Denver Engagement Portrait In The City

Millenium bridge kiss.  Denver engagement portrait photographer.

'Tis the season for engagement photos!  The smell of roses and lust over giant chocolate hearts have faded as Valentine's Day has passed.  Yet the many proposals and "I do's" that come from it create quite the buzz around Elevate.  We are happily meeting and booking new couples every day! 

Becca and Jason recently joined me in downtown Denver for a romp around the city.  They are getting married this August at the beautiful Hudson Gardens.  We recently reviewed the space at Hudson Gardens through a photographer's perspective.  You can check it out here.

After our adventure to the Center for Performing Arts, Larimer street and the Millenium Bridge, Becca and Jason rewarded themselves for a great shoot by grabbing a slice of pizza at Anthony's near River Front Park.  I couldn't resist joining them and sneaking in a few shots of them and their ham and pineapple pizza.  See some of my favorite shots below and click here to see the rest from Becca and Jason's shoot.

Thanks guys!

Denver Performing Arts Complex.  Colorado urban engagement session.

 Laugh in the courtyard.  Denver engagement portrait photographer.

 Love in the elevator!  Downtown Denver engagement portrait.

 Denver Performing Arts Complex. Engagement portrait photographer.

 Urban engagement portrait. Colorado portrait photographer.

 Kiss in the alley.  Engagment portrait photography.

Millenium Bridge portrait near River Front Park in Denver.

Sunset kiss near LoDo in Denver.

Who can take the bigger bite? Engagement portrait at Anthony's pizza.

Sanctuary - Sedalia, Colorado - Wedding Location Review

Walking to the clubhouse at Sanctuary.

Sanctuary is located south of Denver near Castle Pines in Sedalia, Colorado.  From the moment you drive through the gated entrance and see the grand stone clubhouse, you get a sense of the beauty and luxury of this location.  Sanctuary consists of a golf course that is nestled into the surrounding countryside and a clubhouse with towering ceilings and a beautiful fireplace as its centerpiece.  The property is full of picturesque views of the golf course and the Colorado foothills.  From a photographer's perspective, there are endless opportunities for memorable photos. 

Sanctuary sets itself a part from many other golf course locations because it was initially designed with weddings and large events in mind.  You can not only entertain many guests, but you can do it in spacious and luxurious surroundings that don't feel "retrofitted" for a wedding.  The pavillion, where most ceremonies are held, can seat 250 people and the clubhouse can have 200 people for a seated dinner.  If you want a more relaxed reception and no seating is required, you can have up to 350 people.

You'll get ready for your wedding in the clubhouse's spacious locker rooms while being served upscale snacks and beverages by one of Colorado's most attentive staffs.  The wood lockers and leather furniture make a great backdrop for your getting ready photos.  Sanctuary has paid attention to every detail, from having hooks in the perfect location to hang your dress to full length mirrors that make for great bridal portraits.

Ceremonies are typically held in the pavillion where you can have your theater-style ceremony.  As your guests watch you recite your vows they can admire Pikes Peak in the distance.  The pavillion is covered from the elements so that no matter what the weather might be your guests will be comfortable. 

The grounds surrounding the clubhouse give the photographer plenty of choices when it comes to locations. The prime location for family photos and some wedding party photos is on the grass just west of the clubhouse.  If you take the short walk down the hill to the nearest green, there is a beautiful waterfall that makes the perfect backdrop.  You can also walk to the elevated tee boxes that have towering views of the foothills.  Just strolling down some of the golf course cart paths can make for great photo ops.  Sanctuary doesn't allow golfing during weddings so you never have to worry about getting hit by an oncoming cart or ball.

If you are having your wedding on a day that the weather isn't perfect, there are some great places for photography around and inside the clubhouse as well.  The best location is a hallway on the east side of the building.  It gets great natural light throughout the day. The walkway from the clubhouse to the pavillion, which is covered, also makes for a great setting for some fun and creative photos.

Cocktail hours and receptions are always wonderful in the clubhouse and on the surrounding patio.  During the summer a photographer can take candids of guests using the beautiful evening light from the sun in the west.  If it is important to you to capture as many candids as possible, you'll want to be sure to have two photographers.  One that is taking photos of your guests while the other one is taking the photos of you and your wedding party.

