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Elizabeth & John’s Colorado Wedding in Leadville

Weddings

Back in late Summer we had a kinda crazy weekend. Crazy scary and crazy awesome. We photographed Lisa and Elaine’s wedding in North Carolina on Saturday and then attended, as well as photographed, our dear friends Elizabeth & John’s wedding on Sunday back here in Colorado! Normally we would not attempt such a feat, lest we tempt the travel gods, but we just couldn’t miss either one. And that’s what planes are for anyway, right? Well, our journey involved not only planes, but trains and automobiles (if you count DEN’s monorail).

We really thought it through…to speed things up, we parked in daily parking right next to the terminal (no economy lot for us this time!), charged batteries after Saturday’s wedding, already had our wedding clothes hanging in said automobile and changed in a hotel lobby on the way up through the Colorado Rockies. Thanks to our good karma, said travel gods smiled upon us and we made it to J&E’s wedding in plenty of time, ahead of both the bride and groom in fact! And we’re so glad we did.

Talk about a perfect day for these two. We loved every minute of it and since John’s a fellow photographer, we were especially honored to be asked to photograph it, even though there would be other photographer friends in attendance with their cameras. Perhaps one of the craziest parts involved the weather. On Saturday we were ahem, “glowing” in hot, steamy North Carolina and on Sunday, shivering at 10,000 feet where it didn’t make it much past 50 degrees! After some early clouds though, the sun came out just in time for their ceremony and bathed us all in some sweet, warm sunlight reflecting off the mountain lake behind the couple. Guests were asked to bring their camp chairs for the lake side ceremony and lots of other friends volunteered for various jobs, like catering and reception music playlist. E&J met each other among the trees, each with one of their pups and walked to meet their guests together hand in hand. The intimate ceremony they designed was officiated by Elizabeth’s Mom and included readings from several family and friends, as well as a serenade from John to his bride. At one point, they asked their guests to say and share a “word of the day”, which is a tradition E&J started where they share a word each day with one another that is meaningful in some way. Such a cool idea! Needless to say, we love these two and are tickled pink (do the kids say that anymore these days?) to have been a part of it. We also can’t thank them enough for the patience in understanding our crazy travel schedule! With that, on to the photos!

Venue: Leadville National Fish Hatchery

colorado-rocky-mountain-wedding_JE-1710-03x colorado-rocky-mountain-first-site colorado-rocky-mountain-processional colorado-rocky-mountain-recessional colorado-rocky-mountain-sneak-peek And then he turned the camera on us. Not everyday we wear jeans to a wedding!

Oh, those Colorado skies…

colorado-rocky-mountain-wedding_JE-1836-36x We wouldn’t mind if more weddings ended with a campfire.

Congratulations, E&J and thank you so much for your faith and trust in us. We love you guys!

xoxo,
…a&b

Lindsey & Rob’s Mountain Wedding at Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Featured, Weddings

The air at 9000 feet is always pretty crisp, and it wasn’t any different for Lindsey & Rob’s sunny Colorado wedding up at Steamboat Springs this fall. Their guests arrived at the mountain ceremony site via gondola and were treated to breathtaking views while the couple said their vows to one another. Not that anyone was looking at anything other than the happy couple, of course ;-). Talk about a breath of fresh air.

Our wish for every couple is that they have a wedding that feels like them where their friends and family can’t imagine them marrying any other way. Steamboat fit them to a tee, reflective of their adventures together (she hikes 14’ers in a day for fun, and their travels have taken them from Australia to Dubai. You might remember them from their relaxed Boulder County Fair and CU engagement session this Summer–we all had such a blast (plus some cotton candy). Check out a few of our favorite moments and images from their wedding, and of course their complete gallery. The password is Lindsey’s maiden name and is case-sensitive. Enjoy!

The awesome team:
Venue: Steamboat Springs Resort
Catering: Steamboat Meat & Seafood
Florist: One Fine Day Productions
Hair/Make-up: Waterside Day Salon
DJ: Marc with Complete Music
Baker: Cupcake Mini Bar

B’s faves of A’s:

It was such a scenic spot photographing the Steamboat valley below, with L&R’s wedding site behind us.

Even at 9000 feet, the mountains rose up and to the right of their wedding ceremony.

How cool is it to get a private, surprise wedding gondola for the ride down the mountain? It was just the right timing to photograph L&R as they sped down toward their wedding reception.

Don’t you just love these late-afternoon shadows? A wedding photographer’s dream.

A’s faves of B’s:

A gaggle of groomsmen.

