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Hello! I'm a Colorado Springs wedding photographer and portrait photographer. I travel all over the country to document the
important moments in people's lives. My blog showcases some of my favorite photos of my clients and adventures. I update this
blog several times a week, so please visit frequently to see my latest images.
February 17, 2010
It’s a question that couples ask me all the time: “Should we see each other before the wedding?” My answer is always, “It’s up to you.”
About half the couples that I photograph choose to have a private meeting before the ceremony. They arrange a time and location to see each other, and I photograph their reactions when they see each other for the first time that day. This meeting has become known as the “first look.” After they’ve had a few private minutes together, we begin the posed portrait session.
Tradition states that the groom should not see the bride before the ceremony. The problem is that this tradition was established before wedding photography became part of the process. Now couples are faced with a choice: follow tradition, or devote more time to photos?
I truly want you to have the type of wedding that is important to you, so I don’t have a preference which option you take. My style is primarily photojournalistic, so my goal is to document real events as they happen, and I don’t require a lot of time for posing. I will work with whatever amount of time you give me, but the more time you schedule for posed photos, the more you will have when it’s all over.
There are a few things to consider as you make this decision:
Your schedule
I tell my clients that I typically need a minimum of an hour for posed photos: 15 minutes for family, 15 minutes for wedding party, and 30 minutes for the couple. I encourage people to schedule more time than that whenever possible.
If your dinner starts an hour after the ceremony ends, that won’t be enough time for an hour of photos. You also need to plan for time to sign the marriage license, greet people after the ceremony, travel to the reception site, bustle the gown, and freshen up before entering the reception. An hour and a half is usually a better choice for time between the ceremony and reception, and even more time is needed in certain cases.
If your schedule won’t permit 1.5 hours before the start of the reception, I strongly encourage you to plan for some of your photos before the ceremony.
The sunlight
If your ceremony takes place near sunset, there will not be much light available for photos afterward. I can provide portrait lighting, but I won’t be able to illuminate mountain scenery or other aspects of the location that might be important to you. In this situation, I recommend that you take your portraits before the ceremony.
If your ceremony takes place in the middle of the afternoon, though, the sunlight could be harsh and bright beforehand. In this situation, you could be better off scheduling portraits afterward, when the late afternoon sunlight is softer. If you would like to see each other before the ceremony, we could plan the group portraits before the wedding, and plan the couple portraits for afterward.
Your family
If you have family members who are older or handicapped, often it’s most appropriate to take the group portraits immediately after the ceremony. If we schedule family photos beforehand, they will have to arrive at least an hour early and spend a lot of time sitting and waiting.
Your guests
If you take your posed photos before the ceremony, you will have more time to spend with your guests during the cocktail hour. You will also have more photos of your guests, because I will be able to photograph them during this time instead of taking posed photos elsewhere.
If you decide to schedule your posed photos during the cocktail hour, please don’t worry about neglecting your guests. It is a party for them as well as you, and they will be happy to spend this time chatting with friends and family that they haven’t seen in a while. Guests understand that the wedding party usually takes photos during the cocktail hour, and they don’t expect the bride and groom to entertain them during this time.
Your nerves
The hours before the wedding can be stressful for lots of people. If you know that you are calmer and happier in the arms of your bride- or groom-to-be, you will probably have more fun on your wedding day if you spend it together. On my own wedding day, I was a bundle of anxiety until I got to see Mike before the ceremony. He put his arms around me, and I was happy for the rest of the day.
On the other hand, if you think you’ll be a bundle of nerves until you say “I do,” then you might not look comfortable and relaxed in pre-wedding portraits. Waiting until afterward could be a better choice. This point often applies to mothers, too — some mothers of the bride are stressed before the ceremony, so consider whether your mom might prefer to wait until afterward for the family photos.
The types of photos that you want to have
Several of my photos of brides and grooms are posed, even if they don’t look set up. If you want a variety of romantic, artistic photos of the two of you, you must plan sufficient time to take them. If you schedule the bare minimum of photo time, I won’t have an opportunity to create the same kinds of portraits for you that I have for other couples.
