There are so many talented Estes Park wedding photographers, and if you ask any of them, Estes Park is one of the most beautiful, sunny places to get married. But it was a unique day for Nicholas and Katherine at the YMCA of the Rockies! I’ve called Colorado home for ten years now and we get the normal, occasional fog. But Nicholas and Katherine’s wedding day was the foggiest I’ve ever seen in my time here! From my house, the drive would typically take about 90 minutes. But on the day they said “I do”, I think I spent an extra 45 minutes waiting out the fog on the road up to their venue. It was crazy! A little rain, a little fog (okay, a lot of both) but still an incredibly joyous day for these two.

I joined Katherine and her bridesmaids on the lower level of the Mountainside Lodge. Upon my arrival, I could instantly smell hairspray, hear laughter and almost taste the champagne that had just been popped. There was so much happiness and excitement! Nicholas was getting ready in a nearby condo. He popped by every once and while to grab something, so it was all hands on deck to make sure they didn’t see each other before their First Look. After a copious amount of hairspray in preparation for the rain that awaited us, Katherine and Nicholas shared an emotional moment.

She climbed up a hill and over rocks to meet him in the most perfect spot. They enjoyed the moment privately, embracing and whispering to one another. In order to avoid any rain, we moved quickly through a few photos, a beautiful first look with Katherine’s dad and then onto a magical ceremony.

The fog crept up the valley as their ceremony began, making for a very cold, but unique-looking ceremony. Katherine’s father uses a cane to walk on uneven ground, but he surprised her by setting it to the side and walking her confidently down the aisle when it was their turn. I just loved the way she looked up at him while they processed. They had a beautiful ceremony, braving the freezing cold hand in hand. Nicholas and Katherine are both avid outdoors-people and skiers, but they said even this cold got to them!

After walking out of their ceremony under a plethora of flower petals, the party began! As an ode to their love of the outdoors, Nicholas and Katherine had their guests sign vintage wooden skis to mount in their home. In addition, they had guests use polaroid cameras to document the evening, which was so fun! Katherine’s dad gave a beautiful blessing before dinner, followed by a toast from her sister. The live band added a beautiful element to the evening as the dancing began.

I absolutely loved documenting this footy, but beautiful, celebration. Nicholas and Katherine, I wish you nothing blue bluebird skies and powder days ahead!

Interested in other mountain venues? Check out Anthony & Gemariah’s Winter Park wedding here.