ASPEN BRIDE MAGAZINE (Winter/Spring 2012)

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A!en

BRIDE WINTER/SPRING 2012 $17.99

Featured Interviews Robin Proctor on Wedding Photography

& Embracing Marriage in Modern Times + Deciding on the Ideal Wedding Date

Featured Weddings Ashleigh & Colin Samantha & Stephen

Advice for Dealing with Unruly Wedding Guests A Man’s World: Men and Wedding Planning Unplugged: A Cell Phone Free Wedding + Andrew Clark on Searching for the “Perfect” Wedding Photographer

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44 PHOTOS: ALISON CONKLIN PHOTOGRAPHY (top left), TANGLED LILAC PHOTOGRAPHY (MELISSA DUNSTAN) (bottom left), CHARLES ENGELBERT PHOTOGRAPHY (right)

Contents WINTER/SPRING 2012

Real Aspen Weddings FEATURED COUPLE 1: Ashleigh and Colin at The Little Nell ................................................................................................ 22 FEATURED COUPLE 2: Samantha and Stephen at The Little Nell .......................................................................................... 44

A!en

BRIDE WINTER/SPRING 2012 $17.99

Featured Interviews Robin Proctor on Wedding Photography

& Embracing Marriage in Modern Times + Deciding on the Ideal

Featured Interviews

Wedding Date

Featured Weddings Ashleigh & Colin Samantha & Stephen

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY: Meet Robin Proctor of Robin Proctor Photography ................................................................ 36 Interview by Patricia Hammond

Advice for Dealing with Unruly Wedding Guests A Man’s World: Men and Wedding Planning Unplugged: A Cell Phone Free Wedding + Andrew Clark on Searching for the “Perfect” Wedding Photographer

aspenbride.com

Featured Articles Embracing Marriage in Modern Times .......................................................................................................................................... 33 by Lauren Guillory Deciding on the Ideal Wedding Date............................................................................................................................................. 43 by Sarah Goldstein Advice for Dealing with Unruly Wedding Guests.......................................................................................................................... 54 by Lauren Guillory A Man’s World: Men and Wedding Planning ............................................................................................................................... 57 by Jessica Smith Unplugged: A Cell Phone Free Wedding....................................................................................................................................... 59 by Jennifer Kennedy Searching for the “Perfect” Wedding Photographer....................................................................................................................... 64 by Andrew Clark

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SUMMER / FALL 2011 $14.99

Ashleigh & Colin

January 16, 2012 | The Little Nell

Photography by Alison Conklin Photography

INAUGURAL ISSUE Experience love at 11,212 ft.

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ON THE COVER: Ashleigh & Colin Photography by: Alison Conklin Photography

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A!en BRIDE

Winter/Spring 2012

As the Founder and Editor in Chief of Aspen Bride, it is my

PHOTO: MICHAEL FERGUSON

pleasure to deliver our Winter/Spring 2012 issue. The winter and spring seasons each offer a distinctly beautiful time of year to marry in Aspen. In fact, for couples desirous of avoiding the busy summer and fall wedding seasons, a winter or spring wedding provides enhanced flexibility when in comes to planning and scheduling opportunities. Upon viewing images of a winter wedding held in Aspen, most are quick to comment that it appears to be a picture perfect “winter wonderland.” To be sure, as this issue demonstrates, there is no lacking of romantic winter scenery.

Your wedding guests will be able to share in the excitement of Aspen, with a wide array of winter activities for all ages of friends and family members. Internationally renowned skiing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and snowmobiling are just a few of the winter activities available in Aspen. The spring likewise offers countless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding. Moreover, there is a wonderful and diverse calendar of annual events that are held every spring in Aspen and Snowmass. Aspen Bride ultimately endeavors to share the sophistication and elegance inherently reflected in Aspen’s natural beauty and eclectic culture. This is achieved by means of in-depth featured wedding stories, informative interviews with local wedding professionals and substantive featured articles. All of this combines to create a publication that is just as much inspirational as it is informative. As always, I would like to personally thank each of the featured couples, our contributors and the multitude of experienced wedding professionals who have contributed their time, knowledge and experience to this issue of Aspen Bride.

Matthew Lauren, Editor in Chief matthew.lauren@aspenbride.com

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T Lazy 7 Ranch

This fifth generation family owned and operated Ranch is nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains only 3 miles from Aspen. The Meadow’s natural beauty is a perfect location for a wedding ceremony or twinkle-lit, tented reception, while the “T Lazy 7 Lodge” is an exquisite building for a reception site or rehearsal dinner. The log lodge has grand vaulted ceilings, a luxurious dance floor, raised bandstand, intimate seating near two elegant stone fireplaces, and an outside patio to enjoy the evening’s splendor. The adaptability of our wedding venue is limited only by your imagination...

