shelly & daniel: the day after (destination wedding photographer)

Other than the fact that they're wicked fun, destination weddings are extra special because we get to shoot for a few days!  Shelly & Daniel recently got married in Estes Park, and the next day, we headed to Rocky Mountain National Park for a fun day after / trash the dress session.  I realized how spoiled I was when we were driving through the park and hit a traffic jam on the narrow, windy mountain road.  Huge black thunderclouds threatened in the distance, we hadn't started shooting yet, and I was getting a little frustrated.  I knew if we didn't hurry, we were going to get dumped on.  So, we're crawling along, we pass some elk on the road, and then traffic sort of let up.  It took me a few minutes before I realized that traffic was stopped FOR the elk - everyone was taking pictures out their windows and ooh-ing and aah-ing.  Me, I'm just like, "Elk, whatever, let's go."  People from all over the world come to Rocky Mountain National Park probably just to see the elk, and I see them so regularly that I don't care unless they're about to hit my car :)We finally found the perfect spot and pulled off the road and started shooting.  Within minutes, people were honking and waving and yelling congratulations from their windows.  One older German guy was cracking us up, shouting things like, (to Shelly) "You are ze best animal in ze park!"  and (to Daniel) "You are ze best hunter I have met!"  Which... you know... was a little awkward.  But made us laugh.  So there's that.

Anyway.  Here's to timberline, marshy fields of wildflowers, and knowing what the elk feel like in front of the tourists.

Then it got all dark & stormy & awesome.

santa fe (santa fe wedding photographer)

Last weekend was my one free weekend of the summer, so Zach and I headed to Santa Fe!  I grew up in Santa Fe and try to go back every few years, even though we don't have family there to visit.  (I still have kind of a strange accent.  I sometimes get asked what country I'm from... I blame it on Santa Fe.)  It's weird - I love the mountains and I'm pretty sure I live in one of the most beautiful places ever, but I frequently find myself missing the desert.  There's just something so peaceful and raw about it - it feels like home still.  The buttery light, the soft colors of the sage and adobe, the amazing food and the smell of dirt in the bright hot sun... sigh.  I love it.If you haven't been to Santa Fe before, you must go.  Must.  I'm sure you have a mental image of something called (unfortunately) "Santa Fe style" or "Southwestern style", but it's not like that at all - I swear.  "Southwestern style" is cheap and tacky and full of garish colors and stuffed rabbits with antlers glued on to their heads; but the real Santa Fe, the place, is classy and full of amazingly friendly people, soft pastel desert colors, great great light, and mellow earth tones with occasional punches of turquoise.   I would absolutely die to shoot a wedding or an engagement session there.  Please?!  I'll love you forever...

shelly & daniel (estes park wedding photographer)

This is how it should be done. I had that thought at least three separate times while shooting Shelly & Daniel's fabulous wedding in Estes Park.  For three days, I watched their love for each other, the kindness and playfulness they shared with their friends, and the way each of their separate families had already become one huge family, and I loved every moment.Okay (deep breath).  This post is going to be HUGE.  Actually, I could probably devote an entire blog post to Shelly's facial expressions :)  She is so animated and expressive, making her a blast to work with.  Excitement, contentment, and joy radiated out of Shelly & Daniel and everyone close to them.  I love shooting at Della Terra, and I strongly encourage you to take a look at them if you're thinking about getting married!  It's perfect for photographers - it's like it was designed with photographers in mind.  I love it!  Congratulations you guys!  I am so so thrilled for you :)

Venue : Della Terra Mountain Chateau, Estes Park

Florist : Floral Design of Europe, Estes Park

Dress: Sottero & Midgley

Shoes : Liz Claiborne

DJ: 1s and 2s DJ Company

Daniel's mom's reaction to seeing Shelly in her dress :

Want a two story indoor waterfall with amazing backlighting?  Yeah, sure, Della Terra's got that.

Brigitte from Floral Design of Europe created these stunning arrangements :

The image below feels like it summed up the wedding for me.  Shelly's family genuinely loves Daniel's family.  Daniel's family adores Shelly's family.  This is how it's supposed to be (and this was an "outtake" shot in between family photos, which makes it twice as sweet.)

A little drizzle wasn't stopping anybody.

I LOVE this shot on the left, below.  Shelly had no idea I was shooting them walking away, and that's what made it perfect.

