He was a bartender.  She was in a group of girls that would come to the bar after work, mainly on Thursday nights.  He noticed her but kept doing his thing.  She listened to her teacher friends decompress, not having much to add.
She hit him with her everything one cold day as she came in and took off her coat.  He froze and watched the light bounce off her blonde hair.  That was it for him.  After that, this girl was watched and gazed.  And they began to talk. 
And he began to bring her the wrong beers.  A little of twitterpation, a little of the excuse for him to talk to her again. 

He showed her around the brewery and he kissed her in the cooler.  She pulled him close and gave him a good one.  She meant it.   That began their love story, and they were both ready.

He proposed and they began planning this day that would start their real lives Together.

Shawn & Jessie chose the gorgeous Mt. Vernon Garden in Washington Park in Denver to seal their forever, and it couldn’t have been more beautiful.  Cooler would have been appreciated, but it was absolutely simple and gorgeous.

Jessie was beautiful.  She was channeling  Jean Harlow in the classic, retro style with her touches of soprano flair.  She’s a diva in the best way. 

She had no problem working it for me, and had a little fun along the way!  She was waiting for her First Look with Shawn, and we were trying to keep her from melting in the heat!

Shawn and Jessie opted to do what is called a “First Look.”  It’s not the traditional wait-to-see-your-bride-as-she’s-walking-down-the-aisle, but the reaction was authentic, sincere and very tender.  There are so many benefits to starting this NEW tradition, that I think brides and grooms (especially), should consider this as part of their wedding day plans.  It’s a few moments alone to hug, kiss, and cry before the public wedding ceremony. 

And it’s time to get the show on the road!

Love this one.  So tender. 

Finally!!!!  Mr. & Mrs. Hyde!! 

Jessie’s reaction when Shawn tells her what they’re leaving the ceremony in.  Look at the officiant’s face!

We then walked around the gardens and had a little fun.  I love this one!  Jessie is a quirky funny girl. 

They were awesome to work with, even in the heat.  I love this series.

This one, too.  Canvas, anyone? 

The reception was at the famous Dry Dock Brewing Company, with a delicious beer and cheese pairing.  Famous, because it’s where they met and had their first kiss. 

Shawn absolutely adores Jessie, and he made sure everyone there knew it.  He was so sentimental and I LOVE the way she looks at him.

If you meet at a bar, it’s only appropriate that you have your wedding dance ON the bar.  It was cool!

Special friends and family were invited to the back for a tasting of the Octoberfest beer, which was traditionally brewed for the King and Queen’s wedding day.  It was a tribute to Jessie and Shawn, and it was also very good. 

Where it all began!   

No reception would be complete without full-volume, everyone in the bar, singing “Piano Man” which is apparently a Thursday night tradition between Dean and Shawn. 

Shawn and Jessie Hyde  | engaged [3.26.2010]  | married [8.22.2010]

Mt. Vernon Garden, Washingon Park | Denver, CO

Shawn | Financial Professional, AXA
Jessie | Paralegal

This was the funniest thing!!!! She had no idea this chic was sunbathing right next to her! 

Congratulations, Shawn & Jessie!  Thanks for teaching us about beer and true love! 

Ellie and Pete are some of our closest friends, and we were honored to do a maternity session with them to celebrate this new chapter in their lives!!
We had a total blast and got some great images from the session!!!

I am also glad to get this post up before she delivers!  She looks AMAZING for being at 38 weeks, right???? 

Enjoy! 

I should mention that Ellie trains service dogs and works with their owners with various disabilities by provides services & resources to improve their overall mobility.  It’s something I have always admired about her, as I have always been impressed how she trains all of her dogs with patience, confidence and care. 
Including Jedi, their 120 pound 3 year old Great Mastiff.    He was really eager and energetic, but exceptionally well behaved.  Pete did a great job luring him to look and stay, I might add. 

After a quick change and to add Pete, we headed to the UCA’s flower garden. 

