June 3, 2019

Lake Dillon Engagement Photographer | Emily and Jake | Summit County Engagement

Emily and Jake | Lake Dillon Engagement
Savannah Chandler Photography | Keystone Engagement Photographer

It’s finally almost summer, and all the ice is melting here in the Colorado high country. Just the day before I met Emily and Jake for their Lake Dillon engagement session, IT SNOWED. The Breckenridge area got almost a foot of snow in the higher elevations – on May 23. Being a fifth generation Coloradan, I’ve never surprised by large spring snow storms. I get a little perturbed that I can’t yet go 4×4’ing in the jeep yet and that all the high alpine lakes are still too cold to SUP in, but never surprised anymore.

Once we took a look at the weather report the week of their session, I’m so incredibly glad that we moved our session back by a day. We got amazing sunlight, and no snow on the ground. Down near Lake Dillon, the weather was quite pleasant. A balmy 60* or so, with no winds. We headed out towards where dock #3 used to be, only to be (not so pleasantly) surprised that they had torn out the dock with the addition of the new Dillon Amphitheater. It looks like quite the amazing location for a concert, but the beautiful dock that I loved photographing on is no more. Nevertheless, we headed out onto the sandy beaches of the Lake Dillon Marina and walked around in the sunlight for some portraits.

Jake has just moved to Colorado this past February (during one of our worst winters in recent memory of course) – and he wanted to visit a lovely “top down” mountain view. We headed up to Swan Lake road, which has a stunning overlook at the summit. As we walked towards the summit trail at Sapphire point, he made a comment that this was the most beautiful place he’d ever seen. I love when couples have a moment during our time together that means something to them – and I hope that every time they look back at their photographs they are reminded of those special moments.

Although there was a lot of sun, once we were at 9,500 elevation, it was quite chilly. The temps dropped into the low 40’s. Just as the sun was dipping over the Ten Mile range in the background, we headed to the Mustang to get Jake and Emily warm. I’m incredibly warm blooded, so it’s very easy for me to forget how cold out it really is ;). As the clouds began to turn colors, I asked Emily and Jake to place my flash inside their vehicle so we could get some photographs in Jake’s coveted ‘Stang. I’ve since been told that those are his favorite images.

Thank you, Emily and Jake, for adventuring around Summit County with me! I can’t wait to work with Sweetly Paired Events for your wedding in Granby next January!

Savannah Chandler Photography | Lake Dillon Engagement Photographer
Based in Denver, Colorado | Available for Travel Worldwide

May 2, 2019

Dream Lake Adventure Session | Ashley and TC | Rocky Mountain National Park elopement photographer

Ashley and TC | Dream Lake Adventure Session

Savannah Chandler Photography | Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Photographer

I have had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing couples during my time as a wedding photographer here in Colorado. I’ve met people from all walks of life, most of whom agree that Colorado and the outdoors are pretty damn awesome. Insert Ashley and Tc. If you want to hear even more gushing about these two amazing humans – you can check out their proposal story HERE and their wedding day story HERE. But for today – I will gush some more. Side note – remember Gushers candy? Yum.

I went to go meet Ashley and TC for dinner one night, just to catch up and say hello. We met at a local brewery, and just talked about life. TC brought up the question if Ashley should clean her gown – to which I replied HELL NO. Let’s go hiking at 4:45 in the morning to an amazing frozen lake you can walk out onto and take photos. They replied with the same amount of enthusiasm with a HELL YES.

So one lovely winter morning, we met in Estes Park and began hiking at just before 5:00am. The hike to Dream Lake took 26 minutes (thanks, Garmin watch) – which isn’t too terrible for a winter hike. When we got to the lake – the weather couldn’t have been better. No wind. No clouds. Lots of sunshine coming up over the horizon. Right as they walked out onto the frozen water – the entire mountain range turned bright pinkish red. Pred we shall call the color. This was the most glorious Alpenglow I’d seen up at Dream Lake at all my times visiting.

We basked in the pred glow of the sun rising, just long enough for Ashley not to freeze in her strapless Little White Dress gown. #Badassbride. Just as the sun hit the side of Bear mountain, we began to descend the 1.1 miles and 450 feet down to the parking lot. One great thing about a sunrise session is that you still have the rest of the day!

Thank you, Ashley and TC for being some of the most incredible people – Inside and out. I can’t wait to hear of your journeys in Charleston. And I’m really REALLY looking forward to seeing the two of you in the South in the not too distant future when we come visit. <3

Savannah Chandler Photography | Based in Denver, Colorado | Available for Travel Worldwide
Colorado Wedding Photographer | Estes Park Elopement Photographer

April 14, 2019

Iceland Elopement | Vik and Snafellsness | Kim and Scott

Kim and Scott | Iceland Elopement
Vik, Suderland and Snafellsness Peninsula

Savannah Chandler Photography | Iceland Elopement Photographer

Oh Iceland. How I love thee. My heart loves Colorado, but I’m always longing to be in the Icelandic fog with the misty wind in my hair. I’ve been fortunate enough to photograph 3 Iceland elopements in the past few years – twice now in October and once in April. I’ve stood on black sand beaches in 40+ MPH winds and let the sand pummel my face, climbed up gorges, walked across glaciers, scurried across scree mountaineering, walked through an abandoned plane wreck… and so, so much more. There will always be a piece of my heart in the Land of Fire and Ice.

