Earlier this year, Shanda and Nick had reached out to me. Recently engaged in late 2022, the couple was planning an intimate downtown Denver wedding with their closest friends and family flying in from all over the country to help them celebrate. I hopped on a call with Shanda, and we chatted through all the details for their day. They were going to tie the knot at the courthouse, and then follow it up with a reception at the Poka Lola Social Club.
In just a few short months, the couple was able to pull together all the details to make for a super special Saturday morning wedding. They told me about their love for more candid images. So, my goal heading into the day was to create a more documentary styled approach – capturing all the moments from the sidelines. The day started off with getting ready at the Maven followed by a few photos in the Poka Lola bar before hopping into a party bus and heading to the courthouse.
Denver Courthouse Ceremony – April 1st, 2023
The couple’s close family joined them on the steps of the Denver courthouse where a judge married them. For an April day in Colorado, we truly got the perfect weather – mid 60’s and sunny! After the ceremony, we celebrated and hopped back in the party bus to explore some other great Denver spots for photos.
One of the things I love about downtown Denver weddings are the amazing gems all throughout the city. There are so many great locations that you can build into your wedding day to keep it laid-back and fun and allow all your guests to experience the Denver city life. When the couple and I chatted on their final planning call with me a few weeks prior to wedding day, we had talked about taking their portraits in a few different spots and had built their timeline around allowing them to enjoy the afternoon with the company of their friends and family. The couple enjoyed drinks at The Woods at the Source Hotel’s rooftop bar. Since the weather was so great, they had their outdoor deck space open and we were able to get views of the mountains!
We then headed back to the Poka Lola at the Maven to meet the rest of their friends and family that had gathered for their private reception. This was my second time being able to capture a reception at the Maven and I’ve got to say I love it! The Poka Lola is an amazing low key social club with a bar centered in the room. Such a special and intentional wedding day surrounded by celebration and good times.
Photography: Kelly Miller Studios
Ceremony Location: Denver Courthouse
Reception Location: Poka Lola Social Club at the Maven Hotel
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I believe that photographs are capturing stories and moments that we want to have forever. They are powerful pieces of art that we collect and cherish.