We loved photographing the wedding ceremony at Steamboat Springs, with mountains on one side and a long valley down the other.

The sun’s so bright at Steamboat Springs even the dogs wear shades.

Photographing sunset at L&R’s wedding reception at the base of Steamboat Springs.

Some sweet details:

getting ready

reception

Another cake at L&R's wedding at Steamboat Springs

Dear l&r,

Some of our favorite moments from your wedding day are:
Your uncle’s quiet moments, Lindsey, stolen away from arriving guests as he prepared to officiate your ceremony. Lindsey, your dad’s emotions as he spoke during your ceremony, and the comfort your mom offered as he returned to his seat to witness the rest. In an only-in-Colorado-moment, a ready-made welcome committee of ultra-marathon race fans cheering you as you walked from the gondola to the start of your reception. Eschewing a more traditional (and some might say boring!) way to feed each other your first piece of cake, you instead tossed the pieces up in the air and each caught them in your mouths. Impressive! The peacefulness you had around your first dance. It was as if you were just lost in each other. Not sure what game it was, but the intensity with which your college friends kept their fingers intently on that beer was fun to watch.

Congratulations, you two and we look forward to sharing a beer sometime soon!

xoxo…
…a&b

Annie & Adam’s Wedding at Devil’s Thumb Ranch

Weddings

You may have remembered the floods that ravaged Colorado last year (it got press as far away as Scotland). A lot of people were displaced, and several had their homes demolished. Houses weren’t the only thing swept away; venues, many with weddings scheduled for that weekend, were also severely damaged. Annie & Adam’s original choice for their wedding was one of those affected. But thanks to a Facebook group, Save My Colorado Wedding, many of these couples found alternate venues, usually changing their wedding date in the process.

We were delighted to assist a good friend, Liesl, as A&A changed their date to one for which Liesl was already commissioned. So we stepped into shoot the weekend’s festivities at the beautifully rustic Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. A&A were such a relaxed, happy couple, and we couldn’t have asked for a better start to 2014. Here are a few of our favorite moments from the day, and we hope you enjoy!

The incredible team:
Venue: Devil’s Thumb Ranch
Planner: Jessica Adler of JA Special Events
Band: Kinetix
Florist: Sweet Pea Flowers
Video: Pure Cinematography
Lighting: Pure Energy
Stationery: Jenny Wittlinger
Calligraphy: Bumble B Design
Hair: Untamed Hair
Make-up: Blush Artistry
Gown: Christos

Bill’s faves of Anne’s:

Anne’s faves of Bill’s:

Some rockin’ Colorado details:

Dear a&a,

Some of our very favorite moments from your wedding day include:

Your first sight, when all your built-up nervous energy just utterly washed away. The readings during your ceremony, particularly Adam’s brother, as he became overwhelmed with love. The awe your guests felt when they walked into the barn for the first time for your ceremony. When your niece and nephew wanted to join in during your first dance–classic. The tenderness with which you first looked at Adam after your dad escorted you down the aisle, Annie. Your laughter-especially during your hora.

Congratulations, you two and we can’t wait to share a beer with you soon at your favorite brewery!

xoxo…
…a&b

Best of 2013 – Bill’s Faves of Anne’s

Buzz, Weddings

Today we wrap up our favorite images (we somewhat randomly selected 25 each) among the nearly 15,000 we delivered to our wonderful clients in 2013. These are images Bill loves that Anne captured, vs. Anne’s faves Bill captured. We hope you enjoy them, reminiscing about each of the weddings (click on the link for each couple to see more). Have a great weekend everyone and we’ll soon be sharing a sweet and fun wedding right here in Colorado at Devil’s Thumb Ranch.

Alicia & Gio’s wedding at the Hay Adams Hotel

Ashley & Kevin’s wedding at the Army Navy Club

Cristin & Nima’s wedding at Veritas Vineyards

Elizabeth & Ryan’s wedding at Woodbury Forest School

Joy & Jerry’s wedding at Vail Mountain Resort

Jenn & Mike’s wedding at Clifton Inn

Lindsay & Charles’s wedding at Hotel Monaco

Lindsay & Kyle’s wedding at the National Museum for Women in the Arts

Laura & Tony’s wedding at The Barns at Hamilton Station

Mary Beth & Chris’s wedding at Shrine Mont

Misty & Roby’s wedding at the Mellon Auditorium

Sam & Casey’s wedding at Panorama Farms

Sheryl & David’s wedding at The Homestead

Sarah & Jason’s wedding at The Homestead

Tammy & Andrew’s wedding at The Mill at Fine Creek

Best of 2013 – Anne’s Faves of Bill’s

Buzz, Weddings

Before things really get cranking in 2014, let’s take a quick look back at some of our favorite moments and images from our 2013 weddings! It was so insanely difficult narrowing down our selections to just 25 (seemed like a reasonable number taken from the 14,983 photos we delivered last year to happy clients). Today we’re looking at some of Anne’s favorite images that Bill captured from the past year. Thanks so much for all our incredible, loving, and happy couples for sharing these moments so we could capture them!

