Taharaa Mountain Lodge Wedding

Taharaa-Mountain-Lodge-Wedding-14Taharaa Mountain Lodge Wedding *Megan & Andrew*

I love winter weddings in the mountains! There is something so magical about the stillness that the snow covered peaks creates. Megan and Andrew had a beautiful wedding at the lovely Taharaa Mountain Lodge.

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I love the time I get to spend with bride and her ladies before the ceremony. Taharaa-Mountain-Lodge-Wedding-1

This is one of those awesome times when having a second shooter is super helpful. While I was hanging out with the ladies my second shooter was able to capture Andrew and his groomsmen hanging out before the ceremony. They seemed to be having quite a good time! Taharaa-Mountain-Lodge-Wedding-2

It was quite cold for their wedding day BUT I am so glad we decided to brave the snow and wind to have their first look outside. It was such a beautiful moment and you wouldn’t even guess they were standing in 5 inches of snow and freezing by how joyful they both look… Well maybe Andrew looks a tad cold in this first image but the second he sees Megan he lights right up! Taharaa-Mountain-Lodge-Wedding-4Taharaa-Mountain-Lodge-Wedding-5

Just minutes before she said i do…

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I love when brides have a few moments alone with their fathers right before they walk them down the aisle. Taharaa-Mountain-Lodge-Wedding-8Taharaa-Mountain-Lodge-Wedding-10

Megan and Andrew were surrounded by some amazing people on their wedding day! Taharaa-Mountain-Lodge-Wedding-7

So much love…Taharaa-Mountain-Lodge-Wedding-6

It’s always fun to see what couples will do when they enter into their reception. Megan and Andrew were all smiles as they danced their way in and were joyfully welcomed by everyone that anxiously awaited their arrival! Taharaa-Mountain-Lodge-Wedding-11

Toasts are one of my favorite parts of a wedding day… It’s one of the few times that I can get to know my couples from the perspective of their closest friends and family. It’s raw and candid. I love it! Megan and Andrew are so loved and respected by the people in their lives. They are admired and cherished. Taharaa-Mountain-Lodge-Wedding-12

Of course the dancing is always fun! Jay with Standing Room Only is the BEST! Taharaa-Mountain-Lodge-Wedding-13

THANK YOU so much Megan and Andrew for inviting me into your story and allowing me document your most special day! It was a true joy!

Thank you to my amazing second shooter and father Dave Russell. I miss working with him at every wedding so this was a true treat!!


Some words from Megan (the bride)…

How did you and Andrew meet?

We met on Match.com when I moved to Rock Island for work. He emailed me first, but we were both immediately interested. We had our first date in early December 2014 — he picked me up and took me to dinner.

Tell me about your love story?

Never was anything easier or more natural than our coming together. We had each suffered disappointments, big and small, in our lives (and love lives) leading up to our meeting. We instantly clicked, and being with one another feels effortless.

How did you get engaged?

Andy designed a ring for me, and proposed as soon as it was ready. It was burning a hole in his pocket! I saw the proposal coming from a mile away, not to mention we had certainly discussed getting married. He proposed at home on a Friday night, with my favorite flowers and the sweetest words imaginable. We went out to dinner with friends afterwards.

What prompted you to  decide to get married out of state?

We love to travel and wanted our wedding to be a memorable trip for all involved.

What inspired your decor choices?

I love the color green, and Andy suggested we add tartan/plaid in as an accent. The natural accents — flowers, wood, etc. — seemed to match the setting.

Did you enjoy dress shopping? why or why not?

It was alright, but I wouldn’t say that I loved it. My family members had different ideas of what would look best. In the end, I had to trust my own gut. I could not have loved my dress any more. It was me — romantic, comfortable, detailed but not flashy, and with hidden complexities (holy cow, that bustle!!)

Where did you get your dress?

I bought the dress in Chicago at Weddings 826

If you know Megan and Andrew leave them some love in the comments!!


Vendors

Photographer: Visual Poetry

DJ: Jay Kacik, Standing Room Only

Caterer: The Gourmet Kitchen

Bar: provided by Taharaa

Photo Booth: Estes Park Photo Booth

Make-up: Bella Capelli

Hair: Amy Gibbs at Lavish Salon

Transportation: Estes Park Shuttle

Flowers: arrangements made by bride + bridesmaids


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