From the vibrant red rocks to the cozy charm of a flower farm and the timeless grandeur of downtown, Cassie and Haley showcased just how unique and diverse a Denver intimate wedding can be. Their celebration perfectly embraced the best of all worlds, seamlessly transitioning between iconic Colorado landscapes, a dreamy boho picnic, and the elegant atmosphere of a marble courthouse.
This personal experience allowed them to truly be themselves, creating a space where love, connection, and authenticity thrived. Every moment was a testament to the belief that all love deserves to be celebrated, making their intimate wedding day a beautiful expression of their journey together.
Dreams of a Colorado Destination Wedding
Coming from Minnesota, Cassie and Haley are high school sweethearts with a special connection to Colorado. Their journey together began in their teenage years, and one of their standout memories was a trip to Red Rocks during high school. This iconic location has since held a significant place in their hearts, making Colorado the perfect setting for their intimate wedding. They discovered my work through TikTok, and, from there, their vision for their special day began to unfold.
Planning a Denver Intimate Wedding
Cassie and Haley initially envisioned a “just us” elopement—with just the two of them present to celebrate their love. However, as we dove into planning, they decided to include a few close loved ones, ultimately inviting six guests to join their special day.
Since Red Rocks held a special place in their hearts, they naturally wanted this iconic location to be part of their wedding day. Although Red Rocks is free for couples wishing to celebrate their “just us” elopement on the trails, it has limitations when it comes to accommodating additional guests for a ceremony. Recognizing this, I suggested exploring additional locations around Denver while still incorporating Red Rocks into their festivities—and they were all for it.
One of their main desires for their intimate wedding was to enjoy a sunrise at Red Rocks, which is particularly stunning this time of year. Visiting this iconic Colorado location in the evening during summer and fall can be tricky due to concerts and heavy traffic, so sunrise was the perfect choice for a first look and portraits before moving to another location for their ceremony.
An elaborate picnic was another essential element they wanted to include in their intimate wedding day. They didn’t want just any standard picnic—they envisioned a Pinterest-worthy catered setup. However, many parks and public spaces around Red Rocks have restrictions on such elaborate displays. After reaching out to several venues, I discovered Yetman Farms, a delightful flower farm in Lakewood, Colorado.
When I spoke with the owner, Amy, about Cassie and Haley’s wishes for a small, intimate wedding day with a picturesque picnic, she enthusiastically agreed to accommodate them. The farm not only offered an affordable and ideal setting but also included a greenhouse for a rain plan. Having a weather plan is important when planning a wedding day, as Colorado weather can become mischievous at a moment’s notice. With a rain plan in place, their day would be beautiful regardless of the weather.
Additionally, Yetman Farms would provide all their florals, perfectly tying their vision together. When I asked about their wedding colors, Cassie and Haley’s response—“colorful”—filled me with excitement. I knew we could create a vibrant and joyful atmosphere for their celebration, especially at a flower farm.
We also discussed the possibility of incorporating a third location if time allowed, without wanting to rush anything. We settled on the stunning Byron White Courthouse, with its grand marble structure, as a potential third location for afternoon portraits. While it wasn’t a must, it was certainly a beautiful option.
Through meticulous planning and thoughtful details, Cassie and Haley’s intimate wedding day began to take shape as a stunning celebration across Denver, blending their favorite locations and personal touches into one memorable experience.
Their Denver Intimate Wedding Day
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is a global icon, and its fame is well-deserved. This remarkable site boasts towering slanted red rocks, breathtaking mountain vistas, and sweeping views of the city in the distance. Located just a short 20-minute drive from downtown Denver, it provides easy access to a plethora of vendors and excellent restaurant options for your wedding day. Perhaps, like Cassie and Haley, you can also enjoy a concert in the amphitheater after your special day.
The area is divided into two main sections: the Amphitheatre and the park trail system. Throughout the trails, you’ll find numerous gorgeous spots for incredible photo opportunities.
