I was so excited to photograph Devan and Joshua’s Garden of the Gods Resort wedding in Colorado Springs last week because the setting screams Colorado. As a Denver native I know how beautiful our state is but many of their families traveled from great distances and didn’t know the treat that was in store for them. Devan is from New Jersey and Joshua’s family resides in Chicago and Indianapolis but they even had family travel from as far as Africa to be at the ceremony. That alone tells you how close they are with their families.
Both the gentleman and ladies got ready at the Colorado Springs Marriott just up the road from Garden of the Gods club and while I photographed Devan, her sisters and the rest of the ladies, my good friend Dan photographed the guys just down the hall. While the large group of ladies did their best to all get ready in the suite, the guys toasted some rye whiskey and shared laughs. Both Devan and Joshua wrote notes for one another and while we don’t know what they said, their emotion is ever present in the images. Before too long Devan got into her dress and her father walked into the room which was a treat to witness him see her for the first time one of the most important days of her life.
Joshua had to wait until the two were inside of Garden of the Gods park before he got to see his stunning bride. With Pikes Peak set behind them, Joshua turned around and almost immediately melted to tears. Can you blame him?
After a few bridal party photos we drove over to the club so everyone could freshen up before the Ketubah signing. The Jewish faith has some unique events on a wedding day, like the Ketubah signing, and I love documenting them because they’re always filled with raw emotion. After the mothers broke a plate for good luck and everyone signed the sacred document they were officially married and shared their first kiss among close family. It didn’t end there though because their outdoor summer ceremony was absolutely beautiful as expected.
The reception was quite the party and never let up from the moment everyone walked in the door. This crew definitely knew how to party and they did so all night long. It was a blast to photograph their day start to finish.
I owe a huge thank you to Sara and Maggie with Sarah Viera Events for being so helpful throughout the entire day. No matter what anyone needed they were there to keep the vibe right and the day flowing.
