“When you know, you know.” If there was one couple that most embodied that quote, it would 100% be Britney and Nick. Celebrating the love between these two comes so easily, which was even evident when their friends and family gathered to celebrate their engagement. But little did the guests know, Britney and Nick’s engagement party would actually turn out to be a surprise wedding! Chuck and I were filled with so much joy documenting this Colorado Springs engagement party turned surprise wedding.

Engagement Party turned Surprise Wedding

When Chuck and I first relocated to Colorado Springs, we knew we would need to put ourselves ‘out there’ to find a new community to surround ourselves with. We attended a Young Adults night, which is where I first met Britney! We instantly clicked and became fast friends — which I couldn’t be more grateful for. At the time, she hadn’t yet officially met Nick yet, but I vividly remember when she first told me about going on a date with him. She was super excited and immediately smitten with his charm, kindness, but most of all: his love for Jesus.

It didn’t take long before Britney and Nick were head over heels for one another. In February, Nick popped the question while skiing in the Rockies. As any good fiancé might do, Nick had Britney’s best friend assist with the proposal — and it couldn’t have been a more perfect moment for the sweetest couple. As the newly engaged couple began planning their wedding, they sent out invitations for an engagement party in April, hosted at Nick’s parents’ home in Colorado Springs. The property sits atop a hill that overlooks the sprawling city below — a perfect backdrop for a party.

Planning a Surprise Wedding | Chuck & Shiloh PHoto and Film

While in the trenches of wedding planning, Britney pitched the idea of having an engagement party turned surprise wedding. Nick sat on the idea for about a week, until it came up again while chatting with family. And just like that, plans were underway to pull off the most epic surprise wedding! On the Monday before the party, Britney called to ask if Chuck and I would consider photographing and filming their best day ever. To no surprise, it was the easiest yes of our careers!

As Britney got ready inside her soon-to-be in-laws’ home, Nick greeted guests as they arrived to the backyard. It didn’t take long for loved ones to pan over to the intimate ceremony space. The surprised looks that quickly spread across the guests’ faces were absolutely priceless. With guests traveling from Hawaii, North Carolina, Arizona, and Oregon (to name a few), it was incredible to realize just how many loved ones were willing to travel for an engagement party! Britney and Nick are truly rich in love and support.

Intimate Backyard Wedding in Colorado Springs

With the gracious help of their immediate families, Nick’s family backyard was transformed into the most beautiful backyard wedding ceremony space. And the inside left my jaw on the floor. Banquet tables were lined with greenery, tapered candles, citrus fruit, and beautiful floral plates. Their green and cream color palette was absolutely made for the space! With the warm ambient lighting, you’d never know we were all gathered inside a private residence. Following the most beautiful, Christ-centered backyard wedding ceremony, guests gathered inside to dine on fresh bread, salad, and pasta. There couldn’t have possibly been more love felt in that room, on this night. The rest of the evening consisted of dinner, speeches, cake, first dances, and a sparkler exit. It was truly perfect.

Bride and groom enjoy their first dance as husband and wife in the middle of the kitchen following their surprise wedding.

Private Vow Exchange | Colorado Elopement Photographer

But Britney and Nick’s Colorado Springs engagement party turned surprise wedding wasn’t actually the end of Chuck & my time with the couple. Just a couple weeks after tying the knot, the four of us drove out to Loveland Pass so Britney and Nick could exchange private vows. Despite the cold Sunday afternoon, these newlyweds made the most of it — even when we were up to our HIPS in snow! They donned their wedding attire once again, and embraced every bit of the moment. Witnessing them exchanging their vows in such a beautiful, peaceful space was just the most special way to celebrate their love.

Newlyweds put their wedding apparel on once more to exchange private vows at Loveland Pass, following their surprise wedding in Colorado Springs.

Emotional Private Vow Ceremony in the Mountains

Colorado Elopement Photography

Whenever I settle in to reflect on a wedding day or session, I am overwhelmed with gratitude — especially when I get to tell the love stories of my dearest friends. Finding friends that feel like family, especially so far from home, is hard to come by. But I am always reminded just how blessed Chuck and I are to have found a place that makes us feel just as “at home” as the Midwest.

If you would love to read more sappy ramblings of myself, check out the blog! And of course, keep up with the adventures of Chuck & Shiloh Photo and Film (and our sweet little family) over on the ‘Gram. We’re just so thankful to have you here, friend. Until next time!