Set against a backdrop of golden aspens and crisp mountain air, Kara and Blake’s Colorado wedding weekend was truly special. Their celebration embraced the beauty of the season, and the sweet joy of being surrounded by their nearest and dearest.
But their weekend didn’t just stop with their charming mountain wedding day—the day after saying “I do,” they headed to Denver for the next chapter of their intimate celebration. It was a perfect mix of cozy mountain vibes and vibrant city energy, making for an unforgettable experience that was an absolute joy to capture. I can’t wait to share the highlights of Kara and Blake’s beautiful wedding weekend in Colorado!
Meet the Couple
Kara and Blake’s love story is a beautiful journey, full of precious moments and a bond that started when they were just 18 and 20 years old. From the moment they met, they’ve been inseparable, navigating life together while keeping their love as strong as ever—describing their bond as a perpetual honeymoon.
Today, they live in Illinois with their fur babies and are working towards a great future together. They plan to renovate an RV and hit the road as a family, with Kara continuing her work as a traveling nurse.
Their proposal story is just as sweet as their relationship. Knowing how much Kara adored her departed grandfather, who had lived in Tennessee, Blake wanted to create a moment that honored that connection. Early in their relationship, Blake asked Kara about her dream date, and her heart melted at the thought of spending time in Tennessee with her grandmother and Blake, reminiscing about her granddad. So, when the time came, Blake reached out to Kara’s grandmother, who played along perfectly, inviting them out for a visit. Under a breathtaking sunset on the beach, he proposed, making it a moment they’ll cherish forever.
As they envisioned their wedding, Kara and Blake wanted their whole weekend to feel relaxed, candid, and elegant. A weekend filled with belly laughs shared with loved ones, golden sunshine streaming across the mountains, and a bit of wild fun in downtown Denver.
Planning Their Colorado Wedding Weekend
Kara and Blake found me on TikTok, and from the moment they reached out, their excitement for a non-traditional wedding weekend was infectious. They had already booked their venue, the Vue Rooftop in Dillon, and were eager to craft a memorable celebration for around 40 to 50 of their closest friends and family.
As they dove into planning, a whirlwind of ideas emerged. They envisioned a relaxed yet adventurous weekend, tossing around the ideas of starting their wedding day with a morning at the hot springs, followed by a first look and private vow reading at Pass Lake. To help them hone in on their vision, I sent them my timeline planning questionnaire early on, allowing them to explore and refine their ideas.
Their vision for a wedding weekend was all about maximizing their festivities with their loved ones. So, what is a wedding weekend? A wedding weekend typically refers to a wedding ceremony, reception, and festivities that take place over the course of a weekend or a few days.
A wedding weekend can include various events, such as a welcome dinner on one day, the wedding ceremony and reception on another, and sometimes a brunch or farewell gathering on the last day. Wedding weekends allow for a more relaxed schedule, giving your guests time to enjoy multiple celebrations and activities associated with your wedding. For Kara and Blake, it meant a few days of joyful celebrations spread across several locations.
While planning their wedding, Kara and Blake assembled a fantastic team of wedding vendors to bring their vision to life:
Videography: Sunnybrook Photo
Wedding Coordinator: Em’s Wedding Co.
Florist: Four Seasons Custom Florals
Hair and Makeup: Jaded Beauty
Bakery: Bake My Day
With their plans falling into place, the stage was set for a truly unforgettable wedding weekend.
The Micro Wedding Weekend
Details and Getting Ready Moments
At 11 a.m., I arrived at the Airbnb where Blake and his groomsmen were getting ready. The suburban house offered relaxed accommodations, and I was happy to find everyone already in their suits prepared for the big day ahead. I started by capturing Kara and Blake’s wedding details, including an interesting touch that Kara had incorporated: clippings from her wedding dress alterations. I’d never seen this before, but it was such a creative and personal addition to their flat lay photos, and I loved working with the lace pieces.
Kara and Blake also put extra thought into choosing their wedding day fragrances. Kara tried several options before deciding on Queens and Monsters by Henry Rose. It happens to be one of my favorites, and I was excited to see it! Scents have a way of bringing back memories, and I imagine that every time she wears this perfume, it’ll remind her of her wedding day.
Kara and Blake also included their cufflinks, rings, jewelry, pocket squares, shoes, save-the-date, and Kara’s beautifully self-designed wedding invitation among their wedding day details. One sentimental detail that really stood out was Kara’s grandfather’s cross, which was sewn onto the back of her dress. Since Kara had been very close to him, this small tribute tied back to their proposal story in such a meaningful way.
After photographing their details, I shifted to candid shots of Blake getting ready with his groomsmen and his dad. They even took a break to play an anime-themed Monopoly game that he and Kara both love, which gave me some fun and unique photo opportunities. After that, I captured a few portraits of Blake as he finished getting ready, followed by group photos with his groomsmen and dad.
