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A list of wedding day essentials is well—essential! Sure you’ve got your dress, your shoes, hair accessories and makeup bag, but what else will you need on your big day? And more importantly, what can you pack in advance or delegate to your tribe? No worries here. I’ve got you covered! As a Colorado photographer since 2013, I’ve managed the Rocky Mountain wedding scene for more than a decade. So without further ado, here are my top 10 wedding day essentials, guaranteed to keep Colorado brides stress-free and photo ready!
1. Wedding Day Essentials: The Bridal Binder
Whether you’ve opted for a scenic mountain space or a more traditional venue, odds are your vendors are based everywhere from Boulder or Vail to Denver and Colorado Springs… and service weddings everywhere in between! That’s why I recommend a bridal binder on your list of wedding day essentials. It doesn’t need to be stuffed or complicated—but it should include a final schedule and the names and contact information for all of your day-of team. Colorado is a fairly drivable state, so your guests and vendors are all probably coming in from somewhere. Having all this information handy (and printed out ahead of time!) can help to keep track of everyone and make it easy to check in if anything comes up. (Spring snowstorms anyone?)
2. Dry Shampoo/Dry Conditioner
Did you know Colorado is the seventh driest state in America? With no oceans to help regulate temperatures, and no bodies of water anywhere nearby, the air is some of the driest you’ll find year round. As such, the temperatures can swing from hot to cold all in one day, resulting in some pretty frizzy, dry hair—especially if you’re not a native or traveled here for a destination wedding. That’s why dry shampoo and dry conditioner are a must-have on my list of wedding day essentials! Dry shampoo can help maintain your hairstyle without weighing you down, and breathe life into flattened roots, all while eliminating that pesky mountain static.
3. Dryer Sheets
Your hair isn’t the only thing affected by the dry Colorado climate. Everything from skirts to veils and pant legs can fall victim to static cling, and sprays can often lead to stains or unwanted drops of spritzy moisture on your gowns and suits. The solution? Add a box of dryer sheets to your list of wedding day essentials. If skirts are sticking and pants aren’t laying correctly, just wipe a simple sheet over the surface, and voila. No static—no problem!
4. Ibuprofen
With an average altitude of about 6,800 feet above sea level, Colorado is the highest contiguous State in the Union. Even the natives aren’t immune to altitude sickness, especially on days where nerves are running as high as the peaks! Caused by the lack of oxygen at high altitude, people in Colorado, especially visitors who aren’t accustomed, can often experience headaches and muscle soreness as they adjust to the thinner air. Don’t let the height ruin your day! Have some ibuprofen handy to make sure your big day isn’t interrupted by any discomfort.
5. Wedding Day Essentials: Water Bottles & Sports Drinks
Water bottles and sports drinks are wedding day essentials in Colorado, especially if you’re planning a cocktail hour or open bar. Consuming alcohol at a higher elevation can exaggerate its effects of dehydration, usually making altitude sickness much worse than it needs to be at big events like your wedding. If your guests are arriving and attending a drinks-included reception within 48 hours of their arrival, make sure there are plenty of water and electrolyte-heavy drinks to go around. Have plenty of non-alcoholic drinks available, and make sure you have a way to stay hydrated at every phase of the day’s events.
6. Chapstick & Hand Cream
These go without saying in a dry climate like Colorado, but they’re worth mentioning as wedding day essentials when kisses and rings are among the day’s focal points. You’d be surprised how quickly your hands can dry out, especially if you’re planning a winter wedding. Refresh your moisture before all those close-up wedding band photos, and make sure your lips are soft and kissable any time a fork taps a glass all night long.
7. Footwear Options
Colorado wedding venues have some stunning options for bridal portraits, but some do require some walking. Even when staying on the grounds, you’ll probably have to walk over some rocky mountain terrain at some point in the day. That’s why I recommend packing some extra comfortable shoes to wear as you walk from place to place. Trust me. It’s best to keep your wedding shoes clean and your ankles happy and healthy!
