It’s always an honor when a friend asks (er… insists) that I photograph their wedding. :) Eva was my dancing/choreographing partner in crime for so many years while we lived in Albuquerque so I was super excited for her and Aaron and their big day. They held a small intimate wedding at Rancho de Corrales, in Corrales, New Mexico on November 3, 2018. It was simply perfect.
Jesse & Kenny's Wedding - Chief Hosa Lodge, Golden, Colorado
On a beautiful October day in Golden, Colorado, Jesse and Kenny tied the knot at Chief Hosa Lodge just outside of Denver. Surrounded by friends and family, the day was full of love, laughter, and later in the evening, some amazing dancing. They met each other swing dancing at a weekend event on the east coast a few years ago. But as fate would have it, Kenny had plans to travel through Europe pretty much right after they met so a long distance correspondence (aided by technology & cute handwritten postcards) began their relationship. Now, together, they run Swingin' Denver and teach others how to dance.
Chief Hosa Lodge, surrounded by trees and a view of the mountains, was an amazing venue for an amazing day. Even when their rings fell during the ceremony and rolled away precariously close to the edge of the ceremony site, it didn't put a damper on the day as a bridesmaid was quick to catch them. After a pause for some laughter, the ceremony went on.
Their reception had some delicious and unique food. Check out the smoking popcorn! The band was amazing and everyone had a blast dancing the night away. Jesse, Kenny, and their friends are amazing dancers and the dance floor was packed until the very end of the night. Enjoy the photos!
Laurel & Aaron's Albuquerque Wedding
Laurel and Aaron's Albuquerque wedding was held in May at St. Mark's Episcopal Church. Words can not express how much joy and excitement was shared amongst Laurel, Aaron, and all of their guests. How many brides and grooms brew their own beer and root beer? And have a belly dancer? And a fire dancer? And some crazy good dance moves? These two are one of a kind and together make one powerful team. They met and were dating by the time I met them eight years ago. I would like to say all of their closest friends knew they'd end up together, but I've never taken an official poll on that. Based on the toasts (and roasts) during their reception I think it's a pretty safe conclusion to make though.
Their Albuquerque wedding was a true expression of themselves. Held at their church, they managed to work in bits of vintage style here and there, their love of home-brewed beer (and root beer), bright colorful accents, and friends that were there to perform to make the night a real celebration. Dinner was some delicious New Mexican enchiladas and tamales. Throughout the afternoon and night, swing and blues music filled the air when the live jazz band wasn't performing.
The night ended on a high note with a spectacular fire dance and a sparkler send off under a full moon. There couldn't have been a more perfect way to end the celebration.
Every time I look through these photos (and I've look at them a lot since the wedding) I can't help but smile as I see two of my best friends on the happiest day of their lives.
Robin & Faye's Florida Wedding
I had the great privilege of not only photographing Robin and Faye's wedding in June but surprising them as well! Yes, they had no idea I was going to be there or photographing their wedding. It was a huge surprise that my parents and I had planned for months. These two wonderful women have been part of my life since I was young. They have been part of my extended family, rooting me on and encouraging me through the years. They were finally able to get married this year in Florida, their home state.
They decided to rent a gorgeous riverside house for the week and hold their ceremony on the back patio overlooking the river. Their casual Florida wedding was filled with laughter, happiness, and tears of joy, as family and friends gathered to celebrate their marriage. Stones customized with their initials that they had everyone hold during the ceremony and then toss into the river with a wish, birds flying overhead, and stunning sunsets were just some of small pieces that made up their incredible day.