I met Michelle one day while Dain was helping her move in to the apartment next door. I remember her amazing pup Quinn running up to us to say hello, and thinking to myself that these were going to be great neighbors. I was not wrong! Michelle was the most amazing neighbor I have ever had, and she even helped me through a rough period in my life where I was lost and confused, and she would let me come hang out on her couch and rattle off all my very dumb, first world problems. Seriously Michelle, I love you!

When she reached out about her Buena Vista wedding I was beyond excited, mostly because I hadn’t seen Michelle in forever, and because now I was going to be able to help her remember one of the best days of her life! If you know me, you know that I am a huge fan of southern Colorado. Most tourists like to go west, so I like to try and avoid I70 go away from the crowds. Southern Colorado is super underrated and still kind of a wonderful best kept secret, so Michelle and Dain’s wedding was checking off all the boxes for me!

My favorite thing about Michelle’s wedding is that it was totally unique to them. They got ready at the beautiful Surf Chateau, which is an adorable boutique hotel nestled next to the Arkansas River, which provided a great spot for their first look. For the ceremony, she really wanted beautiful mountains as a backdrop, so she found this ranch (appropriately named the Hitching Post) that lets folks get married on their property. It was incredibly windy but the views made it 100% worth it. Their reception was at the Loft Theatre in Buena Vista, which is right off Main Street in the older, charming section of BV. It was close enough to Surf Chateau that we were able to quickly head back to the Arkansas River for photos at sunset.

Here are some of my favorite moments from their wedding:

Michelle’s mama helping her get ready was seriously one of the most touching things I have ever witnessed.
Michelle’s brother married them. I love that in Colorado your nearest and dearest and marry you!
Quinn was able to attend the wedding! I love when fur babies can also partake in the festivities.
Our driver for the day from Colorado Adventure Tours, Kyle, saved the day by somehow convincing Mount Princeton that we needed champagne, which resulted in epic photos.
Michelle’s grandma cutting a rug
Michelle and Dain by the Arkansa River at sunset.

Looking for someone to document your Buena Vista wedding? Reach out, I would love to help you plan and document the best day ever!