Crested Butte Documentary Wedding Photos Inspiration

Documentary Wedding Photographer in Crested Butte, CO

*photographed as a second for Dani at Indy Pop Photo

Here are some things that Andrew and Shelby included in their day that they loved and I would recommend.

1. A secluded first look

   This private, scenic spot outside of downtown Crested Butte gave Shelby and Andrew the chance to slow down and connect before the day really began. They even spoke their vows to each other during this time! It’s a beautiful option if you’re a bit more reserved and want your vows to be heard privately only by your partner.

2. Getting ready photos

   I spent time with Andrew plus the groomsmen in the morning while they talked and got dresses. I was able to document Andrew practicing an original song that he wrote as a surprise for Shelby after their ceremony! It was special to capture him practicing before the moment actually happened. Sometimes getting ready photos aren’t too exciting, but they do usually include a few quiet and special moments like these ones.

3. “Sparkler” Exit

   A sparkler exit is a good way to get everyone together at the end of the night and have some fun night time photos. Andrew and Shelby used light up wands for their exit which are always a good idea for preventing fires in Colorado and they’re easier to light and time a photo for than actual sparklers!

Boulder Small Wedding Photographer

Boulder Small Wedding Photographer at The Black Cat Farm

*Photographed for Eleanor at Be Boulder Photography

Kara and Josh’s wedding day was incredible. They invited immediate family and their closest friends to be a small party of around 30 people. They are one of the most sweet couples I have ever met. These two are so in love and so meant to be together. Every photo that Eleanor and I took seemed so effortless. Kara and Josh put themselves into the sweetest poses on their own and looked lovingly into each other’s eyes every few minutes. Expressing their love and care for each other as we took photos, they did the best job of not noticing us as the photographers. Everything was so natural and I was so honored to witness and capture their love.

The symbolism in their day was intentional and beautiful. They call each other “blueberry” as a pet name, so Kara and Josh chose to get tattoos of blueberries instead of using wedding rings. To follow this theme, there was blueberry pie dessert. At the wedding ceremony, they had a unity plant for Kara’s mother who passed away that had soil from her and Josh’s garden at home mixed with some of her mother’s ashes. And the venue name, The Black Cat, holds meaning in the way they began dating. When her and Josh first met, she had a little black cat who trusted no one except Kara until that cat met Josh and jumped up on his lap that same day. And that’s how Kara knew Josh would be very special to her.

On top of all this beauty, Kara, Josh, their family and friends were all so welcoming. Eleanor and I had met some of them at Kara’s brother’s wedding that we photographed last year. It was such a perfect day with beautiful Colorado weather, amazing food at the farm to table restaurant and beautiful people in love.

Denver LGBTQ Wedding Photographer

Denver LGBTQ Wedding Photographer

Kelli and Chelsea were so sweet and waited so long for their wedding day to arrive. With Covid restrictions, everything kept getting postposed. Kaitlin at Kaitlin Shea Weddings was so great with coordinating new plans and making everything go smoothly. Kelli and Chelsea have the most sweet family and friends, which was not surprising once I got to know them and their wonderful personalities. I loved much emotion the day had.

I kept forgetting to post these photos and finally remembered because Kaitlin and I are getting tattoos later this month and I'm so excited. Anyway, couples with tattoos are always amazing.