Sanctuary caters weddings on-site. The classically-trained culinary chefs and skilled banquet staff are among the best in preparation and presentation.  Dinners are always very elegant affairs with wonderful food and a great atmosphere.

After dinner you'll want to be sure to step outside to get photos with the amazing sunsets that can be viewed from the deck.  After that you can dance the night away in either the pavillion or clubhouse.

Check out some of our images below from Sanctuary and click here to see more.

Elevate Photography has a great relationship with the staff of Sanctuary and as a prefered vendor has photographed many memorable weddings at this wonderful location.  You can see more of our work from Sanctuary in our location portfolio.  If you are looking to have you wedding there, contact us today so we can use our experience at Sanctuary to document your special day! 303.744.6700

 Locker Rooms

The bride's dress hanging up in the women's locker room at Sanctuary.

 

Friends and family in the men's locker room at Sanctuary.

A bridal portrait in front of a full length mirror at Sanctuary.

The Pavillion

A wedding ceremony in the pavillion at Sanctuary.

Looking back up the aisle towards the fireplace in the pavillion at Sanctuary.

The bride and groom have their first dance in the pavillion at Sanctuary.

Locations Near the Clubhouse

The bride and groom share a laugh in front of the waterfall at Sanctuary.

Walking up a cart path at Sanctuary.

The groom and his groomsmen on the grass west of the clubhouse at Sanctuary.

The bride and groom kiss with the beautiful surroundings around them at Sanctuary.

The Clubhouse

Bride and her maid of honor walk back into the clubhouse at Sanctuary.

Sharing a moment in the east hallway at Sanctuary.

The east hallway at Sanctuary.

The clubhouse set up for dinner at Sanctuary.

The cake in front of Sanctuary's grand fireplace.

A band performs in the clubhouse at Sanctuary.

Hudson Gardens, Littleton, Colorado - Wedding Reception and Ceremony Review

Bride and groom on bridge near Monet's Place at Hudson Gardens.

Hudson Gardens is located 12 miles southwest of downtown Denver in Littleton, Colorado.  During the summer, the gardens are bustling with activity from weddings, concerts and 5k runs to reunions and corporate events. 
The beautiful gardens encompass over 30 acres of land nestled up against the South Platte River and offer up a host of photo opportunities.  The bridges, ponds, fountains and much more give the bridge and groom endless possibilities for memorable photos.

There are multiple locations on the property to host a wedding.  The Inn, Garden Center and Welcome Garden are the three possible reception locations.  In addition to these facilities, there are multiple locations for outdoor ceremonies.  The two most popular are the Rose Garden and Monet's Place.  Hudson Gardens is most proud of the newly developed Monet's Place.  It is set far away from the parking lot and nearby busy Santa Fe.   The ceremony takes place steps away from a meandering pond under grand trees.  It is impossible to take bad pictures here.  The nearby Welcome Garden Pavilion is closest to this ceremony location.   

The Rose Garden is equally as popular.  The ceremony takes place in front of a large fountain surrounded by rose bushes.  Guests are seated in an open lawn with meticulously kept gardens surrounding them.  The Garden Canopy is the nearest reception location.  Processionals are most dramatic here.  The father and bride appear over a small hill and weave through a garden to enter the ceremony. 

The Garden Canopy and Welcome Garden are large well kept tents.  The space is clean and simple, a blank slate for you to make the space your own.  These spaces show best when couples take time to include fitting centerpieces and decor.  Photographers love shooting in these spaces because of the pleasing natural lighting.  During the day, a soft diffused light floods the space.  At night during dancing it is easy to bounce flash up into the tent to diffuse light.

There are designated rooms for the bridal party to get ready, but they can be a little small for larger bridal parties.  Having a photographer that knows how to work in a smaller space will make the best of the challenging shooting situation.

Hudson Gardens only offers buffet service because of the limited cooking facilities.  The caterers that they use have always impressed me with their presentation.  Because of the open space, there are restrictions on noise level during the reception.  There is also curfew that limits the length of the reception to a reasonable hour.       

Couples looking for a garden themed wedding will not be disappointed at Hudson Gardens.  Summer weddings will obviously show the best because of flowers being in bloom.  There are endless opportunities for unique settings for portraits. The locations for ceremonies outdoors have little to no shade.  During the heat of summer, it would be smart to provide fans and water for guests and possibly parasols for the bridesmaids (super fun to photograph).

