Weddings are full of details. Things to do, things to remember, things to figure out. And this wedding was no different. But what was different about this wedding is that all of those details and things to do were overshadowed with happiness and family. Specifically, two families, coming together as one.

Sharon & Tom are from Illinois, but due to family circumstances decided to get married in Colorado. Lucky me! Not JUST Colorado, but one of the most beautiful venues in Colorado! The Stanley Hotel is in Estes Park, CO and is just overall amazing. We knew the venue would be gorgeous, going into this – but what I didn’t know was how amazing the family and the people would be. I love booking weddings over the phone, sometimes it’s super easy to just finalize everything and that’s it! But there is always an element of surprise, because there isn’t the initial meeting. In this case, the surprise was wonderful – a couple so in love, surrounded by children and grandchildren in a celebration of love and family. And that family adopted Tom and I for the day, and treated us like family.

For anyone unfamiliar with the Stanley Hotel, it is the hotel that Stephen King’s The Shining was based on. Basically, it’s 100% gorgeous. I snuck into The Lodge, near the gazebo, because I heard a rumor (thanks guys!) that the bride was hiding in there, and so her daughters and I went looking for her. Sharon and I met and hugged and laughed – there was no awkwardness, it was the perfect way to meet someone for the first time!

Family was integral to the entire day. The bride and groom walked down the aisle with one of their children, the grandchildren helped to carry the lanterns down the aisle as well, and there were readings from several of the bride and groom’s children. Each ring had two ring bearers, and everyone was SO proud to be a part of this special day!

When I saw these shoes, my first question was “are you okay taking them off?” I wanted SHOTS of these things, they were fabulous! I later found out that they were a gift from the groom for the wedding day – EXCELLENT work, Tom!

What a beautiful bride! Her eyes sparkled ALL day!

The toasts were SO funny! When your children are a part of the toasts, there are definitely stories to be shared!

Sharon and Tom, thank you so much for adopting us into your family for the day. It was an honor to be there with you, and we wish you all the happiness in the world! Your children and grandchildren were a joy, and looking at these photos again as I write this brings a huge smile to my face.

Congratulations!!

To see more of Sharon and Tom’s day, please see the slideshow below.