This wedding may be one of my favorites I’ve ever photographed.  I know I probably shouldn’t say that because I really adore ALL the couples I work with, but there was something about this day that just seemed right! When Vanessa and I first met, I could tell she was very easy going and had no worries about their big day at all.  She was relaxed and just excited to finally marry the love her life, Josh.  According to Vanessa’s mom, Josh has “always been in the picture,” and when this day finally came, you could tell it was the culmination of a sweet relationship, one that started in 7th grade!  Their friendship and partnership and faith – all of it came together on the most perfectly beautiful day.  I was a little worried that an outdoor wedding in May was risky – it can be rainy and cold, or hot and humid, you just never know! – but they totally lucked out and had THE most beautiful day!  Their outdoor Pella wedding, held at Lake Red Rocks, was the perfect way to welcome summer and the beginning of Josh & Vanessa’s marriage.  Congrats to you both!
We started the day at Vanessa’s parent’s home. Â I always love when brides choose to get ready at their childhood home because there’s always SO many memories! Â Not to mention, all of her mom’s decor perfectly fit the style of their day. Â Laura has impeccable taste just like her daughter!
A rose gold ring!  I love it 🙂
Vanessa is a graphic designer, and she contributed some of the design of her perfect invitation suite
Their little doggy even had a ribbon to match!
We drove out to Cordova Park at Lake Red Rocks for their first look, one of the sweetest moments of the day.
This one on the right might be one of my favorites – I love that they’re both grinning 🙂
Many thanks to Shelly Sarver for the gorgeous florals!
It was a nice change of pace to have a smaller bridal party – Vanessa’s best friend and her sister Leah stood by her side all day.
There’s a bit of a story behind this photo.  Apparently for many years, the Blankenspoor girls (Vanessa and her sister, Leah) have always done photos with their respective dates or boyfriends on the “outside” — so that if it didn’t work out, they could tear them off.  LoL!  Well, now that things are TOTALLY official for Josh and Vanessa, he’s solidified his place on the “inside” for future photos 🙂  We had to commemorate the occasion
Josh built this gorgeous arbor for their reception!
Off to Third Reformed Church for their ceremony!
Having photographed a few weddings at Third Church before, there’s a sneaky spot to grab a few photos of the couple during the ceremony where nobody else can see you. Â I was a photography ninja!
Nice ride!
We had perfect weather for a few photos around Pella.
Such a gorgeous group, right
I love the way that they look at each other 🙂
Back out to Cordova for their reception — and this now ranks as one of my favorite venues for a reception!
These deliciously divine cheesecakes were made by Josh’s mom.
We were blessed with the most gorgeous evening sunset for couples photos. Â It couldn’t have been better!
Guests chatted and mingled as the sunset over the lake…
And we sent the couple off with a spectacular sparkler exit – the best way to end an already perfect day!
Many thanks to Vanessa & Josh and their WONDERFUL family – what an amazing day!
Gear Used
Nikon D750
Nikon D800
Nikon 70-200 f/2.8, Nikon 85 f/1.4, Â Nikon macro 105 f/2.8, Sigma ART 35 f/1.4, Nikon 50 f/1.4, Nikon 24-70 f/1.4
Pentax 645n +75 f/2.8
Nikon F100
Mag ModÂ
Edited using MASTIN LABS Fuji 400H + Portra Presets + Photoshop tweaks!  Still waiting on film scans….