine most destination weddings held in Telluride of them were not quite this great.

Matt and Bubba's wedding was the most wonderful kind of Colorado destination weddings and a treat for a wedding photojournalist to document. It was close enough to home for most of their friends to drive yet far enough away to make it more than a celebration that lasts only a few hours. The wedding was built around having a great time with the people the couple love most in the world.

It's typical to see family and wedding party exuding emotion during the ceremony but not as typical for many of the guests to wiping away tears as the bride walks down the aisle. From the second we arrived at the wedding, we were able to tell how loved these two are by their friends and family. There was a elusive love that was shown by their dog Sally who seemed to appoint herself in hosting the wedding ceremony. She pranced around the open field where the wedding was held welcoming friends and family as they overlooked Wilson Peak, famous for it's feature in Coors advertising.

After vows were exchanged and all the guests emblazoned instagram with their selfies  we headed downtown to the Telluride Opera house for a 1920's accessoried and 1950's musiced party. Again, a celebration that had every guest on the edge of their seat invested in the last words of toasts and hours of jovial dancing. It was a party that everyone should get to have not once, but more than once in your lifetime. A celebration that reminds you that life's goodness is far greater than the most beautiful mountain scenes, perfect towns and well planned parities. It's in the people that you love the most.

Emotional Wedding Photography

emotional wedding photos

emotional wedding photography

 Their love story was like what you would expect out of a modern day blockbuster. The adventurous girl follows her heart to a foreign country to study and comes across a friend who soon becomes much more. They experience that fairy tale beginning, where nothing in the world could go wrong followed by genuine trials that test and prove their love for one another. During their vows they mentioned sitting on their bathroom floor together holding hands, braving moments of war as sirens went off in the distance. They’ve walked through many challenges most couples don’t confront in a lifetime; challenges that build deep connections and clearly show what makes the two value their relationship and their families so intently.

 How do you plan a Colorado wedding from overseas? That might be the natural follow-up question upon learning that this couple resides in Tel Aviv. In Emily and Yaron’s case, they had a team of family on site in Colorado making decisions while the trusting couple went on with their engagement at home in Israel. The wedding was intimate. Guests included Yaron’s immediate family from Israel and Emily’s family and closest friends from the States. Its simplicity so appropriately highlighted the real reason all weddings should happen: because love, family, and commitment are of the best things life has to offer. Having everyone you care about most gathered in one space to sign off on the importance of the day is exactly what this wedding looked like. 

Every image of this couple is a great representation of what raw, emotional wedding photography is like. It’s a photojournalistic style that shares much more than what a person looks like on their wedding day. After all, how many times in your life will you have every person most special to you in the same room? These aren't just anybody. Love and connection with family and friends happens because of vulnerability, trials, triumphs and other rich experiences that make us who we are. We want wedding photography to reflect the little pieces of the personalities that have made you who you are. Here is a glimpse into what makes these two, our thanks to them for sharing so much.

Blanc Wedding

blanc wedding in denver

breitling wedding gift

modern wedding photographers

The day started off with some getting-ready photos in the local Denver venue, Blanc. This Blanc wedding features this new modern wedding venue in Denver. Small enough for intimacy and genuineness, yet large enough to make a groom feel like Keith Moon and bride to feel like...the belle of the ball, as Kristen certainly was. We believe it is absolutely one of the best wedding venue's in Denver. 

artistic denver wedding photograhy

Nothing says "always and forever" like a surprise, 15 minute drum show suddenly during the reception. Chris, who hammed up the part perfectly with his officiant, Ryan, was somehow able to crank out a crescendo on the cymbals, give the finger to official city noise ordinance, and flash the "I love you" sign to his bride, Kristen in the front row, all at the same time. Between the two of them, there were more toms displayed than in the small Central American village who has received all those canvas shoe charities in recent years. Lucky for us at Selah, we were granted a backstage pass as well as some earplugs. This event, however, was the most original part of a wedding night we have ever seen, but it was not the beginning. 

