Navigating a Colorado Wedding and its Unexpected Storm

Colorado is filled with adventure, scenic views, and incredible love stories—just like Katie and Mike’s! However, their dream Colorado wedding day was hit with an unexpected snowstorm. It was a wild ride, especially because they married in May, not necessarily during the peak winter snow season. Katie and Mike were such great sports throughout the experience, and while it may not have been what they had planned, it made for some incredible memories!

Colorado wedding photographer captures couple holding hands after snowy winter wedding

An Intense Winter Storm

Colorado wedding photographer captures couple embracing while bride holds bridal bouquet

Colorado wedding photographer captures groom placing forehead against bride's hair

Severe winter weather rolled in, shutting down I70 and Loveland Pass in both directions. For those who don’t live in Colorado, there’s no way to get into the mountain towns when those roads are closed. For the first time in 15 years, I didn’t make it to a contracted wedding. Luckily, we quickly jumped into backup planning and found a local mountain photographer who could attend their snowy ceremony. It was an absolute miracle. Katie and Mike were so gracious throughout the experience.

The next morning, after their ceremony, I woke up at dawn to photograph some critical moments of their day. We captured the cake cutting, signing their marriage license, and taking beautiful sunny and snowy mountain portraits. I was so thankful to be able to capture some of their wedding memories still and be there to celebrate with them!

Colorado wedding photographer captures couple laughing after Colorado wedding

Intimate Colorado Wedding Memories

As a photographer specializing in elopements, I love capturing moments that couples may have in a traditional wedding for their elopement, whether that’s a first look, cake cutting, or a private vow reading. Katie and Mike read their handwritten vows to one another during our Colorado wedding portraits, and it was such a special moment between the two. They celebrated their future together, and each made promises to the most important person in their lives.

While things may not have gone according to plan, it was filled with love and happiness. This couple will have these incredible memories to look back on for years to come. Katie and Mike are an astonishing pair, and I think you can see that in the photos!