Della Terra Chateau Wedding : Jessi+Zach

When you're in elementary school, you never imagine your future husband is sitting a few rows behind you. In fact, you beg the universe for that not to be the case because, really, who looks good in velcro shoes and years of orthodontics? When Jessi and Zach first met, they sat in grade school together, but remained friends of friends. Zach was shy, Jessi was his outgoing counterpart, but they each enjoyed their opposite ends of the social spectrum.

In high school, Jessi moved with her family to Reno, Nevada, started a new high school, then enrolled in a local college. It was there, years later, when a friend invited her to hang out. A group of people were going and Zach would be there…you remember Zach, right? From elementary school? And she did. When their paths crossed again, they fell into an easy friendship and love blossomed.

When the time came for Jessi to leave Nevada to attend art school in Colorado, Zach promised to wait for her. A few months into their long distance relationship, he not only waited, Zach packed his bags and moved to Denver to remain by Jessi's side, vowing to never be separated again.

Jessi and Zach, working with you has been nothing short of a dream. From the moment we met on the mountain (amid hugs and fast chatter), I knew we were destined to be friends. Your families welcomed us with open arms and not only documented love, we felt love reverberate through the walls of the Chateau. Thank you for being you. Much Love and Appreciation… j*

The wedding day was nothing short of spectacular. It poured incessantly the day before, but the sky broke and clouds littered the Estes Park, Colorado sky. The wedding ceremony and reception took place at Della Terra Mountain Chateau, which is adjacent to the Estes Park national forest, so the view was–naturally–breathtaking.

Jessi splurged on a pair of Jimmy Choo crystal encrusted heels…a weekend trip to Las Vegas proved to be a fashion success. They paired perfectly with her gorgeous bouquet by Twigs and Posies

Jessi's best friend, Chelsea Garcia is a talented makeup artist in Denver, so she doubled her duties as the maid of honor and consummate beautifier…

Jessi and Zach opted to see each other before the ceremony, so Jessi made her way to the forest to see her husband-to-be…

…Zach's reaction to his bride is priceless…

I've decided every inch of Colorado is gorgeous and I could shoot there forever and never get tired of it…

The best thing about Zach and Jessie is that they surround themselves with amazing people…fun, vibrant, and kind people…loved them!

I should probably mention that it rained on the wedding day and just before this photo was taken, rain drops fell. Jessi turned to me and insisted I keep shooting through the rain…man, I love brides who'll do anything for a photo…

It rained for 30 minutes and just as they were about to move the ceremony indoors at Della Terra, the rain stopped and they married in a forest, which is exactly what they dreamed of…

Officially Mr. + Mrs.!

The walk back from the ceremony location to Della Terra Mountain Chateau was delightful with such a stunning backdrop…

After a joyous cocktail hour, they started the wedding reception with a special first dance…

…the remainder of the wedding was spent celebrating a perfect day for two people who deserve nothing less…

Happy Monday!