The most beautiful thing that a bride could do on her wedding day is to be utterly and genuinely happy. Raquel never stopped smiling, and I can’t remember having a happier bride. Ali and I kept saying all day how we can only hope that we are even a fraction as gorgeous as Raquel was on our wedding days! It was not only her inner joy that BEAMED, but holy heck, she was so pretty that we gasped multiple times at just how stunningly perfect she was on the outside as well. It would be weird for two female photographers to say the same things about her handsome groom, but the same excitement radiated from Chris as well and it was crazy adorable to see how anxious he was, but in a very calm and collected way if that makes sense. There was clearly no question for him that Raquel is the one, and that peace was so evident as he waited for the moment that they would be announced to the world as husband and wife (OK so maybe that moment was never officially said out loud, but everyone in the room knew what was going on cause we are smart like that!)
After the ceremony we went on a little photo adventure with just the two of them in Rocky Mountain National Park. Coming from Florida, Raquel and Chris were grateful for the warmer weather, but were still picturing and hoping for a little snow. Luckily there were still some shady areas holding on the patches of it and we were able to get a couple of winter-y pictures ! I just love the constant movie quotes and inside jokes that they share, and there wasn’t a moment where the whole paparazzi crew (they had cinematographers as well) weren’t cracking up. That’s how photo time should be, fun and full of love.
Back at the lodge, the party was getting started, and the wedding party was pumped and ready to get down with a fun wedding party photoshoot. As awesome as every single person that was part of their crew was, the highlight for me was finally getting to meet the infamous Rowdy (their dog)! They share the same familial ties with their pup that I do, and this is just one more reason why I love Chris and Raquel so much! Everyone they were surrounded by shared the same excitement, and both sets of parents had the same bright smiles glued to their faces the entire day. I have to admit, I didn’t tear up all day but when Christopher gave his toast and Raquel starting crying I was done. I am not only thankful to have been able to photograph this wedding, but I am so blessed to know these guys. I wish you many more laughs and photo adventures in your long life together!
A HUGE shout out to all the incredible vendors who made the day so special:
- Wedding Planner: Aimee Thomas with A Touch of Bliss
- Ceremony Venue: Our Lady of the Mountains
- Reception Venue: Mary’s Lake Lodge
- Hair & Make-Up: Janie Rocek
- Florist: Lace and Lillies
- Cinematographer: Sasser Motion
- Preist: Kevin Cusick
- Ceremony Music: UNCO Student Ensemble
- DJ: Rock Candy DJ
- Catering & Bar: Mary’s Lake Lodge
- Bakery: Colorado Rose Cake Company
- Rentals: Colorado Party Rentals