The setting was unbeatable: a summer valley tucked into a bowl of towering mountains deep in the Rockies. After bringing the camera to the welcome gathering, I'd gotten to know most of the wedding party and family members who'd be involved in the day. The stage was set.

The bride and groom did a pre-wedding shoot without fanfare that usually accompanies a wedding shoot. Just them and their dog on the morning before their wedding near their favorite lake. Coincidentally, near where they got engaged.

As the morning moved into afternoon, I moved to the house where the bride, groom, and party emmbers were getting ready. We took some classic shots, some "getting ready photos", but we also caught some quality candid moments of nerves and love and anticipation.

Then, everyone moved out.

The venue sat through a grove of aspen trees in an open space off of a public hiking trail. The Rocky Mountains rose in the background. Chairs and coolers spanned the open space, along with flowers and decor that friends and family had spent hours designing and preparing.

And everythinig looked perfect.

After the official "first look", the groom walked down the aisle, followed by the wedding party. And then, the bride.

The officiant blended humor and sincerity, making us all laugh and cry (just the right amount).

Vows. Rings. Kiss.

Celebration.

I trailed the bride and groom (and bridal party) as they walked a mile along a hiking trail and dropped into the old mountain town. The reception was already under way at the one-time saloon.

Appetizers and signature cocktails along an old bar top cemented the mountain wedding vibe.

After dinner, speeches brought up hilarious memories and genuine sentiments of gratitude, appreication, and wishes for building a joyful life together.

And then, the dancing started. The DJ served up some classic crowd favorites that got everyone on the dance floor, along with some insider dedications. As the music played on, everyone jumped in, and everyone enjoyed their time celebrating love.