The St Vrain // Longmont, CO Wedding // Denver Wedding Photographer // Maddie & John

"You are my best thing."

These two. I first crossed paths with Maddie this past fall, on the likes of instagram. She had inquired with me about doing her wedding, and while we were trying to nail down the deposit and date, she suggested we should meet. So a couple days later, I drove to Denver to meet her at Steam Espresso Bar. And when she walked in- I realized I HAD to be friends with this girl.

Anyone that knows Maddie, knows how contagiously joyful she is. We sat for hours, laughing at nothing. We talked about her and JT, how they met, and their wedding details. Most importantly, though, we swiped through my tinder and Maddie told me exactly the type of guy I should be looking for (who incidentally, is probably not on tinder). And that’s just who Maddie is - this wonderful, hilarious, generous person who never leaves a moment just about herself. We only got up when the coffee shop started hinting for us to leave by putting all the chairs away (Sorry not sorry).

Maddie is this incredibly open and easy-going person; She makes you feel like you've been friends for years. She told me the story of how her and JT met, and how they knew each other in college but never pursued anything. She told me how JT had a moped, and would scoot around campus, see her, and think "I'm gonna marry that girl someday."

In January, I had the pleasure of meeting John (JT). I mentioned the story of how they met and he said "I met Maddie and I thought "I GOTTA PUT THAT GIRL IN MY WILL." Yeah, this is definitely the right guy for Maddie. The two of them - are endlessly goofy. They had me laughing the entire shoot, never once complaining about carrying FOUR outfit changes on their backs in 30 degree weather. You guys are unbelievable (and ridiculous).

Two weeks ago, Maddie and John got married at the St. Vrain, a new venue in Longmont, CO owned my Maddie's parents.

Let’s talk about the St Vrain: It’s this magical boutique of well-curated rooms, filled with antique furniture and intricate art pieces, hand-crafted by Maddie. As a wedding artist (holla at ya girl Madeline Rose Designs), Maddie knows the perfect balance of design, creativity and classic taste. Her pieces coupled with her parents’ eye for design is just unreal. The Danielson's are truly incredible people, and as if their creativity wasn’t enough reason to love them, they went above and beyond to make every guest, vendor and family member feel loved and included. Thank you for inviting us into your sweet family - you guys are oh so very loved.

The Details: Probably my favorite part of the JT/Maddie Saga, the part where the ring got caught in the mail so JT proposed to her with a cigar band, the same exact way Maddie’s grandpa proposed to her grandma.

As Maddie does, when she put on her dress, she turned to all her bridesmaids and said “you guys look so beautiful!”

As JT does, he went to every single one of his groomsmen and gave them a hug. Then they all argued about where a tie clip really goes.

The gifts;

Maddie and JT took the time to get each other gifts, and they were both equally adorable to photograph opening them.

Maddie said “Oh look, personalized stationary, that’s nice! Now I know exactly who it’s from.” And then cried all the happy tears

  His   &  Hers

The first look with Dad:

It’s not hard to see where Maddie gets her inclination for expressive emotions, and it’s so freaking adorable. Dad was crying, Mom was crying, Maddie was crying, and I was crying.

Maddie doesn’t even need rebound time between tears (because she always looks amazing).

Nor did we really have time between tears, because Maddie and John’s first look was shortly after.

Aaaand here we are. WHY ARE THEY SO BEAUTIFUL. WHY AM I CRYING.

(Seriously maddie’s mom caught me crying and I couldn’t even hide it. They’re so wonderful).

Take. A. Look. At. This. Get. Away. Car.

Wise Men Say.

Only Fools Rush In.

The Arch. Maddie created this arch out of paint sticks and egg cartons, all hand-colored and hand-placed perfectly to frame her and JT. She also painted the enormous canvas that hangs behind the arch, spackled with black and white paint. The amazing women over at Dashwood floral added in Ivy and details, among all their other INCREDIBLE florals. We died every time we saw them. And as you guessed, cried a little too.

The ceremony was filled with tears and laughter, and it was pretty impossible to keep yourself composed. Maddie and john stuttered through their vows, laughed through communion and kissed each other while everyone cheered.  

YOU DID IT GUYS!

(I mean seriously, these florals though).

Thanks to the ladies at Brindle & Oak and their wedding planning magic, the reception looked a little something like this.

I’ve never worked with a more thoughtful and organized wedding planner, they really made sure we were considered, cared for, and totally schmoozed my team and I (That pea soup though am I right).

And a particularly special thanks to Christine Meyer, for flying all the way out from Nashville to shoot alongside me and give me the best images I could ask for. 

And there you have it, tears and all,

They did the damn thing!

Here’s to you Maddie & John!