(970) 618-5152 | www.tlazy7.com 3129 Maroon Creek Road Aspen, Colorado 81611

ASPEN BRIDE | CONTRIBUTORS

Patricia Hammond Contributing Editor Patricia has lived in Colorado since 1974 and could not imagine living anyplace else. She loves horseback riding, biking, dancing, traveling to new places and spending time with her family and friends. Patricia has three adult children. Two of her sons live and work in Washington, DC where one is a lawyer and the other a campaign advisor. Her youngest son is now a junior at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Lauren Guillory Contributing Editor A graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder, Lauren holds degrees in English (Creative Writing) and Communication. During her time in college, she experienced as much as her schedule would allow; she was a three-year member and one-year head captain of the University’s Goldrush dance team and a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. She spent her weekends snowboarding, socializing, and enjoying the natural amenities of Colorado. Her parents, Cheryll and Gerard Guillory, came to Colorado in 1985. Gerard coaxed Cheryll into leaving their home state of Louisiana with the promise that they would return in two years; twenty-six years later, they reside in the charming town of Parker, Colorado, with one explanation: “Colorado’s environment is intoxicating, leaving after two years would have cut our adventure short!”

Andrew Clark Contributing Author/Photographer As soon as he could hold a crayon, Andrew was playing with colors and pictures. An art scholarship, a camera, 25 countries and four decades later, it is a journey he still relishes every day. Andrew feels truly blessed that photography is his life; when he is long retired at 100 years old he will still be working to perfect “this wonderful obsession” because he can’t help himself. He loves photography because there is always room for improvement and life is always changing: expression, perspective, color, light and gesture can all be assembled in countless subtle combinations to convey emotion differently. There is no right way, just the way of the moment – that fleeting second where he hopes to be in the right place, ready. At the end of the day, this is what this photographic life for Andrew is all about: doing the very best he can – giving his heart and soul – for clients and friends.

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A!en BRIDE

Matthew Lauren President/Editor in Chief Patricia Hammond Contributing Editor Lauren Guillory Contributing Editor WINTER/SPRING 2012 Contributing Authors Andrew Clark, Sarah Goldstein, Jennifer Kennedy, Jessica Smith

PHOTO: ALISON CONKLIN

Contributing Photographers Andrew Clark, Alison Conklin, Melissa Dunstan (Tangled Lilac Photography), Charles Engelbert, Robin Proctor Aspen Bride Magazine is published by A4G Publishing Company. Any opinions expressed in the featured content of Aspen Bride are not necessarily those of the editors and/or publisher. None of the featured content or photographs appearing in Aspen Bride may be reproduced without the express written permission of the publisher. Aspen Bride and Aspen Bride Magazine are trademarks of A4G Publishing Company and their use is strictly prohibited. A4G Publishing Company | Tel: (970) 205-9785 | Submit all advertising and featured wedding inquiries by email to: info@aspenbride.com | www.aspenbride.com

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SUMMER / FALL 2011 $14.99

Ashleigh & Colin

January 16, 2012 | The Little Nell

Photography by Alison Conklin Photography

INAUGURAL ISSUE Experience love at 11,212 ft.

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FEATURED WEDDING | ASPEN BRIDE

Describe your wedding theme

Your advice for Aspen weddings

Ashleigh & Colin: We did not have a specific theme in mind. We knew that we sought to incorporate as much of the town and atmosphere of Aspen as we possibly could. Aspen is beautiful on its own, so we aimed to keep it as natural as possible. The end results and outcome far exceeded our initial vision. There was the most beautiful snowfall on our wedding day, which made for a gorgeous and romantic setting throughout the entire day.

Ashleigh & Colin: This will be the best decision you have ever made. Not only is Aspen beautiful in every season, you will never feel more taken care of and pampered if you have your special day in this amazing town. Every vendor, from the florist to reception to hair and makeup, were phenomenal. Each person paid the utmost attention to detail and made the entire planning process and wedding a

Why Aspen, Colorado? Ashleigh & Colin: We had an entire wedding planned in our hometown in Pennsylvania. That said, a few months before the wedding we learned that two of the three bridesmaids were expecting and were due on our original wedding date! After that, it didn’t take us long to decide that we would love to have an intimate, winter wedding. We are both avid skiers and Aspen is one of our favorite places. Although we were planning remotely, we knew that Aspen would be the perfect choice‌ and it was! Winter/Spring 2012 | aspenbride.com | 23

ASPEN BRIDE | FEATURED WEDDING

seamless perfection. Additionally, when planning an Aspen wedding remotely, if not using a standard wedding planner, we would definitely recommend that couples consider retaining a “day-of” planner. Your day-of planner will be familiar with all of the local venues, vendors, and services and alleviate a great deal of the stress of coordinating a wedding so that you will be able to relax, take in, and really enjoy every moment of your special day. All in all, it was our experience that we were both truly surprised at how effortless it was to plan our wedding in Aspen remotely. Our vendors were nothing short of exceptional and therefore made the planning process virtually stress free.

Did you hire a local wedding planner? Ashleigh & Colin: We did not hire a full-time wedding planner. However, as mentioned above, we did decide to retain the services of a “day-of” planner (Jane Floyd of Jane 24 | aspenbride.com | Winter/Spring 2012

Floyd & Associates) and we also a had a wonderful coordinator (Lindsay Potts) at the Little Nell, our reception site. That said, when planning remotely, we would absolutely recommend a wedding planner, either full-time or a “day-of” planner based on your specific needs and budget allocation. It was almost certainly a necessity in our situation, since we were planning a destination wedding from afar, in Pennsylvania. Both of our wedding planners, Jane and Lindsay, definitely went above and beyond and took care of every last detail to ensure we were both able to enjoy and take in every moment of our wedding day.

