Kellie and Sarah’s wedding at Juniper Lodge and Treehouses was the kind of day that perfectly balances intention, joy, and a little bit of mountain magic. Nestled among towering trees and sweeping mountain views, Juniper Lodge was the ideal backdrop for a celebration that felt deeply personal, whimsical, and grounded in connection.

From the beginning, Kellie and Sarah knew photography was one of the most important choices they would make. They wanted someone who could capture the feeling of the day—not just how it looked.

“The photographer was a very important choice for us as we wanted someone who would capture the whimsical essence of our wedding we were going for, with it still feeling very personal.”

As a lesbian couple, it was also essential that they work with women- and queer-owned vendors, and from their first consultation, it was clear we were aligned.

“We met with her over the phone for a consultation… and knew fairly quickly she was just who we were looking for.”

A Wedding Day That Prioritized Experience Over Posing

Kellie and Sarah were clear from the start: while photos mattered, they didn’t want their wedding to feel like a nonstop photoshoot. They wanted time—to celebrate, to be present, and to soak in the day with their people.

“We made it clear while the photos were important, we didn’t want our whole wedding day to be just taking pictures… She understood this out of the gate.”

This is where documentary wedding photography truly shines. With a clear understanding of their priorities, we built space into the timeline for real moments to unfold naturally, stepping in only when guidance was helpful—like family photos, portraits, and their first look.

A Mountain First Look (and a Little Rain Magic)

As an out-of-town couple, Kellie and Sarah trusted us to guide them to the best locations on the property for mountain views and forested backdrops.

“We knew we wanted lots of mountain views and trees and she did not disappoint!”

Their first look took place tucked among the trees, intentionally separate paths leading each of them to that moment. It was quiet, emotional, and incredibly authentic—one of those pauses in the day that feels suspended in time.

And then, like so many mountain weddings, the weather shifted. Clouds rolled in. Rain followed. And instead of stress, the day leaned into it.

“Even when the clouds rolled in and the skies opened up, they were well prepared with umbrellas and made the shoot feel so magical in the rain!”

Some of the most romantic images of the day came from those misty, rain-soaked moments.

A Ceremony Rooted in Meaning

With no wedding party, the focus stayed exactly where Kellie and Sarah wanted it—on their vows, their families, and the commitment they were making.

Throughout the ceremony and family photos, flexibility was key. A few last-minute groupings were added, and we moved through them with patience and ease.

“They were very patient throughout our family photos as a few different iterations got added last minute.”

The rest of the evening unfolded with laughter, connection, and plenty of candid moments—silly, tender, and entirely them.

A Dynamic Duo Behind the Camera

Kate and Taylor worked together seamlessly throughout the day, splitting coverage during key moments and making sure nothing meaningful was missed.

“Kate and her second photographer (and partner… such a dynamic duo!) Taylor, arrived promptly… They really understood us as a couple out of the gate.”

When Kellie and Sarah decided—literally the day before—that they wanted more reception coverage, adding an extra hour was effortless.

“She replied instantly and was more than willing to do so!”

Fast Turnaround, Lasting Memories

One of the most joyful surprises came after the wedding.

“She also works extremely fast! … we had a TON of previews in less than 48 hours. It was so special to be able to send photos to family and friends so quickly.”

Getting to relive the day almost immediately is something we value deeply—and judging by Kellie and Sarah’s response, it made the post-wedding glow last just a little longer.

“She’s a wizard!”

A Wedding That Felt Exactly Like Them

Kellie and Sarah’s Juniper Lodge wedding was a reminder that the most meaningful celebrations aren’t about perfection—they’re about presence, trust, and being fully yourselves.

“If you are looking for a photography team who will pay attention to your wants and needs, make you and your partner feel extra special on your big day and who will capture your very personal essence, Kate Ivy Photography is the way to go!”

If you’re planning a Juniper Lodge and Treehouses wedding, a Colorado mountain wedding, or an LGBTQ+ inclusive celebration, and you want photography that honors your experience just as much as your images—I’d love to connect.