As professional wedding photographers we don't believe in the idea of being photogenic or not being photogenic. Smiling for a camera is not the same as smiling because your soon-to-be spouse looks more beautiful than you have ever seen. A posed photo at the mention of "cheese" is not the same as an authentic heartwarming laugh at the surfacing of an inside joke that only you and your other get. A good photographer shoots those moments; the unrehearsed, authentic, emotional, and beautiful moments that make it all worth it to begin with. The trick is, sometimes you have to wait for those moments to happen or try to encourage them with playful questioning. In the case of Chris and Kristen however, there was no coaxing on our part. Our trigger fingers were near burning out from over use while these two couldn't stop looking at each other and smiling and laughing. Just being around them for a small portion of time we could tell that these are the types of people you wished lived next door to you, or bought the seat next to yours on a trans-continental flight with the TVs broken.

Chris and Kristen put together a wonderful party with some wonderful food and desserts. The spirits were high; love was in the air, and the only "crashing" at that wedding was by the groom himself, while using his other hand to point lovingly at his wife in the front row, celebrating their 2 hour anniversary. We were blessed to be able to witness the event.

A big thanks to Blanc, House of Yonder and Jessica at Pink Champagne Events for so many great things that happened on this day.

Gunnison CO Wedding

Gunnison CO Wedding

Sometimes it can be embarrassing to live in Colorado and have someone visit only to find out that you have never seen all the amazing parts of the state that brought them here in the first place. For us, we are saved that embarrassment thanks to destination weddings like our recent one which brought us down south to the beautiful Gunnison, CO. Nearby mountain landscapes, an enormous lake, and best of all, the outdoor wedding of Brandan and Sarahkate.

Brandan and Sarahkate were the kinds of folk that know how to make a family celebration, and actually include the family in the celebration. In the "getting ready" portion of the afternoon, both bride and groom were separated into their respective rental houses, and surrounded by bridal party members, parents, and extended relatives so they could all enjoy the afternoon together playing yard games and reminding each other how to hold trains of a dress or tie the formidable Double Windsor. One thing unique to Sarahkate's preparation was her father's involvement at helping her with the veil and accessories. It was both rare and endearing to see a father take so much interest in the role. Perhaps that level of attention to aesthetic detail is genetic, which may explain the beautifully original floral crown Sarahkate donned throughout the whole event - even during the dancing.

candid wedding pictures

artistic colorado wedding photographer

beautiful outdoor wedding images

 As any expert party-planner knows, there has to be layered variety involved in order to achieve memorable greatness. Brandan and Sarahkate put together a plan with enough unique elements to keep etsy chatting for quite some time. The wedding in an open field with just a simple arrangement at the altar and the people sitting and standing in a semi circle around them. Piling the entire wedding party into one pick-up to offroad to a nearby bridge over a small creek. Then, to cap off the night's celebration, a bonfire so large that shown bright enough for everyone in its atmosphere to be able to find the s'mores ingredients, and even play another round of yard games.

denver artistic wedding photographers

So next time out-of-towners ask if we are familiar with Gunnison, we will say "yes we have been there" and deliver a raving review of the place due to our fond memories of eating cupcakes in the moonlight with Brandan and Sarahkate.

nontraditional wedding ideas

nontraditional wedding in colorado

nontraditional wedding ideas

nontraditional wedding ideas

Non traditional Wedding Ideas

It was almost one year ago, shooting a non traditional wedding in St. Thomas, that we here at Selah said to each other, "Wouldn't it be great to shoot another wedding with these people?" As luck and referrals from friends would have it, we were blessed to live that very experience recently with Charles and Tara, a really cool couple that happens to share a lot of the same friend group of the Virgin Island gang. Charles and Tara, an Austin based couple, chose their wedding location to be Steamboat Springs, which was equally as breathtaking and unique, but for different reasons.

wedding photojournalists in colorado

Starting off the getting ready photos in a rented house near the mountain base made way for some great shots of the bride and groom getting put together. Charles, with his custom vintage suit, looked like the picture of a an understanding and loving father as he stood with his son on the balcony under a thin cloud cover photographers hope for but rarely find. Tara, upstairs, surrounded by loving family and oversized mirrors, was slowly transforming from her normal down-to-earth self into one of the most genuinely unique yet classy brides we have ever photographed. 