What were the most stressful aspects of planning your wedding? Ashleigh & Colin: With a winter wedding, the one logistical item we worried about most was everyone arriving safely and on time. We knew that with a winter wedding there is always the potential for weather delays. But we were fortunate that everyone made the journey to

FEATURED WEDDING | ASPEN BRIDE

Aspen safely and without incident. Of course, as with almost any wedding or large social event, there will always inevitably be a few unanticipated issues that arise. That said, with patience and the experienced guidance of Jane and Lindsay, we were able to work through all such issues relatively easily. At the very early stages of planning and selecting our wedding venue, there was a bit of tension at first about the decision to have a destination wedding in Aspen. That said, any tension we had quickly faded after thoroughly discussing the issue together as a couple and realizing that this was ultimately the wedding we both desired.

What is your impression of Aspen? Ashleigh & Colin: Unbelievable. Not only was our wedding day more than we ever anticipated, our entire experience was magnificent. We simply could not have asked for better weather, ski conditions, and hospitality making it the most perfect wedding day. Upon our arrival in Aspen, we knew it was going to be exactly what we desired. It most certainly was, and more. In fact, we are already planning a first anniversary trip to Aspen!

With the exception of our florist and our planner, we decided on most all aspects of our wedding together, as a couple. Because we were so excited to have our wedding in Aspen, we made sure to take full advantage of the opportunity to be involved in planning process. This involvement made our wedding much more personal for our guests and proved a rewarding experience for us both. Winter/Spring 2012 | aspenbride.com | 25

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ASPEN BRIDE | FEATURED WEDDING

ASPEN BRIDE: How did you meet your spouse? Ashleigh: We met in 2003 in Lake Placid, NY. Our mutual friend was planning a ski trip to Lake Placid and asked if I would like to join them and meet her friend “Bubba.” I politely declined and said, “Does Bubba have a name?” And then she said, “Yes, Colin.” At that point I reconsidered, but was still a bit hesitant as I knew I was about to leave to start medical school in Virginia. Needless to say, I decided to go on the trip and it was the best decision I have ever made. This was all nearly 8 years ago and I remember it like it was yesterday.

ASPEN BRIDE: When did you know you had fallen in love? Ashleigh: This may be the toughest question yet, as I fall more and more in love with him everyday. But, I remember there was a time during one of our very first dates where we had gone to lunch. We were just about to get the check and Colin looked at me and said, “I need chocolate. I need something sweet after I eat.” Since I share the same love of chocolate, and for any sweets for that matter, I knew he was something special.

ASPEN BRIDE: Under what circumstances did the marriage proposal take place? Ashleigh: It was a complete surprise. I had been on an overnight call and arrived home early on a Sunday morning. This was my very last call of my first year of residency, so I was very happy. One of my most favorite things to do following call days was go to Target, so that was my only plan for the day. When I arrived home, Colin asked if I wanted to do a variety of things outside because the weather was so nice. Of course I said, “No…I just want to go to Target.” He remained surprisingly calm throughout. As we were getting ready to leave, he asked me to come over to the kitchen, where he was standing. He then said, “You know I love you, right?” At this point, I still didn’t think anything was out of the ordinary and said “Yes.” He then pulled me closer to him to give me a hug. He was shaking, so then I knew something was different. He pulled the ring out of his pocket, got down on one knee, and asked me to marry him. I was completely caught off guard because we had been dating for six years at this point and he had recently moved to Cleveland with me. I was so thrilled that we were finally living in the same city that I wasn’t thinking about marriage. Of course, it was a welcome surprise!

ASPEN BRIDE: What did your wedding day schedule involve? Ashleigh: The morning of the wedding was such a mix of emotions, but predominately excitement. I spent the morning with my two best friends and sister getting ready for the day. We were completely relaxed and had so much fun. Before I knew it, we were ready to go to the church. It wasn’t until the doors opened to walk down the aisle that it hit me that “this was it.” I always thought that I would be in tears all the way down the aisle, but I could do nothing but smile.

ASPEN BRIDE: What was your favorite memory from the wedding? Ashleigh: Where do I start? I particularly loved having all of our closest family and friends in one place. This happens so rarely because of all of our busy schedules, so I knew that I needed to enjoy every moment of it. Also, we had the most beautiful snowfall that started during the ceremony. So, I absolutely loved getting our pictures taken in the snow. It was incredibly romantic and made for a fun photo shoot and amazing pictures!

ASPEN BRIDE: What was a funny moment from the wedding? Ashleigh: This didn’t happen during the wedding, however we had a minor incident during the rehearsal. Our one-year-old niece wasn’t feeling well upon arrival to Aspen. We were in the church for the rehearsal and she was sitting in the front row. The priest began to welcome everyone and no sooner did we hear a cough, followed by some projectile vomit all over the priest. He was so understanding and everyone had a great sense of humor about it and had a good laugh.

