Unforgettable Moments at Garden of the Gods: A Colorado Springs Wedding

AN UNFORGETTABLE WEDDING DAY AMIDST THE TIMELESS BEAUTY OF COLORADO SPRINGS

Chris and Melissa’s wedding day in Colorado Springs was nothing short of timeless. With a tune of joy and excitement, their special day of celebration began amidst the stunning natural beauty of the red rocks that make up Garden of the Gods. The mix of unique weather conditions and unwavering positivity created an unforgettable experience for all.

Come along as we relive the cherished moments and special details that made this wedding day and first look at Garden of the Gods truly unique.

GETTING READY WITH ELEGANCE

Melissa chose the Blush Dry Bar Salon in Colorado Springs as her wedding day starting gate. The absolutely phenomenal staff at Blush pampered her and her wedding party, ensuring that they felt radiant for the big day. The salon itself was the perfect setting for Melissa and her wedding party, with the white and gold details adding a feeling of elegance. 

One of Melissa’s bridesmaids described her as a Disney Princess, and oh my goodness, was she ever. I fell in love with her charming details like the butterfly hairpiece, the lavender shoes adorned with precious flowers and butterflies, and the pink getting-ready accessories. Not only did she exhibit the physical essence of a princess, but it also showed through her personality. She was effortlessly positive and it was abundantly clear that she brings an air of joy to everything she touches in life.

The salon’s exceptional service and attention to detail make it a perfect choice for any to-be-wed in Colorado Springs seeking a memorable preparation experience, and I would recommend them 100 times over. Meanwhile, Chris preferred a private setting for his preparations, adding an element of anticipation for the day.

When planning your wedding day, don’t forget to have your wedding or elopement photographer capture those genuine pre-wedding memories filled with thoughtful details and uninterrupted time with your besties.

LIGHTHEARTED LAUGHS AND BRICK BACKDROPS IN DOWNTOWN COLORADO SPRINGS

After our time of wedding prep at Blush Dry Bar Salon, we made our way to Downtown Colorado Springs for some lighthearted and beautiful photos of Melissa and her wedding party. Part of my role as a Wedding Photographer is to help you every step of the way, including finding those perfect locations for photos where you feel comfortable and like your truest self.

Diving into my role, I scouted out a few possible locations in downtown Colorado Springs where I felt that Melissa’s personality could shine. With downtown Colorado Springs being draped in unique art, murals, and interesting architecture, the possibilities were endless. Melissa decided that a cool brick alleyway in the heart of downtown was the ideal spot for her and her wedding party to showcase their sincere pre-wedding excitement.

After capturing some shots amongst the brick backdrop, we headed for our next adventure of the day, the first look at Garden of the Gods.

A FIRST LOOK AT GARDEN OF THE GODS

Instead of the typical first look at the venue, Chris and Melissa opted to do things their own way with an intimate first look at a separate location that was chosen with intention. They wanted to savor this rare moment, in a place that connected them with the gorgeous nature that Colorado has to offer. 

At the High Point Overlook in Garden of the Gods, Chris eagerly awaited the first glimpse of his soulmate on their wedding day. As they laid eyes on each other, the bold rock formations and the softness of the sky provided that unique setting that the couple had hoped for.

As you can tell from the wedding photos, the sky was still a little smoky from the Canadian wildfires. Though it decreased the visibility of the mountains slightly, the smoke and the weather of that day brought a special moodiness to their photos. The atmosphere that it carried was a juxtaposition that was dramatic and unparalleled. 

Being a Colorado elopement photographer, I know that sometimes things like wildfire smoke can be an unexpected guest. However, with all my years of photographing weddings and elopements here and across the Southwest, I have learned to work with the weather and smoke. You can see from these pictures that the smoke can actually assist and make for very flattering wedding portraits.

Don’t worry, we will always discuss things like this when planning your adventure elopement or wedding.

EMBRACING THE ELEMENTS: RAIN, SMOKE, AND LOVE

It began drizzling during their Garden of the Gods portraits, and being the camera-wielding sidekick that I am, I had these handy clear umbrellas to save the day. I always keep these with me and am thrilled when couples are adventurous enough to carry on with their wedding photos through whatever comes their way. Plus, there’s an undeniable charm in how adorable they look together under those umbrellas.

A CEREMONY SURROUNDED BY LOVED ONES FROM NEAR AND FAR

Surrounded by their nearest and dearest, Chris and Melissa’s wedding ceremony was graced by approximately 70 guests at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Melissa’s two bridesmaids, her lifelong friends, added an extra touch of love and support. Chris also had some special guests who flew all the way from Korea to celebrate this soulful union. 

The couple was overflowing with positivity, and the wedding was no different. The coming together of friends and family created an atmosphere filled with love, laughter, and shared memories.

CINEMATIC WEDDING PORTRAITS FILLED WITH LAUGHTER AND ROMANCE

Although the ceremony took place inside due to unpredictable weather, Chris and Melissa easily rolled with the punches for a stress-free day. During the breaks in the rain, we were luckily able to steal a few moments away on the golf course to sneak in family photos and sunset portraits in their planned ceremony location.

One of my favorite parts of being an intimate wedding photographer is the opportunity to capture real and raw emotions from my amazing couples. You can see Chris and Melissa display a love and playfulness that still leaves me with a smile and goosebumps looking at the photos now. Stepping away to the golf course, I was able to capture their moment to slow down, breathe, and enjoy their wedding day sunset together. 

I loved how playful Melissa and Chris were during their wedding portraits after the ceremony. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in how you think you should be posing, but when you choose me for your wedding photographer, I make it as smooth and comfortable as possible. I will give you ideas to run, dance, whisper silly secrets – whatever it takes for those genuine interactions and real laughs to start flowing. 

A MEMORABLE RECEPTION: FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND PHOTOBOOTH FUN

After their intimate wedding portraits on the golf course, they moved the party back inside for the reception. It was an unforgettable reception that exceeded their expectations, filled with ecstatic support, heartfelt congratulations, and the infectious joy of a photo booth. However, it was the sight of the newly married couple sharing a dance on the scenic golf course overlook that truly touched the hearts of everyone present.

As you reflect on this day, it’s impossible to overlook the remarkable little touches that made Chris and Melissa’s Colorado wedding day even more original. 

The talented team at Blush Dry Bar created stunning hair and makeup looks, leaving Melissa feeling radiant. The smoke at Garden of the Gods created a dramatic and unique mood. The sunset on the golf course set the perfect foreground for wedding portraits. And the photo booth at the reception provided endless laughter and captured spontaneous moments- my second shooter and I even snagged a turn with them before departing that evening. 

AN AUTHENTIC COMMITMENT: CHRIS AND MELISSA’S GARDEN OF THE GODS LOVE STORY

Their wedding day experience, which began amidst the red rocks of Garden of the Gods, serves as a reminder to embrace authenticity and celebrate as your truest selves. From the mindfully planned morning preparations to the sunset that eased them into the night, Chris and Melissa’s wedding day exemplified their lifelong commitment to love one another.

PRESERVE THE PURE JOY: CHOOSE A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AND BOLD PHOTOGRAPHY FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY

As time slips away, the memories of your wedding day become treasures to be cherished. Your photos will serve as a timeless reminder of the pure joy, belly laughs, and heartfelt tears shared on your special day. When planning your dream wedding experience, remember to select bold photography that captures your unique love story and celebrates every precious moment along the way. Let’s embark on this incredible journey together and create cinematic memories that will last a lifetime.