Words truly can’t describe this beautiful Pinery at the Hill Intimate Wedding in Colorado Springs, where I was both a bridesmaid and a wedding photographer! Leading up to this date, I was nervous yet excited. I knew I could handle the photographer side of the day, but I wasn’t quite sure how I could include myself as the bridesmaid as well. See, I’ve known this beautiful bride since we were in the first or second grade, and we have been through so many life experiences together! Last January of 2016, I flew out to take engagement photos of Jess and Tommy as a wedding gift, and low and behold.. they hired me as their wedding photographer as well!
After I found out I was going to be a bridesmaid, I knew it was time to start researching what other photographers had done. There was no way I was the only one to do this right?! Well, it turned out I was right. Numerous other ladies went through the same thing that I was about to do, and I knew having a second shooter would help me tremendously through this.
Turns out, playing both roles wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be! Of course there were some photos I missed out on being a part of, but as a whole I got to be in the important moments!
So let’s get started with wedding prep!
Prep began on the top floor of this beautiful Downtown Colorado Springs venue, and it was seriously one of the prettiest rooms I’ve ever seen!
Jess mentioned that she pretty much booked this venue because of the beautiful blue room! I can completely see why, and I’m so glad I was able to be the one to photograph it because um… it was gorgeous! It was such a fun experience getting to capture one of my best friend’s getting ready for her big wedding day, while also getting to be a part of the day thanks to some timed shots, and a helpful second shooter.
Tommy and the guys kept it pretty casual during their prep time. Not very many of them drank beers, but they all enjoyed a few good laughs, and the comfort of this sweet Grooms Prep room!
We decided that a first look would be a great idea, so that we would have plenty of time before the ceremony to capture the bridal party, and have plenty of time after the ceremony to grab family portraits as well as bride and groom portraits away from the venue. I’m so glad we were able to make this happen, as it made for a much smoother day!
One thing I absolutely loved about The Pinery was the fact that they have an actual chapel in their venue. Jess and Tommy were able to have their ceremony in a church, with the cross being at the center of their alter area. Another thing I fell in love with was the fact that these two decided to take communion as their unity ceremony! Seriously… just the most precious thing ever. In addition to all of that, Jess’ youth pastor was the one to unite them under God!
I’m not sure if you’ve been following the latest reception dessert trends lately, but dessert tables are totally the thing still! I am loving this mix of sweet candies and bakery goods. The baked goods were all from The Pinery at the Hill too! I didn’t get a chance to try out the cake, but if it was anything like the cupcakes, they were perfection!
The rest of the reception table decor was set up beautifully, with floral and decor being done completely by The Pinery as well! Jessii came up with some DIY ideas as well, like the “T” and “J” floral lettering, and the window board she had for guests to sign. She also grabbed some polaroids and glittered them up for guests to capture the evening with.
While all of the guests were enjoying cocktail hour, I was able to take Jess and Tommy out for some wedding day portraits. We decided to visit some of the same locations we went to for their engagement session, one of the key ones being the Parking Garage!
But for the best part after a wedding ceremony, I give you the Maid of Honor’s and Best Man’s toast, the first dances, along with the cutting of the cake! This was such a fun, but short, wedding reception surrounded by Tommy and Jess’ closest friends and family!
I can’t wait for these two to see the rest of their images in the next few weeks when their heirloom box arrives in the mail! But, if you’re a details person like me, here are some of the detail vendors that helped to make this day possible!
Wedding Venue:
The Pinery at the Hill // Instagram // Facebook // Website
Wedding Dresses:
Danelle’s Boutique // Instagram // Facebook // Website
Tuxedos:
Vera Wang – Mens Warehouse // Instagram // Facebook // Website
Wedding Bands:
EJ Collections – Etsy // Website
Bridesmaid Dresses:
H&M, Macy’s, Dillards, Milano Bride
