heidi + bruce. married.

As I woke one beautiful morning in Colorado to the first glimmer of sunlight hitting the new fallen snow, I rushed out of bed, laced up my boots over my pajamas and grabbed my camera on the way out of our cabin. It isn't common that I wake up on the grounds of that day's wedding, and I couldn't help but chase the bit of light I saw peeking through the trees and climbing up over the mountains. I must admit that while staying on the edge of Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, I was coaxed and cooed by my surroundings, and I began to better understand how poets like Frost could romanticize a cold, snowy forrest and describe it as "lovely, dark and deep." 

After shooting morning photos until my fingers froze, I snapped out of my entranced state and got ready to meet Heidi and her girls getting ready at the beautiful Della Terra Mountain Chateau. They had a lovely morning beginning with coffee, mimosas and parfaits in Della Terra's salon while the guys were living it up as only guys can--in a private theatre room with huge leather recliners, drinks and ESPN on the big screen! 

And I was thrilled to learn Heidi was not only getting ready in a room with a big window and a skylight, but to find out the ceremony site was surrounded by walls of windows on three sides! Friends, I love being able to use our off-camera lighting systems, but nothing says romantic and ethereal like natural light. These were the perfect spots to shoot details, prepare final touches and say I dos. I could go on and on about this awesome wedding party and the amazing staff at this venue, but I'll let the photos do the talking!

Is she stunning or is she stunning?! I'm so glad Heidi allowed for time in her schedule to shoot some bridal portraits before the ceremony. Since she and Bruce waited to see each other, we got to walk around the grounds and capture some really beautiful shots of this gorgeous girl. Did I mention she's a flight surgeon for the Navy? Yes, she's just that awesome! And who could snag her up but a handsome Marine Cobra pilot? Such a neat story! {love these two.}

I realize these next three photos may look out of place sandwiched between this gorgeous bride, but how could I not run outside and snap away when a heard of mountain goats walked by?! This is great! I love the photos you get from each wedding that you had no idea were going to happen, but they make each one unique.

With a little light left in the sky how could we resist family photos outside with such a beautiful background? And thanks a million times to Heidi and Bruce for venturing out for couple portraits in the snowy landscape! I felt a little bad for wearing my down jacket, but it looked like you guys were just so happy to be married that nothing else mattered (with the help of some furry boots under the wedding dress:) 

As we returned from taking photos, the ceremony site had been flipped and everyone was ready for dinner and dancing the night away! This location was a destination wedding for everyone, and I just loved how intimate it was. Someone attending mentioned it was perfect because the couple was surrounded by their nearest and dearest. And from the toasts to the time to retire there certainly was a lot of love in that room.

Bruce and Heidi, thank you so much for bringing us out to Estes Park to capture your wedding! We had an amazing time and count it an honor to be a part of something so special. Cheers to you both!

xoxo