Wedding Date: October 6th 2022

Some couples plan a destination wedding to be close to family, some plan one to escape to an exotic paradise, while others plan one so they can be in their favorite place with everyone they love. I met Erin and Joseph at The Wedding Guys Unveiled event in Minneapolis and we hit it off right away. They were planning a destination wedding in Breckenridge, CO, which is a place all of us have fallen in love with. They found a cozy lodge nestled in the trees and mountains and knew it would be perfect for a fall wedding. They had a unique vision and I couldn’t be more excited!

I flew out early so I could meet everyone and get to know their friends and family. They’re all about bringing people together so I wanted to make sure to convey their warmth and love in every single photo. I had plans and schemes floating around in my head the whole flight there, but when I drove through the valley and saw the bright yellow Aspens in peak color I knew this would be perfect. The yellow trees flowed through the hills and valleys like veins that dotted the landscape and all led to their lodge. It was as if even the trees were dressing up for the big event! The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming with guests enjoying the outdoor hot tubs overlooking the picturesque landscape and chatting on the balcony late into the evening.

The morning of their wedding the entire lodge was a buzz of excitement. I bounced back and forth between Erin and Joseph's rooms until finally the moment for their first look was here. I had scouted out the perfect spot nearby that overlooked the valley and was filled with the signature yellow Aspens. They didn’t need to say a word, you could see them speaking paragraphs in a single glance. As their eyes filled with happy tears, they embraced and all felt right in the world. We took some time to explore the grounds and take in the extraordinary scenery as the sunlight filtered through the bright yellow leaves.

Clouds rolled in through the valley filled the sky with the perfect mix of sun and shade just as their ceremony began on the balcony overlooking the mountains. The snow off in the distance felt so far away as the sun warmed our faces as we watched the pair exchange their vows. Onc of her bridesmaids signed every word to her husband across the aisle who was standing up as a groomsman. This added a special extra layer of love shown in every single word they spoke. The crowd cheered as they dashed down the aisle and the party started to get underway.

The sun was starting to dip below the mountain peaks so we decided to take in the last of the light and explore the colorful valley once more. We bounced between amazing views, log cabins, and quintessential ranches before we made our way back up to the hilltop for some of my favorite sunset photos this season. Back inside the lodge all the guests were excited to welcome the newlyweds. They toasted the sweethearts and laughter and a few tears were shared. After they had their first dance, we made our way to the balcony to enjoy the fresh mountain air and starlight. Holding one another under the stars, they looked like the cover of a movie and one that I would definitely want to see.

Vendor List: The Lodge at Breckenridge (venue), Raffine Bridal (dress boutique), Generation Tux (suit), Breckenridge Hair Company (hair and makeup)