James and Claudia’s winter wedding at Black Forest Wedgewood was absolutely beautiful. This sweet couple had to reschedule their original wedding date, but it was definitely worth the wait! The day started with the bride getting ready at their home, and the groom getting ready just next door at his best man’s house! I had so much fun photographing all of the gorgeous bridal details. From their invitation to their rings, everything was perfect. I was in love with Claudia’s Bella Belle shoes and her stunning gown! The couple also opened special gifts they had for one another. James gave Claudia lovely earing, and Claudia gave James a watch with a special inscription inside. It was so sweet seeing them open their wedding day gifts to each other.
Once they were ready, we headed to an open space area near their home for the couple’s first look. I was thrilled that it had snowed just the day before so we had a lovely layer of white snow for their pictures! And in true Colorado fashion, the sun was out and we had great weather for it being a December day. When James turned around and saw his bride, the look on his face said it all. He was completely taken aback with how beautiful she was. It was such a tender moment!
Claudia also shared a first look with her father. Of all the moments on a wedding day, it’s always the daddy-daughter moments that get me choked up. Claudia’s dad immediately started crying (and so did everyone else!) Seeing his daughter on her wedding day was such an emotional moment for him. It was obvious that he adores his little girl! We took bridal party and family portraits, and afterwards James and Claudia took a limo to their venue.
We arrived at the beautiful Black Forest by Wedgewood Weddings just in time for some bride and groom sunset portraits. James and Claudia’s genuine romance and affection for each other was so evident in every image. Claudia’s florals were stunning, and the sun came out at just the right moment for us to get those glowy, dreamy pictures I just love!
Then it was time for the ceremony. Claudia had her heart set on an outdoor ceremony and I was so glad that the weather held out for them! The couple was so thoughtful, buying a cozy blanket for each and every guest so that they would be warm during the ceremony. Claudia’s father walked her down the isle and James just beamed with pride seeing his soon to be wife coming towards him. The ceremony was lovely. The couple shared vows they had written, exchanged rings, and shared their first kiss as husband and wife! Then all of the guests blew bubbles as the newlyweds walked back down the isle. It was epic!
Then it was on to the reception. No detail was overlooked! Everything from the cake to the tablescapes was absolutely lovely. The father of the bride and the best man shared toasts. There was so much laughter and many happy tears. I loved hearing more about their story. It was so clear that James and Claudia are so very loved by their family and friends.
The couple shared their first dance (which clearly they had been practicing because it was amazing!!!) Claudia also shared a first dance with her father, and James with his mother. Those images are some of my favorites from the day. Then they cut their cake and had a blast dancing the night away! Claudia threw her bouquet and to everyone’s surprise, James’ sweet little niece was the one to catch it!
At the end of the night, James and Claudia shared one last private dance, just the two of them in the reception space. I love that they took that time to themselves to soak in the reality of all that happened that day. Then the couple had an epic sparkler sendoff! It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.
I couldn’t be happier for this beautiful couple. Their wedding day was truly lovely, but more importantly I know that theirs is a love that will last a lifetime and bless everyone who knows them. Congratulations, love birds!!!
xoxo, Elena
To see James and Claudia’s engagement session, click HERE!
The Creative Team
Ceremony and Reception | Black Forest by Wedgewood Weddings
Florals | Daisy’s Front Porch
Dress | Something New Boutique
Hair and Makeup | Shauna at Captivate Beauty Salon
DJ | Annelise at DJ Maestro
Cake | Icing on the Cake
Favors | Cacao chemistry
Shoes | Bella Belle Shoes
Photobooth | Untamed Smiles
Groom & Groomsmen Attire | Joseph A. Banks
Bridesmaids Attire | DC Dresses