Annie and Kevin .:. Wedding

Hello! Welcome to my latest magical blog entry from the mountains of Colorado. Am I kidding? Maybe. Maybe not! Annie and Kevin hitched it up in the Colorado Mountains near Divide, which is outside of Colorado Springs. Come along for the story…

The Golden Bell Camp and Conference Center is a rustic little venue nestled in a gorgeous aspen grove, which means that there are A LOT of aspen tree photos in their gallery! While shooting the wedding dress detail shot, a flock of ladybugs climbed in and around the dress. OK, I know that ‘flock’ is not the proper term for a group of ladybugs. Maybe you can educate me as to what the correct term might be.

Stunning bridal portraits taken on a perfect day with the sweetest bride ever? Yes, please.

The ceremony was held in a great little amphitheater in the trees. The natural beauty of the surroundings resonated with the powerful and emotional ceremony.

Words really can’t describe how incredible the ceremony was. Well, they could, but it would take a long time. :>) Annie and Kevin are really passionate and amazing people, and you could really feel the love between them. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house.

And what better way to celebrate an emotional release like that than with some good ol’ jumping shots? Yeah, I know some photographers think jumping shots are cheesy, but I’m going to say right now that they are fun. Period! If you don’t like a good jumping shot then you don’t know what’s good. Oh, and guys, I’m not going to post your shot here because I don’t want to embarrass y’all . . . the girls out-jumped you!

The lighting in the woods for the portraits was completely amazing as well.  Happy couple + wildflowers = Epic Win!

Fortunately we made it through the ceremony without encountering any of the trademark spring rains of 2009. But eventually the rains did come, along with wind!

The rain certainly didn’t have any effect on the reception, which was filled with music and singing from a plethora of talented musician family and friends. We caught tons of great shots from the First Dance in the colorfully decorated tent.

Another maligned tradition is the Garter Belt / Bouquet Toss business. I’d venture a guess that only 1/3 or less of my weddings have them these days. I guess a lot of people are insecure that it’s “cheesy”, again, for lack of a better word. But I’m going to go on the record again and say I like them! I think it’s a fun and frivolous thing to do, that pretty much is a sure thing for some laughs!

And this Bouquet Toss was no exception! On the first toss, the bouquet hit the ceiling . . . Do Over. On the second toss, it went straight to Grandma! Well that was pretty funny, but another Do Over was declared. And what happened on the third try?! Yup, straight to Grandma again! Look out all you Grandpas out there!

And the Garter half of the action did not disappoint either. Danny, the best man, was pretty much all over it, in style. I’m not going to say what style it was! :>)

OK, and now we get to the real magic. As I said, this venue was in the middle of a forest. Out one side of the reception tent, there was a small, narrow clearing. And wouldn’t you know that when the rain showers subsided, a bona fide rainbow appeared, perfectly situated at the end of the clearing? Unbelievable! I swear, I did no photoshop on this photo, other than adding some contrast. Because on this day, magic really did happen. Congratulations guys, you are an inspiration.

Wedding Vendors

Venue .:. Golden Bell Camp and Conference Center .:. 719-687-9561

Gown Boutique .:. David’s Bridal In Colorado Springs, CO .:. 719-262-0988

Florist .:. Gentry’s Flowers .:. 719-632-0707

Caterer .:. India Palace in Colorado Springs, CO .:. 719-535-9196

Cake .:. Little London Cake Shop .:. 719-475-2340