This is one of my favorites. 

You just can’t do a maternity session without this one. 

They are going to ROCK as parents.  I am so excited for them!!!

And to another favorite spot: the Oval.

Apparently, the baby was getting a little fiesty and wanted to kick Ellie in there. 

Another favorite. 

My view.

 Bryans view.  Another favorite!

I LOVE THIS ONE.  It’s why I do this. 

Canvas, anyone? 

Ellie & Pete Carlson | August 10, 2008
Jedi | 3 years
Baby Carlson | Due August 29, 2010

Fort Collins, CO

… some of us working and my favorite outtake. 

More coming soon!

Enjoy!

My phone rang a week ago as my mom and I were heading back to the car after the Bath & Body Works semi-annual soap sale.  It was Carolyn, a friend from the CSU band and she had some general questions about photography.  My mom, mostly used to being present during “business” calls, sought some shade and began to listen.  Carolyn’s friend, who I would later be introduced to as Sarah, (and if you were in her circle of trust, merely Abbey), needed a photographer for her Wednesday wedding.  As in 48 hours.   How much?  How long?  Another wedding next year?  There were more questions than answers, but the important thing is that OF COURSE I WOULD.  She could stop fretting.  I empathized with her situation and made a mental note to make it special for her.  We agreed to meet the following day, Tuesday, the day before the wedding. 

I have a special place in my heart for serendipity, because I believe that it’s the place where one can truly be humbled and gracious.   I had a past encounter with a very special couple I was able to photograph at Hilton Head, and this wedding brought me right back there.  They opened up my eyes and my heart for possibilities, and when this situation came along, there was no question.You can read their story here. 

Sarah and Dean are special.  They serve their country.   Dean is serving in Afghanistan, and I got to meet him on his two week leave as he married the love of his live.  And like an about-face, he heads back there.  Sarah will be commissioned as an officer from CSU ROTC.  We can disagree about the politics of war, but we cannot absolutely disagree that our country’s finest are out there for us.  It’s the least that I can do for them.  And it was so easy because they were CRAZY about each other! 

It was one of the most touching and sentimental weddings I have witnessed.  I’m so blessed I was a part of it! 

Congratulations, Sarah & Dean!  It was a pleasure!!

More coming soon!

 We had a great time at this session, and then learned that we’re infants when it comes to beer knowledge.  Shawn patiently set us straight as we discussed various beers through dinner at Rock Bottom. 

Shawn & Jessie, see you in a few days!!

They met in kindergarten. He finally noticed her in science class. Something about a beaker and orange tic tacks. The both went to CSU, and they’ve been together ever since.

Meet Zach and Mary. Married, after a lifetime of being boyfriend & girlfriend, and now each gets to change their call signs to husband & wife!

Their wedding was one of my favorites to date. A vintage-y theme with a farming twist!! We had so much fun and danced the night away, literally.
Contact  me if you’d like to be notified when all images from Zach and Mary’s wedding are available to view!

I don’t want to complain too much, but this was much more challenging to post than most! I have a ton of GREAT images from the reception so I wanted to post a gallery instead of blowing up internet browsers while they load the 36 images. My blog cosmic energy must have been seriously derailed and it just took a lot of research, trial & error (more error!) and we have finally arrived!

The best way to view the gallery is to click on the first image, and it will then give you “previous” and “next” links.

Jameson & Kathryn,

Thanks so much for letting us document your wedding. We had such a wonderful time and it meant a ton to us!! All pics will be up soon!

littleton, colo.

hair | Shay, Kathryn’s Stylist
makeup | Shay
florist | Audra Rose Floral
ceremony | Monet’s Garden, Hudson Gardens and Events Center
reception | Welcome Garden & Tent, Hudson Gardens and Events Center
waffles | Carte D’ Or Catering
cake | Cakes Amoré
dj | Jordan, Complete Music of Colorado Springs

june 25, 2010