You know what my favorite part of clients that book me again is? I get to grow with you and learn the intimate dynamics of your family. And we’ll probably become friends in the process.

With Amy and Jake, it was just that. Just last year, I took portraits for Amy’s daughter’s senior session. It was beautiful and we all had SO much fun together. As soon as Amy told me she and Alyssa were from the South, I knew we were kindred spirits because my mama and family live in Alabama, yet Colorado has always been my home. We laughed so much that day, and of course, we talked about Jake.

She told me that they had met back as kids in school

and although they remained best friends, they never got together. They had gone through a couple decades apart, having kids, working, and building their lives. But then, fate brought them together. She told me this story with the biggest smile on her face and being the cheesy, hopeless romantic I am, I had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes because this was truly the most beautiful love story – over 20 years in the making – that I had ever heard. Inside, I secretly hoped she’d hire me to shoot her wedding when it happened.

Fast forward to 2020

and Jake had proposed! Amy booked me for their anniversary date, October 12t, 2020 at the Blackstone Rivers Ranch in Idaho Springs, and with so much uncertainty, changed her guest list a few times, before settling on an intimate elopement for just the two of them, with Amy’s daughter, Alyssa to watch.

Amy walked down the aisle, and I loved that Jake met her halfway.

They saw each other for the first time that day in this moment, then continued to walk the rest of the way down the aisle together. I thought the symbolism of them walking up together, and leaving hand in hand, too. It reminded me of the saying “the more things change, the more things stay the same.” Throughout their lives, they went separate ways, but always came back together in the end, and they’ll walk out of this all together, too. I just love that.

Watching their beautiful ceremony, I once again had that same lump in my throat. As I documented their vows, I thought “that’s the kind of love you wait your whole life for.” WE ALL CRIED THE HAPPIEST TEARS EVER. It was beautiful! Surrounded by a slight mountain breeze that only Colorado can provide, a river flowing through the trees, and the sun kissing our shoulders, I can’t think of a better way for a Fall Colorado elopement to take place.

Afterwards, Alyssa went home to allow Jake and Amy to spend the afternoon taking photographs with me and enjoying finally getting to call each other husband and wife.

They shared drinks, dinner, and laughter together

and my heart has never been so full. During dinner, their song “All of Me” by John Legend came on, and they quickly sprang up and slow danced under the twinkling lights in the last glow of the setting sun. Afterwards, I followed them back to their cabin to listen to Amy read a letter Alyssa had written for her mama and step-father. (I tripped on the way, but that’s okay! Lol.) We all cried AGAIN listening to Amy reading the letter, and I left the newlyweds to enjoy the cabin, while I drove the two hours back home, reflecting on the amazing day.

Oh, and that growth I mentioned earlier? My first time shooting at Blackstone Rivers Ranch in Idaho Springs was over three years ago. The photos I took are not the same standard I hold myself to now, and even though I know those portraits hold a special place in my heart, I’m so honored to have been able to shoot at one of my favorite venues in Colorado once again, this time, with that much more experience and confidence in my work.

To the Higueras, HERE’S TO YOU!