Years down the road, you will love to look at beautiful portraits of the two of you. These are the photos that you will frame, and that your children and grandchildren will love to look at someday. Please make sure that you plan enough time to take the photos that will become family heirlooms.
Categories: All posts, weddings
Tags: for photographers, photo tips, tips for brides, weddings
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December 4, 2009
Grace and Johan ordered a beautiful set of albums from their Air Force Academy wedding! They chose a 12×12 black leather flushmount album for themselves, and two coffee table books for their parents.
Photos and layouts of these albums
Categories: All posts, weddings
Tags: air force academy, albums, coffee table book, flushmount album, weddings
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December 1, 2009
I’m psyched to have my photographs published in three different magazines this month! One of the magazines is The Knot Colorado. My images are featured in two articles in the Spring/Summer 2010 issue, available on newstands now.
Photos of the articles in The Knot
Categories: All posts, weddings
Tags: news, publications, weddings
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November 25, 2009
Sunset over Piney Lake as seen from Piney River Ranch
Near Vail, Colorado
It’s time to start planning 2010 weddings! The first step is one of the toughest decisions — choosing a venue. I’ve been lucky to be able to work at some incredibly beautiful places throughout Colorado and around the country. Here are some pictures to help all the wedding planners out there, and for the rest of us to sit back and enjoy the views. I love looking through these photos!
More photos of wedding venues
Categories: All posts, weddings
Tags: colorado, landscapes, wedding ideas, weddings
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November 17, 2009
I completely adore my latest wedding album! It’s a flushmount album covered in aqua book cloth. The cover fabric is similar to dupioni silk, but more durable and substantial. It’s SO pretty! I keep staring at it.
I’ll be offering this style of album as an upgrade to my current line of flushmount albums. The cover fabric comes in a variety of colors to suit your style. If you have already ordered an album, you are welcome to upgrade it to a premium fabric cover if you’d like. Please contact me with any questions.
More photos of this new album style
Categories: All posts, portraits, weddings
Tags: albums, flushmount album, news, products, weddings
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November 12, 2009
Me, photographing Brandon and his groomsmen before his wedding
Photo by Brad Walters
Earlier this week I posted lots of pictures of me and my colleagues during photo shoots. Here’s the second half of my photos of us behind the scenes. What a good life.
Behind the scenes with me and my team!
Categories: All posts, weddings
Tags: behind the scenes, friends, personal photos, weddings
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November 10, 2009
Me, photographing Jenny and Brian at their springtime wedding in Maryland
Photo by Heather Clarke
Wow, I haven’t blogged in a while, sorry! It’s been a busy few weeks, and I’m still trying to get caught up on work after a trip to see my family in Virginia last month. I have a lot of things I’ve been meaning to post, including this fun series of behind-the-scenes photos from 2009 weddings.
My good friend Heather took this picture of me crawling around in a field of flowers, taking this photo of Jenny and Brian last spring. Here are lots more photos to reveal what happens on the other side of our cameras!
Behind the scenes with me and my team!
Categories: All posts, weddings
Tags: behind the scenes, friends, personal photos, weddings
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October 20, 2009
Tara
Rainbow Falls
Manitou Springs, Colorado
October 18, 2009
Tara and Bryan got married a year ago at the Garden of the Gods Club. They asked me to photograph their first anniversary portraits, and got all dressed up in their wedding attire for the occasion. Because Tara wouldn’t need to wear the gown again, we didn’t have to worry about getting it dirty or wet, which gave us lots of opportunities for great photos. They lay in the grass at the Garden of the Gods Club, went hiking at Rainbow Falls in Manitou, and rolled around in the sand at the waterfall. Tara was even brave enough to stand in the freezing cold water for some pictures!
The popular name for this kind of portrait shoot is a trash the dress session. I prefer to call it a fearless bridal session, because my goal is not to destroy a gown, it’s to showcase a bride who isn’t afraid of getting a little dirty. The results are liberating and so much fun!