Here's part of what makes Shelly so cool.  "Yeah, sure!  I'd love to get in this great bathtub in my wedding dress and curl up like I'm sleeping inside an egg.  No, that's not weird at all!"  Thanks for making me feel normal, Shel :)

I challenge you to not smile while looking through the ceremony:

Not only is Della Terra in a totally unbeatable location, but they shuttle you around everywhere in golf carts, like you're really important.  These little guests were loving the star treatment :)

Right about now, I have to give a huge shout-out to DJ Austin Quinty from 1s and 2s DJ Company.  I have seen my fair share of weddings, and I've definitely sat through my fair share of wedding DJs.  I really can't recommend him highly enough.  He was laid-back, classy, and fun, and I'm pretty sure I didn't hear "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy" one time.  Thanks for being so cool, Austin.

Phew!  That was a ton of images.  But - I think you'll agree- totally worth it.  Stay tuned for Shelly & Daniel's Day After/ Trash the Dress shoot in Rocky Mountain National Park :)  Congrats guys!  Hope you had fun in Hawaii!

how to be my favorite client

One of the biggest reasons I love my job so much is that my clients are downright amazing.  This year,  in particular, I've been able to meet and work with so many wonderful, creative, fun people who just seem to "get me".   I love it!  I've been thinking about that a lot lately, and I realized that all of my "favorite clients" have a few things in common.  In no particular order, I thought I'd share them with you in case it helps you to plan your own session :)My favorite clients:

- Give me input.  I love hearing your ideas and working with you to style your shoot!  If you want something super creative, let's brainstorm about it together to come up with something awesome.  My favorite clients know who they are and what they want, even if they're not sure how to get there.  That's where I come in!  Don't worry if you don't have specific ideas -  I still want your input :)  Who are you?  What do you like?  What makes you happy?  What do you dream about? What's your favorite color?  One of the best compliments I can get after a shoot is hearing, "Oh, that's so HER!" or, "You captured their personalities perfectly!"

- Email me.  I'll be honest here - I hate the phone.  Especially in the summer (which is my busiest season) if I don't write something down, I can 100% guarantee that I won't remember it.  Most of the time, I'm usually not around my phone because I'm out shooting.  I can't return your phone call at 1am, but I can return your email at 1am.  And there's a good chance I will :)  Email ensures that we're on the same page, and especially if you have questions about pricing, packages, or scheduling, please please please email rather than call - that way, if I have to look something up, I can make sure I have all the necessary information before talking to you.  If really feel more comfortable calling, that's totally fine,  just be aware that you'll probably always get voicemail in the summertime :) Same thing goes for texting - if you're running a few minutes late the day of your shoot and want to let me know, texting is awesome!  If you want to place an order or schedule a session, please email me.

- Have fun during the shoot!  Relax.  Joke around.  Make faces.  Take vodka shots if you have to (not you, high schoolers ;) Laugh. Tell me funny stories about your life.

- Are prepared. Come to your ordering appointment with a list of which aunts and uncles need which size photos, etc.  This will save us both so much time and help the whole process go a lot more smoothly :)

- Love your session?  Let me know!  I'm a big "word person" and I live off of your compliments, blog comments, and sweet notes.  More than once, my entire day has been turned around by a well-timed encouraging message from a client.  Thank you!  I need it, I love it, and it means more to me than you'll ever know.  You guys are wonderful!  I am so lucky :)

And here's one quick image from an incredible engagement session with two of my new "favorite clients" - Shalisa & Nate brought me a heart-shaped record.  Because Nate is the best DJ ever.  I can't wait to share the rest of this great session with you guys!

theresa & jason (nathrop wedding photographer)

Oh holy wow, I have been so excited to blog this wedding, and it's gonna show.  Be prepared to be overwhelmed with a TON of images...  like, maybe way too many :) Theresa & Jason had one of the most magical, mellow, joyful, honest weddings I have ever been a part of.  I honestly enjoyed every minute.  I have loved getting to know them as friends and was blown away when they thanked me in their speech at dinner!  I loved the subtle colors that flowed together so well.  The dress was perfect, the flowers were astounding, the location was unbeatable, and the love was radiant.  Thanks for everything, J & T.  It was an honor to be there with you :)Venue : Chalk Cliff / Antero Hot Springs

Dress: Two / Clark by Rosa Clara

Shoes: Kate Spade

Flower girl dress: J Crew

Flowers : Plum Sage

Makeup : Peter from Mr. Beauty

Hair: Studio 24 Salon, Buena Vista

Ahh!  These flowers are ridiculous!  I've never seen anything quite like them.  I was in love!

A big thank-you to Katja with Antero Event Rental & Planning for helping make everything look so amazing!

Love this totally candid moment in between shots:

Campfires, paper lanterns, Christmas lights?  Yes please!

After the wedding was over and the guests were leaving, Katja (the event planner) and Michelle (the caterer) and I sat with our feet in the hot springs pool in the dark and relaxed a little bit before heading home :)

And I'll save my two favorites for last :)