ASPEN BRIDE: Do you think your wedding was indicative of your relationship? Ashleigh: Absolutely. We are laid back and love to have a good time. We enjoy great food and wine and sharing it with all of our closest friends and family. We also have a love for skiing. There’s no other place on earth that incorporates all of these factors like Aspen.

ASPEN BRIDE: If you had to describe your spouse in just 3 words what would they be? Ashleigh: Comforting, selfless, and nurturing.

ASPEN BRIDE: In retrospect, what would you change about your wedding? Ashleigh: I have been asked this question before and thought my answer may change. But, from the day after the wedding until now, my answer is still the same. I wouldn’t change a thing.

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ASPEN BRIDE: How did you meet your spouse? Colin: We were both invited on a ski weekend with friends to Lake Placid, NY. Ashleigh and my friend picked me up at a train station in upstate New York, and right away I noticed the attraction. As the weekend progressed, I was seeking more and more of Ashleigh’s attention. And, by the end of the weekend, we were able to take a romantic stroll through the town of Lake Placid.

ASPEN BRIDE: When did you know you had fallen in love? Colin: Ashleigh and I were forced to deal with a long-distance relationship. We both spent hours upon hours driving just to spend a day with each other because that person makes your day better. It dawns on you pretty quickly that you’ve found the person you would move mountains for, the person who you love.

ASPEN BRIDE: Under what circumstances did the marriage proposal take place? Colin: I had a number of ideas in mind, and although I was prepared for a fallback plan, ALL my plans fell through! At that point, I just wanted to pop the question. So, after making weekend breakfast, I pulled her close to me, made sure she knew how much I loved her, and dropped to a knee while I asked her to be my wife. In the end, it was a great way to ask: quiet, simple, and made for a romantic weekend.

ASPEN BRIDE: What were you most looking forward to about getting married in Aspen? Colin: Since we met in a mountain town in winter, January in Aspen was a perfect fit. Aspen is also such a unique town and would be a wonderful location for our special day.

ASPEN BRIDE: What did your wedding day schedule involve? Colin: I had several highlights to my day. First, I wanted to ski with my brothers and my dad. We grew up ski racing on the east coast, and I knew spending time with them would be a great start to the day. Second, this may be cliché, but I wasn’t prepared for the flood of emotion as Ashleigh walked down the isle towards me. I didn’t sense any nerves, but I was extremely excited. When I saw her, I felt like the church was empty and she was walking to me to share our life together. Third was the fun party. We had a very small wedding, but those that were able to join us shared a fantastic night together.

ASPEN BRIDE: What was your favorite memory from the wedding? Colin: The snow! January started a little dry this year. But a few hours before our ceremony, a calm snow started and we celebrated in a perfect Aspen snowstorm. On our first day of marriage, we awoke with 8 to10 inches of fresh Aspen powder, EPIC!

ASPEN BRIDE: What was a funny moment from the wedding? Colin: This is more fun than funny, but when we walked from the church to the reception, the entire town made us feel welcomed. I stopped trying to count the number of cars that slowed and respectfully offered us their well wishes and congratulations.

ASPEN BRIDE: Do you think your wedding was indicative of your relationship? Colin: Aspen played a significant role in the wedding and was indicative of our relationship. We love to ski, love to travel, and love to spend time with family and friends in special places. When we made the decision to hold a destination wedding in Aspen, we knew it was the perfect place for us.

ASPEN BRIDE: If you had to describe your spouse in just 3 words what would they be? Colin: The perfect person.

ASPEN BRIDE: In retrospect, what would you change about your wedding? Colin: I would have taken an extra two or three trips to Aspen prior, just to spend more time in this magical town.

Select Vendor List For Ashleigh & Colin’s Aspen Wedding Band: Chris Banks Catering and Venue: The Little Nell Day Of Planner: Jane Floyd (Jane Floyd & Associates) Flowers/Decor: Aspen Branch Groom’s Attire: Hugo Boss Hair Dresser: Christina (Lather Salon - Aspen) Makeup: Becky Johnson Photographer: Alison Conklin Photography Wedding Dress: Monique L’Huillier Winter/Spring 2012 | aspenbride.com | 31

FEATURED ARTICLE | ASPEN BRIDE

Embracing Marriage in Modern Times by Lauren Guillory

Social norms readily appear to be shifting in America and throughout many parts of the world. Reading a newspaper or watching television these days may lead you to believe that marriage is simply not what it once was or may be irrelevant altogether.

PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO

While marriage has always been a widely accepted and embraced social tradition, transcending races, religions, and continents, Americans increasingly appear to be losing faith in the institution.

cite a wide range of real or potential issues (fear of commitment, trust issues, political differences, etc.) as their source of distaste for, or uncertainty about, the institution of marriage. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt once vowed to postpone their nuptials until gays and lesbians were granted the right to wed. Kourtney Kardashian is plagued by the thought of marriage appearing to blame her abhorrence, at least in part, on the residual effects of her parents’ divorce.

