Nina and Eddie's August wedding at Della Terra in Estes Park was a sincerely joyful day. I first connected with these two back in March. They were looking for a photographer and videographer for their mountain wedding, and they found me! After deciding it was the perfect fit for us both, we made it legal (aka signed a contract like all my couples do ;) and moved forward planning their engagement session. I really have to post some of those photos soon - think tequila shots and archery in their forested backyard in Evergreen, and you'll have an idea that barely does their session justice!
For their wedding, Nina and Eddie wanted to go into Rocky Mountain National Park for portraits to take advantage of the mountainous scenery. There are many spots near Della Terra, ranging from a 7 minute drive to a 30 minute drive. We chose one of the closer trailheads, which served us well on their wedding day when the hair and makeup team ran over by more than an hour. But, these things happen! My team and I were still able to capture their entire day in 6 hours with a little shuffling and a great attitude from the bride and groom.
When Nina was ready (beaming and looking absolutely stunning in her Rue de Seine dress and rosemary floral crown) we loaded into my car, with Eddie ready to follow separately. Once in RMNP, we led Eddie to a sandy area beside a river with a panoramic mountain view to wait for his bride. His reaction when he saw Nina was genuine and so, so happy.
After a bit of wandering around that trailhead and a visit to another pullover in the park, we headed back to Della Terra. Nina freshened up as their guests were escorted to the ceremony amphitheater. Nina's aunt officiated their ceremony. A handful of wild turkeys made a cameo midway through. Afterwards, the team at Della Terra had shots of tequila waiting for the bride, groom, and their parents in the gazebo hidden behind the ceremony site. While the families toasted their joining, guests created a tunnel for the couple to run through in a shower of rose petals.
There were many thoughtful details on this day, beginning with the groom's tie (made custom with extra fabric from the bride's gown) and ending with the groom's father singing a song he wrote for the newlyweds. I was tearing up at first but he saved me from myself by tossing some hilarious rhymes and jokes into his lyrics, drawing huge laughter from the audience.
At last, as the clouds turned pink and the sun began to set, the DJ invited everyone outside for the first dance. With the last light of day they danced together and with their parents before being raised in chairs for the hora! I flew my drone for photo and video of that epic moment, and you'll see some aerial shots below! Our photo/video coverage ended just after the dance floor opened, but with bellies full of Bird Dog BBQ as fuel I have no doubt that the party lasted well into the night.
VENDORS
Venue | Della Terra Mountain Chateau
Photo | Dylan Crossley Photo
Video | Dylan Crossley Photo
DJ | Brandon, Suit and Tie (a gem, definitely recommend)
Catering | Jeremy, Bird Dog BBQ (casual, delicious, mostly GF)
Florals | Brigitte, Floral Design of Europe (I always send her name to couples in Estes!)
Bride's Attire | Rue de Seine Bridal
Dessert | Gluten-free treats from French for Sugar
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