Starting out our 2017 wedding season couldn’t have gone more perfectly, mainly because we got to spend it with this amazing couple, their families, and friends! When we first met Elizabeth and Jared over coffee last year, we knew they were interviewing a handful of other photographers and prayed that they’d want us to be the ones to share their wedding day with them. Needless to say, we were elated when we got the phone call with the invitation to document their engagement season and their wedding day! The love that these two share and their story from childhood, is all too endearing, heart-throbbing, and beautiful. Elizabeth and Jared, we are truly honored you asked us to be a part of this time with you. We are so excited for our friendship and to watch you grow in your marriage! Congratulations to you both, we love you!

Love,
Mike and Tay

 

• How did the two of you meet? Elizabeth : “Jared and I met in high school. He played varsity lacrosse, and I was the water girl with one of my high school best friends. She and I decided to volunteer for the team because we had both done the spring musical together, and we wanted another after school activity we could do once the musical had ended. Jared had to sit out of practice one day because he was injured, and I happened to be sitting on the sidelines that day too. My friend wasn’t there yet, so Jared struck up a conversation with me, and we clicked right away. We started hanging out, we became close friends, and eventually we started dating.”

• Jared, how did you propose? “I was visiting from work in Utah for Thanksgiving break, and I told Elizabeth that I wanted to have a date night on Friday night since I don’t come town often, and I wanted some time for the two of us. I didn’t tell her any other parts of the plan other than we were going out. Behind the scenes though earlier in the week, I had already asked both her parents for her hand in marriage. I also had already hired a photographer to meet at the Denver Botanic Gardens – Blossom of Lights. On the night of our date, I took her to Capital Grille, the place where we had our first anniversary dinner, about 7 1/2 years ago. After dinner, I casually mentioned that we should maybe check out the Blossom of Lights since it was the opening night. She resisted because it was just starting to snow and said she would rather go home and watch a movie, but I insisted that we be spontaneous and continue the evening. Little did she know, a photographer and engagement awaited us. About half way through the Blossom of Lights tour, there was an intimate spot next to a gazebo. I pulled her aside over to this spot, got down on one knee, and asked her to marry me.”

• Tell us about your first look! Having done it, would you do it again? Elizabeth: “Our first look was incredible! I tapped him on the shoulder, he turned around, and it was a surreal feeling as we spent that quiet moment together seeing each other for the first time right before our ceremony. It made all of my nerves go away and everything was perfect. He was so darn handsome too! We would definitely do it again!”

• What inspired the epic “Usher” usher? “We knew from the beginning that we wanted our wedding to fit who we are – classic, romantic, and goofy! Having “Usher” be our usher seemed liked a quirky touch that would reflect our goofiness and would make our guests laugh from the beginning.”

• How did you guys choose the Highlands Ranch Mansion for your wedding venue? Elizabeth: “I found out about it in one of my classes, and I even included it in an event plan of mine for a class project. We toured a few other venues, but when we walked away from the Highlands Ranch Mansion, we knew that it was the perfect venue for us.”

• What was your most memorable moment from your wedding day? “Exchanging our vows was by far the most memorable moment. Being announced as husband and wife was also such an exciting moment!”

• What was the most fun part of wedding planning for you? Jared: “Food tastings and building our wedding arbor.”

Elizabeth: “The most fun part of wedding planning was choosing our music, practicing our first dance, and planning our ceremony. I also loved how much time I got to spend with my parents and sister throughout the whole process. It brought us all closer together, and I so appreciated all the help and advice they gave me. Even though it was stressful at times, we would do it all over again!”

• What advice do you have for couples planning their wedding now? “Don’t stress over the little things. You don’t notice them on your big day, and neither do your guests. They are there for you… and not for the color of your chairs. If you find yourself stressed, remember the reason why you are planning a wedding – to get married to the love of your life! Treasure each moment with your fiancé and with your friends and family that surround you at each step of the way. Oh and choose your Pinterest projects wisely…”

• Are you going on a honeymoon? If so, where are you going? “We did a mini-moon in Vail right after the wedding, and we’re going to Jamaica for our grand honeymoon (can we call that one a full moon?) :)”

 

VENDORS

Venue :: Highlands Ranch Mansion
Hair & Makeup :: Kathryn Fischer (MOH – Bride’s hair, Caitlin Zimmerman (Hair), Melanie Goodrich (make up)
Officiant :: Shawn, Brother of the Bride
Caterer :: Rocky Mountain Catering, Linda Goold
Desserts :: Nothing Bundt Cakes (Lonetree)
Rentals :: Event Rents
Videographer :: GPS Wedding Films, Greg Schlosser
Florist :: Designs by Theresa, Theresa Guthrie
DJ :: Elite DJ, Jason
Wedding Planner :: Angie Vossler
Brides Dress :: Luv Bridal