Shannon and Josh got married in November at Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado. In my opinion, there are few things more magical than a snowy winter wedding nestled in the Rocky Mountains. These two really got all of the best things that Colorado has to offer for their amazing mountain wedding. There was a blanket of fresh fallen snow from a huge storm earlier in the week, but sunny bluebird skies all day long until right after their ceremony when the snow started falling again, just in time for them to take some romantic bride and groom photos in it before tucking away inside and watching the snow fall through the giant, vaulted windows in the Della Terra reception space!
The bride, Shannon, and I actually go way way back. In fact, we met when we were both in high school and it has been more than a decade since we each graduated. So, when she asked me to photograph her engagement photos in Rocky Mountain National Park and her wedding at Della Terra I was elated.
This wedding day was better than any person could dream up, but it isn’t just because of the reasons you think. Yes, Estes Park is an incredible mountain backdrop. Yes, Della Terra is a gorgeous wedding venue. Yes, all of the flowers, desserts and details will make your heart skip a beat. The fact of the matter, though, is the thing that made this wedding so very special is Shannon and Josh’s love and devotion for one another. It is truly something to be admired. These two love each other so fiercely and it is evident in the first two minutes you spend around them. The way they looked at each other when they shared their vows during the first look, the excitement they exuded during their wedding ceremony, the laughter they shared all night long during their wedding reception – that is what made this day everything that it was and everything else was just an added bonus.
Shannon and Josh chose to share their vows during their first look instead of during their wedding ceremony and it made the moment that much more intimate and special. I’ll absolutely admit I was crying behind my camera this entire time!
The eggplant and burgundy details at Shannon and Josh’s wedding reception were such a perfect color palette for their winter wedding!
Venue – Della Terra in Estes Park, Colorado
Wedding Dress – Little White Dress
Groom’s Attire – Men’s Wearhouse
DJ – DJ Maestro
Hair Stylist – Meghan Price
Make Up Artist – Mariah Gallegos
Florist – Sharon Mills with Best Day Floral