Delaney & Matt
Deer Creek Mountain Camp
Bailey, CO
This was such a great wedding day! We had not done an engagement session, so I was meeting Delaney and Matt in person for the first time. I arrived early to scope out locations and settle in with everyone before shooting. I photographed the girls finishing up getting ready, got some portraits of them in their robes, Delaney getting into her dress, and some venue shots before heading over to Matt. Once they were both ready, we blindfolded Matt and all hopped in a jeep to head up the mountain for first look and private vows. We had gorgeous views at the top in all directions! I set them up for first look then used my long zoom lens to give them privacy for their reading their vows to one another. Then we took some couples portraits and headed back to the venue.
We scheduled plenty of time before the ceremony for first look, vows, portraits, and group shots, so Delaney and Matt were able to relax and be present on their day. When we got back down the hill, we gathered wedding party and family for group photos in front of some beautiful aspens. We were able to get all of the photos we needed done before guests arrived with time to hang out and relax before the ceremony – something I always strive for.
While the wedding party and everyone was tucked away, I went to the ceremony site to capture details, guests arriving, moments between people, and get set up for ceremony. While I’m waiting for things to start, I like to go down the aisle and get a photo of each row of people. This is one of my favorite ways to try to get every guest into the final album. The light was a little tricky coming through the trees so I had to make sure to stand in specific spots and really seek out moments with balanced lighting. I don’t just want to capture your day as is, I want to make it, and more importantly you, look as good as I can! I like to try to capture the ceremony from as many angles and perspectives as I can. Close ups, wide shots, both of your perspectives, moments and expressions of your guests you probably aren’y noticing, and anything I see that helps shape a story.
After ceremony every body headed up to cocktail hour which was a lovely, relaxed vibe with some acoustic music, snacks, open bar, and other various activities. I gave Delaney and Matt some time to mingle then we took a few more photos around the property. They really wanted some photos with the A-frames and sunset photos back at the top of the mountain. It was a bit gloomy, so we didn’t get the dramatic sunset we had hoped for, but we still got some stunning moody shots and it’s always nice for the couple to get more one-on-one time together before back into the night with everyone.
While we were away taking photos, everyone else was transitioning to the other building for dinner. There are multiple buildings on the property that are used for weddings. It’s great because one can be set up early for dinner and the other is ready and cleared out for dancing. The space in between is beautiful and it’s all very accessible. Delaney and Matt entered with their wedding party and went right into a few touching speeches from family members and close friends. After dinner everyone moved back to the other building for the rest of the reception. The couple kicked things off with their first dance, followed by parent dances, and into open dancing and dessert. There were fire pits and areas to hang outside for people who didn’t feel like dancing. The energy was fun and laid back, which occasional bursts of rowdiness. Overall a beautiful day that went off without a hitch due to proper planning and an amazing team!