Such a drastic deviation from traditional perceptions touting the integrity of marriage is perpetuated by an increasing abundance of celebrity divorces as well as couples that decide to live to together without any need to formalize their relationship by means of obtaining a marriage certificate.

Within this context, women who wish to marry are, fairly or not, called on the carpet. In an interview with Piers Morgan, Oprah stated how she finds married women to be the “abnormal” ones: “I am assured that had I married, I would not have remained married, because it takes a very different kind of person to put up with all of that.”

Indeed, high profile celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Kourtney Kardashian often speak outwardly about their choice to never marry. Such examples serve to legitimize and promote the idea that, single or not, a life without marriage is culturally acceptable.

When a 21st century icon for young women everywhere claims that marriage in place of staying single errs on the side of being taboo, how are women heading down the aisle supposed to respond - if at all?

In addition to celebrity examples, people appear increasingly ready to

responsibility. Not to say that respect for and loyalty to your vows has not been important in the past, but in the context of our modern society, it is critical. The responsibility to uphold the integrity of marriage rests solely in the hands of modern day couples. Individuals and unmarried couples should attempt to minimize the impact of high profile and celebrity decisions about marriage and instead focus on what their independent ideas and desires are when examining the benefits and detriments of marriage. Couples who do decide to pursue the path of married life must recognize and regularly remind each other what a challenging and rewarding undertaking it will be. That said, it goes without saying, that for many, marriage may not be the best means by which to pursue their happiness in life. That decision, however, should always be based on a thorough examination of your beliefs and experiences - not on the beliefs and experiences of another individual or couple.

The ideal answer, in my own humble opinion, is both independently and with a sense of Winter/Spring 2012 | aspenbride.com | 33

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FEATURED INTERVIEW | ASPEN BRIDE

Meet Robin Proctor Robin Proctor Photography Photography by Charles Engelbert

Interview by Patricia Hammond

What makes Aspen unique when compared to other wedding locations in Colorado? Robin: Aspen is my favorite Colorado wedding venue. The Beauty: From the majestic Aspen Mountain wedding deck (the Sundeck at The Little Nell) and the Maroon Bells Amphitheater, to the lush green parks downtown like the one at the Wheeler Museum or the John Denver Park, Aspen truly has it all. The natural beauty and small town charm abounds. The Service: It is always important for me to work with vendors and venues that share my passion for creating the best experience for our clients. Thus, I am fortunate to work with 5 star venues and world-class vendors that are as excited for the wedding day as I am. Several of us in this valley have had the honor of working for high profile clients from celebrities to royalty, and even a few U.S. presidents. With this type of experience and broad exposure, we know what it takes to provide the utmost in customer service. Extra Special Requests: Among my clients, a few decided on Aspen specifically because it is a dog friendly town and they wished to include their dog(s) in the wedding.

The Amenities: Aside from the 5 star luxury resorts and the mansions and butler service readily available for your wedding party, Aspen is host to world class events year round. Such events include the Food & Wine Festival, the Winter X-Games, the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, and the Aspen Ideas Festival. Music and film events include our Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival, the Wheeler Opera House’s Songwriter’s Festival, Belly Up concerts, as well as the Mountainfilm Aspen and the Aspen Laff Festival. Your wedding guests will be able to participate in fully customized luxury adventures, such as bridal showers designed with spa treatments, wine tasting, cooking classes or even horseback riding and yoga. Adventures for the men are endless too – from fly fishing, rafting, paragliding to shooting sports and more. Aspen’s location and amenities truly make it easy to create an unforgettable wedding experience for all.

“Several of us in this valley have had the honor of working for high profile clients, from celebrities to royalty and even a few U.S. presidents.” Winter/Spring 2012 | aspenbride.com | 37

ASPEN BRIDE | FEATURED INTERVIEW

“As an experienced local photographer, I always have a plan B and C.” What is your favorite season for weddings in Aspen, Colorado? Please explain. Robin: If I had to choose just one season, it would definitely be summer. That said, any season is fun. I truly love the unpredictability of Colorado mountain weather, you never know what the afternoon will be like. A July day could begin warm and sunny and end with a foot of snow. This year, the early spring was gorgeous, with the lush green of the grass and the snowcapped mountains with the pop of vibrant colors from the flowers in bloom. Last year, during the same time period, we had snow on the ground. You just never know.

Generally speaking, fewer weddings are held in Aspen during the winter months. Based on your experience, what makes a winter wedding unique and why should couples consider a winter wedding? Robin: Many couples choose Aspen as their wedding venue because they have fond memories of skiing in Aspen. And, Aspen is certainly renowned for beautiful winter imagery. So what better place to create a “winter wonderland” themed wedding? The snow is so serene and peaceful, you can add a horse drawn carriage ride to a remote cabin for a rustic, intimate wedding. You could also plan a grand wedding in the Sundeck on top of Aspen Mountain or in the ballroom of the St. Regis, Hotel Jerome, or Viceroy Snowmass. Recreational winter activities can be added to the wedding weekend, skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing by moonlight to the Pine Creek Cookhouse, cross country skiing at Maroon Bells, snowmobiling at T Lazy 7, or even dog sledding to a remote cabin for a romantic lunch or dinner.

