Pikes Peak Ranch Laidback Microwedding

One of the sweetest parts of being a wedding photography and videography duo in a gorgeous destination like Colorado is just how many couples we get to work with because they choose to say “I do” in our neck of the woods. Chuck and I have met so many couples that we never would have had the opportunity to meet if we lived elsewhere. So when the sweetest couple from Georgia inquired about photography during their Pikes Peak Ranch laidback microwedding, you already know I was stoked. Lena and Keegan were instantly the most genuine, heartfelt people — who were surrounded by loved ones who reflected the same sentiment. 

Pikes Peak Ranch Wedding | Colorado Microwedding

These Georgia peaches wanted their day to be filled with intentionality, without it feeling like a full-blown production. From the moment we arrived to Pikes Peak Ranch, it was beautifully evident that Lena and Keegan wanted the day to be authentic to their love. The morning began with Lena getting ready alongside her mom. Mother-daughter relationships are such a beautiful thing to witness on a wedding day, and Lena’s mom did everything to make sure Lena felt loved and cherished. Now that I am a mother to my own daughter (!!!), I can’t help but to think just how sacred that bond is. While photographing this wedding, Chuck and I didn’t actually know the gender of our little one. So looking back at these photos just feels even more heartwarming…

Alright, I’m pulling myself together again (thanks for bearing with me). Once Lena slipped on her bridal cowgirl boots, she met her sweet dad at the alter for a father-daughter first look overlooking the expansive mountains. Her dad’s smile could’ve have been bigger or brighter when he saw his little girl (which yes, absolutely had me choking up). After big hugs, it was time for Lena and Keegan to share their first look. 

Intimate Wedding Ceremony in the Mountains

As Lena made her way down the aisle once more, you could almost feel just how giddy her and Keegan were feeling. As soon as Keegan turned around, his face lit up as he wrapped his arms around his beautiful bride. They shared a few moments at the alter before making their way down the hillside to exchange private vows. 10/10 private vows will always have my heart! Most times, I don’t get the chance to hear all the vows since they are often spoken softly between the couple, but they are absolutely my favorite part of a day, regardless. 

We snagged a few portraits before it was time for the wedding ceremony to begin above the valley. Lena’s dad walked her down the aisle where her “second dad” officiate the ceremony. Despite there being less than 25 people in attendance for this springtime Pikes Peak Ranch laidback microwedding, there was no shortage of love in the air. The sprawling views of mountains and forest land were the perfect backdrop for Lena and Keegan’s first kiss as husband and wife. Big hugs were exchanged after the ceremony before the cloud coverage cleared up just in time for us to snag the newlyweds for bridal portraits. 

Colorado Wedding Photography | Chuck & Shiloh Photo and Film

The couple had rented a classic Ford pickup truck for portraits, which was a nod to Keegan’s childhood. As a kiddo, he was obsessed with cars. In his early teens, him and his dad found an old junker, fixed it up, and eventually sold it for $5,000! Talk about impressive! It was such a sweet way to bring a little piece of Georgia to the Rockies. While we snagged newlywed portraits, the guests sipped cocktails back at the reception space. As soon as we wrapped up portraits, the newlyweds made their grand entrance and immediately hopped into their first dance. Clouds and a chill rolled back in, but the first dances warmed everyone up just in time to head inside for dinner. 

Once inside, guests enjoyed heartfelt toasts and speeches from loved ones. Guests ate delicious food, sipped drinks, and poured so much love and celebration into Lena and Keegan. During the cake cutting, we spotted a warm sunset peeking out beyond the horizon. We grabbed some gorgeous sunset pictures at the ceremony space just before the newlyweds exited beneath sparklers.

Eloping in Colorado | Colorado Weddings

Lena and Keegan’s Pikes Peak Ranch laidback microwedding filled my cup. Witnessing two people come together, surrounded by their most loved people, will absolutely never get old. And a wedding day is always made extra sweet when the day turns out just as the couple envisioned. I think it’s safe to say that Chuck & Shiloh Photo and Film will forever be grateful to be a Colorado wedding photography and videography duo. We’re so very lucky. 

Be sure to check out our blog for more Colorado love stories. And as always, you can keep up with our adventures and more lovely couples over on the ‘Gram (@chuckandshiloh).