Mike and Maria were planning their wedding from a distance, so while we weren’t able to meet before their wedding, we’d chatted several times over the phone and through email working out the details of their day. What kind, gracious, love-filled people these two are! That was my very first impression and it proved to be true. I so loved getting to be a part of their wedding day!

While Mike and Maria didn’t want to do a first look, I loved that they wanted to take time to pray together before their ceremony. I love when my couples start their wedding day together…whether they see each other or not! ♥






Mike was adamant from the get go that he really wanted a gorgeous spot for photos between the ceremony and reception….if you insist!




Maria, you made such a gorgeous bride!! 








This one on the left just catches me. It’s such a simple image, but I’ve got this feeling you’ll be looking at each other just like that in 30 years.
So this horse wasn’t planned… an amazingly kind lady was riding this sweet champion horse on the trails and the bridesmaids grabbed her and sent her our way. How kind of her to let us grab this photo! Always yes to ALLLLLL the animals. ♥ 
Remember what I said a second ago about 30 years from now?? Yeahhhhhh….this one too.
Mike told me their reception would be a PARTY, and they weren’t kidding!! Once dinner was complete things kicked off quick, and I loved EVERY SECOND.
And these two danced the night away.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Ceremony Venue | St. Dominic Catholic Church

Reception Venue | Beckett Event Center

DJ | David Tschumper

Flowers | Madelyn Claire Floral Design

Caterer | Bird Dog BBQ

Cake | Little Pip’s Bakery

Dress | d’Anelli Bridal

Important Songs
I Won’t Let Go – Rascal Flats
You’ll Be In My Heart – Phil Collins
Gift of Love – Randy Travis

Want to see more of Mike & Maria’s incredible day? Click the image below for a slideshow!

Mike & Maria | In their own words…

How did the two of you meet?
We met while volunteering for our Church’s youth group

What was your favorite memory from your wedding day?
Maria: My favorite memory was when Mike and I prayed together before the ceremony. I surprised him by giving him my purity ring and a letter I had written my “future husband” 5 years ago. It was amazing to have that moment together.
Mike: The letter Maria gave me along with her purity ring from high school.

Funniest memory from your day?
Maria: During our group photos, my bridesmaids insisted I do that classic Little Mermaid pose on one of the rocks that we found. I would like to think I accomplished that quite well. (It was pretty perfect…if you haven’t already seen, the proof is in the slideshow.)
Mike: When my friends lifted me into the air to celebrate CSU scoring against Alabama.

What was your favorite detail?
Maria: My favorite detail was our cake/cake stand. Mike made the cake stand and Cake topper. I made all our cake and cupcakes. It was really special to have that one aspect that came from both of our talents. (Mike agreed)

If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
Maria: I wouldn’t change anything! Everything about our day was 100% perfect.
Mike: Nope! Loved the entire day.

Any advice for future brides and grooms?
Maria: Take time before the ceremony to be together: pray together, write/read a letter from one another/take that moment to bask in love before the ceremony. It’s so special! Also, stay organized and learn how to delegate! I promise it will help to relieve so much stress.
Mike: tay organized early. Agree on an organization method (paper / electronic) and stick with it.

Tell me about your honeymoon.
Mike: Two parts. First was a cruise to the Bahamas. Difficult part was that hurricane Irma and Jose passed around the bahamas a couple days before our trip and hurricane Maria (fitting) was chasing us during the honeymoon. Second part was at my family cabin in Grand Lake. Best week at the cabin ever! Relaxed, went hiking, heard elk bugle for the first time ever!