While this location is beautiful year-round, the period from early summer through fall offers the most ideal weather conditions, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for your wedding festivities.
A Sunrise First Look at Red Rocks
Cassie and Haley’s day started early—and I mean early. They were staying at an Airbnb in Denver, and by 3 a.m., their hair and makeup artist from Indie Bridal Co. had already arrived. Since they had a sunrise first look planned, I met them at 6:30 a.m. It was a surprisingly chilly and windy morning at Red Rocks. But as the sun came up, the wind settled, and everything started warming up, creating the perfect atmosphere.
One special guest who joined us was their adorable pup, Annie. She had a sweet little wreath around her neck from Yetman Farms—though she was shedding flowers here and there as she shook her garland in excitement.
Annie was such a cute and fun addition, and I always love when couples include their dogs. However, between all the photos and commotion, having your dog at your wedding can get overwhelming for your pup. That’s why I always recommend bringing a family member, friend, or even using a dog-sitting service to help out. On this day, Cassie and Haley had one family member with them specifically to help with Annie, giving her breaks when needed and making the experience easier for everyone.
If you are interested in incorporating your pets into your wedding day, I have a blog post with more tips and ideas on how to include your dog in your micro wedding or elopement!
Madi, their content creator, and I carpooled to Red Rocks, where we met Cassie at the Upper South Lot. While waiting for Haley, Cassie mentioned that she had never had professional photos taken before and wasn’t sure what to expect. I reassured her that most of my clients feel the same way, and that’s totally fine! “You don’t need to know what you’re doing,” I told her. “I just need to know what I’m doing. Don’t worry, I got you.” Spoiler alert: they ended up being complete naturals. Their joy, love, and shared connection made everything feel effortless, and it was such a fun experience being around them.
Once Haley arrived, Madi and I guided Cassie to the spot I had in mind for their first look, and Madi went back to bring Haley over. Their first look was such a sweet, emotional moment, and you could clearly see the excitement on their faces. We continued our way down the Trading Post Trail, stopping for photos along the way, including a few at the Frog Loop Trail. This spot, in particular, was stunning with its vibrant red rock formations and the incredible morning light.
After taking portraits with Annie and capturing those beautiful sunrise shots, we continued on the trail to Red Rocks Park Road (fitting name, right?) for a few more photos. By the time we wrapped up, we were full of smiles and all set to head over to Yetman Farms for the next part of their intimate Denver wedding day.
Yetman Farms
Yetman Farms is a hidden gem in South Lakewood, just 15 minutes from Denver and near the scenic Bear Creek Trail. This enchanting 4-acre flower and hobby farm feels like a countryside retreat while keeping you near urban conveniences. With towering cottonwood trees and vibrant blooms, the atmosphere invites you to celebrate the outdoors.
This micro wedding venue features multiple outdoor gathering spaces, including a charming 250-square-foot grain bin that transforms into a stylish bar for your celebrations. The stunning 10×30 glass greenhouse, seating up to 25 guests, creates an intimate setting for your small reception or indoor micro wedding ceremony.
At the heart of Yetman Farms, the working horse barn adds a delightful touch of rustic charm. You can even say hello to the friendly animals that call this place home. As you explore the lush grounds, you’ll find unique nooks and vibrant flower beds, each offering a picturesque backdrop for capturing your most cherished memories.
If you’re committed to sustainability, Yetman Farms embraces eco-friendly practices like composting and integrating livestock into its farming. With an open vendor policy, you have the freedom to bring in your favorite suppliers. One of the best parts is that Yetman Farms can help source on-site flowers that perfectly align with your vision—puppy wreath included!
With its charming atmosphere and proximity to Denver, Yetman Farms stands out as an ideal choice for hosting your Colorado micro wedding.
An Intimate Wedding Ceremony at Yetman Farms
After our early morning adventure at Red Rocks, we made our way to Yetman Farms, brimming with excitement to get right into Cassie and Haley’s intimate wedding ceremony.
