Joanna and Blake are so laid back and caring. They didn’t worry about a thing on their wedding day – just enjoyed every moment of it. I think this was the most relaxed I’ve ever been shooting a wedding! And they saw each other before the ceremony (which I highly recommend). We had an hour to meander around the area of Wild Basin Lodge, taking portraits where ever we felt like it. It was so nice not to be rushed during the portraits.

Their ceremony was out in the middle of a meadow, overlooking Long’s Peak. It was so beautiful that I think most people forgot about the mosquitoes! Blake’s Uncle Mike performed the ceremony with his Chicago accent (I felt right at home listening to that accent :) ). Their ceremony was short, sweet and to the point. They even recited their own vows.

Cocktail hour went on while Joanna and Blake had their own private cocktail hour – getting to enjoy champagne and appetizers by themselves. It was really cute. Congrats to the two of you!

To be notified when Joanna and Blake’s wedding gallery is up, click here.

Joanna and Blake with their one-month-old niece, Lane

Love this outtake, I think Joanna had a mosquito bite that needed scratching. By the way, maid of honor, Gwen, was the best moh I’ve ever seen. Kudos!

Popping bubbly!

John and Rachel are bursting with love for each other. It’s not every day you see true, genuine, unabashed love between two people.  They truly unconditionally care for one another, and it’s evident to any one who’s in the room. This was my second New York wedding in a week – love shooting somewhere different! (we shot their New York engagement shoot while I was there too)

They got married at The Episcopal Church of St. Mary’s in Cold Spring, NY (about an hour outside of NYC), followed by a beautiful reception at The Garrison. The newlyweds owned the dance floor that night – it was like they had choreographed 10 dances to bust out when ever a circle formed around them.  And Rachel’s maid of honor, Margaret, kept all the girls in stitches before the ceremony with her “Carmin” impersonation – hilarious!

John and Rachel – thank you so much for allowing me to share your big day with you. What an honor. Big thanks to New York photographer, Kat Cheng, for shooting with me, and to Jon and Allie for the referral!

You’re a great example of a loving relationship to all those around you. Congrats and have fun in Australia!

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Let me introduce you to “Carmin”

How cute is Nana, Rachel’s grandma?

Pretty sure this is the first jumping picture I’ve ever taken – cracking me up

This was so sweet – I looked over at John’s dad while John was dancing with his mom – and his dad was totally overcome with emotion

John’s frat buddies serenaded Rachel with Savage Garden’s Truly, Madly, Deeply

While in New York City for a week, I stayed (or depending on who you talk to – overstayed) at my oldest best friend, Mere’s condo. Her husband, Scott, was a good sport to put up with me for so long. My mornings were significantly different than they are in Denver because of one element – a two-year-old girl named Kingsley.

By 7:30, Kings and I were plopped on the couch, eating our breakfasts watching Elmo’s World. Shockingly I’ve never seen this show that she is obsessed with, nor have I seen The Backyardigans or Yo Gabba Gabba (which I think I needed to be on LSD or something for that show to make sense). Anyway, this temporary morning ritual was actually really fun. Cuddling up with a little munchkin as she dances and laughs her way through a 20-minute show made my day get off on the right start. And Kings – Bryan has you to thank that I’ve been getting up at 5:30 a.m. mountain time – but unfortunately for me, Elmo’s World isn’t on yet…

Some shots of Kings from the week:

Please note the upside-down book :)

Watching Elmo singing with Feist on Uncle Kurt’s computer

Talking gibberish / sitting silent on the phone with her dad for a solid 20 minutes. What a patient man.

Rachel contacted me after I shot her friend’s wedding – Jon and Allie in Connecticut. It worked out that I had another New York wedding booked the weekend before Rachel and John’s. What luck! We scheduled their engagement shoot while I’m here, staying in NYC with my best friend, Mere, and her daughter and husband.

I met Rachel and John at her parent’s New York brownstone. We then went over to Washington Square Park and meandered around Greenwich Village until we reached their favorite pizzeria – John’s Pizzeria. Ah – sooo YUM! I had a blast hanging out with the two of them. They are the sweetest couple to take photos of, let alone get to know.They are loving and caring toward each other and all those around them. Plus, getting out of Colorado and shooting in NYC was a treat for me  – the color and energy was really inspiring. The 100+º weather was not as inspiring though. Ugh, I’ve never been so sweaty! Anyway, hope you guys had as much fun as I did. I am really looking forward to your BIG DAY Sunday!

Click to view their entire New York City engagement session

Can we talk about how cute Rachel’s shoes are?

And this is one of my favorite shots of the day – I can see this on a big canvas print.

Anna, aka Lil’ Miss Blue Eyes, is a happy 3 1/2 month old baby who just loves being cuddled and snuggled and loved on by her parents, Sean and Sarah (who’s Denver wedding I shot 2 years ago). She is such a cute baby – smiling at her parents being goofballs and then she finally had enough (as any of us would have).

It was a challenging first month or two as Sean and Sarah adjusted to having this new being in their life, but it seems they’ve now gotten the hang of it and are going to be wonderful parents. Sean’s mom was visiting, so we snuck in a few photos of her with her first grandchild.

Anna, you are one lucky girl with a family who adores you. Click to view Anna’s gallery

My lens lost its focus, but I like the dreamy quality of this image.

Click to view more Denver baby portraits