Leila and Luke
Hillside Gardens
Colorado Springs
May 24, 2009
It was a memorable holiday weekend for Leila and Luke — they graduated from med school and got married! I’m glad they had sunny skies for their engagement portraits earlier this month, because it rained hard on their wedding day. They had planned for an outdoor ceremony, but thanks to a hardworking and cheerful group of family, friends, and vendors, they were able to move the ceremony under cover at the last minute. The rain was intermittent throughout the day, which gave great opportunities for photos with stormy clouds, umbrellas, and sun rays through the clouds.
My friend Walt Palmer was my second shooter for the day, and Lindsey Zahalka was my assistant. Thanks for your help, Walt and Lindsey!
Leila and Luke, I’m so happy for you and all your recent accomplishments. Congratulations, and good luck with your new careers!
(Photo by Walt)
Heavy rains greeted the families as they arrived at Hillside Gardens.
Leila’s brother
Leila and her friends arrived, smiling and optimistic.
(Photo by Walt)
Leila’s mother and sister
Leila received this turquoise bracelet as a gift of something old and something blue.
Leila’s mother and grandmother at the start of the ceremony
Luke’s father gave a reading during the ceremony.
Saying his vows
They gave their parents roses during the ceremony.
Leila’s father read a poem. In the large version of this photo, you can read each word.
Immediately after the ceremony
Leila’s little cousins were the ring bearer and flower girl.
Staying dry
It was a group effort to bustle the dress!
Leila and Luke didn’t mind the rain as they walked around together after the ceremony.
The rain couldn’t keep the guests away from the bar.
The placecards and favors were bottles of personalized M&Ms that said “The love doctors.”
During the toasts
Luke’s brother giving his best man toast (photo by Walt)
The sun came out long enough for Leila to toss her bouquet outside.
I’m not certain, but I think he was doing that “Firepower” thing from Night at the Museum. (Photo by Lindsey)
Father-daughter dance
Don’t stop believin’ (Photo by Walt)
Drinking + fire usually makes for a good party (Photo by Walt)
Venue: Hillside Gardens
Florist: Rhonda Nichols Floral Design
Gown: Casablanca
Coordinator: Weddings and Events by Susan
haha 😀 I LOVE the dancing photos.
and they just look so happy to be together!
Re: From Russia, Moscow, for sure with love
Wow, what wonderful praise! Thanks so much for taking the time to tell me that! Yes, please do have a wedding when your time is right. You don’t have to do any tradition that doesn’t interest you, but I highly recommend having a party with all the people that you love. 🙂
From Russia, Moscow, for sure with love
Dear Charlotte! To tell you the truth, I’ve never wanted to have a wedding! I hate to be in the centre of all’s attention and couldn’t find any good reason to explain all those expenses… You know, when I look at your photos and all those happy people in love – I feel like I DO WANT A WEDDING! 🙂 Many thanks and all the best to You!
The ladies in black with the matching shawls are the ushers; I loved that idea.
Beautiful, beautiful dress! It’s also nice they found such a pretty interior space at the last minute.
Question about the wedding – the women in the black dresses with boutinerres (sp?) and shawls; they don’t look like they’re part of the wedding party, is the matching coincidental or were they involved in the wedding? Just idle curiousity!
I especially like the photo with the dark blue sky, it’s one of my favorite colors.
Beautiful, beautiful dress! It’s also nice they found such a pretty interior space at the last minute.
Question about the wedding – the women in the black dresses with boutinerres (sp?) and shawls; they don’t look like they’re part of the wedding party, is the matching coincidental or were they involved in the wedding? Just idle curiousity!
I especially like the photo with the dark blue sky, it’s one of my favorite colors.
That last image with the sparklers is just . . . magic.
That last image with the sparklers is just . . . magic.
I really appreciate the response. Must be great to have multiple camera bodies 😉
“I just feel it, I guess. Sometimes I think about the lenses strategically, and sometimes I decide instinctually.”
And that’s probably what distinguishes good photographers from brilliant photographers. Can’t wait to see more of your work! 🙂
I really appreciate the response. Must be great to have multiple camera bodies 😉
“I just feel it, I guess. Sometimes I think about the lenses strategically, and sometimes I decide instinctually.”
And that’s probably what distinguishes good photographers from brilliant photographers. Can’t wait to see more of your work! 🙂
Oops I meant sparklers. I don’t think people would appreciate firecrackers at a wedding 😉
Thank you!
You’re right on both accounts — I do carry two bodies, and I also change my lenses every minute. 😉 I carry a Shootsac filled with three lenses, and the two bodies always have a lens on each, which means that I carry five lenses around with me most of the time. I change the lenses frequently. I love to have variety in perspectives.
I’m not sure how I decide which lens to use. I just feel it, I guess. Sometimes I think about the lenses strategically, and sometimes I decide instinctually.
Me too! There was an audible gasp among the ladies in the bride’s room when the gown was taken out of its hanging bag. Beautiful.
Thank you!
I was outside when that song began playing, and I could hear the crowd singing it louder than the recording.
That’s perfect! I’m so glad the photos had that effect.
Thanks, Rachael! I actually think that rain makes for interesting photos and fun challenges.
Oh wow, such a small world. Lindsey found me online.
Sparklers are so fun to photograph! Usually they are a bit dangerous after the guests have spent several hours drinking, but everyone seemed to behave themselves this night. 🙂
Oops I meant sparklers. I don’t think people would appreciate firecrackers at a wedding 😉
These are amazing! As always. 🙂
These are amazing! As always. 🙂
Okay, it just occurred to me that you probably have more than one camera body. But still – oh man.
I love your work.
I am so amazed! I dabble in photography as a hobby, but your stuff is just brilliant. Do you change lens like every minute? How do you decide? How do you keep up? *speechless*
Okay, it just occurred to me that you probably have more than one camera body. But still – oh man.
I love your work.
I am so amazed! I dabble in photography as a hobby, but your stuff is just brilliant. Do you change lens like every minute? How do you decide? How do you keep up? *speechless*
I LOVE her dress!
Absolutely stunning. 🙂
luke perry! 🙂
i love the ‘don’t stop believin’ photo. whenever i’m out and that song comes on, everyone in the bar stops to sing. i’m glad i’m not the only one who’s seen it. 🙂
oh wow – great photos – I honestly /feel/ like I was just there! 🙂
Oh Charlotte – only you can take something like a rainy wedding day and turn out the most beautiful photos! You are incredible!
how do you know lindsey? i worked with her. she took over my old position.
Oh I LOVE the firecrackers!
oh wow – great photos – I honestly /feel/ like I was just there! 🙂
Oh I LOVE the firecrackers!