The standard, white wedding gown, was just one of the typical wedding traditions forfeited for the sake of authenticity. Tara was calling it her wedding outfit which featured pleated pants made by her mother in law and a lace cropped top. The icing on her outfit, was made my the bride's mother. Her rings and earrings were embedded with special jewels to honor the people who were most special.

outdoor wedding in colorado

 We topped off the evening with some fantastic art shots featuring the couple and all of Steamboat Springs in the background, then headed downtown for a night of eating, drinking, and being married. The party was wonderful and the people were loving it. Your assigned photographers were once again saying to themselves, "wouldn't it be great to shoot another wedding with these people?"

If you've found this post by searching for nontraditional wedding ideas, let this couple impact you with the best advice you will find. Charles and Tara were not interested in recreating other peoples' weddings; they wanted their own. Many brides and grooms don't consider the meaning or the purpose of the ingredients that make a typical wedding, but these two did and it was a welcome change resulting in one of the more personal and memorable weddings to date.

candid wedding photographers

emotional indian wedding photos

Candid Wedding Photographs

There is something so beautiful about seeing two cultures juxtaposed with each other. From noticing the difference in celebratory clothing, colors, symbolism, traditions, and food the differences present a dramatic range. In the case of an Indian-American wedding like Kip and Priya's,  the cultures are not exactly side by side, instead they are becoming one. The wedded couple become one life, one body, and even one culture.

On Friday, the couple celebrated half of their marriage with a traditional Indian Tea ceremony. Flowers were flown in from India and every piece of the day brought an authentic cultural experience. Friday's henna was a appropriate reminder of the day prior as the guests celebrated a traditional American ceremony. I was fascinated to see the unique expressions the two cultures have in celebrating one of life's most significant commitments. After seeing the American wedding one day after the Indian, it made me respect our traditions in a new way and almost wish we had more of them. One of the strongest ties I saw in each celebration, though especially the Indian is the emphasis on family. The wedding was about much more than joining two people together, it was about showing gratitude and respect to elders as each family welcomed a new member into each others lives.

traditional indian wedding moment

Now for Kip and Priya. As you can tell by this small feature of photos, the two are deeply joy-filled people. They are one of the kindest and happiest couples. Their love and commitment to not only each other, but their friends and family is one of the more obvious things you will notice about them upon meeting.

During the day of their ceremony, we really focused on being candid wedding photographers. We believe that photographing a wedding should be done in a way that documents so much more than what you look like, rather who you are and how you're feeling - giving you a set of authentic, natural wedding photographs. We want to give an heirloom that really help you re-live the this time of life. This family allowed us to document their personalities with ease.

Many blessings to you Kip and Priya.

emotional wedding moment

natural denver wedding photos

natural wedding photo of bride getting ready

bride and father first look

happy wedding photos

natural denver wedding photos

Every bride at one point or another was a young girl fantasizing in her room about what her wedding would one day look like. This fantasy usually involves a handsome bride, a cool hotel to get changed in, some super cool custom-painted socks as gifts, a broken-down light rail, and a Spring day that starts with moderate cloud covering and ends with the newlyweds dancing together in a thick snowfall and a nearby poweroutage. Okay, so maybe the details aren't always exactly that, but with the way Mark and Holly owned it and the way their families laughed, danced, and ate ice cream together in a snowstorm, you would have thought they had ordered that snow from a Hollywood special effects company.

As their photographers, of course we were happy that they were so happy because though we may not say it out loud in the moment, cloud covers and precipitation of any kind can make for awesome photographs as long as the couple is willing. They were willing. Is it a coincidence that the man who discovered that every snowflake is unique was a photographer? 

