Laura & Josh's Wedding | Lower Lake Ranch | Colorado | June 23, 2016

      The first time I met Laura was at a Starbucks on Broadway in downtown Denver. I sat with Laura and her cousin and my good friend and fellow photographer, Rebecca, in a little table to go over the details of the wedding! The first thing I noticed about Laura was her stunning beauty. This girl is naturally gorgeous! The second thing I noticed is her absolute awesome personality and love for her family. Laura stated her wedding would be full of all of the things she loves...family, friends and a gorgeous place in the mountains. We talked details of the day as well as details of her life...This is when I learned Laura had just lost her father. I had no words when she told me this. To walk down the aisle without your father.......no words. This is when I also learned Laura is one of the strongest people I have ever had met. Laura knew her dad would be watching over her and had nothing but happy memories to carry her forward. 

      The day of Laura and Josh's wedding arrived and I drove to Lower Lake Ranch in Conifer Colorado. This little gem of a venue is amazing! I pulled up to a little cabin overlooking the lake and all the girls were getting dressed. Laura was getting her hair done with a beautiful wreath of flowers and the bridesmaids were all giggling, putting on makeup and having a fun time. There were no signs of stress or nervousness to be found. Everyone was happy. Laura put on her gorgeous gown with the help of her mother and 3 older sisters and she was glowing! 

      I then walked over to the cabin where the guys were getting ready and it was the same atmosphere...calm, happy and fun. This is when I met Josh for the first time. The guys were ironing their shirts, putting on their teal suspenders and trying desperately to figure out which side of their jackets the boutonnière went on. I laughed hard at that one until I realized I had no idea either. Nice. 

     We walked down to the reception area which was green grass with beautiful evergreen trees in the background and a babbling brook which you could listen to forever. All of the guests arrived and were seated. Josh and the bridal party took their places then Laura came into view. My favorite part of any wedding is watching the groom see his bride for the first time. Tears started rolling down Josh's face as Laura walked toward him. His sweet emotions were enough to make the entire audience, me included, tear up. This was the first time I had seen the two together and I could FEEL the love they have radiating off one another. The ceremony was beautiful. There was a little table to the side with Laura's fathers picture. He was there. 

      The rest of the afternoon was a blur of hugs, smiles and laughing. When it came time for the first dance Josh and Laura floated across the floor, hugging each other tightly. The next dance Laura, her sisters and mother all took a turn dancing with the bride. The emotions, again, were beautifully sad yet happy. 

      Laura and Josh are so loved by so many people and it showed at their wedding. The amount of love they give back is incredible as well. There will be many adventures ahead for these two awesome people and I wish them only a lifetime of love, laughter and smiles.