1. Colorado Sun Is No Joke

That dreamy mountain backdrop? Gorgeous.
But high-altitude sun is bright and harsh — especially in places like Boulder, Vail, or Breckenridge.

Midday ceremonies in full sun can cause squinting and strong shadows, consider an early morning ceremony or a late afternoon one. A little shade, a slight ceremony rotation, or timeline adjustment makes a huge difference in how flattering and comfortable your photos feel.

2. The Timeline Always Needs More Buffer Than You Think

Mountain traffic. Shuttle delays. A missing boutonniere.
Colorado weddings especially benefit from 15–20 minute buffers built into the timeline in between events. When you’re relaxed, your photos feel relaxed.

3. Getting-Ready Rooms Matter (A Lot)

Some mountain lodges are cozy… and dark.
Cabins in places like Estes Park can have amazing views but limited natural light inside.

The brightest room with the biggest window will always win for clean, flattering prep photos.

4. Wind Is Part of the Colorado Vibe

If you’re getting married outdoors — especially at elevation — wind is almost guaranteed.

Loose hairstyles, long veils, and flowy dresses photograph beautifully in motion… but it helps to:

• Bring extra bobby pins
• Secure veils well
• Be mentally prepared to laugh through it

Some of the most magical mountain photos happen in a little wind.

5. Golden Hour Moves Fast in the Mountains

In flatter areas, sunset lingers. In the mountains? The sun drops behind peaks quickly.

In places like Aspen or Telluride, we sometimes lose direct light earlier than the official sunset time.

Planning portraits before the sun fully dips keeps that warm, glowy look everyone loves.

6. Decluttering the Prep Space

Water bottles. Fast food bags. Suit garment covers. Random boxes and bags.

Designate one “stuff in the corner” in the room to store everything and then keep the most photogenic spots clean. It takes 2 minutes and elevates the entire gallery.

7. Ceremony Direction > Just the View

Yes, the mountain backdrop is stunning.
But if you’re facing direct sun while your guests are shaded, you’ll be squinting in every ceremony photo. If you’re in complete shade with a bright sunny backdrop sometimes we’ll have to choose between exposing the image for your faces or the background which will make you a silhouette in the photos. Without adding more light or talking directly with your photographer about how to handle this beforehand you might not be able to get a photo where the background and the subjects are both visible.

A slight angle adjustment can preserve the view and give you flattering light.

8. An Unplugged Ceremony Is Extra Important Outdoors

Outdoor Colorado ceremonies often have wider aisles and open spaces, which makes it easier for guests to lean out with phones.

An unplugged ceremony keeps your first kiss photo clear of iPads and arms in the aisle — and it lets your guests actually be present with you.

9. Steam the Dress (Mountain Wrinkles Are Real)

Traveling up I-70 with your dress in the back seat? It’s going to wrinkle.

Mountain air + travel + hanging overnight in a small closet can create creases that are very visible in photos.

Most venues or hotels have a steamer available — designate someone to handle it early so it’s not a last-minute scramble.

10. Trust the Process (Especially With Weather)

Colorado weather can change in 20 minutes. Sun. Clouds. Light rain. Back to sun.

Some of the most incredible skies happen right after a quick mountain shower.
If we pivot, adjust, or move quickly — it’s not chaos. It’s experience.

The couples who lean in, laugh, and trust the flow always end up with the most authentic images.

There are weddings… and then there are experiences. Lucas and Tea’s fall masquerade ball at Baldoria on the Water was nothing short of cinematic. From the rich autumn color palette to the elegant masked ceremony entrance, every detail felt intentional, romantic, and just a little bit mysterious.

A Grand Masquerade Entrance

Guests gathered beneath Baldoria’s covered outdoor terrace as golden October light filtered through the beams overhead. The space felt intimate yet grand — warm stone walls, string lights, and crisp fall air setting the tone for the celebration to come.

In keeping with the masquerade theme, guests wore elegant masks as they awaited the ceremony. Deep jewel tones filled the aisle — emerald greens, burgundy suits, black formalwear — perfectly complementing the season.