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Based on your experience, what factors contribute to an enhanced level of difficulty for shooting a wedding in Aspen? Robin: The weather, plain and simple. There can be high winds that close down the gondola on Aspen Mountain for a while, or contribute to wind blown hair during the group formals. The possibility of a cloudless sky makes for harsh shadows on faces during the wedding ceremony or formals. Rain is sometimes a challenge, but often, if we wait about 15 minutes, we can always go back outside for photos. I have photographed over 200 weddings in Aspen and the majority of those were at the top of Aspen Mountain. Thus, I have learned to work with nature and the specific type of lighting conditions that I am given any specific the wedding day. As an experienced local photographer, I always have a plan B and C. For example, during a recent Memorial weekend wedding, I planned to take the wedding families to Ashcroft for group photos prior to the ceremony. This couple wanted photos with amazing natural backdrops. I have three favorite locations for amazing natural backdrops. One is on the top of Aspen Mountain, the second is Ashcroft, and the third is Independence Pass. The gondola was not yet open, so we couldn’t go up Aspen Mountain, so one hour before we were to leave to Ashcroft, the high winds arrived, then the rain and hail. At that point, with these weather conditions, I knew we couldn’t drive out to Ashcroft. I also knew that we needed to shoot at a location that wouldn’t get us wet since the weather was unpredictable. That is when we switched to plan B, which included shooting around the hotel and at my favorite locations within walking distance of the hotel (just in case we had to run for cover). We waited until the rain stopped, the streets dried quickly as usual, and we did our “First Look” when the bride sees the groom for the first time. We then followed up with the rest of the family formals. The end result, the natural lighting conditions couldn’t have been better. It was as if I had the perfect softbox, making their skin tones beautiful and with no harsh shadows.

FEATURED INTERVIEW | ASPEN BRIDE

How does an experienced local photographer such as yourself work to mitigate and/or eliminate these factors so that your photography is not jeopardized? Robin: In sum, I know Aspen very well. Therefore, I will know what is and is not happening on different weekends, what streets should be avoided because of construction or local events, and what places will be busy and therefore not ideal for wedding photos. Additionally, I am able to provide guidance to couples about what parks are the most picturesque and which locations offer ideal lighting and shade for optimal photographs. For example, if I am shooting on top of Aspen mountain, I know from experience that all of the formals do not have to be taken at one time, we can break it up. Thus, if the lighting is too harsh at any particular time, we can wait. My years of experience working at numerous Aspen wedding venues naturally enhances my familiarity with these locations as well as my confidence level when working. This, in turn, creates an enhanced and more relaxed experience for my couples, resulting in my ability to capture beautiful, natural, and optimal wedding images.

When advising potential clients about the important matter of choosing a professional photographer for an Aspen wedding, what questions should the bride and groom ask a wedding photographer prior to retaining them for their wedding? Robin: Below are five questions I recommend couples ask their potential wedding photographers, as well as their other Aspen wedding vendors: 1. What is your specific experience at the location we have chosen for the wedding ceremony and/ or reception? Answers to this question will provide insight as to each photographer’s prior work experience at your wedding location and whether or not they will know where to take you if they need a plan B or C.

2. To date, what is the total number of weddings you have photographed in Aspen and during what seasons? Be sure to request examples of their recent work. If you are planning a winter wedding, ask to see an entire winter wedding album. 3. Ask for references from wedding professionals (i.e., employees from the ceremony and reception locations you have chosen), as well as two or three wedding couples from the past year. You will learn a lot from what others say about a photographer. These include things like how they liked working with him/her and what they did and did not like about their wedding images in the end. 4. When researching a photographer, don’t forget to ask the vendors that you have already chosen. Ask who their favorites are and why. Local professionals know who the best vendors are. 5. When meeting with potential photographers, ask yourself: Do I like this person? Am I feeling comfortable with and around this person? Does this person appear professional?

What style of photography, in your opinion, works best for Aspen weddings? Robin: Documentary with creative formals. I find that all of my wedding couples are looking for a documentary style of coverage, photography that really captures who they are as a couple, uncontrived and real moments captured, plus creative formals. I love that!

“My years of experience working at numerous Aspen wedding venues naturally enhances my familiarity with these locations as well as my confidence level when working.” Winter/Spring 2012 | aspenbride.com | 39

PHOTO: Robin Proctor Photography - Mawa and Daniel at The Little Nell Sundeck atop Aspen Mountain (July 20, 2012)

Please share a personal memory from a recent wedding that stands out to you.

How do you approach a wedding from a creative point of view?

Robin: The moments that I remember most are the ones that showed real compassion, emotion or love. One recent moment that stands out in my mind was during the toast of the mother of the bride, because I believe it is what all parents wish for their children.

Robin: While I am in the process of shooting a wedding I like to approach each and every moment with excitement, curiosity, and as a true observer. I allow myself to see what is really happening. To observe and notice how people are interacting with one another, and not interrupt that, but simply wait for the perfect moment to capture it with my camera.

