I photographed Tori and Blake’s engagement photos way back when in May of 2021. We went to Chautauqua Park at sunset and had such a fun time. I absolutely loved photographing Tori and Blake, they were just so easy to talk to and clearly had such an amazing connection.
Fast forward to October of 2021 and Tori asked me to photograph their wedding. I was STOKED. I love when couples hire me from engagement photos because it means they know my work and style and still want to work with me 😉
Fast forward again to May of 2022 and these two were finally getting married at the beautiful Woodlands in Morrison.
One of my favorite things about Tori and Blake’s wedding was literally a few days before their day, they stripped away all the stuff that didn’t feel like them. First dance? Who needs it? These meant their day was intentional, special and true to them.
These two have a relationship that is obviously so fun, heartfelt and full of love. It was an honor to photograph their day!
To Tori and Blake
Thank you for allowing me to photograph such a special day for you both. Y’all are so much fun to photograph and just generally be around. Wishing you all the love and happiness in the world– hope you are having a blast in Belize!!
-Leah
The Details
How did y’all meet?
“We met at a tiki bar in Portland through a mutual friend we both had at the time. We immediately bonded over our love for Colorado. I had just moved to Portland and was missing Colorado and Blake’s parents met in Colorado and he’s been a Broncos fan for as long as he can remember.”
Tell me about the proposal!
“Blake proposed on Friday the 13th of November (why we selected our May 13th wedding date) when we were on a trip to Denver looking at houses as we had plans to move to Denver from Portland the coming January. The proposal was on the rooftop bar of the hotel we’re having our wedding guests stay at. The view is amazing.”
What are you looking forward to most about being married?
“Adventuring together, starting a family, getting a dog, getting to experience all life throws at us together. Having a permanent rock and best friend.”
The Wedding Day
Getting Ready
Everyone arrived at the venue a little after I did and was already completely ready. This meant that the morning was super stress free. Tori didn’t have to worry about makeup or hair going over, all we had to do was put on her dress. Tori’s dress was a stunning Wtoo by Watters dress with a deep V and tons of beautiful lace. She looked absolutely ethereal in it! Tori’s wedding party was some of the sweetest gals I’ve ever photographed. It was so much fun photographing them all hanging out, drinking champagne and touching up Tori’s hair.
My awesome second photographer was with Blake in the main venue suite and I’m sure they had a blast too.
First Looks
Tori and Blake chose to do a First Look and private vows. My favorite combo. But before the couple’s First Look, Tori had one with her dad and two brothers. This was one of my favorite moments of the day. The looks on their faces when they saw Tori was absolutely priceless. It was such a sweet moment.
Once Tori dried off her eyes, we hid her in a closet (yes a closet) for her First Look with Blake. This was also such an incredibly sweet moment. During this time they also did private vows. I freakin love private vows!!! It’s such a great way to bring something sentimental and heartfelt into your day without the pressure of speaking in front of all your guests.
Wedding Party
Since the couple did a First Look it meant we could get wedding party photos done before ceremony. This is a great way to ensure you can enjoy cocktail hour or just have some chill time post ceremony.
This group was so fun to photograph. I love when wedding parties are down to do whatever. Including trekking it down a slightly sketchy hill into the woods behind a venue. A1.
The Ceremony
This ceremony was short and sweet. It really showed off the personalities of Tori and Blake and told the story of their relationship– a truly perfect ceremony.
A few highlights were the flower girl forgetting to sprinkle petals down the aisle so the ringbearer stepped in a proceeded to throw them up into the sky and the officiant having everyone stand up and cheer during their first kiss.
Sunset Portraits
Because sunset was so late (8pm-ish) we chose to do the majority of Tori and Blake’s portraits during reception. We snuck out for exactly 15 minutes (I set a timer), which ensured the couple got the photos they wanted without having to miss anything fun happening inside.
Reception
Tori and Blake’s reception was *chef’s kiss*. Truly some of the most fun and beautiful decor. I was dying over the holographic rainbow wall and neon sign all night. Their reception was laid back, fun and effortless.
Some highlights? The entire venue singing Happy Birthday to one of Tori’s bridesmaid’s during cake, the dry ice icecream sandwiches, Tori’s dad’s heartfelt and emotional toast and Blake’s cool af sneakers that he changed into after ceremony.
Tori and Blake’s Vendor Team
Venue – The Woodlands
Planner – Rebecca at Touch of Bliss
Hair & Makeup –Beauty on Location
Dress – Wtoo by Watters
Catering – Biscuits and Berries
Dessert – Azucar Bakery
DJ – My Elite DJ
Florals – Sara Mica Design
Invitations – Eight21 Studios, Carol Massa
Rentals – Bear Aesthetic and Colorado Party Rentals
Learn more about Leah, a Colorado wedding photographer
Hey there! I hope you enjoyed this wedding highlight of Tori and Blake’s big day! I’m a wedding photographer based out of Denver and serving locations across Colorado and beyond. I’m originally from Texas but beelined it here as fast as I could. I’ve always loved the Colorado way of life– the mountains, the food, the people, it’s unlike any place I’ve ever been! Being a wedding photographer here is a dream. I love serving fun and in love couples. If you’re wanting candid, authentic imagery with a creative twist and a luxury experience, I’m your girl! I’d love to learn more about you and your special day! You can send me a message here or using the contact form below.
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