Tea made her entrance in a breathtaking floral-patterned gown that felt both timeless and unique. Her bouquet overflowed with rich red blooms and cascading florals, adding dramatic texture against the soft ivory of her dress. Lucas stood waiting in a classic burgundy suit, also masked, creating a striking and unforgettable visual as they locked eyes down the aisle. It felt like stepping into a modern fairytale.

Romance Wrapped in Autumn Color

After the ceremony, we stole away for portraits — and fall absolutely showed off. Surrounded by vibrant foliage in fiery reds, oranges, and golden greens, Lucas and Tea shared some of the sweetest, most natural moments of the day.

One of the highlights was capturing Lucas gently kissing Tea’s cheek as she smiled, framed by glowing autumn leaves. The colors were so rich and saturated they almost looked painted. The warmth of the couple against the fall backdrop was perfection, and Tea’s soft veil caught the light beautifully. It was romantic, joyful, and completely them.

Fall weddings in Colorado always bring magic, but this one felt especially cinematic.

An Elegant Reception Under the Chandeliers

As the sun set, the celebration moved inside Baldoria’s stunning reception hall. The dramatic chandelier suspended from the vaulted ceiling created an atmosphere that was both regal and inviting. The stone walls and warm uplighting gave the room a romantic glow that fit the masquerade theme seamlessly.

Lucas and Tea’s first dance was pure elegance. The sweep of Tea’s gown across the wooden floor, Lucas guiding her confidently, guests watching from candlelit tables — it felt like a ballroom scene from a classic film. The rich tones of the décor and attire carried through the reception, tying the entire day together beautifully.

A Celebration of Mystery, Romance & Joy

What made this wedding truly special wasn’t just the masks or the décor — it was how effortlessly Lucas and Tea infused their personalities into every detail. The masquerade theme wasn’t a costume; it was an experience. It encouraged guests to step into something whimsical and celebratory while still honoring the deep love at the center of the day.

From the dramatic ceremony entrance to intimate fall portraits and an unforgettable first dance, their wedding at Baldoria on the Water was layered with texture, color, emotion, and style.

Lucas and Tea — thank you for trusting me to capture such a bold and beautiful celebration. Your wedding was proof that when you lean fully into your vision, magic happens.

Vendors Who Made This Day Possible:

Venue & Caterer: Baldoria on the Water
Photography: Crystaline Photography & Video

There is something magical about summer in the Colorado foothills—especially when it unfolds at Willow Ridge Manor in Morrison. Surrounded by sweeping mountain views, red rock formations, and endless sky, this wedding was the perfect blend of natural beauty and heartfelt celebration.

From the moment guests arrived, they were welcomed into a space that felt both elegant and inviting. The sun-filled reception room, lined with floor-to-ceiling windows and a classic chandelier overhead, offered panoramic views of the rolling hills beyond. Soft ivory linens, gold Chiavari chairs, and lush floral centerpieces in blush, peach, and white created a romantic, timeless atmosphere that felt effortlessly refined. Every table was styled with intention, allowing the scenery outside to remain part of the décor.

The ceremony took place outdoors beneath a rustic wooden arbor overflowing with florals and greenery. Set against towering pines and the foothills of Morrison, the couple exchanged vows in a setting that felt intimate yet expansive. As the bride and groom stood hand in hand beneath cascading roses and greenery, their joy was unmistakable—radiant smiles, emotional glances, and the kind of laughter that only comes from being completely present in the moment.

The wedding party perfectly complemented the natural tones of the venue. The bridesmaids wore soft blush dresses that echoed the floral arrangements, while the groomsmen were dressed in light neutral suits with warm brown shoes—effortlessly stylish and perfectly suited for a Colorado summer wedding. Against the red rock and lush green hills, the entire group looked like they stepped out of a modern mountain wedding editorial.

One of the most striking moments of the day was the full wedding party portrait taken on the red rock outcroppings just outside the venue. With sweeping views of the foothills behind them, it was the kind of image that could only be captured in Colorado. The couple stood at the center, relaxed and glowing, surrounded by the people who love them most—a true reflection of the joy and connection that filled the entire day.

