A perfectly magical and misty Estes Park fall wedding day
the Dao House creates a magically backdrop!
This Estes Park wedding was one of my absolute favorites! True, I am just now posting it, and it was from 2018…but…well, that’s how I roll with Blogging! But seriously, this magical fall wedding day was a photographer’s dream - complete with a totally chill and kind couple, designer wedding dress, and a killer misty fall day at a totally unique wedding venue (hello Dao House!). We got some gorgeous Fall shots of this gorgeous couple, and there was cheese...a LOT of cheese - which I would never complain about.
Lauren and Devin got ready for their wedding day in the cabins at the Dao House which are nestled in the woods in the always beautiful Estes Park. There was champagne, beer and corn hole and everyone was super chill. Now, typically, you can see Longs Peak and the impressive closeness of Rocky Mountain National Park looming all around the property, but I actually adored the way the weather moved in and brought in a gorgeous misty fog into the Ceremony valley, with the Fall Aspens…it was truly stunning! Everyone was so genuinely happy to see these two get married - it was infectious. They do say it’s good luck when it rains on your wedding day!
One of my favorite guests at the wedding was Tavi, Lauren and Devin’s sweet brown speckled pup. Tavi was super happy to be with the bride and groom and we got some adorable shots of the three of them in the fall leaves. Lauren and Devin were studying to be veterinarians and their love for their dog was *almost* as potent as their love for each other.
I think the bride and groom portraits we captured after the first look might be some of my favorite ever. The grey misty day and vibrant fall colors made Lauren’s *absolutely stunning* designer wedding gown pop! Seriously - look at that beauty (the dress too ;))— and you just can’t hide beauty from a Bride that is so genuinely happy and carefree! Lauren’s mom had long-time connections with Hayley Paige...that’s right THE Hayley Paige... so of course, this dress was on point and specially designed just for Lauren. What a lucky bride! It was such a unique dress…and again, probably one of my favorites lol!
After we grabbed a few (hilarious) shots of the bridal party and some family photos, it was off to the ceremony. The mist had turned to freezing rain, but the love and happiness in the air overcame the weather- and everyone were troopers with the weather! The guests made their way up the Valley walk to the large Ceremony Meadow, the umbrellas came out and the nuptials began and Lauren and Devin officially became husband and wife. It was such a beautiful and cozy ceremony and I LOVED the flower details that their florist, Garden Path, designed for the ceremony.
Everyone went inside to warm up and celebrate Lauren and Devin’s marriage. To kick off the reception, Lauren & Devin cut the cheese. Nope, that wasn’t an error. They cut the cheese...cake. That is, a cake made from wheels of cheese (LOL!). They are from the Midwest - cheese is a big deal. As soon as everyone sat down for dinner the most magical snowstorm began outside. The guests spilled out onto the Deck at the Dao House to play in the snow and the bride stepped away for a quick costume change before the toasts and first dance. We captured so many great candids during the party - the energy was awesome. The groom and his mama did a special dance (I always get teary with mom/son dances!! One day for me! lol!) - I was in love with his parents...so carefree and fun! The happy spirit of the day continued on as everyone danced the night away. This was a wedding to remember!
Congrats, Lauren and Devin! I guess I am actually congratulating your first year+ of marriage now at this point! ;)
Shout out to my second shooter Erin Cady - I couldn’t have done it without you ;)
Looking for more Estes Park wedding Photography inspiration? Click here!
A wedding day this gorgeous can only be pulled off when you have an amazing team of people around you - thanks to all of the vendors who made Lauren + Devin’s Estes Park wedding so magical.
Venue + Catering | Dao House, Estes Park, Colorado
Florist | Garden Path (designed by Karen Novotny), Castle Rock, Colorado
Bakery | Fox and the Crow Cheese Shop and Bistro, Fort Collins, Colorado
DJ | Jason Potter from TH Entertainment, Denver, Colorado
Wedding Dress | Custom Hayley Paige
Bridesmaid dresses: Nordstroms
Makeup & Hair | Estes Park Bridal Company, Estes Park, Colorado