More of their anniversary portraits
Categories: All posts, portraits, weddings
Tags: colorado springs, garden of the gods club, manitou springs, portraits, post-wedding sessions, weddings
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October 9, 2009
John Paul and Brittany
Air Force Academy
Colorado Springs
October 3, 2009
Brittany and John Paul got married last weekend at the colorful and dramatic Air Force Academy chapel. Their reception took place at the Association of Graduates at Doolittle Hall. Brittany and I have become good friends over the last year, and I’ve had a chance to get to know several of her friends and family, so this wedding was a lot of fun for me. Brittany and John Paul, I’m so happy for you!
This wedding coverage was quite a team effort. Thank you very much to Tamera Goldsmith, Lindsey Zahalka, and my wonderful husband Mike!
More photos from their wedding
Categories: All posts, weddings
Tags: air force academy, colorado springs, weddings
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September 22, 2009
I’ve created lots of albums over the last few months, but I haven’t had time to post them here. Here’s a set of books that I finished a few weeks ago, and I love them! Jenny and Brian ordered a large fine art book for themselves, and two smaller ones for their parents. I hope they all love them as much as I do.
Jenny and Brian got married on May 2, 2009 at Stone Manor Country Club in Middletown, Maryland. My good friend Heather Clarke was my second shooter for their wedding. Thanks, Heather!
Photos and layouts of the albums
Categories: All posts, weddings
Tags: albums, fine art book, maryland, products, weddings
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September 21, 2009
Margie and Jason
The Cable Center
Denver, Colorado
September 19, 2009
Margie and Jason got married on Saturday at the beautiful Cable Center on the campus of the University of Denver. I loved the contemporary architecture of the venue, especially its large windows and curving lines. As soon as I met Margie and Jason, I knew that they’d have a great party with friends who are just as fun as they are. Mike and I laughed all day long.
I’d like to thank my assistant, Lindsey Zahalka, and my husband, Mike, for all their great work. I couldn’t do it without you! Congratulations, Margie and Jason, and thanks for making us feel like part of the family!
More photos of the wedding day
Categories: All posts, weddings
Tags: cable center, denver, weddings
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September 16, 2009
Dudley and Liz
Eagle Springs Golf Club
Wolcott, Colorado
September 12, 2009
On Saturday, Mike and I photographed Liz and Dudley’s destination wedding near Beaver Creek. I loved all the details at their wedding! The exquisite decor had a silver and white color scheme and a reception tent that was pure magic. Eagle Springs Golf Club is a wonderful place for a wedding, with a luxurious lodge, lovely views, and a staff that makes everyone feel welcome. Congratulations, Liz and Dudley!
More photos from their wedding
Categories: All posts, weddings
Tags: beaver creek, eagle springs golf club, weddings
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September 5, 2009
Nikki
Mile High Station
Denver, Colorado
September 4, 2009
Yesterday I helped my friend Steve Tinetti as a second shooter at Nikki and Andrew’s wedding. They got married at Mile High Station in Denver, which is a contemporary venue in a renovated iron works building. Their wedding was stylish and sophisticated, with a ceremony that felt more like a cocktail party and a band that led a great dance party into the night. Thanks, Steve, for asking me to photograph with you!
More photos from their wedding
Categories: All posts, weddings
Tags: denver, mile high station, weddings
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August 27, 2009
Sarah and Nathan
Keystone Ranch, Colorado
August 22, 2009
Mike and I spent the weekend in Keystone for Sarah and Nathan’s gorgeous mountain wedding. They got married at Keystone Ranch, a mountain lodge and luxury golf course. As you can see, the Ranch has incredible scenery, with a lake, rolling hills, and mountain views. Sarah and Nathan included Nathan’s two children in every step of the day, and they even had Sarah’s border collie at the wedding. I don’t even need to say that I loved this wedding — an event with children, dogs, a beautiful setting, and a laid-back couple in love is my kind of perfect day.
More photos from their wedding
Categories: All posts, weddings
Tags: keystone ranch, keystone resorts, weddings
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August 16, 2009
Matt and Melanie
Garden of the Gods
Colorado Springs
August 15, 2009
Melanie and Matt had a winter wedding at Shove Chapel three years ago. Looking back on their wedding day, they wished that they’d had a chance to take more portraits of the two of them. Finally they decided to get dressed up in their wedding attire and have the photo shoot they’d been wishing for. They asked me to take some photos of them in front of Shove Chapel, and then we headed to the Garden of the Gods for some great Colorado landscapes.
