This is one of those weddings that you don’t want to share because you’re holding onto it so tightly. I know that fellow photographers will understand this feeling. When Sutton, owner of the incredible planning company By Sutton, called me and said, “I have this incredible couple and I know you’ll be the perfect fit for them!”, I knew it was going to be a good one. She went on to tell me that they were having their wedding on Golden Ledge, which is a mountain in Telluride, Colorado. That’s literally all that’s up there…a mountain. That means that Sutton and her team completely build Julie and Chase’s ceremony and reception site. When I showed up the day before the wedding, to photograph their family champagne toast, my jaw hit the ground. I’ve never seen a ceremony site as beautiful. You had to walk through these gorgeous trees to get to it and it felt like magic. You’ll see in the photos bellow that this was a dream wedding, but what you won’t see is the way these two families love. I’ve never seen bigger cheerleaders for their children than Julie and Chase’s parents. Not to mention, the support from their incredible siblings. I wanted to be adopted into that family so badly.
Leading up to the wedding I did a lot of communicating with Julie and Chase, as well as Julie’s mom, Bobbie. This is so important to me because Julie and her mother are best friends and I wanted to make sure that Bobbie felt included in the planning process. I ended up growing closer with Bobbie each phone call. She is just so warm and wanted Julie to feel supported. It was never about Bobbie. She made sure that every moment she put into planning that wedding was for Julie and Chase. There was zero ego. It was such a beautiful thing to watch unfold. By the time I showed up for their welcome party I felt like a part of their family. I was greeted with hugs and smiles and just “Welcome!” from everyone in the room. I knew this was going to be a special wedding.
Since the wedding I have designed an album for Julie and Chase, filled print orders, and am about to order a THIRD album so that Bobbie can have one in both homes. That’s 3 albums from this wedding. That’s how in love with it we all are. I love that this family will have tangible memories from such a special celebration. How lucky am I that I get to work with people who value photography and witness these weddings?
I’m finally sharing this wedding because it’s time. It’s been 4 months and it’s time. I’m letting go of it because it needs to be shared with the world. It’s being featured on The Knot today and here is what they wrote:
Avid skiers and mountain bikers Julie Denison and Chase Marston hosted their "I dos" atop Golden Ledge Mountain in Telluride, Colorado. "We wanted to celebrate our joy with the beauty of the mountains," Julie says. "We coined the term 'country chic mountain shindig' to epitomize the style and feel that we wanted." The ceremony took place in an aspen grove, with picturesque trees, plants and a majestic snow-capped view. A simple arch of branches framed the couple during the vow exchange, and planters of sunflowers added vibrant color. The tented reception's elegant aesthetic came through in details like blue striped tablecloths, patterned dinnerware and pops of blue and yellow flowers. "We also wanted to keep the imagery of the mountains front and center, so the tent had clear side walls. We were also able to bring a few trees inside," Julie says. A wood outdoor bar, along with escort cards dangling from thin trees, rounded out the rustic décor.
Venue // Golden Ledge Telluride Colorado
Photographer // Shannon Griffin
Planning // By Sutton
Florist // New Leaf Design
Bride's Dress // Lela Rose
Groom // Bespoke Edge
Bridesmaids // Jenny Yoo
Band // Funkiphino
Invitation Suite // Marie at Jolie + Co
Catering // 221 South Oak
