Festive Winter Wedding
Della Terra Mountain Chateau, Estes Park Colorado
Every wedding day is uniquely beautiful, but as a Colorado and destination wedding photographer, some celebrations stick out in my memory in a special way. Sometimes it’s because of the breathtaking venue, and other times, because of the personality-packed wedding party! Other reasons are from the connections that we make. We met Spencer when he was a groomsman at his friend Devin and Kaitlyn’s wedding. So imagine how excited we were when Spencer reached out to see if we were available to photograph his and Sophies wedding. Between this phenomenal couple, the gorgeous Della Terra venue, the warmth and joy of the decorations, and the fun-loving and playful wedding party, this was a wedding we will never forget.
Dream Winter Wedding
Where to begin? When Christopher and I arrived at Della Terra for Spencer and Sophie’s wedding, we had no idea we would be walking into this magical festive winter reception space. Spencers and Sophie’s family and friends went above and beyond to create a warm, cozy, Christmasy feel unlike anything I have ever seen. From the wreath-inspired table centerpieces to the gingerbread houses and cookies, it was a Winter Wedding Dream. As we made our way to see the happy couple Christoper and I were just in awe of the memories we knew would be created on this special day.
With her entourage in the Della Terra salon, Sophie was finishing with makeup and looked positively radiant. Her hairstylist and makeup artist created this beautiful soft glowy angelic look. It suited Sophie so well. I especially loved the hairpiece Sophie was wearing in her hair; it added just the right amount of glam. Then I noticed her wedding gown hanging on the wall, which had me over the moon. Sophie looked angelic now, but I knew when she stepped into her dress, she was going to look like a Goddess, and I was right! As she started to get into her dress, we had the Bridesmaids step outside to prepare for their first look with Sophie. I felt a little bad because the wind was a bit cold!!! But their expressions when they saw Sophie were worth it and priceless. While Sophie was getting all the ooooohs and awwwwws, Spencer and his guys were hanging out in the theater room. Between tossing chicken nuggets, cheersing the groom, and watching a football game on the big screen, they were having a blast and relaxing in the comfy theater chairs. Moments like these are what make the pre-ceremony moments some of my favorites on a wedding day.
Let the Wedding Begin
As the celebrations began, we headed down to the ceremony site. Blankets and cushions were ready for the guests, along with the hot cocoa bar. The bar was fully stocked with hot cocoa spoons, sprinkles, and more. On top of that, they had a basket of hand warmers to help take the chill away.
With their Friends and Family all seated and cozied up together, the wedding party made the walk down over the bridge to take their places. Then came the cutest ring “bearer” everโฆ. their sweet fur baby Bear being pulled in a snuggly warm wagon by Zac. Once all the bridesmaids and groomsmen were settled in their spots, it was time for everyone to stand and for Spencer to see his radiant bride for the first time. On her father’s arm, Sophie stepped out of the Stone Gazebo and made their way down the snow-lined path to Spencer. With murmurs of ” she looks stunning,” and “oh my gosh, look how beautiful she is,” and even ” look at Spencer, he’s tearing up; how sweet” coming from guests, everyone was in awe of how picturesque this scene was like something out of a winter fairytale.
Spencer stood at the bottom of the platform, barely able to take his eyes off Sophie. The way he looked at her with so much love and affection was breathtaking. When Sophie’s dad hugged her and then turned to hug Spencer right after, my eyes filled with tears. During their ceremony, they did something we’d never seen before; they planted a tree together. It was so sweet and endearing. Then with an exchange of rings and I do’s, Spencer and Sophie were officially announced as Husband and wife. Spencer pulled his wife in for their first kiss and warm embrace. Their friends and family clapped and cheered in celebration and joy for the newlyweds.
Celebrating with Family and Friends
As the guest headed back up to the reception area, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson shared a special toast and cheers with their family and wedding party before heading up for cocktail hour and to get the party started.
Again I can’t even begin to express how warm, festive, and gorgeous the decorations are in the reception area. It truly felt like you were walking into a holiday story. The mouth-watering smells of dinner and gingerbread houses made for a cozy feel, and believe me; dinner tasted downright incredible ๐ No reception would be complete without music that gets everyone up and onto the dance floor. DJ Rath’s music selection was happening, and it was fun to watch people come and go from the dance floor or go outside and warm up by the firepits and chat. The joy in the air was irresistible, and we loved being a part of it all as we were clicking away with our cameras to capture every moment.
When the last song was played, and everyone was gathering to grab their glow wands, with the final cheers and hugs for the evening, Spencer and Sophie took to the grand staircase to say goodnight.
Spencer and Sophie, Congratulations!!! Your wedding was beyond anything we could have imagined, and we loved being a part of such a special day. You are genuinely amazing people, and we had so much fun with you. We adore you and can’t wait to see where this next chapter leads. Please stay in touch!!!
Photographer | Brittani Chin Photography
Venue Ceremony & Reception | Della Terra Mountain Chateau
Wedding Planner | Rachel Wodtke
Bridal Gown | Bridal Collection, Maggie Sottero
Grooms and Groomsmen attire | Men’s Warehouse and Patagonia
Bridesmaids attire | Baltic Born
Florals | Cynthia England
Catering | Foothills Catering
Are you planning your dream wedding? We love helping couples capture those special moments on their wedding day. Its more than just taking beautiful images, which we will do ๐ but it’s about capturing your story as the day unfolds and providing you with images that are beautiful but you will love to look at and share for years to come. Let’s chat and see how we can serve you!
leave a comment