Alex and Austin wanted something a bit different for their wedding photos. This cute couple opted to drive six hours in the rain to a destination that would lend itself to picture-perfect images and a day these two won’t ever forget. Their photographer, Jenna Noelle Photography, shared how this day came to be.
After throwing the wedding day plans out the window, they were stoked to have an opportunity to capture beautiful photos out in the middle of nowhere with no stress of planning or wrangling family! This couple was a joy to work with not only because of their flexibility and willingness to drive 6 hours through the rain to our destination, but because their story is so amazing.
Austin is a Columbine survivor who became addicted to the drugs prescribed to him to treat his wounds. After a decade of struggling to cope, he went sober, met Alex, and started managing an addiction recovery center in Steamboat, where he has been able to be a voice for those who fall victim to over prescription of pain medications. You would never guess, meeting this couple, that they have been through so much, but it’s clear that their bond is unique. They are effortlessly a gorgeous couple and it was truly a privilege not only to work with them, but to have such a beautiful location to do it in.
The bride-to-be, Alex, also shared with us special moments from the day and their experience.
This was our engagement photo shoot. I wore my wedding dress for two reasons, the first being more logistical, in that we weren’t sure when, where or whom would be attending the wedding and I wanted some professional photos in my dress just in case we decided to elope. The second reason was that I couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to have a wedding portrait in a place as beautiful as the dunes!
The shoot at the Sand Dunes was what I had envisioned from the beginning, and when Jenna actually agreed to it I was over the moon! We were extremely lucky to have found such an adventurous and talented photographer – she captured it better than I ever imagined.
The day was really such a blast with so many funny memories, which are always my favorite. It was all unknown territory and quite the adventure – Austin and I had never met Jenna in person until we arrived at the Sand Dunes, which we had never visited prior to this trip. However, through all the unknowns, it fell together perfectly, all thanks to Jenna and her boyfriend, Raymond. I felt like we were all old friends by the time we left the shoot, which is a priceless memory in itself.
Austin and I planned very little for this particular event, as we do with most events, and it was absolutely perfect. I’m sure more planning would have made certain things easier, but we wouldn’t have these funny little memories that made it so special. My advice is to not take things too seriously and go with the flow – don’t let the little things ruin beautiful moments.
Congratulations to the nearly-weds!
Destination Wedding Photographer: Jenna Noelle Photography
Location: Great Sand Dunes National Park, Wedding Dress: The Altar Bride
