Brown Palace & DU Wedding: Michael + Jen

She was as calm as a snowy winter's eve. Quite a juxtaposition from the weather outside: bright blue skies and screaming fall color. I can't remember a time I saw a bride so calm. So truly ready to get married! While I shot pictures, Jen casually slipped in to her dress, aided by only her mother and sister-in-law, Katie. And since Katie and I have been friends for years, it was hard to believe I was shooting a wedding: No job has been so easy...so fun.

We followed a small timeline of shots Jen had wanted in the Brown Palace before her small chapel ceremony at Denver University. Fortunately, we were able to take full advantage of the gorgeous sliver of Colorado weather in mid-November.

Opting for a first look was an advantage because of ambient light, but it melted my heart. Never have I see such pure love coming from an anticipating groom. As Jen took the long walk to the tiny chapel, her honorable fiance, Staff Sergeant, Michael, wore his heart on his sleeve. A day shy of Veteran's day, an oak tree rustled its red leaves quietly nearby as they shared their moment. And for a minute, I couldn't believe I was a part of it.

Jen and Michael, I hope you've enjoyed your first few weeks as a married couple! Thank you for allowing me to document your journey, your day, and your love. I wish you nothing short of happiness, longevity, and light! Hugs, Shannon

Jen and Michael's wedding was held at The Brown Palace in Denver, CO. Although photographing the dimly-lit interior is a challenge, the architecture is breathtaking.

While even I could hardly see Jen approaching...

...there was not doubt Michael could see her!

Pre-ceremony photos are awesome...especially in the winter months.

The wedding party! Classicly simple...a bride with her new groom, brother, and sister-in-law.

Jen's mother offered a small touch-up before heading into the chapel:

A hug from her brother, Chris, and it was ceremony time!

The wedding was held inside of the beautifully rustic Evan's Memorial Chapel at DU.

The inside was just as picturesque.

Having a reception at the Brown Palace makes the whole day feel magical.

The following image, which sums up the night, was taken by my awesome 2nd shooter, Jarrod. He is fabulous. As you can see!

To see more of Michael and Jen's Brown Palace wedding, feel free to CLICK HERE for a slideshow.

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Credits:

2nd Shooter - Jarrod Renaud

Ceremony - Evan's Memorial Chapel, DU

Reception/Catering - Brown Palace Hotel, Denver

Flowers - Chuck Graham - Brown Palace Flower Shop

I wanted to give special thanks to my husband Jason, who came as my personal assistant and, coincidentally, third shooter that night! As this was my first wedding after our brand new baby, it was awesome having him there. And dang it if he didn't get some greats shots too. =) ♥ you babe.

Wedding: Dietz Wedding Sneak Peek

I have missed shooting so frequently: The long hours spent afterwards pouring over the photos and loving every second of it. Having a new baby has brought me so much joy and totally changed my life...but after shooting a wedding on Saturday, I've realized everything I've pursued in life has brought me joy and I am more than thrilled to just live it!!

Jen and Michael, thank you so much for letting me be a part of it and for being such a joy to be around.

I can't wait to share the images of love from this awesome day, but here's a sneak peek:

Engagement Shoot: Jen and Michael

We finally met again at a local Starbucks. I was happy to finally see Jen again after all these years. Her brother had married a great college friend of mine from Cali, and Katie was nice enough to refer Jen to me. There's nothing better than a friend's confident referral. Seriously, what is there? =)

Jen and I had the same goal that day: Met up for a quick wedding run-down, have a beverage or two, and beat the odds of rain we'd been having for 2 weeks straight! But this is Colorado! Who drinks a hot-chocolate in mid-May and wears a sweatshirt for a photoshoot outside? That'd be me. Jen and Michael were so much cooler. Their drinks were so much more fancy and they seemed like old friends...the kind that met at church when they were younger, only to wind up getting married later in life. I suppose it helps that that really is their history. =)

The three of us spent the day walking Denver University's campus. We entirely missed the rain, which started almost as promptly as we'd finished. Both Jen and Michael were so real...two down-to-earth love birds who had no issues being in front of my lens...shooting them was just as relaxing as the hot-chocolate I'd had earlier. That, and it was just as sweet.

Jen is so cool that she has her own brick at DU! I'm super jealous.

I can't wait for your wedding Jen and Michael! And as evidence with all that kissing, your life is going to be so amazingly full of love! I'm so glad I know you.

Hugs, Shannon