Tayler and Alex met through one of their mutual best friends shortly after they had both moved to the Denver area. In an intro text to the two of them, she wrote "Alex, meet Tayler, Tayler meet Alex 😇✨" That night, they ended up talking on the phone for two hours and agreed to stay off social media and not digitally stalk each other. The following three nights, they spent time on the phone and within the week, they met at a music event in Denver for a group they hadn't seen. Upon stepping out of the taxi, Tayler and Alex's eyes met and they both knew immediately they were meant to be.
Quickly, Tayler fell in love with Alex's passion and courage. "He gives me hope and helps pick me up when I'm feeling down". Alex adores how caring and emotionally driven Tayler is. "I love the way she loves me, and balances me. She helps me be better everyday".
The following spring, Tayler and Alex took their first camping trip together to Moab. After setting up a timelapse frame, they climbed up the rocks behind Potash Lakes. Alex dropped to a knee, and after reciting words of love and poetry asked Tayler to marry him. With a beautiful Moldavite engagement ring and pure elation, she said YES!
These two found passion together in organic farming on 10 acres of land in southern Oregon, attending Bassnectar or Pretty Lights concerts, and winter in the mountains. When it came time to plan their dream wedding, the mountains of Colorado were a perfect choice to be surrounded by their friends and family. They fell in love with the beautiful deck and views at the Lodge at Breckenridge and opted to share their nuptials in late fall, showcasing their love for winter.
Planning an outdoor wedding in Colorado might be one of the riskiest choices of all time, but it can be the most rewarding too. As a Colorado mountain wedding photographer having now photographed 98 weddings, it's easy to say I've seen just about every possible weather condition on a wedding day. From 100+ degrees sweltering summer heat and evening thunderstorms to drizzle, hail, wind, and everything in between there's never a dull moment. However, nothing could prepare me for the weather as Tayler and Alex's wedding day approached!
Two days before their wedding, I woke up to Winter Weather Warnings for much of Colorado's Front Range and the central mountains. We decided that these warnings were going to likely be correct this time and that heading up to Breckenridge a day early would be smart, as the I-70 corridor west of Denver can be a death trap in poor conditions. More often than not, the road gets closed down due to accidents and dangerous road conditions. I certainly didn't want to be stranded on the wrong side of a possible closure and not be able to get to their wedding!
We were able to find a hotel room and headed west when hubby Brian arrived home from school the day before their wedding. The storm had already moved in and started dumping snow, creating a slow and slippery drive through Denver and up into the hills. What should have been a 2 hour drive turned into more than 3.5 hours. But once we arrived in Breckenridge, it was BEAUTIFUL. With a light snow falling, we were transported into a Hallmark Christmas movie set.
The weather also brought complications with my regular second shooter, and I'm so blessed to have had Jennifer Garza Photography set in and drive up with us to fill in as my second photographer. We woke up the next morning to COLD temps and soon met Tayler and Alex as they prepped for their big day! Alex was doing some morning yoga, while Tayler was calm confidence surrounded by her amazing bridal party. Once these two were dressed and ready, we drove them up near Rocky Point to share a snowy, Viking first look. They both donned thick winter fur coats, and Alex sported their custom-made family shield and axe. When Tayler turned around to lock eyes with Alex, it was truly a magical moment, as the light snowflakes fell around them.
Upon return to the Lodge, the wedding deck was ready and guests began to arrive. Tayler and Alex opted to have their ceremony outside, no matter what. It was AMAZING. Even with temps below 10 degrees, their guests bundled up and shed tears as these two stated vows and shared a first kiss on the side of the mountain.
I could go ON AND ON AND ON about this amazing day. But let's get to the fun part: PHOTOS! When asked about their favorite wedding day memories, Tayler replied "My favorite memory from the wedding was feeling the warmth of our love burning wild while on the deck in those freezing temps. Looking into Alex's deep blue eyes, seeing the mountains in the background, surrounded by family & friends emitting the same love. That moment was my favorite! " Alex's favorite memory: "How can I pick a favorite part? It was all so perfect. Tayler, my snow queen is perfect. It was all a dream come true."
Their biggest wedding planning advice: "As we did, take in the entirety of those precious, fast paced, important moments in completely (like walking down the aisle, the first look, speeches) - take deep breaths in & out, take a 360 look of your surroundings, truly take the time to smell the roses and see all the sights. The day goes by quick no matter how well you plan ahead. ALSO - don't freak out about things you can't control, like weather. Nor should a couple feel bad about things that they can't control on their day, something is always bound to happen. & it's okay to smile about it."
Without further ado, here are a few of my favorite moments captured in photos! CONGRATS, you two! I wish you many years of joy, peace, and farming.
VENDOR DREAM TEAM:
Venue: The Lodge at Breckenridge Dress: Dora Grace Bridal Flowers: The Olive & Poppy Floral Design Cake: The Cake Maker - Colorado Hair: Mallorie Porter Makeup: Alyse Coleman Videography: Canvas & Light Officiant: Rosemary McArthur 2nd Photographer: Jennifer Garza