Yes, I am aware this blog is about Josh and Allison... but I have to give you a little background on my business first. I started my business at 18. I was fresh out of high school and was working as a teachers assistant at a preschool. Allison was my manager, my first real boss, other than my parents who I had done irrigation work with since I could dig trenches. Anyway, when I first started my business, most people thought I was crazy. Most people thought I could never make a decent living as a photographer. I was just a kid, surely I needed more schooling, life experience and maturity to start and operate a successful business. My parents, my brother and the guy I was dating (my now husband) all encouraged me as they always do... but even some of my closest friends and family members encouraged me to take a different path. So when I went down to Allison's office to give her my notice and tell her I was going out on my own as a professional photographer, I was nervous. It wasn't that Allison wasn't nice or something. She was a wonderful boss. BUT I was used to everyone thinking I was making a huge mistake and giving me allllll the advice on what steps I needed to take first before I could solely depend on my business. When I told Allison she didn't think I was crazy. She didn't give me allllll the advice... she simply said "Wow! Good for you!" Fast forward to last year when Allison contacted me about her photographing her wedding to Josh. I was so very excited to work with her and meet her husband to be, Josh. I met up with them in January of this year for a snowy jeep engagement session.
I didn't know Josh before this... but I can tell you that Allison didn't just find a husband, she didn't just find happiness... she found JOY. Pure freaking joy guys. She is so exceedingly happy, it's contagious. She and Josh just share this mutual sunny and joyful happiness together. The kind of togetherness that will last. So through this blog post, soak in the sunshine. Enjoy all the happy tears and the moments Josh and Allison chose to share with me. Also keep an eye out for all of the animal + beer loving details throughout the day! Allison even carried her faithful pup Penny as her bouquet, Josh had his cat on his socks, they had kittens at cocktail hour (Allison works for the Humane Society and was raising adoption awareness), and they had growlers and hops as reception decor!
Miss Penny is getting up there in age and has lost most of her teeth at this point, but she has been there for Allison as her companion every step of the way.
THE FIRST LOOK
We were driving down the dirt road to the first look. I was telling Allison that I would hop out and go position Josh (who had gone ahead) for the first look.
She said, "I bet he is already up there waiting for me"
I thought to myself, sure... wishful thinking. No bride is ever that right about her groom.
And there he was. Waiting exactly where I would've put him. She knew.
I helped the bride get ready and then I ran up the trail ahead of her.
Josh was already crying. He hadn't even seen her yet. He hadn't heard her voice. He just knew she was there.
OUR FIRST DATE
By the Bride
7-24-16
We met through a dating app, which is the way of the world nowadays. After messaging back and forth, we realized that we had some common interests and decided to go on a date. Foolishly, I agreed to a hike with Josh. I met him at a coffee shop, where I then even more foolishly proceeded to get in his Jeep and let him drive me to the hiking spot a good 40+ minutes away. I did at least think to pack my mace and keep my bag with me in the front seat, ready to hinder his sight if I needed to!! Luckily, the place we went to was quite populated and I breathed a sigh of relief knowing that he couldn't try to kidnap me in a crowded area. We very much enjoyed our hike and each other's company, including having a half-hour long conversation about our mutual love of candy on the drive back. According to Josh, that conversation is what sealed the deal for him! Before we parted ways, we scheduled a second date for bowling two nights later and the rest is history!
BRIDE + GROOM PORTRAITS
THE PROPOSAL
By The Bride
7-24-18
On the two year anniversary of our first date, we decided to celebrate with a nice, fancy dinner at a local steakhouse downtown. We got all dolled up, ordered some wine, and appetizers to share over candlelight. While at dinner, we were talking about (ok, more like me giving him grief) how Josh was never going to propose, despite his admissions of wanting to marry me nearly a year prior and the never-ending ribbing from both families of taking his sweet time. He cuts me off to tell me he needs to use the restroom and then immediately bends down to tie his shoe while I playfully ignore him. Josh calls my name and is down on one knee with the most beautiful ring in his hand. I instantly burst into tears and cry uncontrollably for at least 20 minutes. We actually had to take our dinner to-go because I couldn't get myself together. It was quiet, genuine, beautiful and just us in the area of the restaurant, which was entirely perfect. I couldn't have asked for a better memory of that night!
THE CEREMONY
The Edgewood, Woodland Park Wedding
Everyone was in tears during Josh and Allison's vows to each other...
including Josh's Dad who married them.
THE BRIDAL PARTY + MARRIED COUPLE PORTRAITS
COCKTAIL HOUR + THE RECEPTION
One of my favorite cakes EVER!
The storm rolled in and it started pouring at the end of their first dance.
We hope you all enjoyed the images from Josh and Allison's Woodland Park wedding at the Edgewood. Keep an eye out for Brandin + Brittany's intimate Maroon Bells Wedding coming up next!