Their ceremony began with a lovely moment as Annie, their adorable pup, was walked down the aisle by a loved one. Next, Cassie and Haley walked down the aisle together, accompanied by “You Are In Love” by Taylor Swift. Watching them walk hand in hand, supported by family, was a truly sweet sight.
Once they reached the front, the most thoughtful moment unfolded. Cassie and Haley embraced their family members, a warm gesture that set the tone for their ceremony. Seeing them hug every single guest before they even began their vows was such a beautiful moment. It was as if they were officially uniting their families, and the love in the air was palpable. Tears started flowing almost immediately—joyful ones, of course!
After sharing warm hugs, they turned to their guests to express their gratitude, thanking everyone for being there to witness their love. It felt less like a wedding performance and more like a genuine gathering of family, making their ceremony all the more meaningful. It was truly chef’s kiss!
Then came their vows, and let me tell you, their self-written promises were incredibly touching. The love they shared shone through in every word. And, of course, the moment they shared their first kiss as a married couple was met with celebration from their family—such a joyous occasion! Their family members tossed flower petals from paper cones, perfectly fitting with the flower farm location, as they showered the newlyweds with petals.
Instead of a traditional recessional, they chose to play “You and Me on the Rock” by Brandi Carlile as they walked back down the aisle, which felt just right since they were headed to see her at Red Rocks the very next night. To wrap up their ceremony, they hugged each guest again—another tearjerker moment that beautifully highlighted the love and support surrounding them.
Their intimate wedding ceremony was a perfect reflection of who they are as a couple: warm, genuine, and full of love. It was a celebration filled with heartfelt moments, laughter, and, of course, plenty of happy tears.
Post-Wedding Fun Around Denver
Portraits Around The Denver Flower Farm
After their intimate ceremony, Cassie, Haley, and their guests strolled to the charming greenhouse at Yetman Farms to sign their marriage license. The space was beautifully set up, with a lovely table adorned with extra flowers from Amy’s CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) subscription. She really went above and beyond, creating a stunning bouquet for the table and adding thoughtful decorations.
Inside the greenhouse, the ambiance was perfect, featuring their cake, coffee served in adorable vintage tea cups, and delightful thrifted decor that added a personal touch to their celebration. I love seeing couples incorporate repurposed items into their wedding decor; it’s eco-friendly and so much fun! For more tips on making your wedding day a little greener, check out my guide!
Once they signed their marriage license, we moved outside to the front of the barn for family photos before capturing more portraits. The farm was filled with cute little details, so I also took the opportunity to capture some detail shots around the property.
After family photos, we returned to the greenhouse where Haley had her dress bustled, and it was time for their cake cutting. Their cake was a delectable white cake with raspberry filling from Mulberry’s Cake Shop—absolutely delicious! Everyone gathered around to enjoy the cake, along with amazing pastries from Suzette’s Bakery and Cafe. That almond croissant? Incredible! They also had juice and a bottle of champagne for some mimosas to add to their reception with family.
Once their family left, Cassie, Haley, and I enjoyed a relaxed portrait session around Yetman Farms. Although they initially planned to take photos with Annie, their pup, they decided to send her with family members since she was feeling a bit overstimulated and tired. It was best for Annie to relax, get cozy, and wait for her newly married parents.
We had a fantastic time exploring the four-acre property, which was full of hidden gems. From the vibrant flower gardens to the greenhouse, goats, chickens, and even horses (including a mini horse), there was no shortage of fun backdrops. I spotted a multicolored shed that added a playful touch to their colorful wedding day. We even got a kick out of recreating the famous painting “American Gothic” with some farm implements—such a silly and fun moment!
Overall, we enjoyed capturing stunning portraits that reflected their joyful day, and soon it was time for them to head to their elaborate boho picnic setup.
