Rist Canyon Inn in Laporte, Colorado was the backdrop for the cutest, sweetest, wildly-in-love couple who truly did the wedding thing right: they lived in the moment, over and over again, all day long.

A Day That Started With Intention

Before the ceremony even began, they shared a “first touch.” Back to back. No peeking. Just hands finding each other and quiet words exchanged to calm the nerves. It was intimate, grounding, and honestly such a beautiful way to start the day. In my time of being a wedding photographer, I have found that couples always breathe a sigh of relief once they are able to see/talk to their partner. That’s your person!

With a wedding day, there are so many hightened emotions you’re experiencing—all good feelings of course. But when experiencing something so big, what you truly want is to be by the person who brings you so much comfort. I always suggest if you’re wanting to have your partner see you for the first time down the aisle to do something like a first touch. It will 100% make you feel more relaxed and not as nervous to just have a few minutes alone with your partner before the ceremony.

A Ceremony Full of Feeling

The groom starting to cry as the bride walked down the aisle. Their love for each other was radiating and everyone could feel it. Their ceremony was so heartfelt, it had me tearing up behind my camera. Nothing felt rushed. Nothing felt performative. Just two people standing there choosing each other while everyone they loved witness. And the best part? They were fully there. No worrying about timelines, no looking around for what was next, just complete presence.

Stepping Away to Soak It All In

After the ceremony, they did something I wish more couples would do: they took a moment for themselves. Inside one of the cozy houses at Rist Canyon Inn, they let it all land. I snapped a few quiet photos of them signing their marriage license, then I dipped out and gave them real, uninterrupted space. Just married. Just together. No cameras. No audience. Just them. Honestly? Iconic. I wish every couple carved out even just five minutes of alone time!

Reception Magic (and the Best Kind of Chaos)

From there, the day just kept getting better. The reception was filled with the kind of thoughtful, joyful details that actually reflect who they are.

Coloring books for the kids
Chantilly berry sheet cakes from Whole Foods (elite choice, no notes)
Late-night pizza

And then — casually — Josh Rael (the Grammy-nominated recording artist) sang while they slow danced. Absolutely unreal and so sweet to have a close friend be able to do that for you.

Instead of a bouquet or garter toss, they threw custom wedding shirts (SO cute, I’m still not over it), and when the dance floor opened up? It got lit. Truly one of the most fun, high-energy, hilarious dance floors I’ve ever photographed. Sweat, laughter, arms around each other, zero self-consciousness — just pure celebration.

A Day I’ll Never Forget

This wedding was everything I love about documenting weddings. Being hands-off. Letting moments breathe. Watching a couple trust their day enough to live inside it instead of performing it. Rist Canyon Inn couldn’t have been a more perfect setting, but it was them — their love, their presence, their joy — that made this day unforgettable.

One I’ll remember forever. Truly.

If this kind of wedding day speaks to you — the presence, the emotion, the real stuff — I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up. Head to my contact form and tell me all about your day.

fill out my contact form

The incredible vendor team that joined:

Planning: Angela with The Perfect Touch

Photography: Yours truly <3

Venue: Rist Canyon Inn

Hair and Makeup: Elijah Cordova

Florals: Lilac and Sage

Catering: Sugar Pine

DJ: A Music Plus