We started this first full week of 2015 with a little behind the scenes look at some of the images we create.  Today, we close with a selection of our best images from 2014. Except we didn’t choose them.

Our couples did.

I did this a few years ago and am kicking myself for not doing it every year, because I am reminded through our couples’ comments why I do what I do.  It’s such an amazing blessing to read their words behind THEIR top favorite images from their wedding. The images that meant the most.

Their kind words warm my heart.  Their feedback helps me shoot more intentionally as their comments hang in the back of my mind. I am so grateful for our couples.

This is a bit of a lengthy post, but I encourage you, especially if you are a wedding photographer yourself, to read the the words, the HEARTS,  behind some of our couples’ favorite images from their weddings in 2014!

Enjoy!
René

 

Rachel & Ben | April 19th, 2014
Narrowing down our favorites to five was, obviously, very difficult. But, it was a lot of fun reliving that day! I often look back at the pictures when I need to recenter myself or just take a break on the computer. Thank you for capturing that day and representing everything that it meant to us. You are so amazing at what you do and so very humble about it.  Thank you again, Rene! I don’t think I could ever thank you enough for all that you do. I know you hear this from people all the time, but you truly are special and have a God-given talent that you use so wonderfully. Thank you for being so kind and giving so much of yourself to your craft and to the people you interact with. You are an amazing role model and a great friend!

1. The Iconic Bridal Portrait
This first picture was actually not one I chose. Ben chose this picture. When we got the wedding pictures back and he and I started going through them, this was one that he wanted printed out and is actually in his wallet now (isn’t that cute!). So thanks for making me look good!

 

2. The Saber Arch Kiss
This picture is actually not our first kiss picture, but I think I like it better (even though I do love that one). The first kiss was really formal, and the kiss under the saber tunnel was almost the one I was anticipating more. It was something I had been waiting for for a long time (especially considering the lovely tap on the behind that comes after it, which you were the first to tell me about!). The saber tunnel also held more meaning when we found out the day before the wedding that we were more than likely not going to have any saber bearers. This was really upsetting to me the day before my wedding. There were lots of prayers and I came to just accept that everything would work out the way it was intended. Thankfully, our amazing wedding coordinator pulled her strings and we had the tunnel and the awesome dip kiss!

 

3. The Chapel Grandeur 
This is by far Ben and my favorite picture!! We actually had it printed out poster size, framed it, and hung it up in the hallway. I don’t think Ben and I consider ourselves too artistic and are certainly not used to having our pictures taken professionally. But, you have such a talent at taking anyone’s picture and making them look fantastic! You completely captured the grandeur of the Chapel and took a simple moment like a kiss between the bride and groom and made it spectacular!

 

4. Parent Dances
I was really looking forward to this moment, as many brides do I’m sure. My dad and I have a close relationship and I knew the daddy-daughter dance would be a really special moment of the day for both of us. This picture captures perfectly how happy both of us were and sums up our relationship.

 

This picture makes me laugh every time I look at it! That was such a funny, happy moment of the night. Ben and his mom have a really special and close relationship. I had no idea they were planning this choreographed dance and it is totally not what I would have expected my more reserved husband to voluntarily do. But, I love that he surprised me and all of our guests and it represents Ben and his mom’s relationship so well. (Plus….I now have proof that my husband CAN dance!)

Kelley & Benny | June 15th, 2014
Rene, this was SO hard for us! I’ve been looking at wedding photos for hours. Dang. You’re real good :) We are the luckiest to have had a photographer like you who cared about our wedding day as much as we did. Thanks for making this so hard for us! 

1. Dressed in White
That moment you realize you’re a bride, dressed in white, pure, spotless; this was that moment for me. My favorite person in the world was lacing up my wedding dress, as I was realizing I wouldn’t be standing there on my wedding day without her.
This photo is a constant reminder of a God whose promises are real. 

2. He Wept
I don’t know if I have ever felt more loved than in this moment. Walking down the aisle towards a man who undoubtedly disarms me, and watching him melt as I came nearer was wonderfully powerful. A man’s tears are so sacred and special, oh how loved I feel when I see this photo!

3. Worshipping
We couldn’t stop smiling. We couldn’t stop laughing! As the people we love the most stood behind us, we stood and worshipped our King, and these faces depict exactly what both of us were feeling: pure joy!

4. Surrounded
This group of people celebrated us so dang well. Immediately after the ceremony, they greeted us with tears, smiles, and the promise to stand by our side. We love how we are literally surrounded in this photo, capturing exactly how we felt. 

