Brianna and Niko's Wedding at the Pinery in Colorado Springs

I met these two babes at Lauren and Brady’s wedding last year. Brianna was one of Lauren’s bridesmaids and we became fast friends. When it came time to plan for their big day in Colorado, she asked if I’d be willing to travel…

Well, rather than giving her a 300 page book on why traveling is my favorite, I simply said, of course, and well now I get to tell you about how AMAZING Colorado weddings are!

If you know me at all, you know I’m not a big fan of cold weather. I know, I know, I grew up in the mountains and should therefore love it, but well, I don’t, so there. HOWEVER, I love these two and I would go ANYWHERE for them! Colorado in February sounded a little scary, but we just planned for me to be there 2 days before the wedding just in case any in-climate weather messed with the flights, and then hoped for the best that I’d get there right on time and be able to capture a few quick couple photos at Pikes Peak as well as their rehearsal dinner if not.

The weather was kind and not only did Brianna get the fresh snow she’d hoped for, it was beautiful and sunny the whole weekend. After treating the wedding party to a Cog Train tour of Pikes Peak the celebrations began!

Brianna is so close to her family, she chose to do special moments with her mother, father and brothers and they were all so happy to share those moments with her. Of course the best moment was her first look with Niko. He couldn’t stop telling her how beautiful she looked and she kept saying everything felt calm now. All the stress that had built up over the weekend dissolved when she saw her groom and the rest of the day was pure joy.

Thank you guys for including me in your special day!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola

Venue, Catering, Florist, DJ and Coordination: The Pinery

The Dress: The Bridal Suite

The Suit: Mens Warehouse

Hair and Make Up: Jessica with Le Coquelicot

Barber: Lincoln St. Barber

Officiant: Kris Bowen

Video: Veiled Rose Films

Rehearsal: Bourbon Brother’s

Lauren and Justin's Wedding at Historic Mordecai Chapel

I met Lauren a decade ago when I first lived in Raleigh through one of my favorite couples, Brook and Chuck! When she organized an epic dance flash mob for their wedding I knew she was my kind of girl. She is a bright shining star and it was so fun to see her and Justin celebrate their day together. They were both so relaxed as they they made the preparations and full of laughter as they teased each other and flirted through their first look.

His brother Chris officiated their short ceremony at the Mordecai Chapel and they were on their way to celebrate with their friends and family at Caffe Luna Downtown.

In between the ceremony and dinner we drove to the top of a parking deck to capture the last of the sunset and a few new Mr. and Mrs. portraits. Raleigh is just so beautiful from this height and did not disappoint. We even waited for traffic to be just right in front of the restaurant so we could capture a slow shutter shot of the traffic moving behind them. I love it when my couples are willing to do whatever it takes to get the shot. Thank you guys for including me in your big day!! I wouldn’t have missed it for anything!