Zhanna + Scott in Denver

These pics are from the wedding of Zhanna and Scott last weekend. The equation is pretty simple: Great Couple + Great Location = Amazing Pics. The locale was Mile High Station under Colfax Ave. I have actually been there a couple times before, but never as a photographer for a wedding. So I knew going into it that we would have good opportunities for photos, but was surprised at just how good MHS turned out to be. The texture and unique feel of the location is hard to beat, and Scott and Zhanna were perfect relaxed and charismatic subjects. I had a lot of fun here.

prepping the chuppah


the moment they saw each other just prior to the ceremony


Hey, what are you looking at? The action is the other way!

kiss...

post ceremony celebration


This is one of my favorites, it is the moment right before the official photo, and shows how each personality preps for the shot.










This shot shows of Mile High Station a bit, from the upper balcony, you can see the cool floors and great table layouts.


entering the reception


great dancers.


End of the night slow dancing in the glow of the DJ lights.

Kate + Dante in Vail

Congratulations to Kate and Dante who were married last week in Vail, on the birthday of Kate's mom no less. The ceremony was held at the Vail Interfaith Chapel, and the reception held at the Donovan Pavilion. I have been to the pavilion several times before, and it is always an impressive location -as it was for Kate and Dante. I also had the good fortune to work with Shane Macomber as a second shooter. I rarely work with second shooters, but when they are requested it is nice to have a professional on the team. Here are some of my favorites from the day.

Her bridesmaid takes care of the wedding dress moments before Kate puts it on.


This photo I like because of the expression of the hand by the make-up artist.


Dante's father helps one of Dante's groomsmen with some cufflinks.


The girls celebrate on the limo ride to the ceremony. The ceremony started at 7pm, so it was dark while headed to the ceremony.


Sepia tone here, I liked Kate's expression and felt that her veil and the gentle gestures of her bridesmaid made a good soft antiqued photo.


This shot is probably the most "American Style" photojournalism --clean and clear, contrasty BW shot capturing several expressions, or stories, in one shot. It hopefully gives some insight into the thoughts of each girl during the same moment just before Kate is about to head down the aisle.


Ubiquitous but always very important shot telling nearly the entire story of the wedding in one image, the moment the bride and groom meet at the altar. And following, a few more ubiquitous but very important shots during the ceremony.







Celebration after the ceremony.


Then we headed out to get some portraits in downtown vail. It can be somewhat chaotic to move large groups around, especially at night and during a celebration, but I think all photojournalists thrive on chaos --this is when I can make some of the most interesting, truly candid shots.


These next two are close to my favorites from the whole day, just because the tree lit up in downtown Vail had such a unique light. It has enough blue and violet and green in the coloring, that it does not give the impression of a christmas tree, yet still has a very magical quality to it. I also like how the branches vaguely form the image of a heart. Not so much as to be overbearing, just the subtle hint at the shape.




Looooooong shutter drag, just for fun.


First dance... good stuff.