5. The Atmosphere
Ben’s best friend and brother giving his toast was such a special part of our party. This photo captures the atmosphere of our wedding, family style dinner, and faces of all these people that we love so dearly! How we wish we could be back under this tent again at this moment.

Shannon & Bart | June 19th, 2014

1. Bridesmaids
We let each of the bridesmaids pick their own dress with the only guidelines being “something green/blue”. Since Bart & I live across the country, I did not know what most of the dresses looked like until the day of the wedding. Seeing everyone in their beautify mix-and-match dresses really made it feel like the whole day was coming together. 

2. 10 Minute Rule
During the ceremony it seemed like everything was going so fast, with all of the guests there watching us – I was spending half my concentration just trying not to fall over. This picture was taken right after. We had just walked back up the aisle when Bart picked me up and swung me around. The few moments we had to ourselves after saying “I Do” were some of my favorite of the entire day.

3. Sunset
During the reception, we wandered off to catch some air, and Rene had us do another photo session. It was amazing to have that time together, being able to goof off and relax, and I love those pictures!

4. Reception
The DJ was playing “You’re the one that I want” from Grease, which brought everyone out onto the dance floor. I am not the biggest party-person, so I was a little nervous about the reception, but we ended up having such an amazing time – I would not have changed a thing.

Sarah & Kevin | June 21st, 2014
As I sit at my computer, trying to come up with 3-5 favorites images from my June wedding I find it nearly impossible. René is a truly gifted photographer but beyond that she is an absolutely beautiful person who I have the pleasure of calling my friend. She has an ability to connect with people that is so special. It is no wonder why I have a hard time choosing, they are all fabulous. It is René’s connection that feels like your best friend is behind that camera lens. She captured the very essence of my emotions and everyone’s on our special day because of who she is as a person. You can have the best camera and photography skills in the world but without that connection it is impossible to create what René has done for me—captured the memories, laughter and emotions of the best day of my life. I was blessed to meet her and know we will always be connected in a special way.

1. Dressing of the Bride
I adore this picture. Putting on my wedding dress the day of my wedding was one of the most magical moments. It was perfect in every way. I love this particular image because I was just as excited as the picture portrays, as my mom ties my sash. This was such a special memory captured of my mom and I that I will have forever. My mom and I have been each others shoulder to lean on for my entire life. I know my mom feels so blessed that I found Kevin which is why I love the image on the right. It tells the story of how thankful my mom is to have the best son-in-law. He is such a wonderful person to welcome into our family.

2. Home Church
Kevin and I were married at Saint Elizabeth’s of Hungary in downtown Denver. This historic church has a lot of meaning in my life, as I attended Saint Elizabeth’s from high school through college. I knew this was where I wanted to have our ceremony. This image is so stunning. The magnificent doors and archways with our pose just seems so fitting. I love this particular photo in black and white because you can see the details of the wearing on the stairs and hand rails of the church, a well loved gem of the Denver community for well over 100 years.

3. Where it All Began
Downtown Denver has a lot of meaning for both of us. It was where we met for the first time, where we lived together eventually and where we were engaged…and on June 21st it’s where we were married. I love this picture because I can hear our laughter as René had us dash into the street to snap a few before the cars approached. One of the best things about this experience was how many people stopped to congratulate us or honked their horns in excitement. I couldn’t help but smile. Plus, if you look very closely you can see the sparkle of my ruby red slippers, one of my favorite additions to my wedding ensemble as I was born on the 50th anniversary of the Wizard of Oz. There is truly no place like home and the specialness of my wedding day.

4. Pure Romance
This image is so timeless, romantic and elegant. I love the reflection in this shot. It is simply stunning.

5. A Grandmother’s Love
I was so lucky to have my grandma at my wedding. She passed away in September of this year but this photo reminds me of the vibrant person she was and will continue to be in all of our hearts. This picture is absolutely breathtaking and I know my entire family is so thankful to have such beautiful memories captured. When I am missing her, I always look at this picture and remind myself how happy she was on the day of my wedding. She adored Kevin and was so happy for the two of us.

Rebecca & Dave | August 30th, 2014
What a fun idea to have our best of pictures, but to choose just a few is sooo hard….  We accept your challenge René!  We have made our final selections and have almost finished the explanations. I need to sleep on it before I can send it over… Thanks for the challenge!

