During one of the biggest Wildfire Seasons in Colorado’s history, ash fell like snow from the sky and Lexi and Wyatt became man and wife at Ellis Ranch.

Jeremy and I met Wyatt back when he was a young boy performing in musicals with our theater company, Up In Lights. He was always one of the most helpful and committed actors, doing whatever he could to lend a hand. It’s crazy how time flies by and here before us was this grown man getting ready to marry the most perfect girl.

I remember the moment at his wedding when I realized, “Wyatt has a wife.” WOW! And then looking around at the guests and seeing couples we’ve known since they were young, now married to their perfect mate. And many of those couples we had the honor of photographing their weddings. It’s truly a blessing like no other to be a trusted part of people’s memories and milestones. We couldn’t wait to share in the joy of Wyatt and Lexi’s wedding day.

The two of them created a romantic rustic ranch wedding along the foothills of Loveland, as smoke drifted across the mountains from the Cameron Pass fire just a few miles north. After having to deal with so many challenges planning a wedding in 2020, this was the last they needed to worry about. But as the smoke and haze drifted north, the day was blessed with moments of clear skies.

You could sense the relief from everyone as the day began with them getting ready at an adorable Air BnB in downtown Loveland. Loveland is known for it’s historical victorian homes, and this little bungalow was the perfect setting for the girls to get all dolled up. Complete with an old brass bed, these girls wore blue lace robes as they snuggled up for pictures together before heading to the foot of the mountains.

When we arrived at Ellis Ranch to get Lexi in her dress, the guys were dressed handsomely in jeans and button-up dress shirts; the perfect attire for a rustic wedding. After sharing a moment of reflection and toasts with her bridesmaids, Lexi made her way out to the gazebo where she would later share her vows. Heading from there, we hiked up to the top of the hills and overlooked the northern Colorado Red Rocks. It was here that Lexi and Wyatt shared a sweet first look and some much needed time together before their ceremony.

The ceremony site was wrapped in mountain views, as guests sat comfortably on wood benches, with cocktails in hand to keep them cool. After the two shared their first kiss as man and wife, guests moved to a cocktail hour on the deck; one of my favorite spots at Ellis Ranch. If you know me, you know I love a good patio and this one had me wanting to grab an iced beverage and prop my feet up.

The rest of the day was truly wonderful, with hilarious toasts from the bridal party and yummy cupcakes by The Cupcake Gypsies. As the party came to a close, the bride and groom exited the night with bubbles, leaving in a classic Lincoln Continental, which was especially cool under the twinkle of lights overhead.

I can honestly say that shooting a wedding with a smokey orange haze is one of the most difficult things I’ve done. Not only is it hard on your lungs and eyes, but with the humidity and heat, it can be challenging to keep your energy levels up. I’m so glad this bride and groom had one of the most supportive bridal parties to make sure they were comfortable all day long.

So take that 2020. They did it! Wyatt and Lexi, I’m so glad that Jeremy and I could be by your side on this very special day. You two deserve so much happiness and I can’t wait to be there for more of these treasured moments in your lives. Congratulations.

To see photos from Lexi and Wyatt’s Winter Engagement in Estes Park, jump to their Blog Post. Are you looking for a photography team for your upcoming wedding? Let’s chat and see if we’re a good fit for each other!

Ceremony Venue | Ellis Ranch

Hair | Dondi AtWow from Sola Salon Greeley

Cake Artist |The Cupcake Gypsies

Officiant | Jason Swain

Videographer | Jeremy Girard – Britni Girard Photography

Caterer | Hog Wild BBQ