Nikki & John found me in January 2023 and we immediately hit it off. They stressed that they wanted a photographer who not only really captured the vibrancy of their day (hint: they had TROPICAL flowers!) but also was able to blend in and hang with their family and friends! I have to say, we had a blast! Their tropical floral theme was EVERYTHING amongst the backdrop at Skyview at Fall River Village in Estes Park, Colorado. 

The details of birds of paradise and palm fronds against the stark intensity of Colorado Mountains was so fun to photograph! We had a blast throughout their day and Skyview was amazing to work with! 

Because Nikki & John went with the 6 hour package, and wanted to stretch it out until grand exit, I got there right before ceremony but still managed to sneak in a few getting ready pics in the bridal suit of Nikki. 

Then it was ceremony time! The ceremony was filled with everything you could want at a wedding - laughter, tears, and great views! Everyone was in great spirits. 

After ceremony, John & Nikki took a moment to themselves to have a drink and connect. Then we popped back out to the ceremony site for bridal party and family photos! 

After formal photos, we sent family and friends back to cocktail hour so we could take a few couples portraits of just Nikki & John. The view from and around Skyview of Estes Park is literally breathtaking. I love it there! 

After couple portraits we hoofed it back to the reception for a grand entrance, toasts and first dances. John is a DJ and had some of his friends come to spin tracks and put on a visual show during the dance party. At the end of the night, they were sent off with a grand exit of glow sticks! It was truly the best time. 

Congrats again to Nikki & John! Who else is getting married at SkyView? 

Hanna & Joe came are a wedding client of mine that came to me STOKED on making amazing imagery for their engagement session. Joe was a photographer himself, so he had a very specific vision for their shoot: his fiance, Hanna, would wear her mothers 80s wedding dress and they would dress up and play around at a bar they love - The 715 Club! They wanted their shoot to be fun, neon, and FILLED with flash. I couldn’t resist saying YES! 

We met up at the 715 Club in Denver where Joe & Hanna had gotten a drink at the bar. If you are someone who’s into alcohol or weed, I’m all about you having a little drink/puff before our engagement shoot to just relax a bit. It can be scary in front of the camera! Although, these two absolutely crushed the direction I gave them and put a spin on the poses I suggested and truly did their own thing to show their love. Regardless, if you need a lil help form substances, I’m all for it. Just don’t get plastered and we are GOOD! 

After their drinks, we started outside across the street just to capitalize on the nice lighting we had. 

We then popped back into the 715 Club and got these two dressed to impress. Inside the 715 is a disco ball and an old photo booth. We took advantage of both of these bad babies while we waited for the pizza to be cooked! 

We also made good use of 715’s sick martini glass sign out front and the setting sun. 

When pizza was ready, we popped out back (715 has a patio with a pizza bar! so rad) and went to finish up our shoot with some lovely pizza eating, feeding, and smiles! 

If you’re looking for a different kind of shoot, talking with your photographer is absolutely a collaboration I recommend! We are open to creative ideas and making them come to life. I’m so happy I got to work with these two! 

It’s fall and HOLY cow, I’m stoked on the weather, the trees changing, the fact that I’m not sweating anymore at a weddings and am just absolutely BLOWN away by the weddings from this season! I’m trying to do a recap every week so y’all can see just what I mean by how AWESOME a fall wedding is here in Colorado. So let’s dive into Caity & Mike’s! 

Caity and Mike’s wedding at The Riverbend at the Lyon’s Farmette was one for the record books. I just want to state that they found me through Cherry Bomb Events owner, Shayna Paptke, who I absolutely ADORE and love working with. They had told Shayna about all of their rock climbing adventures and she sent them my way. Shayna is a matchmaker like that, knowing that I’m a huge rock climber, having photographer rock climbing and coaching youth climbing for quite some years, she just knew our connection would be instant and it was! We all bonded quickly on our love for the rocks, getting outside and creating beautiful imagery. That’s what inspired their rock climbing photo above, and why I wanted to touch upon that immediately because it was a such a huge part of how Caity & Mike met and really embraces the importance trust, partnership and love in their relationship. 

Anywho, check out the super rad day that they created with Shayna. Filled with family and friends, the LARGEST wedding crew I’ve ever had, beautiful views, super rad table scapes, gorgeous florals and of course, a SILENT DISCO. WHAT?! Enjoy the beauty, the love, and the awesome ideas that came together to ensure one badass celebration of Caity & Mike’s love :) 

Thanks to the summer vibes of the new Harry Styles album,  flared jeans and crochet tops coming back into style, and the movie Licorice Pizza reminding us of the good ol’ days, the 70’s are BACK and this gal couldn’t be happier! With this resurgence of 70s nostalgia comes weddings and celebrations that mirror the same!  I just shot a wedding that embodied the beauty of a laid back, low key 70’s themed wedding without breaking the bank and I think the internet needs to know about it and see how you too can get creative with your 70s themed wedding without spending oodles of money! 

