Emma and Aaron are exactly the kind of adventurous but laid-back couple I can’t get enough of. These two spent the first year of their relationship traveling together to decide if they were “the one” (they were, of course!). Even though they’ve traveled all over, they chose to have their October 2020 wedding back home in Denver. But due to COVID restrictions, they had to adjust their original plan and postponed their bigger bash to September 2021. They didn’t want to cancel altogether, however, so, like many couples in the last two years, they opted for two weddings! And lucky me—I was invited to document both!

Emma and Aaron’s love story started with a four-hour coffee date. After traveling the country together for a year, Aaron popped the question on a sunset cruise in Hawaii. They were so set on getting married that they actually booked me before this! So, after their official engagement, we scheduled their engagement session in Rocky Mountain National Park. We explored the outer rim of Bear Lake and took in the park's stunning views. See their engagement photos here!

On their wedding day, Emma and Aaron got ready in separate rooms in their new home—their first home together. Pre-wedding jitters are totally normal, and sometimes they manifest in hilarious ways. For example, Aaron was so nervous he accidentally used the wrong setting on his razor and had to go clean-shaven! 

But no little mishaps could dampen their day. We went into the backyard for a first look in front of the pines. Aaron cried when he saw Emma in her V-neck, thin-strap dress with a delicate lace overlay and A-line skirt. After the first look, I snapped photos of the couple in front of the autumn leaves in their adorable Denver neighborhood. Even their energetic border collie/poodle mix, Quinn, came along for the fun. (Check out Quinn’s fan page here, and trust me, you won’t be disappointed!) Quinn was the official Maid of Dog-or, so she had a big role to play during the wedding!

The ceremony was simple, intimate, and emotional. The newlyweds read The Art of Marriage aloud, which brought tears to everyone’s eyes. And while the ceremony was brief because Emma and Aaron had a bigger celebration planned for 2021, this simple, fiesta-style ceremony was absolutely perfect.

After the ceremony, the fiesta began. Chips, salsa, tacos, and margaritas abounded! The table settings even included a shot of tequila to get the party started! And local taco truck Comida supplied the dinner, while Cupcake Gypsies brought the desserts.

Emma and Aaron shared their first dance on their back patio to the song “For Island Fire & Families” by Dermot Kennedy, which Emma said would be too long for a first dance at the main wedding in 2021. “We are happy we get the opportunity for the smaller event!” she said. Next, family members shared brief speeches, enjoying a more intimate setting to practice for the big event to come a year later.

After they enjoyed some time on the dance floor, I stole Emma and Aaron away in search of the perfect sunset photo spot. We stopped in a wide-open field, where the golden sunlight played perfectly off of Emma’s bright, warm-colored bouquet from Madelyn Claire Floral Design. Then, they shared their first drink as newlyweds on their front porch. Getting to have a housewarming moment along with the marriage was such a lovely touch. 

In a backyard full of fairy lights and laughter, the bride and groom enjoyed the rest of their big night with friends and family. But the bigger night was still to come…and after a preview like this one, I couldn’t wait!

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer for your intimate wedding, I’d love to meet you! Whether you’re planning an intimate backyard celebration like Emma and Aaron’s, or something a little bigger, let’s chat! Or if you want to check out more Colorado weddings, peep them blog posts below!

Vendors //
Coordinator : Collective by Sachs
Floral Design : Madelyn Claire Florals
MUAH : Wedlocks Bridal Hair
Bridal Boutique : BHLDN
Bakery : Cupcake Gypsies
Rentals : Denver Wedding Rentals
Catering : Comida Food Truck

xx,

Jennifer Lourie