Taharaa Mountain Lodge wedding photography

Justin and Kassie traveled from Iowa to celebrate their wedding at Taharaa Mountain Lodge in Estes Park and what a celebration it was! They were joined by their closest family and friends as they embarked on this new journey together as husband and wife. It was truly a beautiful day for a wedding! It was rainy in the morning and early afternoon and cleared up just in time for their photos outside – it was perfect!

I love the reception room at Taharaa Mountain Lodge! It is so well lit and always looks amazing. Justin and Kassi had beautiful floral arrangements as center peices created by the lovely Brigitte with Floral Design of Europe! Not to mention a stunning cake and cupcakes that we no doubt incredible! Marci with Colorado Rose Cake Company always does amazing work!

I just love Kassi’s dress!! It’s so unique and gorgeous!

When I first started shooting weddings I was skeptical about the whole first look thing… I just didn’t get it. I had always thought it was bad for the groom to see the bride before the wedding ceremony. There are a lot of traditions that we uphold and have no idea why! I love and respect when couples choose to do their wedding either way (a first look or waiting). However in the last few years I have become really fond of the first look! It gives me as a photographer an awesome opportunity to get shots of the grooms reaction to seeing his beautiful bride in a more intimate and private setting. I loved Justin and Kassi’s first look! As Kassi approached Justin he was just so excited and nervous to turn around and when he finally did it was truly beautiful and genuine!

After they had a few moments to themselves we headed over to Lily Lake with their wedding party – who were a total blast!!

Taharaa Mountain Lodge was bought last year by new owners who are amazing! They are so kind and a true blast to work with!

They redid the ceremony site and it is stunning!

I stole Justin and Kassi for a few minutes following their ceremony to take some more photos now that they were officially HUSBAND AND WIFE!! Woohoo! I just love celebrating such amazingly special days with couples! It’s beautiful witnessing so much joy and happiness!

THEN it was party time! Their wedding reception was a blast! Ron Michaels is an awesome DJ and always a blast to work with!

They played the newlywed game – if you haven’t head of it – the bride and groom sit back to back and each has one of their shoe in one hand and the others shoe in the other hand. Ron asked a question about them (for example: who is the better cook? or who said i love you first?) and then they answer by putting the shoes of the person they think is it up in the air. It is hilarious and such a blast!