Detail of Jaime’s suit and Sam’s Crochet Dress

It all started with Sam & Jaime reaching out to me. They liked my style and I loved their humor, love, and warmth that they exuded in our conversation. It turns out, Sam is ALSO a teacher in the same school district as I am, so I couldn’t say no. Btw - shameless plug here - if you are a teacher and want family photographs, I give teacher discounts! 

Within out first chat conversation, Sam & Jaime said they had planned a 70s themed wedding and wanted that to come through in photos. The couple explained they had a few ideas up their sleeves, but didn’t spill all the beans, so I was excited for their day purely because of these decorative surprises! 

Jaime looking dashing in a white suit - a first for me to photograph! So cool.

Sam looking gorgeous in her lace adored dress (rumored to be off of amazon - what?!) and her gorgeous bouquet with crocheted cream ribbon.

Flash forward to day of - I showed up that Sam & Jaime’s family’s Denver condominium, where the community space was our venue for the day, and I was greeted with at patio filled with disco balloons set up on the guest dinner tables and a step and repeat with a Studio 54-esque backdrop, as well as a family member photographing guests with a polaroid for fun memorable photos and take home keepsakes from the day. What a cool way to enter a party and welcome guests! 

Disco ball center piece balloons

Disco ball center piece balloons scattered throughout the reception tables.

Step & Repeat was a blast!

The disco floor background really popped everyone’s fun outfit for the polaroid pics!

Amazing sister of the bride rocking that photographer pose.

A few outfits of guests and family.

Flaunting the bell bottoms and Farrah Fawcett hair like champs!

The disco ball balloons and the Studio 54 backdrop were fun and versatile for the whole day. During the cocktail hour, reception and dinner, the disco ball balloons served as decorations but when it came time for cake cutting, speeches and dancing, the disco balls transitioned to either side of the backdrop and created a new space for Sam & Jaime and their guest to party. So if you are working with an open space and have the ability to move around your decorations, by all means, grab a few people and outline an area with balloons for dancing! It creates a new depth and intentional space for everyone to gather once dinner is over and the party begins. 

Using the condominium’s green space was also an important part of Sam & Jaime’s wedding. They rented a few chairs and set up a little aisle next the community space where reception will be held. This allowed easy movement for all family & friends, as well as a great space for kids to run around and play in as the adults relaxed. They specifically told their guests to dress in 70s themed garb and they did not disappoint! Even their officiant, Sam’s brother, showed up in head to toe hippie costume to ensure the guests were INTO it all. Each person who had a part in the wedding were on point with their outfits and really helped to keep the theme cohesive and fun for the wedding party and their guests. 

OH! And the arch. I can not STRESS how amazing their ceremony arch was. Not only was it a beautiful yellow and on brand with the small disco balls, it was also an awesome backdrop for the sweetheart table that Sam & Jaime had in the reception. Again, another versatile decoration that can be transformed and transitioned with ease! Something to truly keep in mind for your day if you are trying to keep it more DIY and save that extra cash for something else! 

The last thing that really pulled together Sam & Jaime’s dream of a 70s wedding were small details scattered about on like center pieces on dinner tables, guest book information and even a crocheted ribbon on Sam’s wedding bouquet. 

With ALL of that, I highly suggest pulling the following ideas from Sam & Jaime’s 70s wedding: 

      1) Disco Ball & Disco Ball Balloons! 

      2) Studio 54 Discotech Backdrop

      3) Sparkly table clothes, golden goodie bags, golden frames with printed Disco Ball & 70s font 

      4) White detailed Men’s Suit & Crochet wedding dress with fringe 

Once again, this subtle pattern on a mens white suit paired with Sam’s lace flared sleeved blend so beautifully together in photographs. I’m obsessed!

At the end of the day, it’s not about how much you spent on your wedding. It’s about the time you get to spend celebrating your love with your partner, your family and your friends. Finding fun ways to add flair and versatility is key for creating different spaces in your venue while ensuring you don’t go overboard. Follow Sam & Jaime’s footsteps and you’re guaranteed for an unforgettable 70s wedding. 

Rich & Billie Jo’s gorgeous late June Silverthorne Pavillion wedding in Silverthorne, Colorado (Ute Land) was one for the record books! I’m so honored I was chosen to photograph their beautiful day, filled with family and friends. This is one of my couples that I’ve felt instant connection with and KNEW we were going to have the best wedding day ever. 