Shooting Mark and Holly's wedding was a lot of fun for us and there were lessons learned by many: Hiring a good DJ and having people willing to dance is a recipe for an amazing reception. Just because the father of the groom isn't the best man doesn't mean he can't give a heartwarming yet hilarious toast. Ice cream is still worth eating even if you have stand in line outside in snowy wind while wearing a dress to get it. Make sure your rental car comes with a good scraper even in May. And, regardless of circumstance, what makes or breaks the joyous experience of a wedding is love itself. This lesson learned from Mark and Holly was the best of all.It's love like this that provide meaningful, emotional and natural Denver wedding photos. We were so thankful to take part in their story.

artistic wedding photographers

artistic wedding photographers

Family Photos. Couple's portraits. Detail shots. Story Telling. Candid Photography. Emotive, personal imagery. There are many unique focal points of a wedding. As photographers, we approach weddings concentrated on photographing every facet that allows the visual story to be told with authenticity. At Selah, our weddings are seen with a lens of real, moving photographs from an artists perspective. We specialize in an artistic photojournalistic style  - within that - couple's direct us on how they would like their photos of be focused. This wedding, we were focused on being

artistic wedding photographers.

The couple sought out an artistic wedding photographer to document their day and we were so honored to be the one's be entrusted with the commission.

Chip and Christine's families beautifully and intimately joined as one. Chip is an avid astronomy buff and it was only appropriate that the ceremony was held at the observatory down the street from their home. The ceremony was small, it was the couple, their four children and two close friends who married them. Every piece of the day was knit to suit their personalities. From the wine, to the personalized music, to the star gazing and the "enjoy a treat...after dinner" sign, the day celebrated the things the family loves most in life.

artistic family photographers in denver

 The family wanted to get a unique, album-coveresk photo for their musical, art-loving family. They thought I would think the request was a bit odd, however, they couldn't have found a photographer that would love making these images more than I. If we would have had time, I could have spent all day taking creative family photos. 

Thank you Chip, Christine and family for inviting me to be a part of your wedding day. The honor is mine.

A special thank you to Veronica who joined me all the way from Nebraska to second shoot.

best wedding photos 2014

best wedding photos | 2014

Arranging this collection leaves me emotionally overwhelmed with gratitude. I tend to fall in love with many of my couples I photograph. Seeing all these stories in one place is almost like looking at an old family album.  Photographing weddings is really an incredible job. We go from barely knowing the bride and groom to being surrounded by their family, life stories, personal, emotional moments and deep, meaningful experiences. Every year I have a hard time imagining how the next year will even compare. This year may top that wonder.

Gallery Block

These are example images. Double-click here to replace these images with your own content. Learn more

We photographed nineteen couples and were invited into very personal places in each of their lives. As an artist, I am always hoping to create meaningful work. Looking back at 2014, it's obvious that we were able to tell great stories about personhood, authentic relationships, beauty in emotion and most importantly, love. Matt's and my gratitude overflow to all of our new friends and we can't wait to do it all again in 2015.

red rocks wedding

Red Rocks Wedding

Best Denver Wedding Venues

There are many great places for weddings in Denver but if you're really looking for the most iconic Colorado wedding venue, there is nothing quite like a Red Rocks wedding. The chapel, where most couples exchange vows looks over an open rock structure with a setting sun to its side. It's easy to overlook how awe-inspiring these unique formations really are. If you are looking for a venue to really wow your guests along with a site that you can come back to time and time again, Red Rocks is really one of the top wedding venues in Denver.

Joe and Whitney held their ceremony outside of the trading post with the reception at the top of the amphitheater, giving their guests a view of Denver and the stage where some of the world's best musicians have performed. The couple wanted the venue to be a part of their story just as they wanted the photos to be. Red rocks is a beautiful, natural venue and the couple wanted their photos to be the same. The photos were focused on a close and loving family, a fun group of friends, a beautiful taste in decor and an amazing dance party with Dwight one of the best DJ's we've worked with. We focused on wedding photojournalism, the natural, storytelling style of images that turn into an authentic, family heirloom.

I believe wedding photographers are as unique as musicians. Just as musicians, photographers have genres. Some specialize in traditional photography, some black and white photography, some artistic and some photojournalism.   To find the best photographer, pick your genre and search for artists within the style you like. How do you know what style of wedding photos you want? To answer that, you have to just consider a few key questions.