It was wonderful to have so much time with a bride and groom! I highly recommend post-wedding portrait sessions to any couple who would like a great variety of beautiful photos together. A wedding day is usually structured under a tight schedule, so this kind of portrait session is relaxed and freeing.
More of their portraits
Categories: All posts, portraits, weddings
Tags: garden of the gods, portraits, post-wedding sessions, weddings
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August 13, 2009
Brandon and Stephanie
Lower Lake Ranch
Pine, Colorado
August 8, 2009
Stephanie and Brandon are a laid-back couple from Alaska who love the outdoors and a good party. Their wedding delivered both perfectly. They got married at Lower Lake Ranch, which is a mountain lodge with a lake and great views of the mountains. Brandon is a wedding videographer, so the photography was really important to him. It’s uncommon to have a groom who loves being photographed as much as he did, so I had such a good time with these guys. My good friend Brad Walters photographed this wedding with me, and he went far above and beyond to help with everything I needed. Thanks, Brad!
Congratulations, Brandon and Stephanie! Thanks for asking me to do this for you. I know how important it is to you!
More photos of their wedding
Categories: All posts, weddings
Tags: lower lake ranch, weddings
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August 5, 2009
Karen and Jacynda
Mile High Station
Denver, Colorado
August 2, 2009
On Sunday I photographed the beautiful commitment ceremony of Karen and Jacynda at Mile High Station. You might remember them from their engagement portraits earlier this summer. I loved how the details suited their contemporary style so beautifully, with a color scheme of black and silver. Karen and Jacynda wore gowns in shades of silver, and the overall look of the day was chic and modern.
I’d like to send a big thank you to Tamera Goldsmith and Lindsey Zahalka for all their help that day. It’s always fantastic to work with them!
Congratulations to the lovely Karen and Jacynda!
More photos from their commitment ceremony
Categories: All posts, weddings
Tags: commitment ceremonies, denver, mile high station, same sex weddings, weddings
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July 30, 2009
Brian and Leslie
Denver Art Museum
July 25, 2009
Leslie and Brian got married last weekend at the spectacular Denver Art Museum. The museum’s contemporary setting was a great choice for such a stylish and urban couple. You might remember Leslie and Brian from their engagement portraits in downtown Denver last month. Their wedding was just as chic and fashionable as they are, with a beautifully executed green and brown color scheme and lots of pretty details. My friend Tamera Goldsmith photographed their wedding with me. It’s always a blast to work with Tamera!
Congratulations, Leslie and Brian! I hope you are having a wonderful time in Spain!
More photos from their wedding
Categories: All posts, weddings
Tags: denver, denver art museum, weddings
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July 12, 2009
Keely and Adam
Crossroads Baptist Church and El Jebel Shrine
Denver, Colorado
July 11, 2009
Yesterday I was the second shooter for a wedding with my good friend Brad Walters. It was my first day shooting with my new Canon 5D Mark II camera, so I was excited to have a chance to try it out. This camera is known for its ability to perform beautifully at high ISO, which really suits my preference for natural light photography. The church and reception venue yesterday were both quite dark, so I photographed much of the day at ISO 4000. The results are excellent, and I’m really happy with my new camera.
One of my favorite things about second shooting is the freedom to take lots of pictures of the children at weddings. When I’m the primary shooter, I don’t have much time to play with the kiddos, but yesterday I made sure to take lots of pictures of the many cuties in attendance.
Thanks, Brad, for asking me to shoot with you!
More photos of their wedding
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Tags: denver, weddings
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June 23, 2009
Katie and Dave
Hudson Gardens
Littleton, Colorado
June 20, 2009
On Saturday I photographed the wedding of a fellow wedding photographer! Katie runs Kathleen Rose Photography, so it was a huge honor for her to choose me to be their photographer. You might remember Katie and Dave’s engagement portraits from last fall. They have always been a lot of fun to photograph, with a playful sense of humor and lots of enthusiasm. I learned on Saturday that their families are just as much fun as they are.
More photos from their wedding
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Tags: hudson gardens, weddings
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