Things I love:

1.) Grooms who dance uninhibitedly, who look you in the eyes with care and intention, who love their brides loudly, publicly, and unabashedly.

2.) Brides who can’t stop smiling: who are genuine, eternally optimistic, and who, despite having sometimes difficult adult jobs can find and express childlike joy.

3.) Couples who put the marriage first and the wedding second.

Amber & Shane are all those things.

These two were married on a gorgeous, blue-bird fall day – Amber’s favorite season – at the Chatfield Botanic Gardens in Denver, Colorado.  Surrounded & celebrated by their family and friends, Amber & Shane said “I Do” in an intimate morning ceremony.  Every year they throw an epic fall party at their house to welcome the new season to changing colors, pumpkin spice lattes, and cozy sweaters.  This year Amber said her epic fall party was their wedding.  And a party it was!  It started in Chatfield’s barn with some really sweet toasts, and continued outside under the noonday sun, ending with a party in the grass, under the shade trees.

Shane & Amber, thank you for letting us be apart of his amazing day.  Amber, I’ll never forget the moment Aunt Jean, during your bridal portraits, gave you advice on a successful marriage, “Everyday you wake up and you think, ‘How can I please Shane today?’ And if you both keep doing that, you’ll be fine.”  Her words have encouraged me so much in the days since your wedding.  I’m so lucky to have absorbed all the love and kindness and sweetness shared between you two and your friends & families. Love you guys.

With love & joy,
René

Oh, and P.S.!  Special shout out to a very special RTP couple, Karen & Steve, who sent us Amber & Shane and were guests at their wedding! So awesome to see them, as well as Steve’s parents! :-) Love you guys too!