Alicia & Gio’s wedding at the Hay Adams Hotel

Ashley & Kevin’s wedding at the Army Navy Club

Brooke & Phill’s wedding at the National Museum for Women in the Arts

Cristin & Nima’s wedding at Veritas Vineyards

Healy & Tim’s wedding at a private residence

Jenn & Mike’s wedding at Clifton Inn

Joy & Jerry’s wedding at Vail Mountain Resort

Kaitlyn & Mark’s wedding at the Mellon Auditorium

Lauren & Chas’s wedding at Fat Cat Farms

Lindsay & Charles’s wedding at Hotel Monaco

Laura & Tony’s wedding at The Barns at Hamilton Station

Mary Beth & Chris’s wedding at Shrine Mont

Sam & Casey’s wedding at Panorama Farms

Sarah & Jason’s wedding at The Homestead

Tammy & Andrew’s wedding at The Mill at Fine Creek

Tony & Laura’s Vineyard Wedding at The Barns at Hamilton Station

Weddings

Well what do you know? It’s another fantastic wedding to share with you. One of our last ones this past Fall and it was a great one to end on. We absolutely adore Laura & Tony, and are thrilled to share their wedding images with you. Enjoy some of our highlights from their celebration below, and then check out their complete gallery. The password is Laura’s maiden name and is case-sensitive. Have fun!

The incredible team:
Venue: The Barns at Hamilton Station
Catering: Market Table Bistro
Baker: CG Cakes
Florist: Creations in Bloom
Makeup: Ashley Parker
Hair: Joanne McMullen
Gown: DaVinci
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
DJ: Karl Fisher

Bill’s faves of Anne’s:

Anne’s faves of Bill’s:

A few fab shots from our assistant Karen:

Isn’t this the best moment? They’re watching as Tony & Laura see each other for the first time on their wedding day.

Some oh-so-pretty (many DIY) details:

Dear L&T,

Some of our favorite moments from your wedding day include: Your flower girl clapping enthusiastically as you donned those love-themed shades, Laura. And the hug you shared with your mom before going to see Tony for the first time that day. Your first sight. All of it (and the reactions of your bridesmaids as they watched from a distance). Tony, your reaction and overwhelming emotion as you watched Laura walk down the aisle. All the laughter during your ceremony. The hands-in-the-air-like-you-just-didn’t-care dancing.

Congratulations, you two!

xoxo…
…a&b

Lauren & Chas’s Wedding at Fat Cat Farm

Weddings

Among the very last of our weddings this year was Lauren & Chas’s, who enjoyed an emotional and incredibly sweet ceremony officiated by Lauren’s childhood minister. We had been looking forward to their wedding ever since we shot their Love Session last Fall, and so throughly enjoyed ourselves that entire day! What a sweet (& kissy) couple. Don’t believe us? Well, see for yourselves! Oh, and then check out their online gallery. The password is Lauren’s maiden name and is case-sensitive.

The incredible team:
Ceremony venue: Christ Church, Scottsville
Reception venue: Fat Cat Farm
Florist: Beehive Events
Catering: Harvest Moon
Hair & Make-up: Emily Garbee
Band: Whiskey Rebellion

Bill’s faves of Anne’s:

Anne’s faves of Bill’s:

Some lovely details:

Dear Lauren & Chas,

Some of our favorite moments from your wedding day include:

Your kind words about us and our marriage being an inspiration for all couples on their wedding day. Lauren, your easy laugh and how your radiant smile could brighten a cloudy day. Your stolen kisses. How overcome with emotion you both became during your personal vows. Chas, the overwhelming look of pride on your dad’s face as he hugged you after your ceremony. Lauren, the broad smile on your dad’s face…all night long. Your delicious pies! Not really a moment there, but having a bite definitely was. All the boot kickin’ on the dance floor. That hug when you first saw each other that day; it was as if you’d never separate. Awesome.