8. Blotting Papers & Setting Spray
I’ve mentioned the drying effects of Colorado’s climate on your hair and your clothing, but did you know it can have the opposite effect on your skin? It’s true! When faced with the dry winds of Colorado, our skin tends to fight the air by overcompensating with extra oils and shine. That’s why blotting papers and a good matte-finish makeup setting spray are among the top wedding day essentials. They’ll help you stay looking your best without excessive drying or adding to the oily root cause.
9. Sunscreen
Ever wondered why Colorado skiers get sunburnt cheeks in the dead of winter? Even on cold, cloudy days? Well, being 6,800 feet above sea level puts us a lot closer to the sun that we often realize. And that proximity to the sun can lead to a quick burn on your big day, even in the length of a simple outdoor ceremony. Make sure you have a lightweight, spray-on sunscreen handy, and remember to treat your scalp. You don’t want to head off on your honeymoon with wedding gown tan lines!
10. Wedding Day Essentials: Snacks
Most healthcare professionals advise eating smaller and more frequent meals, carbs, vitamin rich foods and even salty foods when on a high-altitude visit. Most brides on the other hand tend to skip morning breakfast or refuse wedding day snacks because they don’t want to be bloated. You see the problem here? Your body really does need more fuel at Colorado’s elevation, and a lack of respect for that can cause you to feel far more dizzy and lightheaded than you usually would. There are plenty of snacks that can combat hunger without bloating. Find your favorites and make sure you have plenty on hand throughout the day.
Your wedding day should be as special and unique as your love story. Let’s make it as smooth as possible! Let’s capture the unforgettable moments together.
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Mommy and me photography sessions are rising in popularity, and it’s easy to see why! If you’re a mom, you already know two things: 1. You have PLENTY of photos of your kids, and 2. You’re not in any of them. Let’s face it, we’re almost always the ones behind the camera, making sure everyone else is taken care of, and all the memories are absolutely magical. But don’t forget—they’re your memories, too! So let’s talk mommy and me photography: What it is, why it’s worth it, and how to pull it off.
What is Mommy and Me Photography?
A mommy and me photo shoot captures the bond between a mother and her children, resulting in images that are both beautiful and timeless. It’s a snapshot in time of your unique and precious relationship, no matter how old your babies are. Think family photo session, specifically focused on moms and their kiddos. Simply put, it’s exactly what it sounds like. But more than that, it’s a way to honor the women who are busy molding the next generation, allowing them to be seen, celebrated and appreciated for all of their love and sacrifice.
Why should I book a session?
Okay, if you’re a mom, you already know three things, and the third is that your kids are growing up WAY too fast. Mommy and me photography will capture your relationship exactly as it is now, and make it last forever. You’re going to want these images, and believe me, so will your children! Mommy and me photo sessions result not just in images, but in heirlooms that can be passed down to the next generations, used in future wedding slideshows, framed for gifts or ornaments, and even displayed around your home.
Moms aside, giving a mommy and me photography session can be perfect for Mother’s Day, birthdays or Christmas. Not only are you giving an experience, but you’re providing the opportunity to bond, and the excuse to get dressed up! Not to mention she’ll get a gallery of images that will make her heart swell.
How can I pull off a great experience?
Great mommy and me photography comes down to two factors: Location and wardrobe. Whether you want the vibe to be cozy or adventurous, the most important thing for both elements is that everyone is comfortable.
If you and your kids are happiest playing together at home, then schedule your shoot there! If you’d prefer a picturesque, outdoor setting, Colorado has plenty of spaces to choose from. My best advice for choosing your outfits? Believe it or not, YOU come first! I know we don’t hear that a lot as moms, but let’s be honest, your kids will look perfect in anything! Make sure you choose a weather or seasonally appropriate outfit that YOU feel comfortable and confident wearing, then base the other outfits from there.
Motherhood will change your life forever. In fact, it changes everything! Make sure you remember all the special moments within the journey. Whether you’re new to the gig or your babies have left the nest, there’s nothing like a mother’s love. Let’s capture the moments together!