1. Partners
Look at that face?  How could you not love this photo?  The beautiful twigs & poises bouquet, our handsome Groomsmen in the background…  The best part though, my Dad’s hand on Dave’s shoulder.  Growing up my Dad always told me that we were partners.  The walk down the mountainside challenged my Dad physically & mentally, it is his fondest memory of the day because we did it together.  This is not just a photo, it is a moment captured in time.  The moment my original partner shares me with my new. 

2. The Atmosphere
This is it!  The picture that captures our wedding.  The people, the ones who love & support us.  We are honored that so many came from all over to take part in the joining of our souls. The landscape, the mountains played a role early on in our courtship. How fitting that they are the cathedral for our eternal union. 

3.  Bridesmaids
Whimsical fabrics, flowers, & ladies.  What more could you want?

4. Carefree in Love
Carefree and in love, we felt so exhilarated in this moment & this picture brings us back.  We love the composition with the train tracks in the foreground drawing the eye to the subjects on through to mountains to the perfect shade of blue-grey-purple clouds.  

5. Into the Night
The perfect celebratory photo, a Bride & Groom dancing into the night.  We love the light on my dress & the swirl.
The black & white is so fitting. 

Martha & Pudge | September 6th, 2014
I think if you would have asked me to pick out the best photos for a bridal magazine I would have had 5 totally different one haha but then when I had to describe why I just came back to my personal, emotional, favorites. Basically this was such a hard task! Especially because I realize I look at these pictures with two different lenses. I’m such a sucker for big, beautiful artistic shots that I just want to print out and hang on a wall- oh and did you manage to capture those (the Garden Of The Gods with those clouds are just breathtaking)! Then there are the photos that I look at and probably would never print out to blow up in our living room, but instead want to print wallet size and keep with me everywhere I go. Those are the photos that most people probably glance over and don’t think much of, but they captured a moment so precious that I am forever grateful. The fact that you manage to capture both styles is EXACTLY why we picked you as our photographer. So with that long intro here are some of my favorites :)

 

1. Light At the End of the Tunnel… or Aisle
I am pretty sure I blacked out walking down the isle…. I know-horrible! Every bride talks about never forgetting that first moment they saw their groom. All I remember was thinking, don’t trip, smile and follow the sunflowers to Pudge. If am being honest I was just so nervous I don’t think I absorbed any of it. I love this picture because you managed to capture what I couldn’t…my handsome husband with a ear to ear grin waiting for me at the other end.

2. The Real Us 
This picture makes me smile every time I see it. Ironically, I wouldn’t say its our most flattering picture, but it’s the way it captures exactly who we are together and what I loved of our wedding day. I can’t even remember what we were laughing about at this moment, but I can tell you we were laughing all day long! We love life and each other and have a great time while doing both!! With this picture Rene, you did such a beautiful job at portraying who we are with an incredible background from my childhood to top it off!

3. Bridesmaid Majesty
This is such a great candid group shot! My bridesmaids are such an amazing group of friends and are always up for anything. I love that this picture catches us in mid trek through mud in heels as we, of course, chat the entire way.

4. A Quiet Moment
Every time I see this picture I can’t put my finger on what exactly I love about it but I always come back to it. I think it caught us in this very quiet and calm moment (which was rare that day). We both could just take a breath and relax into each other’s arms. 

5. Martha My Dear
This picture captures the moment that I WILL NEVER forget. It is one of the most vivid memories I took away from our wedding day. My dad (far left) was very reluctant to pick out a father-daughter dance, to the point he suggested we not do one. I couldn’t understand this and was pretty upset about it, after all we are very close and we had the perfect song to dance to. Little did I know he had planned to surprise me by asking three of his closest friends from different stages of his life to all meet before the wedding and practice singing “our song” to me. These four men belted out “Martha My Dear” by the Beatles with dance moves and all. I will never forget how loved and special I felt at that moment. Thanks for catching my father showing his love for me René :)

Paige & Pat | September 13th, 2014
I have to say – it was SO difficult making a choice. I feel sorry for all the beautiful photos that were left out, but then again, we get to look at them forever, so not too sad :) Honestly, I could caption so many more of our photos, even narrowing it to those that we did feels like we are doing a disservice to the beauty, fun, joy and love that is in all the others that were left behind!

1. Wild Ride
My veil was going everywhere once I got to the actual wedding deck because of the wind! I love the expression on our niece’s face – it probably matches mine. There was so much going on in the moment, my dad was getting ready to give me away, I was trying to keep my composure and then the squirrelly wind was yanking at my veil. It may have just been a reminder from those not able to be with us that they were still on top of the mountain watching from above.

