I have to say, having the freedom of not being in the lead and in charge is really fun! Yes, I did spend about 20 minutes photographing those Jimmy Choos and was delighted to photograph the bride walking down the aisle with her father from the back for a change! I was allowed to hang back and take my time, watching and waiting for those delicious moments of laughter and emotion.

Here are a few images from that day:

Two words that come to mind while thinking about how to describe their wedding: Elegant and Savor (to enjoy as long as possible, to enjoy and appreciate slowly).

They were recently married at Beaver Creek Chapel and had their reception at Splendido. Their wedding was planned by one of my favorite coordinators, Jenifer Hammond of I Do Weddings and Events.

One of the things that I remember most about Kerry and Christopher was how calm and relaxed they were throughout the day. It seemed to me that Kerry was enjoying every moment before her wedding. There was no rushing or urgency, just beautiful and thoughtful moments happening around us.

When we met Christopher at the Chapel, we photographed a handful of portraits and then left him alone with his thoughts, hearing the river flowing nearby and the wind rustling through the trees on this quiet and peaceful day.

After a heartfelt ceremony, a scrumptious meal was enjoyed by all - dinner was served in courses and the wine flowed generously. We photographed every course and every guest, savoring slowly this special wedding day.

Thank you Kerry and Christopher for having us along! We savored every moment with you!

Dress: Oscar de la Renta Flowers: A Secret Garden Coordinator: Jenifer Hammond

Venue: Splendido Beaver Creek

Little did I know how hardcore they would be - at the end of our session, with gray clouds looming and rain coming down, still wanting to play in front of the camera - YES!

Kera and Jeff were great to work with! They were full of fun ideas and open to doing pretty much anything.

I can't wait for July 4th when these two tie the knot at Devil's Thumb Ranch!

During my visit, I started to reflect on our friendship and how meaningful it was to me. I was amazed to realize that we've known each other for so long and then to also realize how our lives have changed in so many ways yet our friendship has pretty much stayed the same.

I feel that I have Sharon to thank for steering me to one of the greatest passions of my life - photographing weddings. It sounds like a perfect vision but Sharon's wedding didn't go that smoothly - in fact, I remember that I had to ask guests for their film in order to photograph the wedding itself as the film that was purchased for the wedding was accidently left behind by the Groom (sorry Brad!!).....

It was the fact that the wedding day was so real and so spontaneous that I fell in love with wedding photography. Despite the fact that the film was borrowed from the guests, it was still a day filled with love and laughter, joy and surprise. In fact, to this day, we laugh about the "forgotten film".

The friendship that I have with Sharon perfectly identifies with the entire vision of L'amour de Vie, which is photographing relationships and documenting emotional connections, whether between friends and lovers, husbands and wives, children and parents and every meaningful step in between during this great journey we call life.

Here are a few photos from Sharon's wedding (YES, that IS a soft focus filter......I KNOW!).....and some recent photos of Sharon with her son and baby #2 on the way....

I was given a proper welcome to the ranch by their two dogs who followed our every move as we went to different locations for photos. Yep, they are definitely part of the family! In fact, when I was lying on the ground and calling to them to get a few action shots, they didn't want to leave either Beth's or Ryan's side.

Oh, and YES, Beth and Ryan really are as fun and adorable as they look in these photos!!

Congratulations Beth and Ryan, can't wait for your magical day!

Josh and Alex....the dream team as far as photographer's are concerned. These two wanted nothing more than to spend hours with Paige and I, no holds barred, camera-ready, and willing for anything. I mean, come on....even I wouldn't be that relaxed in front of a camera!

Despite their willingness to have fun with us, Josh and Alex are simply a beautiful couple. From the outside in. Josh, who you know is swept away by Alex when he looks at her, loves her "exhuberance, her passion, and selflessness." But Alex, through this entire process, was always quick to compliment Josh....whether it be his style, a witty comment, or his kindness to another person.

