Estes Park Wedding | Lonnica and Garrett | Rocky Mountain National Park

Lonnica and Garrett | Estes Park Wedding

Savannah Chandler Photography | Estes Park Wedding Photographer

Lonnica and Garrett, after many years of moving around, somehow ended up living down the street from one another and as they say – The rest is history.

They invited their family and friends to celebrate with them at the ever-stunning SkyView at Fall River Village right on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, Colorado. The ceremony deck boasts fantastic views of Longs Peak and the reception space has floor-to-ceiling windows allowing guests to take in the mountains all day.

We started our time together by heading into Rocky Mountain National Park for a first look and some couple’s portraits among the turning aspen trees. One thing that Colorado is known for is our dry weather – which certainly got the best of Garrett for a minute as he experienced a bloody nose right as he was supposed to get out of the car to see Lonnica. Thankfully, all were in great spirits and the nose event was short-lived.

For their first look, we headed back towards the Alluvial Fan as my normal go-to location of Sheep Lakes is off-limits during the Rut. We were greeted with stunning fall weather and spectacular views of Sundance Mountain and Mount Chapin. We then headed up toward Bear Lake for a quick visit before exiting Rocky Mountain in search of some changing aspen leaves.

Once we were all back at SkyView, we headed down towards the river that flows next to some of the on-site lodging to meet up with their wedding party and families. This area always makes for great photos in the fall months – the trees lining the walkway explode with color the first week of October. Over the past 14 years photographing, things and people from each wedding I’ve attended stick with me. Lonnica’s grandma – who was the SWEETEST – was called Granma Cookie. I’ll never forget the name, it’s a personal favorite I’ve heard over the years.

With the amazing fall weather continuing into the afternoon, Lonnica and Garrett said “I Do” and were married by one of their friends on the upper deck. I love seeing couples find unique ways to celebrate – deviating a little from the “norm” to incorporate small gestures that fit the two of them. Lonnica and Garrett poured and handed out Beer to all their of-age guests and had a first toast with everyone before they concluded the ceremony.

As I’ve said before in previous posts – I love to party. Receptions are one of my favorite parts of the entire day. Everyone tends to let loose and I get to dance my ass off with everyone into the night. I recently was told that a venue manager noted to a couple “I’d be laying on the dance floor at some point”. 🤠🤣. He’s not wrong. I think the best way to get amazing reception images is to be a part of the party – plus my job would REALLY suck if I didn’t enjoy receptions. So this is your notice: HAVE FUN at your reception! Let loose with your friends. I’ll be there to capture allllll the crazy. And to remember which songs everyone went bonkers for (Mr. Brightside was one of the top hits at Lonnica and Garrett’s wedding).

Congratulations again, Lonnica and Garrett!

Cheers-