I had the opportunity to photograph Amber & Matt’s wedding this month. Amber is so sweet and when I met Matt, it was no surprise that these two are a match. They are so cute, and nice, and you can just feel the love between them. When I arrived at Pinehurst Country Club in Denver early that afternoon, the sky was dark, it was windy and it started to rain…. I was panicking inside a bit because I had imagined a beautiful outdoor ceremony and bride/groom photos on the golf course. I just knew the pictures would not be what Amber had dreamed of if we had to move everything inside. When you’re photographing a wedding you have to be ready for anything (including bad weather) and I was. I brought umbrellas, flashes, a video light, extra batteries, lots of CF cards, framed chalk boards, big J-U-S-T-M-A-R-R-I-E-D letters, a burlap L-O-V-E banner, lists (lots of lists) and of course, an emergency kit of hair spray, ibuprofen, etc. Let’s just say I was prepared… but so desperately hoping the weather would clear up. About an hour before the ceremony it was cloudy but not too windy and not raining. Amber was asked to make the call, inside or out. The wedding took place outside and we got out to the golf course in a golf cart limo!! It started raining a bit but we got an adorable shot of the Mr. and Mrs. under my umbrella and under a large tree (there was no lightning). I feel like I’ve known these two for so much longer than I have and I teared up when I read their story in Amber’s words and she has allowed me to share….. Enjoy!!
“Matt and I both grew up in Littleton and lived two miles apart throughout our childhood. We went to rival high schools and we knew a lot of the same people, however, we didn’t know of each other and had never met. Fast forward ten years, Matt and I are established in our careers in commercial lending. Matt works for a local bank and I work for a non-profit and our companies do business together. One of Matt’s co-workers and I had been working on a project together and he asked if I wanted to go to lunch. Little did I know, he secretly wanted to introduce the two of us. After that lunch, we seemed to always run into each other at work functions or out on the town in Denver. Finally, one day after a lunch meeting, he asked for my number. After a little persuasion, I gave it to him. On our first date, he took me to dinner and a Nuggets game. That night, I knew there was something special about Matt. We talked in his car after the game for hours about our families, work and what we want out of life. We also sang Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” at the top of our lungs and he serenaded me with Aladdin’s “A Whole New World.” From that night, I knew there was something special about him! I loved his passion for life, his genuine care for people and his huge heart. I knew he was one in a million and he swept me off my feet! I was madly in love shortly after our first date.
Matt and I always knew that marriage was in our future but we never really discussed it seriously. One weekend in June of 2011, Matt and I were hiking at Red Rocks, which is one of my favorite places. We were hiking and stopped on one of the rocks that overlooks Denver when Matt got down on his knee and asked me to be his wife. I was completely surprised and I immediately said YES! I couldn’t imagine my life without him and was so honored he wanted me to be his wife! So, the planning began for our special day. Although I didn’t enjoy a lot of the planning aspect of the wedding, when the day finally got here, I didn’t want it to end.
On the morning of the wedding, I wrote Matt a card. I wanted to write it the day of the wedding so that my real emotions were expressed. The minute I started writing, I broke down in tears. The tears were of joy and happiness for the love and life that Matt and I have shared over the last three plus years…. And the greatest gift is knowing that the best is yet to come! Matt truly completes me and when he wraps me in his arms, I feel so secure in knowing that we share a very unique love for one another. He is my soul mate and best friend.
After getting ready all day, I was so nervous for the actual walk down the aisle. My dad and I shared a very special moment and he calmed my nerves. The minute I saw Matt waiting for me at the end of the aisle, I was comforted knowing I was marrying the man of my dreams. Matt’s Uncle Marvin was the officiant of our ceremony and actually married Matt’s parents 37 years ago! We were delighted he was able to marry us as well. We were so blessed to have many family members travel to be with us for our special day and were surrounded by many of the people who have shaped our lives. During our first dance, Matt and I had not planned on doing the “Dirty Dancing lift” but halfway through the song, he told me we were going to do it. So, with no practice and on a whim, we did it! The wedding was spectacular and was true to what Matt and I believe in…. family, friends and a great time! We danced the night away and celebrated the love that we share and the start of our new lives together. We are so fortunate to have so many wonderful friends and family who have been there for us through this wonderful time in our lives and greatly appreciate all of the love and support.”
To see more and a video of the “Dirty Dancing” lift…. watch the video slideshow below:
Amber & Matt, thank you for including me in your very special day! Here I am with the father of the bride 