The toast went like this “As a mom, I realize that if we get just one fabulous wish, it is that our children find someone who loves them as much as we do and who will be there for whatever life offers as challenges. I know, in my heart, that this role will be done well by my new son, Rob.” I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room.

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“... I like to approach each and every moment with excitement, curiosity, and as a true observer.” Robin Proctor Photography | (970) 819-1427 www.robinproctorphotography.com

“Give Your Guests The Adventure of A Lifetime”

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970.923.3953

4250 Divide Road Snowmass Village, CO 81615

www.krabloonik.com

FEATURED ARTICLE | ASPEN BRIDE

Deciding on the Ideal Wedding Date

Article by Sarah Goldstein

THE wedding date on which a couple decides to have their wedding is usually an important and meaningful reflection of their personalities, interests, and/or logistical considerations for work, family, and friends. That said, once a date is set, and the season in which the wedding will occur is determined, couples may suddenly feel confined to the “unspoken rules” about weddings that just happen to coincide with that particular time of year. Consider incorporating some or all of these helpful hints in your planning so as to allow the season to compliment your wedding, instead of completely dictating it. COLOR SCHEMES Color schemes are not confined to pastels for spring and reds for winter. In fact, people would likely praise a brazen bride who is able to pull off a spring wedding that did not remind them of Easter or a winter wedding that had nothing to do with the idea of Christmas.

That said, if you are attached to these traditional colors, brainstorm ways to incorporate the schemes more creatively than the expected pink tulips and red roses. One adventurous and impeccably unique idea is to wear a wedding dress that is colored and use more muted tones for the decor (flowers, table centerpieces, etc.). VENUE SELECTION When it comes to selecting a venue, spring and winter weddings have opposing issues. It is generally presumed that if your wedding is in the spring, it will be outside, while a winter wedding will remain strictly indoors. The beauty of having a wedding in Colorado is that you are able to take advantage of the impossibly sunny skies. Colorado’s notorious 300+ days of sunshine make it reasonable to have as least part of a winter wedding outside. Granted, this process will entail a great deal of planning and flexibility, but it certainly should

not be left outside of the realm of possibility. As for spring weddings, do not feel obligated to hold the ceremony outdoors simply because it is warm outside. Summer is coming and guests will soon get their fill of the outdoors. WEDDING ATTIRE Spring weddings suffer from the myth that bridesmaid dresses ought to be short and that tuxedos look better in lighter shades, such as khaki. Some people also believe spring weddings to be innately casual, often times producing informally dressed attendees. If you want to avoid this scenario, make sure your invitations explicitly state that it is a formal event. Lastly, winter weddings can sometimes give off a morbid or gothic feeling, with guests having a tendency to wear black or darker shades. To prevent this scenario, you should encourage guests to wear color. Incorporating these ideas will help make your wedding more personal and less predictable.

Winter/Spring 2012 | aspenbride.com | 43

Samantha & Stephen

July 2, 2011 | The Little Nell

Photography by Melissa Dunstan Tangled Lilac Photography

FEATURED WEDDING | ASPEN BRIDE

Describe your wedding theme Samantha & Stephen: We did not have a specific theme in mind for our wedding ceremony or reception. That said, what was most important to us as a couple was to create an intimate and elegant atmosphere where all our wedding guests would feel comfortable and have a great time.

Why Aspen, Colorado? Samantha & Stephen: Originally we had planned to have our wedding at a vineyard in California. However, Samantha’s father suggested Aspen after recalling a beautiful wedding party on Aspen Mountain during a previous visit to the family’s summer home. Once we viewed pictures of The Little Nell’s wedding deck atop Aspen Mountain, we both immediately knew that was where we wished to be married.

of advice would be to make sure you plan everything well in advance so you don’t have to worry at the last minute about booking details and availability of your preferred vendors. All of our vendors exceeded our expectations. Because we brought in our wedding planner, florist and photographer from the studio where Samantha works in Flagstaff, Arizona – we utilized local vendors only for our wedding cake (d’Elissious Cake Studio of Aspen), music (Bill Parish Productions), and hair & makeup (Full Circle).

Your advice for Aspen weddings Samantha & Stephen: Aspen is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Thus, no matter your specific venue, anyplace within the town will be amazing. Our one piece Winter/Spring 2012 | aspenbride.com | 45

ASPEN BRIDE | FEATURED WEDDING

What type of feedback did you receive from your wedding guests? Samantha & Stephen: All of our wedding guests were blown away by the incredible view of the Maroon Bells from atop Aspen Mountain. The staff at The Little Nell was simply exquisite and the food was world class. To this day, we are still told by attendees that it was the most beautiful wedding they have ever attended.

Did you hire a local wedding planner? Samantha & Stephen: We live in Flagstaff, Arizona and Samantha actually works as a wedding florist at an eventplanning studio. We were therefore fortunate to be able to bring along Dana Micklos of Glamorous Occasions. Dana played a tremendous part with our planning and on the actual wedding day. She handled everything from our menu cards to making sure our wedding party knew exactly when to walk down the aisle. Dana’s presence provided us with peace of mind and therefore enabled us

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to relax and enjoy our special day. We could not have done any of it without her and would absolutely make the same choice again.