From start to finish, this wedding was beautifully seamless, in large part because everything was handled in one place. The couple chose our companies to provide photography, photo-booth and DJ services which allowed their day to flow effortlessly from ceremony to celebration. With the same trusted team managing every major element, there was no scrambling, no miscommunication—just a smooth, joyful experience for the couple and their guests.

As the evening unfolded, laughter, music, and celebration filled Willow Ridge Manor. Guests danced, mingled, and created memories inside the glowing reception space, while the surrounding mountains quietly watched the celebration below.

This Morrison, Colorado wedding was a perfect reminder of why summer weddings in the foothills are so special. Between the natural beauty, heartfelt moments, and thoughtful design, this day was nothing short of unforgettable—and it was an honor for Crystaline Photography & Video to capture every smile, every tear, and every joyful moment along the way.

Vendors Who Made This Day Possible:
Venue - Willow Ridge Manor
Caterer - Rocky Mountain Catering & Events
Floral - Rocky Mountain Catering & Events
Photography & Photo-Booth: Crystaline Photography & Video
Entertainment & Photo-Booth: Digital DJ
Flower Wall Rental - Tie the Knot Bridal Creations

Last fall, our whole team had the privilege of covering one of our absolute favorite weddings of the year—a stunning mountain celebration that still has us smiling every time we think about it. Things have been a little wild around here lately, so I’m only just now getting the chance to share how incredible Kailyn & Nathan’s big day truly was.

They planned the destination wedding of a lifetime, inviting their closest friends and family to join them high in the mountains surrounding Vail. Guests flew in from all over the country, turning the weekend into a heartfelt reunion wrapped in crisp autumn air and golden leaves.

And when it came to coverage, they went all-in with the full dream team: two photographers, two videographers, our photo booth, and my husband behind the booth as their DJ. It was one of those weddings where every moment felt cinematic—and we had the crew to capture it all.

One of the most memorable details? The florals. Kailyn crafted every single arrangement herself, and her creations rivaled some of the most elaborate professional designs we've ever seen. Everywhere you looked, there were personal touches, lush colors, and little details that felt unmistakably “them.”

It was a day filled with beauty, joy, and so much love—and we’re so grateful we got to be part of it.

Vendors Who Made The Day Possible:

Venue: Vail Golf Club - https://www.vailrec.com/vail-golf-nordic-clubhouse-events

Wedding Planner: Ethereal Events - http://www.etheraleventplanning.com

Entertainment: Digital DJ - http://www.digitaldjcolorado.com

Rentals & Decor: Colorado Party Rentals - https://cpartyrentals.com

Photography, Video & Photo-booth: Crystaline Photography & Video - https://www.crystalinephoto.com

Transportation: Summit Black Car - https://summitblackcar.com

Hosting a winter wedding in Colorado can always be a little tricky. Will the weather cooperate? Can you do any photos outside? How about venues? Lauren & Tony took it all in stride. They just wanted a beautiful Catholic wedding with all of their friends and family in Aurora, Colorado. We were there on that chilly day in February to document the event with both photography and video services. With all the love oozing out of this couple it was easy to forget about the cold! It was also the first wedding I’ve covered that had a heavy emphasis on karaoke as the entertainment. But because a lot of the guests were amazing entertainers it turned out to be a really awesome thing to incorporate in the couple’s reception.

Vendors who made this day possible:
Ceremony Site - St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church
Reception Site & Catering - Noonan’s Event Center
Photography & Video - Crystaline Photography & Video

Looking for a wedding venue with a more industrial city vibe? Check out The Maven Hotel in Denver. This hotel is in the chic Dairy Block near Coors Stadium downtown. The Dairy Block is a group of warehouses that has been reimagined as neighborhood marketplace with cool boutiques offering one of a kind items and distinctive restaurants with food bountiful food options. it also has a lot of art installations that are constantly rotating that are fun to check out and also add to a very picturesque event!
We met Carrie & Marshall a year before as Carrie was a bridesmaid in one of her best friend's wedding that I was hired as the photographer and Mike their DJ. She liked us so much that we were both hired again to provide those services for their fun very urban wedding! Because we're in Colorado it's not often that we get to provide services in a more urban environment, but this wedding had plenty of awesome eye candy options to make for super creative photos. Check out some of my favorite photos from the day below.