There are two main styles of wedding photography. You'll find that every photographer dabbles in a bit of both in order to make your wedding coverage complete. We recommend staying away from photographers who "do it all." If you truly want the best wedding photos, seek out someone who has a particular vision and rest knowing they will take care of the wedding photos from there.

Here are a few ways to find out what kind of photography style you should look for.

You prefer candid photos over posed ones You value emotional, personality-filled images You would rather hang a photo of you and your mom laughing together over one of you posing for the camera You tend to dislike cheesy, smiling for the camera photos but love photography You prefer unposed wedding photos You like things that are unique If you've answered yes to most of the above questions, you may be a fit for a Wedding Photojournalist and have a style similar to Whitney and Joe's Red Rock's wedding.

Destination wedding photographer in Colorado

Destination wedding photographer in Colorado

for Ryan and Alysha

Somewhere at the base of the Rocky Mountains between Aspen and Telluride is a small vineyard town with homegrown restaurants, struggling wifi, and a name that's difficult to spell. For some, the beauty may not be worth the distance you are from "the grid", but for Colorado natives, Ryan and Alysha, a small farmhouse in Paonia, Colorado was the perfect setting for their dream wedding. As a destination wedding photographer in Colorado, we've seen many unique weddings and venues -  but none quite like this.

Coming from Denver but each having a penchant for fine taste, Ryan and Alysha put together what was easily one of the best weddings we have ever experienced. With old books, straw bale benches, and fences struggling to retain their paint, the "FRESH AND WYLD"  farmhouse adorned simple and authentic all over the wedding itself; and for Ryan and Alysha, authenticity was important. Our love for wedding photojournalism relished thanks to this couple's personality and openness.

These two are the kind of people who greet everybody with hugs, who include their families in the ceremony, and who kiss each other and giggle between ever click of the camera. They are the kind of folks who are not afraid to show emotion as vows are being read, nor the kind who feels at all timid on the dance floor. For Ryan and Alysha, authenticity is natural and inevitable. They are two beautiful and fun people, and thus invited their families and friends of that ilk. Perhaps our opinion of their friends is biased because we had met several of them shooting another favorite wedding in Puerto Rico a couple years back. However, as the events of the day turned into toasts, videos, and campfires, our estimations of their coolness were continuously vindicated.

Apart from how enjoyable and friendly the bride and groom were, we also took some amazing pictures. Paonia is a beautiful place and has moved its way up into our "favorite locations of all time" list. Then again, our opinions may be biased here as well because we got to experience with such amazing people. Every smile was genuine. Ryan and Alysha's wedding was a victory for humanity. We were happy to be a part of it.

How do you get great wedding photos like these? 

Lessons from Ryan and Alysha

• Let there be nothing that can ruin your day
• Plan well, delegate and experience your wedding
• Lose track of the camera, be yourselves
• Express your feelings, laugh loudly
• Realize how beautiful this day is and experience it fully
• Be up for anything

colorado wedding pictures

un posed wedding photos

wedding photojournalist

destination wedding photographer in colorado

Would you like to see more? View Ryan and Alysha's extended wedding preview below.

non-traditional wedding in denver

Non-traditional wedding in Denverfor Ross and Kiki

Have you ever seen a sushi bar at a wedding?

Every married couple has had that dreamy conversation when planning their wedding. Maybe, we could do some of our favorite things — like have an 80’s band, give all of our guests crazy sunglasses, project Bond: Goldeneye on the Nintendo 64 on to a wall while serving our favorite cocktails with aspen tree twig and leaves in them. Then you fall asleep, the morning lightly remembers those fun ideas and your wedding planning goes on with the normal traditions in tact. I think you can see where I’m going with this. Ross and Kiki’s non-traditional wedding in Denver truly was an authentic, personality-filled celebration. We loved it so much we plan on calling Kiki to set it up again for our ten year anniversary.

A non-traditional and personality filled wedding calls for quality, unique photos such as these. Our focus was, romantic, fun and artistic. Those three pieces of Ross and Kiki’s story were a pleasure to tell. Any documentary style wedding photographer would bask in a wedding such as this and as you can tell, we were no exception.

