Capturing Authentic Joy: A Colorado Ranch Wedding That Broke All the Rules
A summer mountain wedding at a ranch in Colorado set the stage for Rachael and Chris's unforgettable celebration—where "classy trashy" wasn't just a theme but a permission slip for guests to embrace authenticity. From a bubble-filled morning ceremony to a child-free evening reception bursting with bright colors, their day perfectly balanced heartfelt traditions with unexpected twists that reflected their unique personalities.
moments captured
memories made
Morning Magic: An Intimate Ceremony Under Colorado Skies
The day began with Rachael preparing alongside her mother and sister before joining Chris for a first look surrounded by cattle—their beloved dog Crocodile insisting on being part of this intimate moment. Their morning ceremony welcomed friends, family, and children alike, culminating in a joyful bubble exit that set the tone for celebration. The garden brunch that followed captured the essence of relaxed Colorado living, with guests enjoying homemade biscotti while children played croquet under the mountain sunshine. This morning celebration proved that nontraditional timing can create magical moments that traditional evening weddings often miss.
From Daytime Elegance to Evening Revelry: The Two-Part Celebration
After an afternoon break (and a brief rain shower that only enhanced the day's natural beauty), the celebration transformed into an adults-only evening affair where guests returned in vibrant, funky attire. The "classy trashy" theme materialized brilliantly through signature drink options—sophisticated French 75s alongside unpretentious Bud Lights. The bride's simple dress transformation with the addition of a cape demonstrated how nontraditional couples can honor wedding aesthetics while reinventing them. Pizza-box charcuterie boards and camping accommodations for close friends on the property created the perfect blend of upscale celebration and comfortable gathering that more couples are seeking in Colorado mountain weddings.
Capturing Authentic Moments: The True Story of a Colorado Ranch Wedding
As darkness fell, the celebration moved to a tent illuminated by string lights, where family-style dinner service encouraged sharing and connection. Heartfelt speeches against a stunning mountain sunset transitioned naturally into dancing under the stars. The night culminated around a bonfire with the bride changing into a comfortable sweatshirt—the ultimate symbol of prioritizing joy over tradition. My approach to capturing these moments emphasized true-to-color, candid photography, blending digital with 35mm and medium format film to document the authentic emotion of their celebration. This unposed, documentary-style wedding photography allowed Rachael and Chris's personalities to shine through every frame, proving that the most memorable wedding photos come from genuine moments rather than staged perfection.
