It’s no secret that one of my favorite places in the world to photograph weddings is Estes Park. This mountain town with elk that walk the streets is at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park, and is iconic for Coloradoans as well as visitors from all over the world. Stephanie and Jon had their wedding at The Estes Park Resort right on the edge of town by the lake. Stephanie got ready at the cabin right next to their gorgeous ceremony site with friends and family. She and Jonathan did a “First Touch” and shared a shot without seeing each other before the wedding, and then the guests began settling in for the ceremony.

This wedding was on October 3rd, 2020 and we were in middle of the worst fire season in Colorado history. Estes Park had a strange eery peach-pink light to it all day, and a lot of smoke. It made for strange colors in the photographs, most of which I removed. After the first-touch Stephanie and her Dad had a first look and he put a penny in her shoe before she headed out to get married. The officiant was the bride’s grandfather and after his touching service at the altar, the bride and groom took a walk down to the lake with me and the crew to get some photos. The sunset was just coming into focus behind the couple and Stephanie was game to go up on a large rock with high heels on to get some epic couple photos. I also had to get into the lake (not a warm one) to get the sunset behind the couple, it seemed only fair after her rock climbing in heels. Here’s a pic that the videographer took of me in the lake getting their shots.

The reception was full of laughter, dancing, sing-a-longs and lot’s of love. I played around with their rings in a water fountain and got some fun water shots. They exited the reception to applause and flowers being thrown.