
Let the travels begin! I started this wedding weekend with a smooth flight, and I was thrilled to be greeted by Shelby and Dean upon arriving in Denver, Colorado. I can’t express how much I adore Shelby and was equally excited to finally meet Dean in person. All of Shelby’s wonderful descriptions of him truly shined through when we met. It was instantly clear they were a match made in heaven. The joy they brought to each other’s presence was something magical, and I knew this weekend would be nothing short of amazing.
Shortly after arriving in Denver, we ventured to Buena Vista, Colorado—a small mountain town just outside of Denver with breathtaking views all around. The town was so quaint, it felt like stepping into a Hallmark movie.
We started the weekend with a picnic by the lake for both of their families to meet before the wedding day. I got to meet some of their friends and family. Some faces were familiar, some were new, but all were beyond sweet and unforgettable. During my time in Colorado, Shelby and Dean’s family and friends made me feel like a part of their family. Their kindness, laughter, and genuine conversations are something I will cherish forever.
As the wedding day approached, I knew it was going to be a bucket list wedding for me, not just because of the incredible destination but because Shelby’s attention to detail was impeccable. Spending time on the invitation and all her carefully thought-out details was a joy. She didn’t skip on any luxury detail, and it truly shined through, making the day special for all her guests.
After capturing the details, it was time to meet my bride at the venue where she was getting ready. The joyous laughter from her family and close friends made the morning even more special. In the groom’s suite, Dean and the boys were getting ready, creating sweet memories of their own.
Once everyone was ready, it was time to head to the bride’s dream first-look spot, Independence Pass. The drive was a bit breath-taking (in more ways than one) with its windy, uphill route, but reaching the 12,000-foot elevation was worth it for the 360° views. We quickly took some photos of Dean and his family before Shelby and her family arrived. As Shelby was getting out of the car, the weather quickly turned from sunny skies to dark and thundering. We knew we had about 10 minutes to capture the photos we needed with this breathtaking view. After Shelby and Dean enjoyed their first look, we worked quickly to capture some of my favorite images. Just as the thunder grew closer, it began to hail and snow on us, so we hurried back to the car and drove down the mountain in the rain. Colorado weather is truly wild—sunny skies, thunder, rain, snow, hail, and rainbows all in one day, making it even more special and memorable.
Back at the venue, we quickly moved some of the outdoor reception tables indoors for the rain plan. Fortunately, the rain stopped, and the sun started shining just in time for the most beautiful outdoor ceremony. Watching Shelby and her dad walk down the aisle with the mountain view behind them, accompanied by the soft, glowing light of the violins playing, gave me chills and brought tears of joy to my eyes. The ceremony was filled with a heartfelt message, a prayer with their entire family by their side, and the sweet tying of the knot against the stunning backdrop. It truly couldn’t have been more perfect.
Following the ceremony, we enjoyed family formals and couple photos, followed by the most delicious meal. Heartfelt speeches, father-daughter and mother-son dances ensued, and then the true party began! With an adorable outdoor camper bar, a fire pit, string lights, and mountain views all around, everyone felt the joy on the dance floor. At one point, a ski shot was brought out and enjoyed by many. The laughter and celebration were something everyone will remember for a lifetime.
Shelby and Dean, I cannot thank you enough for flying me out to Colorado to be part of your incredible wedding weekend. It is one I will personally remember for a lifetime, and I hope you love this glimpse into your magical day.







































































































































































































































































This amazing day would not have been possible without this wonderful team of vendors!
Dress | Pronovias: The Brown Gown My Darling Bridal Shop
Ceremony/ Reception Venue | The Barn at Sunset Ranch
Hair & Makeup | Haley Finegan
Videographer | Baxley Wedding Films
Cake | Cute Cakes and Bakes
Catering | Hippie Chick Catering
Invitations | Reverie Press
Thank you notes and programs | CottonPaperDreams (Etsy)
Program design | PaperMinxWeddings (Etsy)
Welcome sign, seating chart, and bar menu | MoniquePaperArt
Custom bar napkins | RubiandLib
Memorial sign | HEAVENCANVAS
Table numbers | Niaspapers
Limoncello labels | LittlebeaneBoutique
Welcome bags | PartyToThePeopleCo
Custom beer coozies | ThatWedShop
Save the dates | GeorgiaArtwork
Wedding invitations and RSVP | ReveriePressStore
XOXO,

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