Cecily and Jimmy | Sky View at Fall River Village | Estes Park
Love at 8200 Feet

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Savannah Chandler Photography | Estes Park Wedding Photographer

Estes Park has always had a special spot in my heart. I can remember going “down” for family vacations growing up, and watching the taffy being pulled in a local taffy shop along mainstreet. Estes is a quaint mountain town, sitting at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park, and boasts a busy main street with small shops, restaurants, and bars. My very favorite coffee house – Kind Coffee – is along the main drag. <3

I’ve been to Fall River Village before, and was incredibly excited to see the new Sky View wedding venue that opened this past August. I met Cecily and Jimmy at Sky View to get ready, where Cecily was in the bridal suite and Jimmy was in their rental property just across the way. Coming out from Virginia for their Colorado destination wedding, the bride and groom decided to have their first look in the stunning Rocky Mountain National Park at Sheep’s Lakes. Cecily headed up with myself and we met Jimmy (along with my secondary photographer, Melissa) right along the roadside. Mountains and fall color were what we were in search for all afternoon – and we were able to get both despite the cold snap and fog descending over Estes Park the day of the wedding.

If you’re planning on having a first look and heading up into the mountains for couple’s portraits, I highly recommend leaving plenty of time and allowing for spontaneous decisions. We originally thought about heading up Trail Ridge Road, but the weather had other plans for us. The road closed for the day due to snow and wind – Colorado can have crazy weather and snow in Estes (even in September!). We snaked our way up towards Bear Lake, but decided against any of the upper lakes due to low visibility and fog. As we were heading back down the road, I found a small pull off with a dirt ledge and a stunning Aspen field behind that was in prime color. I may have made the 😬 face and asked how up for adventuring up the side of a muddy/slick sidewall they were. #BadAssBride

We snaked our way back down hwy 34 towards Sky View, and met all the family, friends, and most importantly THE DOGS(!!) for portraits. I knew from our first conversation (where I skyped and “met” their older pup) that the doggies would be a very important part of Cecily and Jimmy’s Estes Park wedding day. The “Ring Pups” were such good troopers, and really listened (for the most part) to their bridal party duties.

After their vows amongst the fog wall, we headed in to the venue for some dancing and reception fun. There was even Cornhole in the reception area!!

Thank you again, Cecily and Jimmy, for inviting me to celebrate your Estes Park wedding with you. I wish you (and the “kiddos”) all the love and happiness.

Vendors:
Venue: Sky View at Fall River Village
Florist: Previe Events
Hair and Makeup: Megan Kerry Events
Caterer: Comida
Secondary Photographer: Melissa Miniker