In July I traveled to Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, Colorado to celebrate and document some of my favorite people as they promised each other forever in their intimate mountain wedding at the Park’s 3M Curve. To say I was emotionally exhausted is an understatement…only because I wept ALL day. I am in awe over all much God poured and shined through in every detail, every moment of this day. From beginning to end.
We arrived in Denver, Colorado on Saturday – it was gloomy, hailing, and frankly quite miserable. We were a little worried, but also trusting, because we knew everything would be beautiful – rain or shine.
Sunday we woke up to clear and sunny skies. The rain chance went down dramatically, and it felt PERFECT outside. Can I get a Hallelujah?? The rest of the morning was spent around amazing people. Laughing, dancing, and photographing the beginnings of what would become one of my favorite days.
As we were getting ready to head to over to Estes Park + Rocky Mountain National Park for the ceremony the boys got together for a prayer. Dark clouds began pouring into what was once clear skies. But the rain never came. Instead the boys gathered around each other and placed their hands on Josiah to pray. That exact moment thunder rolled across the valley and echoed off the mountains around us. Tears filled my eyes. The boys paused letting God speak into the circle and then continued Pray one the thunder quieted – their words so deep, so heartfelt that I was sobbing. Thunder continued to rumble, and the boys paused their words to take in how God was loving and surrounding them. I. Was. In. Awe.
Then we drove to the park. The sun danced in and out of the clouds until we got settled at the ceremony site. For now the sun lost to the clouds, but the ominous storms clouds became such an incredible backdrop with the jagged mountains. We blindfolded Josiah and lead him to Sarah for their first touch. They were back to back, holding hands, praying – tears pouring down their faces, (MINE TOO) thunder dancing quietly through the trees behind us. All of their family and friends watched on the hill, the same emotions running through their hearts.
The ceremony was next and my heart wasn’t prepared. (I don’t think any of ours was) Everyone lined up at 3M Curve. The mountains stood strong behind us, the wind was a force to feel, and the coolness in the air gave us chills. Then Sarah came down the aisle. We all watched in awe as each step brought her closer – Be Thou My Vision by Audrey Assad played in the backdrop, rivaling the wind and thunder.
And then Josiah turned around. And wept.
We all lost it, I quickly turned back to Sarah and continued documenting her trek and saw she too began sobbing as she finally locked eyes with her soon to be husband. I couldn’t believe how immense the emotion was – how evident God was.
Thunder roared once more when they joined hands and took their spot on the rocks. They words that were shared, the prayers, the love and surrendering to GOD, I have never seen a more beautiful beginning to a new journey. I did not want this ceremony to end.
But God wasn’t done. As we approached the end, after they said their vows, Sarah + Jo came in for a final prayer. Forehead to forehead they embraced, and they prayed together. Then it began to rain. Not hard, but enough to look up and praise God for how he blessed us. In the moment where intimacy is shared among us all with Him, when we come together to bare our hearts to Him, God gifts us with something so precious as rain.
And then they became husband and wife. Together under the mountains, the wind, the rain, and God’s presence.
They walked back up the aisle, the sun began to win its battle with the clouds. (I’m not even making this up) we all got together and hugged feeling the sun come out to warm our skin. For the next hour we ran among the wildflowers, danced on the hills, picnicked on the mountain side, and thanked God for His endless gifts.
We ended our day with a post ceremony adventure. We hiked the 1.1 miles trek through Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, and Dream Lake – and I don’t just mean Sarah, Jo, and I – I mean all friends and family came. We walked through what felt like a fairy forest – where elk followed in the trees besides us. We got to the lake, jaws dropping at the seemless reflection and foggy cliffs that lied before us. Sarah and Josiah changed back into their wedding attire and walked to the edge of the water. Together they kneel and each took time to wash each other’s feet. So gently, so humbling. Letting the cold waters cleanse their feet as they prepare for their journey ahead together with God.
I could not believe this moment. I still don’t have the right words, but oh my heart was so full. So, so full.
Gorgeous work and perfectly captured!