After doing their engagement shoot on Thursday and photographing their rehearsal dinner Friday night, I had gotten to know Kari and Sam a little bit before the big day on Saturday.  But when family and friends each took their turn at the microphone sharing stories and spreading love for the happy couple, I felt that I really got a sense for who they are for everyone around them.  That’s one of the reasons the toasts are my favorite part of a wedding.  I love hearing all the stories that provide context for a couple’s relationship. » Continue reading “Kari + Sam – Married! Part Two”

Kari and Sam were married last weekend at an indoor ceremony and reception at the Westin in Downtown Denver.  Kari’s dress was, in a word, stunning.  So much so that while she was walking down the aisle a guest exclaimed out at her “You look HOT!”  It was a chorus heard throughout the rest of the day, alongside commentary that Sam was a lucky man :)

After the ceremony, we went through a marathon of family photos (Sam has a large family), and only had a few moments to do photos of Kari and Sam together.  It was dark and cold, and there was a fire truck outside blasting lights and alarms, but they were willing to venture into the streets to capture a few shots in the 5 minutes we had before cocktail hour ended.  It was one of the fastest couple shoots I’ve done, but I think we pulled it off.

Then it was back inside to the warmth of the ballroom for the reception.  More from that tomorrow!

Reception time!  Becky and James had a rockin’ dance party going inside the Magnolia.  We still managed to sneak out for a few photos downtown in the dark.  I must say, they had quite the display of cupcake flavors in their display – Happy Cakes may have outdone themselves this time.

Many thanks to Michelle for second shooting with me, and to Kayla for assisting.  Congratulations Becky and James – enjoy Hawaii!

Can I say that Becky and James have good taste because they chose the same wedding venue that we did?  I think I just did :)  In fact, the venue was how Becky found me in the first place.  By googling Magnolia Hotel wedding photos she discovered our wedding images on Charlotte Geary’s blog and found a link to my website.  I’m so glad she did because I so enjoyed working with these two amazing people, and it was really fun to shoot at our wedding venue nearly a year later.

After a quick First Look we headed straight into portraits of the lovely bride and groom downtown.  Becky and James were blessed with excellent weather (and only a few drunk people harassing them while wandering 16th street.)  After the ceremony, we ran out before sunset for a few more photos with the wedding party, who were good natured enough to stand in a smelly alley for me so I could get my shot.  Thanks guys!

Stay tuned for the reception photos in Part Two!

After a few brief portraits, Leslie and Peter made their way into Mise en Place for a fabulous reception.  Mise en Place is essentially a giant kitchen, where the chefs prepare food right in front of you.  Guests (and a few lucky photographers) enjoyed a fantastic three course gourmet meal, followed by delicious wedding pie.  (Seriously, amazing food.)

Many thanks to Brooke for second shooting with me, and to my assistant Kayla for all her help.  Congratulations to Leslie and Peter for surviving a somewhat hectic wedding day with such class.  I hope they have a phenomenal honeymoon in Italy!