WOW. That really is the best way to describe this intimate backyard wedding. Shannon and David were originally going to be married here in Texas in May. Well, obviously due to the current circumstances going on in the world, there big day had to be postponed. But who wants to postpone starting a life together?? So, they decided to have a small and intimate ceremony and dinner at Shannon’s parent’s home in Colorado. I’m not sure you could ask for a better plan B situation. I was absolutely thrilled when they allowed me to fly up there and capture this special time in their lives. Who is going to say no to photographing beautiful people in Colorado with beautiful scenery? Not me, that’s for sure.
I had not had the chance to meet Shannon and David before the wedding, but when I arrived at the house, Shannon greeted me with the biggest smile and we immediately clicked. She and David are TCU alum like myself so naturally we would start bonding over that. They are also the most photogenic people couple. I don’t think I took a single “bad” photo of either one of them and that makes editing difficult and delightful all at the same time!
I loved all of the little touches that made this day even more special for them. Shannon’s grandfather had placed a penny in her mother’s shoe on her wedding day that was also passed to the other women in her family and finally down to Shannon. It is kept in a special garter that has a pouch to keep the penny and is worn, but never tossed. Also, Shannon’s something blue came in the form of a ring, earrings and a necklace gifted to her by her parents. They purchased this jewelry set a long time ago in Malaysia, knowing that it would someday be Shannon’s something blue. How sweet is that?? I can’t even with all the sweetness of this day.
David and his best men were having a grand ole’ time hamming it up in front of the camera when they got the chance and I can’t say that a big number of my grooms are fans of having their picture taken and I am not the one who usually gets to photograph them while they get ready, so it was a ton of fun to switch it up and go hang with the guys for a little bit.
Once they were all ready, it was time to get these two hitched. They had a lovely arch full of greenery with chairs for the few guests that were able to attend and everyone watched as Shannon glided down the stone steps on her daddy’s arm to David. They even took a second to stop and wave to everyone watching on Zoom. As graceful as Shannon was, navigating those steps, she couldn’t avoid getting her veil caught in a couple of the bushes and then proceeded to stick the landing at the bottom of the stairs like a true champ! A moment that will never be forgotten. After her dad gave her away and they said their vows, Shannon and David put together a unity cross that symbolizes their relationship with each other and God that they will be able to have as a constant reminder in their home. Once they had their first kiss as husband and wife everyone celebrated by throwing rose petals as they made their way back up the stone steps.
Afterward everyone hung around for cocktails and dinner and a few sweet toasts. Shannon and David shared their first dance down in the candlelight by the fire pit and everyone soon started their own dance party later in the evening. Alas, all good things must come to an end and we sent Shannon and David off to start their new life together through a tunnel of sparklers and in a vintage Rolls Royce. It was truly an incredible evening and I could not be happier to have had the opportunity to be a part of their big day. They will still have their Texas sized party here on New Years day and I cannot wait!!
Stay tuned and be sure to check out the AMAZING portraits that we took overlooking the mountains. They are truly to die for!
-Amanda
