Taking photos of Cara and Will’s incredible wedding day in Colorado will forever be so special to me! This was my first wedding out west (and hopefully not my last!!!). Driving through the twist and turns in the mountains during a hailstorm was not the most fun and low-key a bit terrifying, haha — but the wedding itself was SO fun and SO worth it. Cara and Will might just be the kindest people I’ve ever met. And, their love for each other is SO obvious. It was an absolute HONOR capturing their Colorado wedding! 

Cara and Will met through some of their mutual friends. Their first date was in Cincinnati and they clicked IMMEDIATELY. They even saw a comet on their first date, which I think is just so cool. When Will proposed, Cara had absolutely no idea it was coming. He took her to a bridge in Cincinnati where they had their first date, and they got to reminisce on the last two and a half years together before he popped the question later that night. After the proposal, Will surprised his fiancee with a party in order to celebrate with some of their closest friends!

They got engaged on February 10th, 2024 and then got married a few months later on June 10th, 2024. Their first date was on the 10th as well, so the 10th is a super special date for them!

Cara and Will are Christians, and these two truly have such an apparent love for God! Before the ceremony, their families and wedding party prayed over them, and during the ceremony Cara’s Dad led a hymn. All in all, their faith was integrated so purposefully throughout the day.

CHOOSING A VENUE FOR THEIR COLORADO WEDDING

The main goal for their location? SOMEWHERE PRETTY. And, I have to say, I think that accomplished that PERFECTLY! The wedding ceremony and reception took place in the mountains of Colorado, which made for the most beautiful backdrop. Believe it or not, Cara and Will hadn’t actually seen the venue beforehand. But, their parents found it, toured the property, and thought it was a great fit. And, they were right! 

THE SWEETEST FIRST LOOK

Before the ceremony, Cara and Will did a first look and OMG, it was so precious. They said their vows to each other during their first look. Will is a photographer/videographer himself, and has worked many weddings before, so it was cute seeing him in action, this time as the groom taking care of his bride. Will was the one thinking about all the details like fluffing Cara’s dress and make sure it looked nice! 

PICTURE PERFECT COLORADO WITH MOUNTAINS AS THE BACKDROP

The overall aesthetic/theme of the wedding was mountain garden party, and, their summertime ceremony in Crested Butte, Colorado made that happen! The weather started off perfect, not too hot. Right after the ceremony, it started pouring raining so we all took shelter under the venue’s pavilion. Eventually, we were able to get back outside for dancing and to take their couples photos. These photos were during blue hour! An in-love bride and groom, blue hour, and the mountain of Colorado. Need I say more?! SWOON.

It was such an intimate, beautiful day full of love in the mountains. Will and Cara’s hearts for the Lord and hearts for each other are so pure and beautiful. With a backdrop like Crested Butte, plus family and friends surrounding this precious duo all day long, it truly was a wedding for the books! 

Cara and Will: I’m wishing you a lifetime of happiness, joy, and lots of love together! Your kindness is contagious and I know that kindness will continue to shine bright as husband and wife. It was such a privilege to be a part of your wedding day and to know your sweet souls. 

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If you’re looking for a destination wedding photographer for your upcoming special day, let me know! I’m more than ready to hop back on a plane or plan a roadtrip to capture your love story. Don’t forget, my photography and videography services are based in the Midwest, BUT I also take them across the nation (and around the globe!). So, let’s make it happen! Send an inquiry » 

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Looking for a luxury wedding photographer? Hi, I’m Ryley! I thrive when I get the chance to hear your story — and you trust me to capture that story through photo and video. I am now booking in the Midwest and beyond!  Learn more and inquire now »