winter wedding

Charles & Lori - Vail, CO

December 25th, 2021 looked a little different for us this year, in the best way! As we celebrated the birth of our Lord and Savior, we also had a little something else to celebrate this year. My boyfriend’s dad wed the loveliest woman, whom we absolutely adore, on Christmas day. It was the dreamiest winter wedding set in the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains.

When they first got engaged, they had talked about several options for the intimate elopement that they had in mind. Eloping in Africa, celebrating in Mexico, maybe even a quiet backyard ceremony at home. With Covid presenting consistent roadblocks and with the particular chapter of life they are in, they knew they wanted their wedding ceremony to be low-key, intimate and special, just them. So, Ryan and I were absolutely THRILLED when they asked us to join them for a week of wedding celebration in Vail, Colorado over the holidays!

A Christmas day wedding in a winter wonderland. It was magical.

God certainly works in mysterious and wonderful ways. Lori and Charles’ story has funny, ironic little pieces, such as Lori buying Ryan’s childhood home and living in it before Charles and Lori even knew each other, but it’s also a story of unexpected blessings, unexplainable peace, and pure joy.

We believe it was somewhat of a divine intervention that brought Lori into Charles’ life, but I also must say from a personal perspective, that God has answered many of my own prayers, not only by bringing Ryan into my life, but also by blessing me with this wonderful bonus family. What a dream!

Their ceremony was in the most beautiful chapel, in a grove of Balsam trees located at the base of the world class Beaver Creek Ski Mountain. While there was talk of skiing all day and then skiing right down into the chapel (officiant included!) and saying their vows in ski gear, we opted to get a little dressed up instead ;)

Their ceremony was sweet and intimate, just as they hoped, complete with tears and smiles and a beautiful Apache wedding blessing they asked me to read, which I think fits them perfectly:

“Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years. May happiness be your companion and your days together be good and long upon the earth.”

Charles and Lori, it is with heartfelt gratitude that Ryan and I thank you for including us in the beginning of your incredibly special journey. We are are so excited to witness the beauty and joy that is bound to come in the many years ahead.

We love you so much!

James & Kaitlyn - Bonney Lake, WA

James and Kaitlyn have such a special place in my heart. I met Kaitlyn back when she was in high school and have had the privilege of watching her flourish from a sweet young girl to the beautiful, strong, intelligent young woman she is now. I remember when she first got to college, I got a text shortly after that she had met and was now dating this young man, named James. I captured their young love in the first year of their relationship, and I have loved watching them grow deeper and deeper in love ever since! Check out their sweet young love here that I captured back in 2014 here: http://www.rpimagery.com/blog-content/2016/5/18/young-love-james-kaitlyn?rq=kaitlyn

“It’s crazy that back then, we knew.” Kaitlyn said in her vows. I think we all knew! Watching these two from day one, I knew I would be capturing their wedding someday. And here we are. The whole day was surreal! I love these two so much and am so inspired by how rich and deep their love for each other is. It truly has been like that since day 1, though. Which is crazy, they were so young! But we all just knew.

I loved that they did their own thing and opted for a winter wedding. It was a true winter fairytale, from all of the touches of pine, to the flickering fireplaces, the smores’ station, and the fur coats. Kaitlyn’s winter wedding dreams all came to life, huge thanks to the insanely talented Jordan Moll, wedding planning and floral extraordinaire.

Most weddings I can name a few highlights of the day, but this one I simply cannot. When I think about each moment of the day, they were truly all my favorite! The whole bridal party got ready on site, in their different suites, and it was such a relaxed morning and afternoon. I loved my time interviewing James before he saw Kaitlyn. He was just a ball of emotions while I had him talking about his favorite things about Kaitlyn and why he loves her so much. He had me in tears right there with him. The first look was the sweetest thing ever, and also had us all in tears. Kaitlyn looked like a dream, as always, and James just could not contain himself. I had so much fun with the whole bridal party, as they were all a true testament to the type of people Kaitlyn and James both are - so giving, compassionate, thoughtful, and kind to everyone around them. I adore Kaitlyn’s family and often feel like they are my own, so it was an honor to capture this day for them. I loved meeting James’ family, too, and seeing how wonderful both families got along together. James and Kaitlyn are both fortunate to have such strong, committed, and loving marriages modeled for them, there’s no telling what the two of them will take on in this lifetime together! The whole evening was a true celebration of their love, and I admired how all of their friends and family were acknowledging the fact that we all just felt humbled to be witnessing the love between James and Kaitlyn. It was a special day.

