Winter SkyView Wedding | Michelle and Scott | Estes Park Wedding » Colorado Mountain Elopement and Wedding Photographer

Michelle and Scott | Winter SkyView Wedding in Estes Park

Savannah Chandler Photography | Estes Park Wedding Photographer

Michelle and Scott, along with their two puppers, packed up and drove from Michigan to Estes Park for their winter wedding at SkyView Fall River Village.

Weather had moved in the week of their wedding – flurries and gusting winds making for the perfect snowy, Colorado winter wedding.

They began the day getting ready in adjacent cabins on the SkyView property – if you’re looking for a cozy, yet beautiful, location to get primped and pampered before your big day, be sure to book one of the cabins on site. They’re so beautiful (and as a photographer – they’re full of light and great places for photos).

Once Michelle put on her stunning gown (I absolutely LOVE the stripes) and the gentlemen donned their dapper suits – we headed to the ceremony deck for a few first looks. Michelle wanted to be sure and see her dad, step-dad, and brother before the ceremony as well as her soon-to-be husband.

Following the first look, Michelle and Scott wrote letters to one another. They decided to read their corresponding letter out loud to their partner – and I must say, this was such an amazing way to exchange letters. I’ll highly be recommending this to couples from here on out.

We then packed up the the vehicles and headed out to take some couple’s portraits around Estes Park. Since the dogs – dressed in their finest collars – were in attendance, we made stops outside of Rocky Mountain National Park. The park service doesn’t allow dogs inside of the national park – to protect both domestic and wild animals alike. If your puppers will also be making an appearance for your couples portraits – be sure to keep that in mind.

We started out at Pole Hill road – which boasts some great mountain views (when it’s not shrouded in clouds) and is easily accessible to the winter trailhead year round. The dogs were quite excited to make their grand entrance – I do think that they were expecting a nice long hike though and not the stop and go that is wedding portraits 😉 .

After spending some time walking around the trails on Pole Hill, we headed back into Estes proper and made a final stop alongside Lake Estes for a few more portraits.

Just before the ceremony began, the sun started to peep out from behind a giant block of clouds and greeted us with our first glimpse of sunshine for the day. We even got a few glimpses of Longs Peak popping in and out in the distance.

Once the I Dos were done, Michelle and Scott wanted to have a private dance out on the deck – just the two of them. It made for some amazing alone time, as well as some beautiful sunset photos. If you’re looking for a way to have a little time for just the two of you – I’d highly recommend thinking about a private dance before the party begins and the night gets crazy.

Speaking of crazy… the party went on ALL NIGHT. I think that nearly all of my weddings over the past few years have had amazing reception parties. Ask any of my past couples – I also enjoy the party and LOVE to dance (with my camera in hand). I left Michelle and Scott’s wedding with a nearly pulled quad and aching feet that lingered into our Day After portrait session.

In lieu of Engagement Photographs, Michelle and Scott decided to head into Rocky Mountain National Park (sans dogs) on the Monday following their wedding for Mountain photos in their wedding attire. This option has become more and more popular – and for good reason. It’s an additional day you get to wear your amazing wedding clothes, and you can venture out further into nature without the worry of leaving your guests on the wedding day. Win win.

Psst, you can check out their day after session at Dream lake HERE

Thanks again for inviting me to celebrate with you, Michelle and Scott! I had an absolutely amazing time with you and your loved ones. I hope that your Southern Colorado Honeymoon was stellar and full of skiing, snowshoeing, and lots of mountain fun.

Cheers-