Stormy Summer Wedding in Fort Collins

It was a gorgeous June day at The Covey in Fort Collins, the kind of day where love is in the air and excitement buzzes around every corner. We arrived just as the party bus pulled up, delivering Jessica and her best friends, who were all dolled up and radiating joy. The girls, clad in pink and white striped PJs, were holding glasses of champagne, their laughter filling the air as Jessica popped and sprayed the bottle, setting the tone for a day of celebration.

One of the most touching details of the day was Jessica’s wedding trunk. This wasn’t just any trunk; it was a beautifully embroidered keepsake, a gift from her mom, designed to hold all her wedding day trinkets and memories. It was clear that this special gift held a lot of sentimental value, a testament to the love and thoughtfulness that had gone into every aspect of the day.

Jessica shared a heartfelt reveal with her bridesmaids in her stunning wedding dress, a moment that left everyone teary-eyed and full of joy. Following this, she had an emotional first look with her dad under the shade of the barn. Her dad’s eyes glistened with tears as he saw his daughter in her bridal glory, and she handed him a handkerchief with a personal message, a tender moment that spoke volumes about their close bond.

The bride and groom exchanged heartfelt wedding day letters, a tradition we adore as videographers because it adds such a beautiful, personal touch to their film. These letters, filled with love and anticipation, set a wonderful tone for the day ahead.

Guests arrived in party buses from the Elizabeth Hotel in old town Fort Collins, greeted with champagne and beer as they made their way to the ceremony site. Just as the ceremony was about to begin, a dramatic thunderstorm rolled over the mountains, bringing with it gusts of wind and light sprinkles. But as Jessica walked down the aisle to a very teary-eyed Parker, the wind calmed, and the storm lingered just enough in the background to create a dramatic, yet beautiful, setting. The dark clouds contrasted perfectly with the bridesmaids’ blue steel dresses, adding an unexpected but stunning element to the scene.

The storm lingered as we captured wedding party portraits, with lightning flickering in the distance. Meanwhile, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour under the barn’s canopy, sheltered from the elements and immersed in the festive atmosphere.

Dinner was a delightful affair, catered by the father of the bride’s restaurant, The Boot Grill. Large grills were set up at the back, where steak and delicious sides were freshly prepared for a family-style meal. It was a feast that not only filled stomachs but also warmed hearts, reflecting the familial love and hospitality that defined the day.

Jessica and Parker, with their rich history of swing dancing, dazzled everyone with their first dance. They twirled and spun, showcasing their many tricks and moves, much to the delight of their guests. The toasts that followed were a mix of laughter and tears, and a special moment came when the bride’s dad presented the couple with a custom flag representing both of their rival colleges, a playful nod to their shared history.

Brandon from Suit and Tie DJs kept the party alive with his entertaining emcee skills and fantastic song mixing. The dance floor was packed all night, the energy never waning.

As the rain subsided, we took advantage of the golden hour light, sneaking the bride and groom out for some romantic portraits. There’s nothing quite like a Colorado sunset, with the mountains as a backdrop and a couple in love strolling through a tall grassy field. It was a scene straight out of a fairytale.

In a delightful twist, Jessica surprised everyone with a dress change. She reappeared in a fun, sassy fringe dress, perfect for dancing. She and Parker wowed their guests with their dance moves, the fringe twirling around her as they moved effortlessly across the dance floor.

As the night drew to a close, buses arrived to take guests back to the hotel for an after-party, but not before Jess and Parker shared one last private dance amidst the remnants of a beautiful night. It was a moment of pure intimacy and love, a perfect end to their special day.

We felt incredibly honored to capture Jessica and Parker’s wedding day. Meeting their friends and family, witnessing the love they share, and being trusted to document their most important moments was a true privilege. Here’s to Jessica and Parker, and to all the wonderful couples who allow us to be a part of their love stories.