     Both Rich & Billie Jo are teachers in Colorado, and much like myself, Rich teaches Art! We all bonded over the crazyness 2021 brought as a school year over outdoor coffee and tea at Starbucks, and even set up a time for Rich to take my husband fishing for his birthday (one week before their wedding!) Rich is an EXCELLENT fisherman and fishing guide and you will see why I mention this later in my post! Anyways, needly to say, I was stoked for their wedding day. 

   When it finally came around I met Bille Jo at her Airbnb just up the hill from the Silverthorne Pavillion, where Billie Jo, her dearest friends and family and step-daughter to be, Julia, all spent the morning getting Billie Jo all set up. We were also lucky to find a gorgeous secret spot to take scenic Summit County mountain photos behind their Airbnb (seriously I want to live in this lil outcove!)

            We then headed down to the Pavillion where Billie Jo was whisked away to the bridal suite while I went to find Rich, his son Josh and his all his friends who had finished up their early morning fishing in the Blue River (with a major rainbow trout catch!) and had gotten all dolled up for the ceremony. Julia walked in before me to see her dad, and instantly we all got mushy and teary eyed with their embrace! There’s nothing like watching your dad get married to the person they love the most. 

   From there our ceremony started out in front of the Blue River with Summit County mountain views, the warmth of sunshine, and the beaming love of all who attended. You can tell the laughter and love from their community really help to shape who Rich & Billie Jo are. I’m so honored to have spent time with their families in this moment. 

     Post ceremony, Rich & Billie Jo wanted to have their own special moment together back at the airbnb, so we took a quick 5 minute drive back up the hill and went to the secret out cove with those scenic mountain views for some couples portraits and I think this is literally the best Summit County mountain view spot I have yet to find! 

     After the quiet moment, we zipped back down for the reception! Where a memorial table set up near the dance floor allowed for guests to pay respects to those we wished could have joined us, Bille Jo did her Father Daughter dance with all FOUR of her brothers to one song, which again, left us all teary eyed right until the very end where “I like Big Butts” came on and Billie Jo & her brother really got the party started! 

    And with the last bit of light, Billie Jo & Rich wanted to escape the crowds one last time for some sweet sunset photos near the Blue River. I love the Silverthorne Pavillion because the Blue River is RIGHT off the property and it takes mere seconds to go from shaking your booty to taking in a deep breath of that fresh summer mountain air! 

   I’m so happy I was able to be apart of Billie Jo & Rich’s wedding day and gain some new friends while I was at it! Seriously, if you’re considering the Silverthorne Pavillion, we all highly suggest it! The location is easy to get to off of I-70 for those from out of town, it’s located nestled between river, small town vibes and mountains, so getting those iconic Summit County shots is more than doable as long as you have a car and getting your fish on is possible on the morning of your wedding! Highly recommended from us here at Simone Schiess Photography! 

Caroline and Brad’s late summer/early fall Wash Park wedding was nothing short of AHMAZING, including a first look, a jaunt through the Mount Vernon Garden, and a reception at the Wash Park boat house! 

We started out at the Caroline’s Airbnb for getting ready photos, about a 5 minute drive from Washington Park (fondly known as Wash Park) in downtown Denver. I love when couples find gorgeous homes to get ready in. The outdoor space was beautiful with a small garden space and unique gateway to hang bride Caroline’s dress. Caroline and her sisters, mother and cousins all gathered in the beautiful open air bedroom to bathroom space to get dolled up while I played around with details. Putting on Caroline’s dress was so special and sweet, with her mom and all of her sisters around her. The feminine energy was beautiful and bold and made me wish I had sisters! (Just kidding I love my brothers). 

We then set off in my car to Mount Vernon Garden for a first look with Brad, who was happily hanging out in the park that he and Caroline first met in. Brad and Caroline are both huge runners, so it was only fitting that they got married at where they first met in a running meetup group! When we got there, excited ensued and we got to take in a lot of extra time to relax, chat, and of course have fun with our first look shots. 

We then made our way to ceremony spot in Washington Park, where close friends & family gathered to celebrate the union of these two love birds. It was a gorgeous Denver day, sunny, a little wind to cool us all down, and a few clouds to give us a break from the sun. We all hung out inside of the Boat House where bridal party put on their boutonnieres, mamas put on corsages and we all shared some snacks. It was a nice quiet moment before the ceremony. To ensure there was an element of surprise, Caroline hired a Pedicab to take her from the BoatHouse down to the ceremony so no one would be able to sneak a peak of her prior to walking down the aisle. It was so cool! Loved the Pedicab dude too. I wish I remembered his name. Will ask Caroline!

After the ceremony, the Peddy Cab came back around and grabbed Caroline & Brad at the end of the aisle and whisked them away for a ride around the park and quiet moment to really settle into the “WE ARE MARRIED!!” feeling. 

Huge thanks to Caroline & Brad for choosing me to safely take photos of their big day and to Cherry Bomb Events for putting on on heck of a party!