Vendors Who Made This Day Possible:

Venue, Catering & Accommodations: The Maven Hotel
Entertainment & Lighting: Digital DJ
Photography: Crystaline Photography & Video

Matthew and Victoria tied the knot on a lovely early fall day at Ralston's Crossings Event Center in Arvada, Colorado. The event was celebrated by a multitude of friends and family. I was able to learn a little about their back story and how they met when I spent the afternoon at the college campus that they met in Ft. Collins doing a fun engagement shoot with them. With similar interests and career paths this dynamic couple will sure to have a lifetime of happiness ahead of them.
Check out their amazing wedding in the chapel on site with a garden reception that followed afterwards.

Vendors who made this day possible:

Venue: Ralston's Crossing Event Center
Wedding Planner: Angel in Disguise
Catering: Deshebrado Catering and Events
Disc Jockey: Digital DJ
Photography: Crystaline Photography and Video

Since we're entering the colder winter months close to the holidays I thought it would be a great time to share this late fall wedding that ended up having a much more winter theme then originally planned. Colorado can be hit or miss for snow in October and November, especially in the mountains, but if you are open to an adventure it can also be a great time of year to tie the knot. Michelle & Devin planned a complete destination wedding in Estes Park for close friends and family who were mostly traveling in from Kansas. The historic Stanley Hotel made the perfect venue for their ceremony and getting ready photos while they hosted a more budget friendly reception practically across the street at The Bristlecone Inn. The snow even worked out to their advantage because the venue allowed sparklers for their grand exit which is something most venues will not allow in the mountains due to fire dangers. Check out some of my favorite photos from their amazing event and the list of vendors that made this day possible below:

Vendors who made this day possible:
Ceremony & Hotel Accommodations: The Stanley Hotel
Reception Venue: Bristlecone Inn
Caterer: Jubilations Catering
DJ: Digital DJ
Photography: Crystaline Photography & Video

If you've just started planning your wedding you are probably feeling a little overwhelmed about all the options for every service available for weddings. How do you know who to trust? Who is going to show up and do a great job for you on your wedding and who is just a snake oil salesman? This is a valid question, especially when it comes to choosing a photographer and/or videographer for your event. There is no set of licensing that can tell you if a photographer is a professional or not and since anyone can purchase a camera and start selling themself as a photographer it can be hard to tell who is legit or not. But there will be signs, some not as obvious as others. Here is my list for vetting photographers for your wedding ~

1.) Is this company registered as a legitimate company in the state they are doing business in? The Secretary of State in every state keeps a meticulous record of those who have filed the correct paperwork to be in business and are paying taxes. The first step is to utilize their online features to check and see if the company you are considering using is registered with the state! Someone skirting the law about businesses practices should already be taken off your list.

2.) Pricing! Photography is usually going to be one of the higher ticket items for weddings. Usually if a company is advertising their service at way below the market price in the area there's a reason for it. Either they haven't been in business very long or they are booking quantity over quality. What I mean by quantity over quality is that they are booking more events then they can safely handle by themselves and thus sending others to cover the work under their business name which can mean you could be getting someone without a lot of experience covering your event. There have been quite a few horror stories lately in the news about couples having their photographer cancel last minute, not showing up at all or delivering subpar photos or none at all. Typically, someone charging closer to the going rate for the area is going to be in business for the long haul and know what it costs to stay in business and charges accordingly. They are also going to have more of a stake in providing an excellent product so they can continue staying in business.

3.) Online reviews and/or a client list that you can speak to. While we all know that online reviews can be faked a company with no reviews or very poor ones should defiantly be a red flag. A company with a lot of really great reviews or just a few bad ones are usually legit. Reviews can for sure make or break a business. If the company does have some bad ones it might not mean they are horrible, it just means that they are not able to please everyone 100% of the time. Look at how they respond to those bad ones. Do they offer up solutions or make excuses? Use how they handle bad reviews as another good judgement of character.