Check out some of the images below from Hudson Gardens and click here to see more along with many other Colorado wedding locations.

Elevate Photography has photographed many memorable weddings at this wonderful location.  You can see more of our work from Hudson Gardens in our location portfolio.  If you are looking to have you wedding there, contact us today so we can use our experience at Hudson Gardens to document your special day! 303.744.6700

Monet's Place

Wedding ceremony held in Monet's Place at Hudson Gardens.

Wedding guests at Monet's Place at Hudson Gardens.

Bride and groom at the pond near Monet's Place at Hudson Gardens.

Welcome Garden Pavillion

Welcome Pavilion entrance at Hudson Gardens.

Lush foliage of the Welcome Pavilion at Hudson Gardens.

Bride and grooms first dance in the Welcome Pavilion at Hudson Gardens. 

Rose Garden

Processional into ceremony at the Rose Garden in Hudson Gardens.

Summer wedding ceremony at the Rose Garden at Hudson Gardens.

Bride and Groom walking by fountain in Rose Garden of Hudson Gardens.

 Bride and Groom under lamp post near Rose Garden at Hudson Gardens.

Garden Canopy

 Wedding reception at the Garden Canopy at Hudson Gardens. 

First dance at reception in Garden Canopy at Hudson Gardens.

Grand exit from the garden canopy at Hudson Gardens.

Portrait Locations

Hill near amphitheater and Welcome Garden at Hudson Gardens.

Bride on lawn of Hudson Gardens. 

Bride and Groom at dusk Hudson Gardens.

Denver Engagement Portrait In The City

I am excited that the majority of my 2010 wedding couples are doing an engagement session in addition to their wedding day coverage.  It gives me a chance to reveal each couple's style and personality.  It makes it that much easier to tap into the story of their wedding day when it arrives.  The latest couple to join the Elevate crew is Stephanie and Mark.  They are tying the knot at Boettcher Mansion this July.  

If you are a regular blog follower, you know by now how much we enjoy shooting there.  See the Boettcher Mansion review here. To contrast with the tranquil woodsy setting of Boettcher, Stephanie and Mark wanted to have an urban feel to their engagement session.  We started out at Riverfront Park in Denver on a sunny winter afternoon. Stephanie proudly sported a bouquet of beautiful flowers while her and Mark walked the streets of LoDo.  We walked pass the Museum of Contemporary Art and I couldn't resist photographing them under the flashy pierced heart by Tim Noble and Sue Webster.  You can read more about the piece here. 

Stephanie comes from a family of wedding photographers so it comes naturally to be a ham for the camera (I love ham!)  I was honored that she chose me as her photographer knowing her connections.  When I suggested we grab a cup of coffee to warm up from the brisk afternoon, they jumped at the opportunity.  We stopped in a cafe on 16th street mall. We found a spot next to a large window that flooded the room with beautiful light.  Check out some of those great shots below and click here to see the rest of the shoot.

Thanks Stephanie and Mark!

Engagement portrait at Riverfront Park.  Denver portrait photographer. 

 Kiss under the arch in downtown Denver.  Engagement portrait photographer.

Portrait at the Museum of Contemporary Art.  Denver engagement portrait. 

 Engagement portrait in downtown Denver.

 Urban engagement portrait in Denver.

Embrace by the river in downtown Denver. 

 Kiss at the cafe.  Denver engagement portrait photographer.

 Flirting at the cafe.  Denver portrait photographer.

 Beautifully lit cafe in Denver.  Urban engagement portrait photography.

 16th street mall.  Denver portrait photography.

 Walking in the city streets.  Denver engagement portrait photography.

 Jump! Engagement portrait on the Millennium Bridge in Denver.

Boettcher Mansion Golden, Colorado - Wedding Reception and Ceremony Location

Boettcher Mansion on Lookout Mountain in Golden, Colorado.

Boettcher Mansion is located 20 minutes west of Denver on Lookout Mountain.  The arts and crafts style mansion has been a part of Colorado history since 1917 and has hosted many beautiful weddings since 1975.