Time to Enjoy a Boho Wedding Picnic
Following their portraits, Cassie and Haley were ready to indulge in a beautifully arranged wedding picnic set up by Colorado Luxe Picnics. The lush lawn was not only picturesque but also the perfect setting for their first dance to “Late to the Party with You” by Kacey Musgraves.
The picnic table was incredibly cute, adorned with spot-on decor that reflected their wedding vision. The food spread was not just delicious but absolutely gorgeous. I snapped a few photos as they took their seats, capturing the joy of the moment before stepping back to allow them some space to savor their luxurious picnic.
We had planned to visit Byron White Courthouse for a few more portraits if time allowed, and it seemed we were right on track. Once they wrapped up their picnic, I checked in to see if they’d like to linger a bit longer or head to the courthouse for some additional photos. Since they were finishing up, they chose to embrace our plan and continue their Colorado adventure for even more stunning portraits.
Denver’s Byron White Courthouse
The Byron White Courthouse stands as one of my favorite urban spots for wedding and elopement portraits. Built in 1916, this historical landmark boasts stunning neo-classical architecture that infuses a sense of grandeur into downtown Denver. Its sixteen majestic, three-story marble columns have earned it the nickname “a poem in marble.” Notably, this courthouse features the same marble used in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Throughout the year, this location radiates timeless elegance, reminiscent of scenes from a romantic movie. The best part? The photography permit for this iconic site is completely free, allowing us to focus on your love story without any logistical hassles.
Capturing Portraits at Byron White Courthouse
After their intimate wedding picnic, we made our way to the Byron White Courthouse. One of the highlights of this location is how the building provides shade, creating perfect lighting for flattering photos, even during the midday sun. The light is always beautiful, soft, and even.
Although I usually love the skyline views from a nearby parking garage, we decided to skip it since our time together was coming to an end. Cassie and Haley were eager to focus on capturing their moments at the courthouse, and it was the right call. Their courthouse portraits were stunning, radiating classic beauty with soft colors that reflected a perfect ending to their joyful day.
We wrapped up the day at the Byron White Courthouse and said goodbye back at our cars parked at the rooftop garage. Cassie and Haley even left me with a super sweet thank-you card. It was such a thoughtful touch and meant the world to me. They were so sweet and precious!
The Red Rocks Concert & Wedding Day Sneak Peeks
After their intimate wedding day, Cassie and Haley were off to a Red Rocks concert the following night. I made sure to send them sneak peeks the day after their elopement, as I always aim to deliver your sneak peeks within 72 hours. I wanted them to have those glimpses of their special day before heading to the Brandi Carlile concert. I thought it would add an extra layer of joy to their wedding weekend, finishing it off on such a high note.
When they received their sneak peeks, they expressed how much they loved them. Their sweet email meant the world to me, especially when they shared how comfortable I made them feel while expressing their love in front of the camera. I truly believe that all love deserves to be celebrated, and it was an honor to capture their beautiful moments.
Let’s Plan Your Intimate Wedding Day in Denver
Reflecting on Cassie and Haley’s wedding day fills me with joy. The three locations they chose—Red Rocks, Yetman Flower Farm, and Byron White Courthouse—offered such a diverse range of settings, blending city chic, rustic charm, and dreamy boho vibes. They truly experienced the best of all worlds!
What stood out to me was how intentional and meaningful they made every aspect of their celebration. They had a clear vision and brought it to life beautifully, ensuring that each moment felt special. It was tons of fun to capture their love story, and seeing them feel comfortable in a world that doesn’t always grant all love the recognition it deserves made my heart (and eyes) swell with happiness.
Their day was not just a celebration of their love; it was a testament to the beauty of inclusivity and acceptance. I’m honored to have been part of such a meaningful experience, capturing moments that truly reflect their unique journey together.
If you envision an intimate wedding that embraces all that you are as a couple, I would love to help you bring your dream to life. Together, we can create a day that feels authentically yours.
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