Renee & Ryan- Brookside Gardens Wedding July 9th

Eventually, maybe someday, I'll get better at this blogging thing. Until that day, I wanted to share another wedding from this summer. Ryan & Renee were married at an awesome new venue up north in Berthoud, Brookside Gardens. This place is just beautiful! With a full Aveda Spa right there on the property, we started by meeting the bride there. Afterward everyone headed to get ready in their great bride and groom suites upstairs. It was so nice having everyone so close by! My good friend Tyler was shooting with me and we just popped between the girls and guys while they were getting ready just a few feet away from each other.


Then we set up the first look. Now I know this is a debate for many couples. We've been told time and time again that it is bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding, but does anyone know where this tradition came from? It's actually back from the days of arranged marriages! Weddings were business deals, and no one wanted any member to second guess the decision based on the looks of the other person, so no one saw each other until the ceremony! I don't know about you, but I feel like we've come a long way since then. ;) This moment is always so special between a couple. Not only do we set up a private very intimate meeting for the bride and groom, but I know that when I saw D on our wedding day, all i wanted to do was hug him! It would have relieved SO much stress if I could have just held him, been excited with him, told him how excited I was for our day! And that's what this moment was about. And I tell you what... not only do I feel like it doesn't take anything away from the moment the bride walks down the aisle (that moment is so amazing and emotional, seeing the bride before that doesn't change it), but none of my brides or grooms have ever regretted the decision to see each other beforehand. In fact, many of them tell me it was their favorite part of the day. Now I always let a couple decide what is best for them. It's their day! But I have to admit, I really love the first look. ;)


Does anyone recognize this kilt or this little girl? ;) This is my good friend's husband, Ben, and their daughter Emelia (click here for a few pics from her newborn session). Crystal was the amazing graphic designer one who worked for me in Glenwood and Ben actually got this kilt for their wedding! Now who wouldn't use a wedding as a good reason to dress up and wear your kilt! haha. Renee and Ryan are good friends of theirs and I have to thank Crystal for sending them my way! :) Emelia just cracks me up.


We were worried about the weather and dark skies and even had a few raindrops, but you certainly couldn't tell by the time we started the ceremony! It couldn't have been a more perfect afternoon! See, this is why you don't stress about the weather. ;)


After the ceremony we took a few more pictures around the amazing grounds at Brookside. I thought Renee looked absolutely stunning. Although Ryan busted out the blue steel a couple of times to show me he could definitely hold up to Renee. So really?... They are just stunning together... ;)


To Renee & Ryan: Thank you, thank you, thank you, for asking me to be a part of your day. I've really enjoyed getting to know you both! I know you'll have many years of happiness together!