Once we wrapped up at the Airbnb, I carefully packed Kara’s details and drove from Westminster to central Denver, where Kara and her bridesmaids were getting ready at Jaded Beauty. I had called ahead to discuss the parking situation with Jade, the owner, who was incredibly helpful and lovely. It’s always nice to get those logistics sorted beforehand, especially when making the wedding timeline.
Jaded Beauty was such a cute salon, with a neon sign that read “Get Gorgeous” set against a beautiful boho-style dried floral arrangement. I loved using it as a backdrop for Kara and her bridesmaids’ getting ready photos.
I also photographed Kara’s dress, which was originally hanging from the salon’s rafters. I moved it closer to the front windows for better lighting, hanging it on the ladder used to retrieve the gown. Kara’s dress was stunning, but what truly made it stand out was its dramatic cape with intricate beading. Kara told me she had visited three different bridal salons and tried on countless dresses, but this one stuck with her. I was in awe of how unique and gorgeous it was and particularly loved how the cape floated in the mountain breeze.
As Kara wrapped up her hair and makeup, I captured the final moments of her getting ready for her micro wedding—putting on her dress, shoes, jewelry, and perfume. The moody lighting in the salon’s black-tiled bathroom was perfect for some photos in the mirror, providing a unique and edgy vibe.
With everyone glammed-up and ready to go, the next stop was Pass Lake for Kara and Blake’s first look!
First Looks and Family Photos
It was a Friday during leaf-peeping season, so traffic into the mountains was a bit heavy. I arrived at Pass Lake before Kara, and got started with photos of Blake and his groomsmen. We managed to capture all of Blake’s photos just as Kara was pulling up.
Once she arrived, we set Blake up for his first look with Kara. A lot of couples have their first look and move on quickly, but Blake and Kara enjoyed hanging out together and soaking in the moment. It was such an emotional experience, tears and all. You could tell they truly enjoyed their time together, and it was lovely to witness.
For a change of scenery, I brought them to the lake’s edge for their private vow reading and family photos.
Capturing family together on your wedding day is incredibly special. A well-planned family photo shot list ensures you get the moments you want while making the process enjoyable for everyone involved. I help all my couples create personalized shot lists about two months before their wedding, tailoring them to reflect their family dynamics and wedding day priorities.
If you’re looking for more guidance on creating your wedding day family photo shot list, check out my blog post—it also includes a full template!
As we finished up their family photos at Pass Lake, one thing I couldn’t help but notice was that the trees were at peak gold. It was stunning to be surrounded by vibrant fall colors. I had worried that I’d missed peak color change because of the prior week’s snowfall—yes, snow in late September! In the mountains, you can expect snow anytime from September until May!
Pass Lake
Located on Loveland Pass, Pass Lake presents a peaceful alpine backdrop for your micro wedding or elopement. Perched at an elevation of over 11,500 feet, this tranquil lake provides spectacular mountain views without the need for a strenuous hike. The lake’s calm waters and majestic surroundings create an intimate atmosphere that feels both secluded and accessible.
Much like the rest of Loveland Pass, Pass Lake can be touched by snow from October through June, adding a magical winter-like charm to your celebration. If you prefer to avoid the snow, late summer offers a clear, unobstructed view and a warmer experience.
The Micro Wedding Ceremony at Vue Rooftop Dillon
We went straight from Pass Lake to their venue, Vue Rooftop Dillon. This micro wedding venue offers stunning mountain views and several private dining areas, making it a fantastic choice for your ceremony or post-wedding celebration. With options that cater to both intimate dinners and larger gatherings, Vue Rooftop serves up creative takes on classic dishes in a lively atmosphere.
If you’re interested in more Breckenridge micro wedding venues or looking for activities to enjoy during your wedding weekend, be sure to check out my guide filled with helpful tips and insights to make your celebration unforgettable!
Once I arrived at the venue, I began by capturing Kara and Blake’s ceremony and reception details while everyone lined up for the ceremony.
Their wedding ceremony was beautiful with so many unique elements. They included a ring warming, passing their rings for guests to hold and impart with positive intentions and well wishes. As the rings were being passed, Kara and Blake also performed a sand ceremony, mixing two different colors of sand to symbolize their union in a way that the particles could never be separated.
I also loved that they signed their marriage license during their ceremony, including all of their guests in the legal beginning of their next chapter.
The highlight? Grandma officiated! She absolutely rocked it, and you could tell how much her special presence meant to Kara and Blake.
Once their ceremony concluded, their guests moved on to cocktail hour, ready to celebrate!
Sunset Portraits at Sapphire Point
While their guests enjoyed cocktail hour, Kara, Blake, and I drove to Sapphire Point Overlook for their sunset portraits. It was a stunning location in which to capture their newlywed bliss, with the mountains behind them and Lake Dillon below.
