Before I jump headfirst into the Grand Lake Lodge wedding, I have to start at the beginning. Last year I got a call from one of my favorite Maui coordinators that she needed a photographer to document a super sweet proposal out on Olowalu Pier in a few days. After learning that this gal was besties with one of my friends Maria, I absolutely was going to make it work. Even if it was just hours before catching a Mainland flight!
A Proposal I Coudn’t Resist
And boy am I glad that the stars aligned. I got to meet Morgan and Melissa – some of the most rad women I’ve met and document their incredible proposal here on Maui. A few months later, an email dropped in my inbox (or was it on Instagram? I can’t remember!)…and they had a wild proposition. What if I flew to Colorado to photograph their Grand Lake Lodge wedding? Well, let’s just say there wasn’t a ton of arm-twisting involved.
A year passed and I found myself in the mountains of Colorado to celebrate Morgan and Melissa’s wedding. Every little detail – Morgan’s hats, the playlists, the swag (yup – this wedding had swag!), my super sweet welcome bag complete with oxygen – no detail was left untouched.
What Made this Grand Lake Wedding Special
The Grand Lake Lodge wedding venue was incredible. I loved the tall trees and view of Grand Lake itself. Oh – and the FRICKING ASPENS. I texted my Colorado friends with all of my Colorado observations and my first question was “What are these trees that look like birch trees but with circular leaves?” Aspens may be the most magical trees there are and I’m so glad there were groves that were changing while I was there!
But truly what made this wedding so special was the people. I’ve photographed a lot of weddings over the years and I’m gonna tell you, one of my favorite things is talking to the guests about the couple. The love for Morgan and Melissa was so evident – there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd during their vows! Umm… including my eyes and dammit I didn’t bring waterproof mascara!
We were able to break away from the crowds after the ceremony to check out a little park a few minutes from Grand Lake and then jump into an aspen grove which made for the dreamiest photos I could imagine.
The night concluded with speeches, dancing, birthday celebrations, and some after-dark photo magic.
The Next Day
The next day we jumped on a pontoon and cruised Grand Lake for a few hours. It was so amazing to hang out with everyone the day after. It was a perfect day on the lake, and, to be honest, an absolutely perfect weekend in the mountains. WIth the most perfect group of people.
Morgan and Melissa – gosh. I just can’t thank you enough for trusting me to photograph your wedding. I know it was a leap of faith hiring this Maui gal to fly to the mountains and make it work, but I’m so glad you did. And in turn, you have a friend for life!
Thank you to the Vendors!
A big thanks to the vendors that made this possible!
Venue: Grand Lake Lodge
Photography: Angela Nelson Photography
Second Shooter: Devon K Photography
Florist: Bear’s Bouquets
Hair and Makeup: Beauty Kit Studio
DJ: Moonlit Studios
Desserts: Biscuits and Berries
Thinking of having your Grand Lake Lodge Wedding?
