Boulder Creek by Wedgewood Brunch Wedding in Boulder, Co | Jennifer Lourie

It’s not every day I get to photograph a brunch wedding in Colorado during peak fall colors at the picture-perfect Boulder Creek by Wedgewood Weddings in Boulder, Colorado, and even more rare when it’s for two dear friends like Shannon and Robert. Their vision? Keep it low-key and welcoming (cue the bacon), but set it far enough into the Colorado mountains to feel tucked away and special.

A Story Spanning States, and Continents

I’ve known Shannon for over a decade, watching her journey from Hawaii to California, across Europe, and eventually back to Arizona. One fateful night at a dinner party in Colorado, she met Robert, and it didn’t take long before she realized she’d met someone unforgettable. “I had never met a guy who left such an instant and lasting impression on me,” she told me. Not long after, Shannon found herself returning to Colorado again, and their story truly began.

The Proposal by Streetlight

The proposal was pure magic- and a complete surprise to Shannon. It started with dinner at Proto’s Pizza, near the same place that initial dinner party was held. Afterward, Robert suggested they check out their friend Molly’s old apartment. They laughed as they approached the familiar spot, remembering shared memories. Or at least Shannon was laughing, Robert, it turns out, was trying to steady his nerves.

As they stood on the patio, he said quietly, “I’ll always remember this as the place where I met my wife.” It was such a natural, heartfelt moment that even Robert seemed to surprise himself with the words.

Before Shannon had more than a second to process, he was down on one knee under the orange glow of a streetlight. Shannon said she was completely shocked and elated. “I had no idea! I obviously said yes, but was completely surprised,” she said later. Rob was all smiles, finally sharing the story of how he’d asked her parents for their blessing and spent weeks planning the moment in time for their five-year anniversary.

A Brunch Wedding Blended With Heritage

Shannon and Robert chose Boulder Creek wedding venue not just for its scenic beauty, but because it embodied everything they wanted in a Colorado mountain wedding. Their ceremony was filled with personal touches, from the Hawaiian lei exchange honoring Shannon’s roots, to Robert’s bold turquoise accents that added a stylish nod to his personality. They celebrated with an open-bar Colorado brunch reception and spent the morning playing lawn games with friends and family. It was relaxed, joyful, and uniquely them.

Garden of the Gods Engagement Session

It wasn’t until their wedding day that I learned their engagement session at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs came with its own share of challenges. After shooting, Shannon and Robert rode home on motorcycles in freezing weather, proving their dedication to capturing these moments, no matter the conditions. It’s just another reason I love photographing Colorado couples, they're always up for an adventure.

I’m so honored to have photographed this wedding for a fellow photographer, a longtime friend, and a fellow college survivor. Shannon and Robert, thank you for trusting me with your story, and for letting me capture this joyful chapter—bacon and all.