Colorado Destination Wedding & Portrait Photographer | Cat Mayer Studio | Serving Aspen, Telluride, Vail, Grand Junction

Drew and I were married after a whirlwind romance that had us saying “I do” at his parents’ home in the Colorado mountains over Labor Day weekend 10 years ago. We had the ceremony up on the big front porch with all our family and friends surrounding us with their love and support. Drew’s 85-year-old grandfather, Pastor Martin Mayer, gave a speech I will never forget both for its comedy and its wisdom. The vows, the rings, the kiss, the family and friends… I never felt the love of so many people at once. It still makes my heart happy just to think about it.

After the ceremony, a family friend took us to the reception by the lake in a carriage drawn by two large, black horses. Our wonderful caterer had surprised us with a picnic basket full of nibbles from the reception so we could eat during the ride. His note told us that with all the excitement and talking with guests, we would probably forget to eat. Wise man. The ride was so classic and probably my favorite part of the day. I loved having that time alone with Drew to enjoy the fact that we were now married. It felt so crazy to be someone’s wife, and I remember how surreal it seemed to see Drew wearing a wedding ring.

Our wedding was photographed all on film, and my wedding album is simple with only our 20 favorite photos from that day. (Today, we craft wedding albums a bit differently, as you can see here.) When I look through mine, I remember how my silk gown felt—so soft and perfectly made just for me. My bouquet of flowers was vibrant red and  gave big bursts of color against the pine wood cabin and the sea of evergreen trees. I remember who was there, and how pretty the sunset was that night. I love seeing that my grandfather, Drew’s grandparents and of course Drew’s mother were all there with us, now gone. I remember how joyful we all were, and how much fun we all had that night.

Mostly I am grateful for the experience. Nothing could ever live up to that day in my mind. We stood up in front of everyone we care about and proclaimed that we would love each for as long as we have. Drew is the love of my life, and I’m so glad we started out our life together the way we did. He loves, appreciates and respects me, and I couldn’t ask for anything more. He knows I feel the same way about him. Secretly, I would do anything for him because I know he would never take it for granted.