I was asked to capture an intimate wedding out in Villa Grove, Colorado – about 40 minutes into the mountains past the Salida & Buena Vista area, and I could not have been more excited. The San Juan Mountains are one of my favorite ranges in Colorado, so I packed up my bags & dog and spent the weekend out there!
Steel Horse Inn is an intimate, rustic mountain venue with room for guests to stay on the property with some of the most stunning surroundings I have ever been witness to as a photographer. 10/10 would recommend eloping here – the town of Salida is known for the Arkansas river running right through it that provides so many fun activities. Pair that with the gorgeous high desert landscapes and proximity to Buena Vista and you’ve got yourself a perfect mountain escape.
Getting Ready
Andy & Erin chose to get ready separately and do a first look walking up to the ceremony. The venue had these super cool vintage railroad carts and that is where Andy got ready. Erin had asked me to sneak a small rubber ducky into his shoes while he was getting ready & capture his reaction (rubber duckies were their inside joke). It was so fun to watch Andy figure out what was obstructing the way for his foot in his Converse!
Erin had some amazing vintage details that she wore. Her dress was an amazing lace and tasseled boho dress, and she wore such cute flat sandals to match the summer mountain vibes. The excitement was palpable in the bridal suite. Their dog, Lila Rose, also got dolled up for the big day! She wore a boho wedding dress, an amazing, colorful hairstyle and carried a gorgeous, colorful wedding bouquet. Andy even wore colorful wedding florals on his suit jacket, keeping with the Pride wedding theme.
First Look & Ceremony
I loved this uniquely styled first look. Andy waited for Erin right outside of the ceremony spot with his back turned. When Erin approached and tapped him on the shoulder, his face lit up and then they walked together into their ceremony, while taking a nice pickle shot in the process.
This was such a special ceremony with an incredible backdrop. The bride and groom decided to do a unity plant to mark the start of their new journey – as the plant grows, so does their relationship. They also had designated guests be shot and pickle distributors!! They loved their pickles!! They also allowed guests to stand up and give them best wishes before their first kiss.
Celebration
The reception was as unique as the rest of the wedding day! Their first dance was epically choreographed outdoors and they had pies for dessert. They even made their grand entrance in a camel costume – not kidding. Finished by three different caterers providing cuisines from their travels together, this couple’s intimate wedding was an homage to their quirky style and unique experiences together.