So (obviously), I was elated when Kim and Scott wanted to elope in Iceland and adventure throughout the South of the island as well as in the Western Peninsula. As I always advise my couples on Iceland elopements, we waited until the week of our arrival to definitively set an elopement date based on when the weather looked to be the best. Which still meant STRONG winds and very cold temperatures. One of my favorite things about elopements in Iceland is how adventurous the day is – we drive to some of the most stunning locations in the world. Quite literally.

We met this past October near Vik – we were hoping to begin our day at Dyrholaey however the weather had other plans for us. It was so foggy, the coast line near Dyrholaey looked like a white abyss. We headed towards Reynisfjara, the infamous Black Sand Beach in search of better views and amazing columns. We spent a few minutes exploring the beach – getting blasted by sand covered by ocean spray.

Seeking less winds and (slightly more) warmth, we headed to a nearby glacier lagoon and tongue. Jokursarlon is not the only glacier lagoon in Iceland – there are plenty of amazing lagoons and glacial tongues within a days drive of Reykjavik (unless you’re crazy like we are, and you head on the 4 hour drive to Jokursarlon right after your 7 hour flight). This particular glacier lagoon sits directly in front of a canyon as well as right along a massive active glacial wall. Surprisingly, there was hardly any wind and it felt warmer – STANDING ON ICE.

To cap our day off, we headed on the 5 mile hike out to the Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck. The hike out didn’t feel too bad at all. It’s flat, and very well marked. We arrived just as the night was about to fall upon Southern Iceland, the sky turning a deep blue. Kim was quite the adventurous bride – and climbed on top of the plane in what can only be described as a giant wind sail. As the land became dark, we headed back to our car to drive back to Reykjavik. The hike back was not as “lovely” feeling as before – it felt like a dark eternity 🤪

The next day, we all slept in a little bit and then headed Northwest to Snafellsness Peninsula. Kim and Scott didn’t get engagement portraits back in their home of Boston and decided to use their second day of portraits to take images in their everyday wear. We began our day at some lesser known cliffs, climbing around and attempted to climb to the top. Myself and Kim decided we like our lives, and that we’d rather live to see another day than try to do the jump move required to reach the top of the platform.

Heading to the West, we stopped at a personal favorite spot of mine – The Black Church at Budir. This was the location where my first Iceland elopement was held, and it will always hold a place in my adventurous heart. We kept heading West, and ended our day venturing near the fishing towns of Hellnar and Arnastapi. The cliffs out this way along the old fisherman’s walking path are breathtaking. And not in the Seinfeld manor 😆. The waves kept booming against the sheer rocks cliffs, where the tops were covered in mossy lava. After a good day of adventuring, we all headed to a tiny pizzeria in Arnastapi – which had delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere.

Thank you for adventuring around the Land of Fire and Ice with us for your Iceland Elopement, Kim and Scott. It was an adventure I’ll never forget.

And a special Thank You to my brother and sister for coming out to Iceland and being my sherpas once again.

Cheers –

_____Elopement Day: Vik and Southern Iceland

_____________________________________ Day Two: Snafellsness Peninsula Adventure _____________________________________

Having and Iceland Elopement? Want help planning out your adventure? Contact Us below, we’re always happy to travel to Iceland and offer special pricing on Iceland Elopements.

Savannah Chandler | Iceland Elopement Photographer
Vik and Snafellsness
USA Based | Available for travel worldwide

Want to see more Iceland Elopements? Click HERE!

March 4, 2019

Granby Wedding Photographer | Alyssa and Kyle | The Lodge at Crestview Ranch

Alyssa and Kyle | The Lodge at Crestview Ranch Wedding

Savannah Chandler Photography | Granby Wedding Photographer

I met Alyssa and Kyle through another Denver wedding photographer. We initially met for lunch in the DTC area at a golf club where Kyle golfs often at. I was so excited to hear all about their Granby wedding at one of the area’s newer wedding venues – The Lodge at Crestview Ranch. I had heard of Crestview Ranch from some fellow colleagues, but had yet to photograph there myself. After discussing their wedding day and details, I knew that it would be a stunning, full of personal details day.