They laugh together. They laugh alot. An ingredient sure to keep this marriage together through everything.

While viewing the images together, I asked Alex what her favorite part of their downtown Denver wedding was and she had to pause a moment, truly reflecting on that day. "To see him. I thought, this is real and I had a moment of clarity knowing he would be my husband forever." Josh meanwhile was anticipating the dress they had spoken about for months (one specially designed by a close friend). In his words she was "stunning, breathtaking."

You're right Josh, she was and is.

Paige and I both extend you the deepest gratitude for opening up to us, for letting us in on your amazing day, and for trusting our vision.

I love Mexico and everything about it. The land and the quirkiness of it all. I love how there is art and beauty in the most simple things. I love the color and texture of their architecture and..............time for a vacation perhaps?

Coming soon - destination weddings!

I don't even know where to begin with these two incredible individuals! They are so clearly destined to be with each other and their love story is amazing! Both families have been friends for years and years and, incredibly, Jenny and Matt have known each other literally FOREVER! Through family vacations, celebrations and holidays, as their friendship grew, one day, BAM!!!!.......L-O-V-E happened. It was amazing to thumb through their guest book and see photos of them together when they were kids!

The Ketubah signing was unforgettable - we were nestled along the river just a few blocks South of Pearl Street. The river was rushing alongside us and we were completely absorbed into these beautiful moments, making photographs of bonds that would never be broken.

After photographing most of the family in a more formal setting at Chautaqua, we headed up the mountain to the Flagstaff Ampitheatre for the highly anticipated wedding ceremony! After the Bedeken, the marriage ceremony took place under a beautiful Chupah with glorious panoramic views of Boulder below.

Heather Dwight of Calluna Events expertly guided Jenny with her vision of an eclectic and fun celebration - Jenny used sustainable flowers and shopped thrift stores and antique shoppes for her vintage vases. A scrumptious vegetarian buffet was served at the Greenbriar Inn while guests listened to a live band. Everyone was in for a special treat as Matt's brother performed a very special song, the music and lyrics penned by John himself - simply unforgettable!

I want to thank my friend Frances for helping me photograph this wedding!

On to the photos......

These images show the fleeting moments: the loving look of a groom to his bride, the toast that makes the bride blush, that funny kid who seems even more excited than the bride or groom, or of course all those poignant moments when the parents realize "wow, my baby is all grown up!"

These are the images make Monday morning editing, with my large cup of coffee, so fun. Or even bring a tear (again) to my eye.

The energy between them: Electrifying

We've heard it before....The bride and groom ARE so in love, my job was made easy....Well, seriously folks, this day was a walk in the park. Kit beamed and giggled all day long while Charlie appeared full of anticipation - they were so excited to get married!

Their wedding took place at the Cherokee Ranch and Castle up in Sedalia and was expertly pulled off without a hitch due to the fabulous talents of Jessica Horvath of Colorado Weddings by Design. Also, one of our most favorite florists, Delilahs of Denver, provided beautiful displays of flowers (loved the bouquet!!) and the ever so clever table centerpieces (parts of Aspen trees from the family ranch). For your viewing pleasure.....

This wedding will also be featured in an upcoming issue of the Knot Colorado Real Weddings...check newstands for a full array of great details!

I have the utmost respect for underwater photographers - it wasn't easy taking photos underwater......

The shipwreck photos are of the SS Sapona, a concrete rum runner ship that ran aground during a hurricane in 1926.

After visiting the Sapona, we then ventured on to a place where a research lab fed black tipped sharks. Well, we never made it there - along the way we encountered a small pod of dolphins in some crystal clear water. We immediately jumped in the water and swam with them for about an hour!

I also want to mention that even though we could have reached out and easily touched the dolphins (yes, we were THAT close and yes, it was a little tempting), we didn't. It was very important to me to just observe and "be" with them. This was an experience that will resonate with me for a very long time.