Meeting new people as I document the most important day in their lives is definitely fun, but nothing beats reconnecting with an old friend as you photograph their wedding vows! When Toni reached out to me saying she and her fiancé Chris were headed to Chautauqua in Boulder, CO, for a July destination wedding, I knew I had to be the one behind the camera!

Three days before they said “I do,” I met up with Toni and Chris for their sunset Artist’s Point engagement session. You’re probably thinking, “wait, three days before the ceremony?!” and yes! While I ordinarily book engagement sessions months before the wedding, we get creative when the word “destination” comes into the mix. Since the two aren’t from the area, we decided it’s never too late to document an engagement! It also gave them the perfect dress rehearsal for their wedding photography. It’s not unusual to be nervous about wedding portraits. So, this gave us a chance to relieve any nerves before the big day!

Their wedding morning began with sunlight glittering on the Flatirons as Toni and Chris got ready on separate floors of their Airbnb. This gave the morning a cozy atmosphere I absolutely love to document during destination weddings. While Beauty Kit Salon finished up Toni’s hair and makeup, her best friend got ready alongside her, which made for some truly special images. The couple decided to wait until the ceremony itself to see each other for the first time, but that didn’t mean all first looks were off the table. After Toni stepped into a stunning Jenny Yoo gown from BHLDN, she headed downstairs for a first look with her dad!

This sweet moment put a bow on the morning, and we headed off to a grassy field for the big moment! While the sun beat down, everyone completely forgot the heat, and this made-for-each-other couple said their vows.

After the ceremony, a tent beautifully decorated in greenery and burnt orange flowers by Uy-Lennon Floral invited guests into the shade. Because burnt orange is Toni’s favorite color, the color made an appearance throughout the day—even in their vow books and Toni’s shoes!

When clouds began to roll in, giving us a break from the sun, we took a short walk to some nearby trails for their couple’s portraits. In a sea of tall grass, they kissed for the camera just like they’d done three days before—only this time as husband and wife!

We returned to cheers from the guests, and Chris pulled Toni close for their first dance. Diamond Empire Band put their own twist on “Faithfully” by Journey, Chris’s favorite band, as Chris sang along! Although Toni was initially hesitant about dancing to Journey, the moment honestly couldn’t have been more beautiful!

More remixed Journey songs played throughout the night, and the guests flooded the dance floor. When they weren’t dancing, they enjoyed delicious cake and cupcakes from The Huckleberry Bakery. As I watched and documented it all, something Toni told me before their wedding came back to me. She’d said that she never really understood before why people call their wedding day the best day of their lives. But the further she dove into the planning process and the more vividly she imagined being surrounded by the people she loved most, “I'm starting to see how that can easily be true. I'm so excited to experience a day (weekend in our case!) full of that much love.” And I’m beyond happy to share that they did precisely that.

Colorado Chautauqua architectural shot in Boulder, Co

bride shares first look with father of the bride

Colorado Chautauqua Park wedding ceremony

vow books in Chautauqua Park wedding ceremony

father of bride hands off bride to groom at wedding ceremony at Chautauqua Park

wedding ceremony at Chautauqua Park in Boulder, Co

bride and grooms share laugh during wedding ceremony

bride and groom pose for portrait at Chautauqua Park

bride and groom take walk in Chautauqua Park

wedding guests dance during wedding reception at Colorado Chautauqua

bride and groom dance during wedding reception at Colorado Chautauqua

wedding guests dance at Colorado Chautauqua

wedding guest dances at Colorado Chautauqua

Congratulations, Toni and Chris, on one of the most beautiful Colorado destination wedding celebrations I could have imagined. I’m so grateful we were able to reconnect, and I hope you get to step in front of my camera again soon! Check out some more amazing Colorado weddings below!

Venue : Colorado Chautauqua
Coordinator : Jillian Jensen
MUAH : Beauty Kit Salon
Bridal Boutique : BHLDN
Bridal Brand : Jenny by Jenny Yoo
Groom Attire : Nordstrom
Groom Brand : Ted Baker
Rentals : Colorado Party Rentals
Floral Design : Terri Uy-Lennon
Wedding Cake : The Huckleberry Bakery
Band : Diamond Empire Band
Catering : Chautauqua Dining Hall