Oh where do we begin with these two?
Do you ever just instantly connect with someone the minute you meet them? Well, that’s how we felt when we met Claire and James. They came all the way from Oklahoma to have us take their engagement photos in New Orleans, and we are so honored that they chose us!
We knew from the minute we met them that it was going to be a super fun day! First, we played all around the French Quarter, and then took a stroll through City Park! If you hadn’t seen their engagement session, check it out here, you won’t be disappointed! They are so adorable!
After the engagement session, we kept in touch and have really enjoyed seeing how great their lives have been. They’ve started their own bee farm, and have a business selling their honey. How fun is that? Since Claire and James were not sure yet about where they wanted their wedding to be, we have been in suspense waiting to see if we would be able to photograph it for them! They decided to get married in Montana, but unfortunately it would cost us too much to travel there, so it wasn’t going to work. We were definitely bummed out, but there was something inside of us that just knew we would be there with them on their big day…
Then, Covid came and changed their plans quite a bit. They decided instead of a small wedding in Montana that they would have an even more intimate elopement, something they had considered from the beginning. They messaged us right away to see if we would be interested in traveling to Colorado to capture this super sweet elopement. You have no idea how happy we were the day we received Claire’s message! Colorado is a bit of a drive for us, but it was totally doable! So, we packed our kids in the car and made a lovely vacation out of it!
The day had finally come for Claire and James to promise themselves to each other for the rest of their lives at the most beautiful spot at Lake Isabelle. The guys hiked up a few minutes before, and the girls came following after. It was a 2 mile hike that had some of the most beautiful scenery that we have ever seen. Just when we thought we had seen it all, we arrived at the spot where the two of them wanted to say their vows. It was like a fairy tale! There were smiles from ear to ear the entire time, and we may or may not have totally teared up behind the cameras. (David may have also almost fallen into the lake while Claire was coming down the isle, but his cat like reflexes saved him AND the cameras! Phew!) Watching the two of them look so lovingly into each other’s eyes, and witnessing Claire’s son, Ryder, gain the best stepfather he could ever ask for, just touched our hearts so deeply!
After the ceremony and a super fun Champagne toast, everyone else went ahead to set up a beautiful dinner for when we returned. The 2 mile hike out was just as beautiful, and we were able to capture some really fun and candid moments of the newlyweds! When we arrived at their Airbnb, Claire and James were greeted with sparklers, wine, dinner, and cake! After Claire got to dance with both of her loves, we all sat down and had a delicious dinner catered by Bird and Jim, a local farm to table eatery! There were lots of beautiful toasts also laughs. It couldn’t have been more perfect!
Once again, we felt like we were able to share the day with best friends! We wish Claire and James lived closer, but they have promised to come to Louisiana to have some photos taken again soon. We sure would love to visit them at their new home in Tulsa one day!
Congrats you guys, we are so excited for you guys, I can’t wait to see what more the future holds for you three!