2. the 10 Minute Rule
This was shortly after our ceremony. René told us that we could take some time while she wrangled up all the family for photos. I’m so glad she did that for us! In this moment, we calmly relished our time and reflected on our vows as well as the rest of the day ahead. It allowed us time to just be: be calm, be in the moment, be genuine, be Pat & Paige. Looking at this photo makes all the giddiness of being married and pure authentic joy come rushing to the forefront.

3. Hand in Hand
This is one of Pat and I’s favorites – it captures so much of the beauty of the day as well as us, walking hand in hand on our journey. The lighting is beautiful, the valley and the mountains, all very metaphoric of the start of our lives together.

4. Blushing Bride
This is one of Pat’s favorites. It reminds me of something in Sound of Music (not a bad thing). He says he likes it because his bride looks so beautiful and belongs on the pages of a magazine. *blush*

5. Turtle Bus
We wanted to include some of the fun moments that came from the “Turtle Bus” of the bridal party – we chose to have a larger bridal party (7 on each side) and were grateful that we did. They added life and adventure to the day. Two of our favorites capture the excitement of the ride from the ceremony to the reception. One distinctively more fun, while the other is about being with everyone,  but still remembering one another.

6. A [Grand] Father’s Love
There were so many different pictures that we loved of our families and our guests. This one captures just one special moment – my nephew (11 months at the time) loved the uplights we had, and I’m so thankful for this picture that has my dad down on the floor playing with him. The picture embraces the playfulness and tender care of the moment.

 

Maribeth & Ben | September 26h, 2014
It was really hard to narrow it down to just five. We picked a bunch and then had to sit and narrow it down. A few that didn’t make the cut, but are very meaningful to me are: when my dad first saw me in my dress. His expression is so “typical Dad” and awesome- what every girl wants; some of me getting ready and the genuine excitement that you captured; and several of the ones with all my best girls- bridesmaids and sister. Anyway, where are the ones that made the cut. 

1. Bride & Groom
This photo is a candid that captured a very genuine moment of happiness and smiles between Ben and I. Love, just lots of love :)

2. Husband and Wife
This picture is so fun! So much happiness at being husband and wife! 

3. Grand Entrance
Ben just looks victorious, ha! Sort of an “I found my girl” type of thing. We were SO excited to be at the reception and start the party with all our family and friends. I remember Ben walking in and hearing everyone clapping and laughing, but I couldn’t see anyone because I was over his shoulder.You (obviously) can’t see my face in this shot, but I was laughing out of pure happiness.

4. Dancin’ With Daddy!
What an awesome moment! I LOVED dancing with my Dad. My Dad broke out dance moves I didn’t even know he had. He spun and twirled me around that entire dance floor and we were laughing and smiling through the whole song, like you can see in the picture. We picked our first dance song literally 2 days before the wedding. After the dance, so many people asked me how long we practiced- and we didn’t! After it was over he gave me a tight squeeze and said, “Man, that was so much fun!” 

5. Ben’s Dad
Such a perfect photo that essentially captures the entire essence and energy of our reception. PURE FUN! Everyone was dancing! 

Katie & Rob | December 13th, 2014
Having this to focus on this week was so awesome. It was incredibly hard to pick only 5, but here are a few favorites from our special day.

1. Take it All In
I will never forget this instance. Steve, our pastor, had just started our ceremony and he had us look out at all of our guests and take a moment to realize how much love and support we had on our wedding day. It was such a powerful moment to stop and remember that our wedding was so much more than the two of us getting married – thank you for catching it!!

 

2. A Ceremony Giggle 
This is us as a couple in a nut shell. Rob’s best man had just handed him my fake “diamond” from my bachelorette party and then presented it to me. I couldn’t believe it showed up in the ceremony – it made everyone laugh and I love all of our expressions!

3. A Real Fairy Tale 
I can’t believe how beautiful I felt – the veil, the perfect dress and my flowers – wow. I know a lot of other brides say the day was like a fairy tale and I never believed them, but they were right. God gave us the most perfect day.

4. My HUSBAND
My first thought when I saw this photo was “I have one handsome husband!” Awesome photo of Rob and his groomsmen; they clean up pretty well too! 

5. A Never Ending Moment
This is one of my all-time favorite pictures of us ever. The way the sun is flooding the meadow and catching my veil is heavenly. It felt like Rob and I were the only two people in the world at that moment – I didn’t want the kiss to end.