4.) Do you like the quality and style of their work? If you like the price, but haven't gone through sample images that they provide and you end up surprised when you get the images back about what they took or how they edited them, you can't be surprised if they look exactly like samples on the company's website. Most companies are going to post work that will be very similar to the quality they will provide. The exception would be someone starting out who steals images from another photographer, uses stock images etc. This unfortunately does happen! I'm a follower of a person that has a whole blog committed to exposing people who steal other photographer's work and try to pass it off as their own! One way to check if the images are the photographer's or not is to do a reverse image search on google. By doing this you can see other sites that the image is being used on the internet. Sometimes the photographer uses it on different sites for advertisement. A red flag would be if the images on the site are attributed to a photographer with a different name or business. Either their images are being stolen or the photographer is the one stealing them. A photographer using "watermarks" (their company logo) on the photos is usually doing this to ensure you know who created the images so that they get credit where it's due.

5.) Ask to see a full wedding gallery! Why is this important? Because photographers usually choose their best images to put on the portfolio pages of their website. The ones to draw you in. I guarantee even the worst photographer can come up with one or two images that are portfolio worthy for their website. The key is to make sure that they can still deliver amazing photos from an entire event. Now I'm not saying every photo is going to be awesome! But I am saying they shouldn't be afraid to show you an entire event so that you can get a really good sense on what types of images you would be receiving from a whole wedding. Bonus points if they have shot at your venue or a very similar one!

5.) Have a conversation with them! The last thing I would do is narrow down the top two or three choices in your budget and reach out to them to set up a consultation. An in person meeting is always the best, but next to that a zoom or phone call to discuss logistics and what you are looking for. Ask about equipment (do they mention that they have back-up gear) ask about plans for emergency coverage and anything else pertinent to the event. This is a really good idea on how to gage the photographer's personality and how they will handle things on the day of your event.
Red Flag answers:
- I only have one camera body and don't see the need for an additional one (translation: I don't have enough money or I haven't been in business long enough to invest in more)
-I'm a natural light photographer I don't ever need to use a flash (translation: I don't know how to use a flash which is always needed at some point for indoor and night time events)
-I don't like taking group photos so I spend as little time doing those as possible (translation: I'm only going to focus on the fun candid photos, I don't like to direct people so you probably won't get the important group photos you need)
- Or the opposite - The group photos are going to take 2+ hours (translation: I don't know how to do these quickly and efficiently and these photos are more important to me than you getting on to your party, there is a happy medium!)

Here is a list of questions that you may want to ask during your interview:

1.) Take me through a typical wedding day and your process. What does a full day of wedding coverage with you look like?
2.) How would you describe your photography style (e.g. traditional, photojournalistic, fine-art, moody)?
3.) If your style is mostly candid, will I still get formal, posed portraits (and vice versa)?
4.) Are you the photographer who will shoot my wedding? If so, will you have any assistants/second-shooters with you on that day?
5.) What type of equipment do you use? Do you have backup equipment?
6.) What about a backup plan if you are unable to shoot my wedding for some reason?
7.) How will you (and your assistants) be dressed?
8.) Is it okay if other people take photos while you're taking photos?
9.) If my event lasts longer than expected, will you stay? Is there an additional charge?
10.) Do you have liability insurance?
11.) What is your refund/cancellation policy?
12.) How long after the wedding will I get my images? Will they be viewable online?
13.) How many final images should I expect to receive?
14.) Do you help with creating an album? Can I see some album designs?
15.) May I have a list of references and/or a link to reviews?
16.) If I hire you, when will I receive a written contract? What information do you need from me before the wedding day?

Gut Check! Questions to Ask Yourself:
- Does your personality vibe with the photographer? This is the person you will spend most of the day with (even more time than your spouse) if you're not comfortable with them it will show in the photos.
- Do you feel a connection with their photos? Don't just book someone because they meet your budget.
- Are you comfortable with this person's communication style and level of customer service?
- Did the photographer listen well and address all of your concerns?

