Nothing says “marital bliss” quite like the story of a husband trying to murder his family with an axe, but when you get married at a haunted hotel it can be fun to embrace some of the creepiness. Mai and Michael went all out- Mai was even doing her hair and makeup while watching the original Kubrick film.

Natives and visitors alike know of a connection between The Stanley Hotel and Stephen King’s “The Shining,” but many are confused about what the connection is exactly. Even while watching the movie again to prepare for the silliness our bride and groom had planned, I thought the exterior shots would be of the Stanley- not so. Stephen King was inspired to write the story of creepy little girls in hallways while staying at the Estes Park hotel right before it was closing for an extended period of time. The Stanley claims several ghosts in residence; it’s a straight line from here to there. Apparently, some of the miniseries was filmed at the Stanley, but strangely the hotel’s grand moment on the silver screen is in “Dumb and Dumber.” Please, someone-  groomsmen in ruffled tuxedoes in burnt orange and baby blue launching themselves up the main Stanley staircase- I can see it now…

“Mai and Michael aren’t here any more Mrs. Torrance……”

The creepy rotting woman in the bathtub was the only part of the original movie that genuinely freaked me out. I think Mai looks much more attractive.

Our attempt at recreating the final picture of the movie.

Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Tabernash is always such a wonderful place to photograph a wedding. They have a true feeling of “Old West Colorado” there. The fields are lush with grasses, wandering livestock and wildlife, while the accommodations are elegantly rustic. You just can’t go wrong with a Devil’s Thumb wedding if what you’re looking for is a Colorado feel – and that’s exactly what Sue and Craig wanted.

We met Sue, their dogs and her bridesmaids at Sue’s log cabin. They’d planned two hours for getting ready photos and photos of Sue in her dress. It was so nice to have that extra time and not feel rushed.

Craig and I took a stroll out to a field behind the lodge. The view of the back range is beautiful, making for a very dramatic backdrop.

Tommy, Craig’s best man tied the rings around a shoe string so he wouldn’t lose them.

One of the ring dogs…. they did a very good job, but really wanted to go hang out up front with Sue and Craig!

Sue was determined to get photos with the horses. It’s a very brave woman who will tromp through muddy marshes in a Vera Wang dress to get the perfect shot!

“That 80′s Band” played throughout the evening. No stuffy wedding songs here – we were ROCKING!

We’ve been through a lot with Brandy and Danny- so much so that we felt like we were seeing old friends get married. It’s been a blast hanging out with them this year, and their wedding was just as much fun!

One of the lesser known skills that a bride needs on her wedding day is the ability to drive while eating a PB&J.

Brandy and the ladies got ready up at Ten Mile while the guys took pictures in downtown Breckenridge.

We had quiet a bit of rain on and off, but it made for a great sky…

There are many places to store your vows, some more interesting than others-

I love the expression on the little kids’ faces…

The fact that you can see the rain and the sunshine together, I don’t know, it just feels like a great metaphor for marriage itself to me.

As we went to take the photo, one of the guys yelled, “We’re all tree sprites!”

Thanks again you guys! Lots of love, Amanda and Debi.

Mindy and Justin held their intimate ceremony and reception up past Breckenridge on the 4th of July. It was lovely to have just their close friends and family around for the event- really a fun and loving environment! The couple rented a beautiful private home in Blue River (the bride’s home town) with a gorgeous view off the balcony and a back “yard” full of wildflowers.  Everyone pitched in too, from the freaking amazing log and wildflower center pieces (handmade by a friend of the family and the father of the bride) to redoing the boutonnieres to figuring out the finicky fireplace.

I love the suits!

We drove down to a nearby lake for Mindy and Justin to see each other for the first time.

Their friends are great- a lot of fun and very caring!

They also had a different kind of unity ceremony. One of the flower kids brought up a basket of wildflowers to the alter, which each of the moms handed out to each guest. Later, the blooms were all gathered into one big vase, representing not only the unity of their families, but their friends as well.

Stay tuned for next week- Mindy and Justin are holding a big reception this weekend at Mile High Station!

I just had to add a few more pictures of Amanda from her Beaver Creek wedding last Monday. Gorgeous bride, gorgeous light- what more could a photographer ask for! Plus, girl’s got good shoes, and I have to admit to having a bit of a shoe thing. I can’t wear crazy heels myself, so I just take lots of shoe pictures instead.

I can’t wait to show you guys the pictures of her and Chris from their Trash-the-Dress style shoot later that week!

Happy anniversary to my wonderful husband of 30 (yes, 30!) years. Seems like just yesterday that we said “I Do” and yet here we are 30 years, 4 kids, 4 dogs, 1 bird and many cats later. Thank you for being such a great husband, father and friend. Here’s to the next 30!

For those of you who are wondering – yes we did get married on April Fools Day.

I love you – Debi

Lara and Kevin were just so much fun, that I couldn’t resist putting a couple of my images up too! The first image of the Beaver Creek Chapel was created using a process called HDR, or high dynamic range. Essentially, you take at least 3 pictures, one for the shadows, one for the highlights, and one for the midtones, and then combine them in one image that lets you see all the details. I think it really shows off that great little chapel in the snow! Anyway, that’s my photo nerd break for today!

Question: If the couple comes all the way from Germany to get married, can we call it a destination wedding?

Anne, Henning and Henning’s son Leo traveled all the way from Germany for their wedding. Anne grew up in the states and her family has owned a cabin in Winter Park for many years. So when they were deciding where to get married she wanted to share Colorado with her new extended German family. The area is gorgeous. Not just pretty… but the kind of place that takes your breath away. During the winter with all the fresh snow it’s especially stunning. Located in Fraser Colorado, Devil’s Thumb Ranch is a working ranch complete with pastures full of horses, adorable cabins and a rustic but lavish resort with all the comforts. They couldn’t have picked a better place to get married.

Kara and Rami from Pick Me Wedding Coordination did a fabulous job of organizing the event. Not only did everything happen on time (which hardly ever happens) but the decorations and flowers were beautiful. Devil’s Thumb Ranch has a small wedding chapel overlooking the Continental Divide giving Anne and Henning’s guests a stunning view. As the ceremony was happening we could see a family taking a sleigh ride off in the distance. Truly winter in Colorado.

The reception was held in the Broad Axe Barn. Hennings only request for the evening was good food and I’m betting he wasn’t disappointed. The musical entertainment for the evening was the Lonesome Ridge Blue Grass Band giving the German guests a real western experience. The evening was a joyful celebration of two families coming together.

It was -14 degrees at 9:00 Sunday morning — they are darn serious about the “Ice Box” label!

The view of Devil’s Thumb Ranch from the road to the cabins.

Leo – won’t he be a heart breaker when he grows up!

Leo took his job helping Dad get his cuff links in very serious .

The cabins

The first time Henning saw Anne in her dress. Isn’t she beautiful!

Anne braved it without the coat for a few shots but it was so cold out we didn’t want to freeze her.

The ceremony was read in English and in German so everyone could enjoy the vows.

Henning’s ring wouldn’t slide on easily.

Leo making sure everything is signed

The happy family

First dance