Rachael & Devinne: Annapolis Wedding

I feel so lucky to have been asked to photograph Rachael & Devinne’s June wedding on the eastern shore of Maryland in Annapolis. I’ve known Rachael since she was a little girl (I even photographed her Bat Mitzvah!) so I felt like a proud “auntie” seeing how much she’s grown and what a beautiful relationship her and Devinne have made for each other.

The two met in high school through a mutual love of sports and basketball. As they grew up they grew together even more. Their commitment to supporting who each other is as an individual is wise beyond their years and truly heartwarming to be in the presence of. They are committed to keeping family in the forefront of everything they do and their two families are clearly already well blended together in support of their relationship.

Since I moved to Colorado in 2017, it was really nice to be back in the greater DC area for a visit but it was also a fun change to get back to a humongous celebration! So many of my weddings in Colorado are on a smaller scale, it had been a minute since I’d had the opportunity to photograph one this large. I had a blast getting ready with everyone, enjoying the bay breeze as we did portraits, and the joyous energy everyone had throughout the reception. It was a true party!

Stacey and Ryan's Wedding Celebration: Warren Station, Keystone

One of the things I love about Ryan and Stacey is how adorably in love they are—and they’ve been married for more than two years already! These two independent spirits eloped and got married in their own, personal way a few years back. They wanted something that was just for them. However, they also have friends and family they love dearly and wanted to share the joy with them as well. Although it was a longer road to get to the party, they finally decided on Keystone Resort’s Warren Station being the spot to beckon their loved ones out to celebrate.

I met Ryan and Stacey at “their” spot on Lake Dillon before the festivities started for a few photos. Then we went to another location on the lake to meet Ryan’s family for a large family photo with a backdrop that just couldn’t be beat. Then we headed over to Keystone to meetup with Stacey’s family among the cozy aspen groves. I really love when clients are as “in” to different locations as I am. I find it super refreshing and fun to offer a variety of looks and settings to my clients. Even when time is tight, I’m always searching for ways that the scenery can look different and have variety.

After some heartfelt toasts from close friends, Ryan and Stacey kicked off the evening with a super sweet first dance. The joy on their faces is something I wish for everyone when they look at their partner. After their dance and welcome speech their celebration continued into the night with their loved ones—complete with games at each table for their guests to relax and have fun with! Such a cute idea for more relaxed celebrations…I totally wanted to grab a chair, some wine, and join in on the fun with the guests! LoL!

Check out their photos below!

Vendor Role Call:

Venue: Warren Station, Keystone Resort

Catering: The Modern Edge

Ashley & Eric's Self Solemnizing Ceremony on Lake Dillon

When Ashley first contacted me to shoot photos of her and Eric’s self affirmation ceremony I was super excited. Self affirmation ceremonies are a little like unicorns in the wedding industry. It’s this fantastic idea that’s wholly romantic yet very elusive and rarely seen. I love the idea of two people coming together with literally nothing else mattering but their vows to each other. No fuss. No huge expense. Just very personal and meaningful.

Given the levity of self affirmation ceremonies, the honor of photographing them isn’t lost on me. As the singular witness to this beautiful moment, the task to capture it faithfully and beautifully falls soley on me. There’s no guest stories and memories of the day, just Ashley & Eric’s experience and my photos. I had an awesome time with these two hiking Tenderfoot Mountain in Dillon, Colorado to the spot they chose for this occasion. We journeyed through aspen groves and under towering lodgepole pines to get to the overlook with breathtaking 180 degree views from Keystone mountain, to the Tenmile Range, to Buffalo Mountain in Silverthorne.

Check out their photos below and leave them some love in the comments!