Well, we’re finally recovered from this weekend’s wedding festivities in beautiful Denver, Colorado… mostly. Between the rehearsal, wedding, late night after-party, two-part trash the dress session and late-night hangouts with old friends, by the time we got home I was so exhausted that I fell directly into bed and slept for 13 hours! Now THAT’S a wedding. ;D

We were doubly honored to be a part of Sarah & Andrew’s wedding, as not only is Sarah a good friend of mine but she’s also a wedding photographer (check her out: Illuminer Photography). It’s so humbling to be asked to cover a photographer’s wedding, and we were super excited for it. Every detail of this wedding was painstakingly crafted and absolutely stunning, with unique touches throughout the day: from the stake-and-twine unity ceremony, to the surprise bride & groom pinatas for the garter & bouquet, to the paper airplanes heralding their exit. These two really know how to throw a party! There were gunnysack races, twister, a photobooth, sportsbook bets, confetti cake, home-brewed beer and of course LOTS of dancing.

And THEN, early the next morning, (after a 2am bedtime), we all dragged ourselves out of bed for the Trash the Dress session. First up was a trail run, then a dip in the hotel fountain, and after brunch it was off to paintball – yes, paintball. In the dress. Freaking awesome! Every bride should get this much enjoyment out of her wedding dress, seriously.

Fair warning: there are far too many pictures in this post. 😉 Have fun!

The reveal. Andrew, you made all of us cry!!

Oh my GOSH this dog was the cutest thing ever. Rhino, Andrew & Sarah’s Bernese Mountain dog, served as ring bearer.

Winners of the “bridal olympics” in the girls’ room the night before. 😉 What else do you do during Olympic week?!

This was hilarious. Each pair in the bridal party came up with their own way to exit the stage – SO funny!

As a high school biology teacher AND a wedding photographer, Sarah had to come up with something super creative for the reception seating chart. Voila! A personalized periodic table, complete with scientific explanation on the back. Brilliant.

Sarah hadn’t told any of her guests – or her party, even – about the bride & groom pinatas. Instead of throwing the bouquet and garter, they put them in the pinatas and everyone took a swing – when they broke, not only the bouquet and garter fell out, but candy, alcohol shots, and kiddie toys, too!

The team of magic-makers behind Illuminer Photography! Who wouldn’t want these two taking your pictures??

And then, there was Trash the Dress…….