July 24th, 2021. This day seriously felt like a dream….one I never wanted to wake up from! Alix and DJ’s destination wedding was pure magic. First and foremost, I want to thank them both for choosing a small town Indiana girl to be their photographer. When I had my initial bridal call with Alix, she immediately made me feel at home. Her smile and laugh is infectious, and she is a friend to anyone she meets. I’m so grateful for my job and the amazing people it connects me to. Although we had never met in person, Alix took a leap of faith and booked me as her wedding photographer! A few months later I found myself on a plane to Rifle, Colorado. Before I knew it, I was photographing one of the most intimate, personal and beautiful weddings I’ve ever had the privilege of being a part of. My goal with these blog posts is to take you behind the scenes of what I do, to provide insight into this small business I love, and to share my work with all my current (and hopefully future) clients. With all of that being said, here is a look into Alix & DJ’s mountain view wedding day.
Getting Ready
The big day took place at Vista View Events, a gorgeous white barn venue settled between the rocky mountains. The barn overlooks a glistening blue lake, and is perfect for brides who want an elopement feel, while still having enough space for all of their closest family and friends. I absolutely loved working with the team over at VVE. Their hospitality was subpar and they were a pleasure to work alongside. Check out more about Vista View here: https://vistaviewevents.com/
The First Look
Alix & DJ chose to have a first look with one another before the ceremony. This was such an intimate and special moment for just the two of them. Personally, I am a huge fan of first looks because it is one of the only times that you have just the two of you before the craziness takes over. It gives you an opportunity to calm each other’s nerves before walking down the aisle, and even in some cases exchange your personal vows privately before the ceremony.
The Ceromony
Alix & DJ asked one of their best friends, Joanna, to officiate their wedding. By the end of the ceremony, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room! Joanna did such a phenomenal job making their ceremony intimate, personal, and added the perfect touches of humor and sentimentalism.
The Bridal Party
Something I love about both Alix and DJ is how authentic they are. Their bridal party was one big party, but not in a way you would typically expect! Alix is a social butterfly, while DJ is more of a gentle introvert. Their bridal party consisted of eleven girls and five guys, and to be honest, I LOVED it. I loved that Alix and DJ didn’t feel that societal pressure to make each side “even.” Alix wanted all her girlfriends to be a part of the day, and DJ wanted only his closest guys. They did it their way, and in my opinion, that is the only way it should be done!
The Reception
It isn’t a wedding without a party, right? Vista View Events not only has a breathtaking view for ceremonies, but a stunning indoor reception hall. Alix did a beautiful job helping curate her vision for the tables, flowers, and decor. They decided to go with food trucks for dinner, which was a hit! From his and hers cocktails, to a grazing charcuterie and dessert table, the whole evening was a show stopper.
The rest of the night was filled with laughter, love and insane dance moves (especially from the father of the groom). All in all, this was one of the best weddings I’ve experienced thus far in my career! Alix & DJ – I wish you both nothing but all of the love and happiness in the world. Next time I’m out west, drinks on me! I love you both and am so grateful you chose me to be your photographer!