I have to say, though, one of my favorite moments of the day was when I was behind the camera filming James’ thank you speech to all of his family, both Kaitlyn’s parents, his own parents, all of the siblings, grandparents, etc. AND THEN - out of no where, he acknowledges ME by saying how special it is to be having me capture the day as I have been a part of their love story all along. James - you had me in tears there. Thank you so much for that sweet shoutout.

Kaitlyn and James, to say I am inspired by your love is an understatement. People go their whole lives in search of what you two have. You two have a special place in my heart and I am just so blessed to know you, have you as friends, and to capture this incredible love you share as your journey continues to unfold. Thank you making me feel part of the family, I love you guys so much!

Joey & Whitney - Portland, OR

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I've been friends with Whit and Joe for over 5 years. I have witnessed many of their ups and downs, documented their love (by making them model for me on several accounts), celebrated many birthdays with them, and have watched their flirty crushes develop into a deep, beautiful love over the years. 

What I love about Joey and Whitney is that they are a couple that truly brings out the best in one another, and in turn, brings so much joy to everyone else around them. Joey comes off a bit timid when you first meet him, but once you get to know him, he is funny as hell, down-to-earth, "life of the party" type of guy. Whitney is constantly outgoing, energetic, and friendly to those around her. She has the biggest heart, is encouraging and uplifting to others, and gives, gives, gives. She is a true light to those around her, and it is evident that Joey recognizes this. The way he looks at her like she is the only person in the entire room completely melts my heart. Together, they have a contagious type of charisma that people crave to be around.

Every moment of their wedding day was pure bliss. Whitney's bridesmaids were all rockstars who constantly made sure everything was flawless throughout the day. The Benson was the perfect venue and the staff were incredible - working hard to create the most magical setting. Their family had the most sentimental words for the newlyweds, and everyone toasted to their happiness,and danced the night away.

And....
THEY ARE EXPECTING!!! Whit and Joe found out shortly before their wedding day that they are expecting, and I couldn't be more thrilled for them! They are going to be such wonderful parents. During their reception, Whitney made the announcement to all of their friends and family that they have a baby on the way, and then surprised Joey by sharing that their cake cutting would actually be a gender reveal. The crowd went wild as they sliced into their wedding cake, revealing a bright, pretty, pink filling. There's not many things that could beat the excitement of that moment, but some of my other favorite moments of the day included: Whitney getting ready for her wedding day in the complete tranquility of their new, beautiful home that they just purchased as a couple. Whitney's bridesmaids enthusiastically watching their first look from the hotel window across the street. Joey seeing his bride for the first time on their wedding day. The venue coordinator giving Joey and Whitney a private moment to glimpse into their wedding reception room and Joey leading Whitney into a romantic slow dance. They were the only two in the room and the DJ turned on sounds of Billie Holiday in the background. I loved having Joey and Whitney to myself later on, shortly after they signed their marriage license, frolicking around the lit up night scene of downtown Portland. My last favorite moment of the day was watching Whitney, 10 weeks pregnant, round up the troops and lead everyone on the dance floor to "Wobble baby." Haha I love her!

Their wedding day was a true reflection of them as a couple, and every moment, start to finish, was truly so special! I admire their love, blessed to call them friends, and I am honored to have been a part of their wedding day. Whit and Joe- I can't thank you guys enough for choosing me to document this new chapter of your life, for including me in a huge part of your love story, and for your true friendship over the years. I adore the two of you together and am so excited to see all of the adventures and joy that God has in store for you, as a couple, and as a family!! Love you guys!
 

Venue: The Benson

Venue Planner: Danny Clougherty

Wedding Planner: Tatum from We Plan It, LLC

Florals: Crystal Lillie's Flowers by Kimberly

Hair/Makeup: Hannah Bennet & Shawna with LUX

Cake: Simply Sweets

DJ: Busta Move

Rentals: Barclay