We arrived early in the afternoon while the gals were getting ready (and the guys were playing cornhole). I knew that Alyssa would have some stunning details – and some that were very personal. One of my personal favorite items were wine glasses that said “ex girlfriend, ex fiance, wife/husband”. I’m not quite sure why, but I think it’s absolutely hilarious and one of my new favorite ways to introduce a partner – “Oh is that your Fiance?” “Yes, this is my ex-boyfriend and soon be ex-fiance”. 😆

Of the more personal items, Alyssa was gifted a stunning necklace that belonged to Kyle’s grandmother. Kyle’s sister told us that 4 years ago, before she passed, Kyle said he knew that he had found the person that he was going to marry and asked if he could gift the necklace to Alyssa on their wedding day. Four years ago. Before he proposed, before many of life’s ups and downs. That right there brought a tear to my eye behind the camera.

As the sun continued to beam down upon Granby, Alyssa and Kyle’s ceremony was full of sun, love, humor, and tears. I always try to remember bits and pieces of what was said at my couple’s ceremonies – I really, truly love to hear your personal vows. As a married person, I also love hearing vows that remind me of why I personally got married and the things that mean the most on your wedding day. I remembered that in our initial conversation, Kyle and Alyssa had told me that they had been together a long time and would have many, many people celebrating with them. And to recede from their ceremony, the many people celebrating would be tossing paper airplanes at them. Of all the weddings I’ve photographed, a paper airplane recessional was a first. And was SO MUCH FUN.

After walking around the property for a while capturing their family, bridal party, and couple’s portraits the sun began setting behind the horizon and the entire sky filled with color. One think about September in Colorado is that we tend to get a lot of wildfires. Which is such a sad, sad thing. But makes for the most amazing sunsets. The skies turn amazing shades of orange and pink. This past September was no exception – there were wildfires raging and the sun put on the most spectacular show in the sky. Above Rocky Mountain National Park, the entire sky filled with bright orange and pink clouds. Alyssa and Kyle were (beyond) troopers and set out into the marshy field across the pond to capture reflection photographs. Just as the sun went down, we finished our time before the reception in the small Aspen grove just behind where they’d be doing their grand entrance from.

Then… the party began. I love live bands. There’s something SO FUN about live music at a wedding. All the guests, of all ages, get out of their seats to boogie. Alyssa and Kyle’s reception was no exception – everyone was having a grand time enjoying the band. One other thing that I found out about the bride and groom is that they are exceptional dancers.

To end our time together, everyone gathered round to say goodbye in a grand exit and sent Alyssa and Kyle off with a bang.

Thank you for inviting me to celebrate with you and your loved ones, Alyssa and Kyle. It was truly and honor. I wish you a lifetime of happiness, travel, and many nights of Northern Lights <3

Venue: The Lodge at Crestview Ranch
Secondary Photographer: Jerry Blackwell

Savannah Chandler Photography | Granby Wedding Photographer
Based in Denver Colorado | Available for Travel Worldwide

February 27, 2019

Boulder Wedding Photographer | Rachel and Keith | Wedgewood on Boulder Creek Wedding

Rachel and Keith | Wedgewood on Boulder Creek Wedding

Savannah Chandler Photography | Boulder Wedding Photographer

I met Rachel and Keith back in early 2018, at what was described as a “coffee house”, but come to find out it was actually the coffee shop inside of the local Whole Foods Marketplace. This ended up being great – for both Keith and myself are Gluten Free. We ate our “glutenless” yummies and coffee and chatted for quite some time. I’ve been so very fortunate to meet couples that are such great people and that I mesh so well with – Rachel and Keith are my kind of people. Rachel is a Pediatrician and Keith is an Actuary. Not gonna lie, my only experience with the word “actuary” is from Zootopia where the little tiger wants to be an Actuary when he grows up. Haha.

September rolled around, in quite the dramatic fashion for my family, but I was SO excited to get to see Rachel and Keith again to photograph their Boulder wedding. I met Rachel and the gals near Flatirons to get some getting ready photos prior to heading to Wedgewood, while my second (the amazing Megan Alvarez) met Keith and the dudes over at the venue.

Once ceremony time came, I knew that we’d be in for some tears, as well as humor. One of my favorite parts looking back through the ceremony photographs is the look on Rachel’s mother’s face looking at Keith as her daughter approached the aisle – a very loving “look at how beautiful she is” gaze. After toughing speeches amongst the lovely fall foliage, some dry humor, and lots of touching moments – Rachel and Keith proudly walked down the aisle as man and wife.

Fall foliage was something that was important to Rachel, and we fortunately got the surprise of an early fall this past year. Though the trees weren’t at peak, we did get unexpected colors of reds and a few yellows. We took full advantage of this for Rachel and Keith’s couple’s portraits. We headed down to the creek, and with the cloudy skies I thought we’d be SOL for a sunset – I was WRONG on that front! Just as we were wrapping up portraits, the sun peeked out and the sky turned a beautiful pink color. It was a simply stunning way to end our “formal portraits” together.

Thank you for inviting us to celebrate with you, Rachel and Keith. It was truly a beautiful day. I can’t wait to go adventuring this year with you to get your adventure photographs!!!