Surprisingly, the area wasn’t crowded at all, with only a handful of people around. This spot can get busy, but we were thrilled to have a bit more privacy for their portraits. Golden light coated the entire mountain range, and it added so much magic to the moment.
After soaking in the beauty of the sunset and capturing those unforgettable golden hour moments, we returned to Vue Rooftop for Kara and Blake to re-join their guests.
Sapphire Point Overlook
Located between Keystone and Breckenridge, Sapphire Point Overlook offers vast panoramic views and easy access. Just a 15-minute drive from downtown Breckenridge, this spot sits at an elevation of 9,500 feet, offering sweeping vistas of the Gore and Tenmile mountains, along with the serene Lake Dillon below. The convenience of Sapphire Point Overlook, coupled with its ADA accessibility, makes it a popular spot if you’re seeking both beauty and ease.
While the overlook can accommodate up to 30 people, it’s essential to make a reservation in advance to secure your wedding date. This location is perfect for an intimate gathering with family and friends, but note that privacy is not guaranteed with your reservation.
You can make reservations online at recreation.gov, which opens six months ahead of your desired date at 8:00 AM MT. Since availability is limited, it’s a good idea to consult with your photographer about the best times for optimal lighting and capturing your special moments. With its picturesque backdrop and straightforward booking process, Sapphire Point Overlook ensures a seamless experience for your Breckenridge celebration.
Kara + Blake’s Micro Wedding Reception
As the sun began setting, I set up my lighting for Kara and Blake’s grand entrance into their reception and first dance. With fall approaching, I wanted to ensure the lighting was just right. This time of year brings a significant change compared to summer weddings. In summer, the sun lingers in the sky longer, providing plenty of daylight for outdoor photos. However, in the fall, the sun sets earlier, requiring additional lighting for your photos.
Once everything was set up, Kara and Blake made their grand entrance and shared their first dance together. It was such a sweet moment. They also included dances with their parents—Blake danced with his mom, while Kara shared a dance with her dad.
After their heartfelt dances, it was time for dinner, and they chose tacos! You can never go wrong with tacos at a wedding.
Following dinner, Kara and Blake had a private cake-cutting in the hallway, which I thought was a brilliant idea. Taking a moment alone amid the festivities allowed them to enjoy a sweet pause together.
Once the cake was cut, the evening moved into speeches. I captured the warm welcome from Kara and Blake, along with heartfelt words from the best man and maid of honor.
After speeches, I snapped a few candid photos of Kara and Blake greeting their guests as the dance floor began to fill up with family and friends ready to celebrate.
As the clock struck 9 o’clock, my time celebrating with Kara and Blake came to an end. I left feeling excited for the continuation of their celebration the following day!
The Second Day of the Wedding Weekend
The second day of their wedding weekend kicked off at the Origin Hotel Westminster, where Kara and Blake met me and their guests. With some of their guests staying there, it was a convenient spot for their stylish party bus pickup. The bus was a luxurious full-sized limo with leather lounge seating, perfect for a fun ride to their first destination, the Wonderyard Garden and Table.
As their guests boarded the bus, I captured some night portraits of Kara and Blake. The hotel lights twinkled above, and I snapped a few photos of Kara in her cute white dress and flower earrings, with the lights of the Alamo Drafthouse in the background.
Navigating the moving bus for photos was an expected challenge, but proved a fun one to embrace. To avoid washing out the colorful bus lighting, I had my assistant use my phone as a constant light source and encouraged guests to turn on their phone flashlights for some fun shots. This not only made for great photos but also got everyone hyped up, adding to the party energy.
When we arrived at Wonderyard, I bid Kara and Blake farewell, and they gifted me a delightful bag that included a candle labeled “smells like I’m editing” (which gave me a giggle) and a personalized tin mug. Their thoughtful gesture really touched me. It reminded me of the meaningful connections I’ve formed with my couples this year, bringing the biggest smile to my face.
Let’s Plan Your Colorado Wedding Weekend
As Kara and Blake’s wedding weekend unfolded, it became clear that their love story was all about creating meaningful moments with their closest family and friends. From the breathtaking mountain backdrop of Pass Lake to their intimate celebration at Vue Rooftop Dillon, every detail reflected their wedding day intentions. The inclusion of heartfelt traditions like a ring warming and sand ceremony brought a unique depth to their celebration, making it a truly unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
With the fun and excitement continuing into the next day, it was evident that the joy was continuous. As a photographer, witnessing and capturing these special moments not only makes my work fulfilling but also highlights the deep appreciation I have for my couples and the personal connections we share. Each wedding is a reminder of why I love what I do, and Kara and Blake’s celebration was a perfect example of that joy.
So, when you’re ready to plan your wedding weekend in Colorado, reach out! Planning a wedding is such a special time in your life, and I’d love to help make it unforgettable.
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