Congratulations, you two!

xoxo…
…a&b

Sam & Casey’s Wedding at Panorama Farms

Weddings

We very frequently become friends with our clients if we didn’t know them before, and sometimes our clients start out as employees (as Eric did when he married Lora at Clifton Inn). So we were absolutely thrilled when our former production assistant, Sam, reached out to let us know she had recently gotten engaged to Casey. It was so nice gathering at the picturesque Panorama Farms just north of Charlottesville for their wedding, even if it was 87 degrees in October! As you can see, the happy couple kept their cool throughout their blissful day. Check out our favorite images from the day, then their complete gallery. The password is Sam’s maiden name and is case-sensitive.

The wonderful team:
Venue: Panorama Farms
Caterer: Harvest Moon
Baker: Sweethaus
Gown: Marisa Bridals
Florist: Sugar Magnolias
Ceremony music: Madison Trio
Band: Jebus
Make-up: Lauren Kelly
Hair: Bella Boutique
Lighting: Blue Ridge Lightforms
Stationery: Behold Designz

Anne’s faves of Bill’s:

This kid had some mad moves.

Bill’s faves of Anne’s:

Loving these details:

Dear s&c,

Some of our favorite moments from your wedding include:

Maximizing your use of any breeze (or air conditioning, whatever the environment) to cool off before your ceremony. The laughter with both your bridesmaids and groomsmen throughout the afternoon. Nearly everything called for at least a smile. Your incredibly touching and tender First Sight. Seeing hot air balloons off in the distance after your ceremony. Your sister, Sam, serenading the two of you during your first dance. Your dad’s band playing tirelessly throughout the night. The quiet way you two slipped off by yourselves to feed each other cupcakes in lieu of cake (yup, we saw you!). The extreme close-up photo your dad took of you, Sam, and Casey during family portraits. Your hugs.

We couldn’t be happier that you have found each other and so honored you chose us to capture these memories for you. Congratulations, you two!

xoxo…
…a&b

Healy & Tim’s Wedding at a Private Virginia Estate

Weddings

Each of our clients’ weddings have a distinct feeling to them. It’s the bond that connects those loved ones–family and friends–with each couple. Healy & Tim had a distinct feeling to theirs as well and if we had to come up with select descriptive keywords, we might say relaxed, bright, and Maker’s Mark. Definitely can’t forget the Maker’s Mark. It’s safe to say everyone there had a great time, and we were thrilled to capture all the incredibly fun (and funny) moments throughout the day. Take a look at our favorites, and when you’re ready, peruse their complete gallery here. The password is Healy’s maiden name and is case-sensitive. Enjoy, and have a great weekend!

The fab team:
Venue: Healy’s family home
Coordinator: Dawn Bainbridge
Florist: Janie Medley
Caterer: Catering Concepts
Tent and Lighting: Big Top Entertainment
Band: Burnt Cienna
Video: Tangerine Media Group

Anne’s faves of Bill’s:

Bill’s faves of Anne’s:

Last, but not least, we have some eye candy for you:

Dear h&t,

Some of our favorite moments from your wedding include…

The easy-going, nothing’s-going-to-bother-us attitude throughout the day. Your stylist’s t-shirt (and your grandma, too, natch)! When your ring-bearer approached one of your guests during the processional and presented her with the ring pillow, instead. The childhood excitement on the faces of your friends as they all watched the fireworks display. All the love-inspired signs placed throughout the tent, serving as thoughtful reminders for your friends’ own relationships. And finally, your guests really showing the playground spirit of sharing with that bottle of Maker’s.

Congratulations, you two!

xoxo…
…a&b

Styled Wedding Shoot for The Hook at Clifton Inn

Buzz, Editorial, Weddings

We were pretty stoked when Stephanie Marie of The Hook and the Fete blog called to ask us to collaborate on a shoot she was planning for The Hook’s upcoming wedding issue, which just hit stands. If you’re in the Charlottesville area and would like a little inspiration for your own wedding, we think the issue turned out beautifully with a wide variety of different ideas put into play and photographed at the gorgeous Clifton Inn. We’re delighted to have been a part of it!

Art direction: Amanda Gray of Ashley Baber Weddings
Styling: Stephanie Marie of The Hook
Stationery and calligraphy: Katie Barr of Tucked Letterpress
Florist: Southern Blooms
Donuts: Carpe Donut
Cupcakes: Sweethaus
Hair & make-up: Jeanne Cusick
Bartender: Micah with Bluelight Grill with assistance from Tom Daly
Furniture rentals: Stonegate
Wedding dresses: Bella Rosa Bridal and Celebrations Bridal
Bridesmaid attire: Rent the Runway
Menswear: The Mens & Boys Shop