If you know me well or have been a follower of my blog, you know I talk a lot about using photos as meaningful artwork. Ross and Kiki’s photos are a really great example of the way that I love to blend documentary style photography with fine art imagery. Let the artwork on your walls be an intimate reminder of your wedding day vows.

candid wedding pictures

artsy wedding photographers in denver

quirky wedding pictures

A special shout out to our favorite urban art gallery wedding venue, Space Gallery. The talented Bareroot Flora and Danielle from Entwined Planning.

Like to see more? Check out an extended preview of this modern Denver wedding below.

Still here? If you've made it this far, take a look back at Ross and Kiki's Denver engagement photos.

City wedding photographer Denver

[flo_one_third padding="20px 20px 20px 20px" class="" ]

City wedding photographer Denver

for Sam and Caitlin

Naturally, the traditional concept of a wedding imagines a bride walking down a church aisle. The couple exchanges vows, runs out of the church while bird seed lands on the folds of a white veil and the church's steps, then jumps into their waiting limo. This is followed by a reception at a local ballroom - tables with white linen cloths and every adornment following the standard white, borrowed and blue. The modern couple, however, has spun away from doing things in step with tradition and instead weaves their wedding day with personality-filled details - only the things that matter most to the couple.

Sam and Caitlin's wedding is such a great example of a modern wedding. It was filled with meaningful and unique pieces of who they are. The wedding was held in one of my favorite artistic wedding venues - the Space Gallery. We were able to highlight downtown Denver's best locations as we photographed the guys getting ready at the Denver Athletic Club and captured portraits of the wedding party at the newly renovated Union Station. Caitlin was a strikingly beautiful bride. Her poise and warm, welcoming personality came together to present a truly beautiful woman paired with her groom who was just as dapper in his early fall, steel-blue suit.

Before the wedding Caitlin, Sam, and I sat down, and as I learned more of their story as a couple, we agreed the goal of the wedding day's photography would be to capture the modern and authentic style of the wedding. As a city wedding photographer Denver provided the scenery and the couple was just right to make a story like this. The story-telling approach towards documenting this day created this beautiful heirloom for the couple and their family.

[/flo_one_third] [flo_two_third_last padding="20px 20px 20px 20px" class="" ]

[/flo_two_third_last]

Would you like to see more of Sam and Caitlin's story? Check out the video below.

colorado wedding photography

Colorado Wedding Photography

for Max and Courtney

This was one of those weddings that little girls dream about. I imagine Courtney and her girlfriends having sleep overs, laying in the dark and whispering about what they wanted their weddings to be like. Little did they know, she was probably dreaming with a couple of the girls who would actually be bridesmaids. She was probably hoping her wedding would be on a mountain in Vail; the place where her family vacationed frequently. And just maybe, she would meet her husband skiing at the same location they would be married. In fact, as fate would have it, Vail is where Max met Courtney.  Specifically, the two met near the Vail mountain lodge known as The 10th, a location Colorado Wedding Photographers love as much as Colorado skiers. It would be years later that the two would have their wedding in that same location.

Everyone dearest to Courtney and Max were present. There were so many people in attendance that the couple rented out the entire Tivoli hotel and had twelve attendants on each side. The friends that stood up with them came from every chapter of their biography between childhood and professional life. The wedding celebrated everything they loved in life and every piece of the weekend was polished and treated with the prestige a celebration like this should have.

Wedding days are just as much about who you are and who has come along with you as where the bride and groom are going after their vows are complete. It's this interesting climax in a couple's lives where every piece of life comes together and the two no longer walk as individuals. The emotion in these photographs share what it feels like for the couple and everyone around them. A story of hundreds of embracing hugs, a day where everyone looks their best and eats like kings. A time when there are no limits on emotion and excitement. A story that's really best suited for several albums' worth of documentary style photographs that bridge between words not being quite enough for a story so great.

Want to see more? Check out the video below for an extended preview of the Key wedding.