What I love about Lindsay and Hunter is that they were able to completely embrace every element that I believe make a wedding day an incredible one; they had a beautiful Christ-centered ceremony, they honored their parents, they celebrated their friendships, rolled with many surprises (like HAIL!), never stopped laughing, cherished and relished in every moment, and when it was time to party, they partied hard. My kind of people. This wedding is dear to my heart as they are friends of the family, but who Lindsay and Hunter are is so genuine and contagious that whether I knew a lot about their history or not, I would have been deeply and wholly blessed to get to be a part of their day. I witnessed the most precious mother-daughter moments to date, and it was such a joy to see Susan, Lindsay’s mother, just lit up the whole day. It was easy to get candids of her because she was always just smiling and was clearly so excited for their marriage. Of course, there isn’t a person they chose to be surrounded by that didn’t share this sentiment, and Lindsay’s first look with her dad and Hunter’s first dance with his whole family were nothing short of ‘priceless’.
And guys, speaking of priceless moments, when Lindsay started walking down to where Hunter was waiting for their first look I actually got butterflies. It was so sweet to see their faces, and the guy who never cries (according to one of his best men’s speeches) totally lost it. I am so thankful that we were able to have that moment overlooking the snow-capped mountains sans rain. We snuck away to the forest where they read letters to each other, their secret vows. It felt like that scene in Braveheart when William and Murron got married. We then met up with the wedding party and I can’t express enough how much I love their friends. It did start to rain, as we expected it to, but the spirit was never lost. Many people wouldn’t choose to have inclement weather on their wedding day if they were able to control that, but I have to say, that I personally believe that it all came together the way that it was supposed to. If it hadn’t stormed, we wouldn’t have had such deep greens and crisp air. And if the gondola run hadn’t shut dow for 45 minutes during the storm, I never would have thought to stop to take portraits in the gondola station. The bright back-lit overlook to the mountains was just so cool, and I got time to use the wood elements and big sliding doors to get some really cool textures and backgrounds. I never felt bummed that we had to wait!
The ceremony: first of all, I am so glad they made the call to have it outside, despite a few sprinkles. You simply cannot beat that view! It was so cool that Lindsay and Hunter made the time to wash each other’s feet and to have communion with their parents. They did well in finding a way for everyone to feel a part and to truly come along side them in their marriage. The umbrellas made for great photos of the guests, and I don’t think anyone was sad about having to snuggle a little closer! Once they were declared officially married, Hunter’s football background finally came out a little with his enthusiastic fist pumps. So so so great.
I think that in order to truly explain the beauty and epic-ness of the reception hall I would have to write a short novel, but thank goodness for photos, I’ll spare you that read for now! I was ecstatic when Lindsay took my referral to hire Sarah of Lady Bird Poppy for flowers and decor, but I never could have dreamed how perfectly she would complete their vision! Combined with the rustic elegance of the Timber Ridge Lodge, every detail was as stunning as the next. And of course, the artwork for the signs and tables were amazing as Lindsay designed them (who is an accomplished artist – obviously). Hunter’s ring stood out to me with the engraving: “Put on love which binds everything together in perfect harmony” Col 3:14. It’s more than I thought could fit inside a little ring, but it is possible, and it is awesome. The food, the drinks, that CAKE!, the prayers-blessings-toasts, and of course, the dancing, was as monumental as one would expect from a crew like this. Lindsay and Hunter, I am so incredibly happy for you two and thrilled for what is coming next on your journey. Dani and I are so honored that you trusted us with your day, and I can’t wait for you to see the rest!
Holy cow, there were some seriously amazing vendors at this wedding!
Venue: Timber Ridge Lodge at Keystone Resort
Florist: Lady Bird Poppy
Gown: The Bridal Collection
DJ: Greatime DJ
Event Coordinator: Distinctive Mountain Events
Hair: Aveda Academy: Serenity Salon
Catering/Cake: Keystone