North Star Gatherings located in Idaho Springs just outside of Denver is one of the newest venues to host a dream mountain wedding. It's a magical location with just the right kind of Colorado vibe and spectacular mountain views! We met Lexie & Nick at a wedding we had shot the year before and because they loved our work they hired us for photography and my husband's DJ company, Digital DJ for their musical entertainment. It was a beautiful fall event planned to perfection! I don't think a nicer couple could have had a better day!
The venue includes an amazing bridal suite in the loft that overlooks the reception hall and an extra igloo that works perfectly for the groomsmen getting ready area. A high alpine area offers lots of photo opportunities with a wrap around deck around the venue for seating the guests with an awesome mountain backdrop for your ceremony. The modern barn feel with high ceilings helps to keep you connected to the outdoors during the reception.
Check out some of our favorite photos from this event! It was so hard to choose just 20! And probably one of the reasons it took me so long to blog about it! Enjoy!

Vendors Who Made This Day Possible:
Venue: North Star Gathering
Planner: Every Little Detail
Catering: Rocky Mountain Catering
DJ/Music: Digital DJ

I just love late summer weddings at Willow Ridge Manor! The weather is always amazing and the couples always have a great time celebrating with friends and family! This couple just exude love on every level. They opted to share private vows with just their close friends and family before the official ceremony in front of the mansion and then officially tied the knot down on the red rocks with all of their guests. This was a little different than how it's usually done, but never the less provided a lot of extra emotional photo opportunities. Enjoy some of my favorite photos from this lovely wedding in Morrison, Colorado!

Vendors who made this day possible:
Venue: Willow Ridge Manor
Caterer: Roots Catering
DJ/MC: Digital DJ
Beverages: Molly's Spirits
Photography: Crystaline Photography and Video

We don't do a ton of style photo-shoots anymore because we usually just don't have the time to do them, but when Pure Vida reached out and asked us to participate in their summer session at the St. Vrain in Longmont we couldn't resist. I absolutely adore this industrial venue with glam vibes. There's literally a photo opportunity around every corner making it an awesome venue for today's modern couples! Pure Vida's team put together a great group of vendors to pull off an amazing shoot with lovely models, rentals, floral designs and more! Creating a one of a kind wedding experience that was a joy to photograph. I even met some other photographers and a videographer that put their own spin on session too!

Check out some of my favorite photos from this awesome day below! I'm including the links for each vendor featured in the photos at the bottom of each set. We did a separate session with each set of models. The photos are broken up by the models featured:

Marina & Ron

Vendors -
Venue : St. Vrain
Planner, Triangle Arch, Cake Stand, & Lantern: Pure Vida
Marina's Hair: The Bridal Goddess
Marina's Make-up: CO Bridal Artistry
Officiant's Hair & Make-Up: The Bridal Goddess
Marina's Purple Dress & Black Gown: Boho Fluxx
Marina's White Dress & Ron's Floral Jacket: Dwell Attire
Jewelry: Nikki Nation
Florals for the Triangle Arch & Tables with the Patterned Dishware: Amore Fiori
Bouquet for the Bride & Circle Arch & Coffee Table & Amber Dishware: Hutson Floral Design
Barware, Glasses & China: Shindig Partyware
Loveseat Set (white couch, neon sign, coffee table etc.), Golden Hoop Arch, Champagne Wall & Cornhole Set: Wildflower Design
All Calligraphy Provided by: Dotting the I
Cake: Cak the Bakery
Videographer: Wedding Videos Colorado
Officiant: Nearlywed Coaching

Lizzie & Amanda

Vendors -
Venue : St. Vrain
Planner, Triangle Arch, Cake Stand & Rainbow Scarf: Pure Vida
Lizzie's Hair & Make-Up: CO Bridal Artistry
Amanda's Hair & Make-Up: The Bridal Goddess
Officiant's Hair & Make-Up: The Bridal Goddess
Orange & Teal Suits Provided by: The Suit Shop
White Outfits for the Second Look: Dwell Attire
Jewelry: Nikki Nation
Florals for the Boutonnieres & Triangle Arch: Amore Fiori
Florals for the Circle Arch & Coffee Table: Hutson Floral Design
Loveseat Set (white couch, coffee table & plant wall), Golden Hoop Arch, China, Glasses, Centerpieces & Candle Sticks: Wildflower Design
All Calligraphy Provided by: Dotting the I
Cake: Cak the Bakery
Videographer: Wedding Videos Colorado
Officiant: Nearlywed Coaching