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Rachel & Ryan

A Colorado mountain wedding for two outdoorsy cuties & their dog in Estes Park, CO.

September 19, 2020

I met Rachel at a dog park, we bonded over a love of dogs and then a couple years later she reached out to ask about engagement and wedding photography. I was overjoyed to take pictures for their engagement and Colorado mountain wedding.

We did a super fun engagement session in January 2020 involving beer, their dog Emma, and a playground.

 

Rachel and Ryan love the outdoors: running, hiking, geology, you name it. COVID forced them to change their wedding venue plans, but this change was for the best, because they ended up with a wedding that was 100% them.

Another thing that didn’t go quite according to plan for Rachel and Ryan’s wedding day was that I (Bonnie) sprained and broke my ankle two days beforehand. Luckily my husband, and amazing second photographer, Mike was able to step in and be lead photographer. I was still there and taking some photos, but was on crutches which was not idea! lol

 Their Colorado mountain wedding day started in Hermit Park in Estes Park. The park rangers set up a gorgeous arch just outside a pavilion for them.

Ryan’s little sister, Emma the dog, and Rachel’s bestie JJ were the flower beings:

 

I will never get over first looks. The way that a couple looks at each other for the first time on their wedding day melts my heart every time.

The other favorite part of a wedding for me is those emotions just after it’s official.

Being Rachel and Ryan’s wedding there were two things it definitely had to include: their dog Emma, and a hike. They and most of their family and friends went on a hike to a beautiful spot that overlooks Estes Park right after the ceremony.

This awesome couple is so hardcore they even dealt with a bloody blister on their post-ceremony hike!

As a surprise for Rachel, Ryan had all their friends decorate this old camper van he got. We had them do a burnout on their way away from Hermit Park.

Mike won an award from WPJA for his photo of Rachel and Ryan waiting for their entrance into their perfect reception venue: Shoes & Brews in Longmont.

Being regulars at Shoes & Brews, pouring beers for each other had to be part of this celebration.

A perfect conclusion to this Colorado mountain wedding and wonderfully adventurous day.

Vendors

Ceremony Venue: Hermit Park in Estes Park

Reception Venue: Shoes & Brews in Longmont

Florals: Longmont Florist

Catering: Georgia Boys

Cake: Button Rock Bakery