A couple searching for an intimate wedding location with a mountain feel (without a two hour drive up I-70) will appreciate the Boettcher.  The mansion is a quintessential Colorado locale featuring stone walls, high ceilings and wood beams. The woods surrounding the mansion providing endless opportunities for unique portraits and in the afternoon the light filters beautifully through the trees.

Boettcher's bridal suite is located on the main floor and is surrounded by windows that flood the room with ambient light.  Both the bride and groom's accomodations are spacious and furnished with unique pieces.  The full-length mirror in the bridal suite is perfect for wonderful portraits.

Ceremonies are held on the Fireside Patio on the south side of the mansion or inside the Fireside Room.  The Fireside Patio provide fabulous view of the surrounding woods.  It is relatively shallow but very wide.  The Fireside Room is a great option for winter wedding or as an alternative to the patio if the weather turns.  The vaulted ceilings with grand chandeliers and walls adorned with stone all enhance the romantic feel of Boettcher.  If the ceremony is held in the evening, it is important that the photographer be comfortable shooting in low light. 

The large, stone gazebo on the west side of the mansion is a unique feature of Boettcher.  It's a perfect backdrop for creative and fun pictures of the bride and groom or even the entire bridal party. 

Just a three-minute walk from the mansion is a clearing that offers a sweeping view from Lookout Mountain out to the front range. Sunsets here can be especially amazing.  The short hike off the side of the road to the lookout point is a bit steep.  It would be smart for the bride to be ready to change out of her heels into flats that make it easier to navigate the rocks.   

Lookout Mountain is also the location for many of Denver's communication towers.  It is important for the photographer to be aware of their surroundings when composing images so they can not include the power lines and antennas.  

The mansion is a great place to hold a seated dinner for 100 people or less.  Dinner is typically served buffet style in an area adjacent to the Fireside Room.  Couples can work with a selection of vendors that are familiar with Boettcher's facilities to create their menu.  The on-site staff are very knowledgable and can help couples best take advantage of the mansion.

Following dinner it is usually necessary for a few tables to be cleared out to make space for dancing.  The stately chandeliers add depth and light to the large space. 

Boettcher has a connection with Ken Hiatt from Quality Mobile Sound.  Ken outfitted the entire property with speakers and wireless microphones.  Because of the large stone covered space of the Fireside Room, it is difficult for a dj with regular speaker stands to handle the acoustics of the room.  Ken has mastered the space and has a special package that pairs his services with Boettcher's.

Elevate Photography has photographed many memorable weddings at this wonderful location.  You can see more of our work from Boettcher Mansion in our location portfolio.  If you are looking to have you wedding there, contact us today so we can use our experience at Boettcher Mansion to document your special day! 303.744.6700

Boettcher Mansion

Bride looking out to the Fireside Patio at Boettcher Mansion.

Bridal Suite

Dress and shoes beautifully lit in the bridal suite in Boettcher Mansion.

Wedding dress reflected in decorative mirror of the bridal suite in Boettcher Mansion.

Bridal portrait in front of mirror of the bridal suite in Boettcher Mansion.

Wedding Ceremonies

A view from the back of the ceremony on the Fireside Patio at Boettcher Mansion.

Wedding vows on the Fireside Patio at Boettcher Mansion.

Indoor ceremony in the Fireside Room at Boettcher Mansion.

Indoor winter ceremony in the Fireside Room at Boettcher Mansion.

The Gazebo

 Bride and groom enjoying the view from the gazebo at Boettcher Mansion.

Bride and groom sharing a laugh in the gazebo at Boettcher Mansion.

Views From Lookout Mountain

Kisses overlooking the front range, near Boettcher Mansion.

Sunset kiss on Lookout Mountain near Boettcher Mansion.

The Woods

Bride and groom walking through the woods next to Boettcher Mansion.

Groom and groomsmen marching through the woods at Boettcher Mansion.

Wedding party in the woods next to Boettcher Mansion.

Wedding party in the woods next to Boettcher Mansion.

Wedding Receptions in the Fireside Room

Table setting and chandeliers in the Fireside Room at Boettcher Mansion.

Guests dancing in the Fireside Room at Boettcher Mansion.

First dance during the reception at Boettcher Mansion.

 Bride and groom end the night with a kiss at the entrance to the Fireside Room at Boettcher Mansion.