What were the most stressful aspects of planning your wedding? Samantha & Stephen: The weather. Our wedding date was right at the beginning of monsoon season and we were therefore worried a huge storm would come along and ruin everything. After deciding to get married on the top of a mountain, there is not much in the way of a contingency plan for bad weather. That said, there ended up being a massive thunderstorm the day before, but miraculously it cleared up right in time and the weather was picture perfect on our wedding day.

Did wedding planning spark any tension? Samantha & Stephen: During the planning process, we both desired to be actively involved in some capacity.

FEATURED WEDDING | ASPEN BRIDE

Fortunately, our areas of interest were different in this regard, so we managed to avoid any major disagreements. We were so excited to be getting married that it would have taken a great deal to spark any tension. In terms of decisions, Stephen had the final say on food and Samantha on the decor. We did have to deal with a fair amount of indecision at first because there were simply so many wonderful options available to us and that made it hard to make a final decision on things. In the end, however, we made most every decision as a team.

What is your impression of Aspen? Samantha & Stephen: Magnificent! We are delighted that we chose Aspen. Everyone involved was so wonderful and the wedding services provided were spectacular. We would definitely recommend Aspen as a destination wedding location to everyone considering a wedding in Colorado’s high country. It couldn’t be more perfect.

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ASPEN BRIDE | FEATURED WEDDING

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FEATURED WEDDING | ASPEN BRIDE

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ASPEN BRIDE | FEATURED WEDDING

ASPEN BRIDE: How did you meet your spouse? Samantha: Stephen and I were introduced freshman year of college by our roommates. They were dating and wanted to set us up. When I first met Stephen, I was still in a relationship with my high school boyfriend, but shortly after he dumped me and I fell right into Stephen’s arms!

ASPEN BRIDE: When did you know you had fallen in love? Samantha: One day we were watching a TV show about home remodeling. We were both silently picturing our lives together and imagining that it was actually us remodeling our dream home together. Then there was a moment that we looked at each other and realized we were thinking the same thing. That is when I knew.

ASPEN BRIDE: Under what circumstances did the marriage proposal take place? Samantha: We were sitting down to some homemade ribs, and he had put a note on my plate that said so many wonderful things about me and about our relationship. I don’t even remember specifically what was written on it, I just know that when I looked up from reading it he was on one knee by my chair. I am so happy that he decided to propose at home during an ordinary night. It was so romantic. I would have never wanted a big production.

ASPEN BRIDE: What were you most looking forward to about getting married? Samantha: Knowing that every day after the wedding I would get to wake up with my best friend as my husband.

ASPEN BRIDE: What did your wedding day schedule involve? Samantha: Truthfully it was all a bit of a blur. I remember sitting in the gondola on the way up the mountain and just trying to catch my breath. I was very nervous and excited at the same time.

ASPEN BRIDE: What was your favorite memory from the wedding? Samantha: During dinner, our photographer pulled us outside for some sunset photos. Right as the sun was about to set over the mountains, she had us seated with our backs to everything so she could take a picture. In that moment everything slowed down and we were just able to take in the incredible view together. I will never forget the feeling I had for that brief moment. I felt so relaxed and it felt like my life was complete.

ASPEN BRIDE: What was a funny moment from the wedding? Samantha: We both are criers, and during most of our ceremony we were blubbering a lot, so when it came time for our first kiss we were both snotty!

ASPEN BRIDE: Do you think your wedding was indicative of your relationship? Samantha: Our wedding was very much reflective of our relationship. In our day-to-day lives we are very laid back and just enjoy spending time together, no matter what we are doing. Our wedding was so beautiful, but most importantly it was an evening with family and close friends without any extra frills.

ASPEN BRIDE: If you had to describe your spouse in just 3 words what would they be? Samantha: Brilliant, handsome, and fun.

ASPEN BRIDE: In retrospect, what would you change about your wedding? Samantha: If I could change one thing, I probably would have spent more time enjoying the food. At The Little Nell, the food is Five Star, and I likely missed out on a few dishes that I had been excited to try!

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FEATURED WEDDING | ASPEN BRIDE

ASPEN BRIDE: How did you meet your spouse? Stephen: My college roommate was dating a girl, now his wife, who one day brought a lovely friend to our dorm room. I was smitten, she was taken, but I couldn’t be deterred.

ASPEN BRIDE: When did you know you had fallen in love? Stephen: In the rain in Phoenix. We went down to Phoenix for the day and got caught in the rain. She was majestic.

ASPEN BRIDE: Under what circumstances did the marriage proposal take place? Stephen: I sprung the question at home during a special dinner. I didn’t want to do it in public since we’re both criers. I left a sweet note on the table that ended with “please say yes.” Once she finished reading and looked at me quizzically, I got up and rounded the table to propose on bended knee.

ASPEN BRIDE: What were you most looking forward to about getting married? Stephen: Having a partner for everything, every day. Samantha’s not just my wife, she’s my best friend.

ASPEN BRIDE: How did you feel throughout your wedding day? Stephen: Anxious. I was worried about my few lines, which I managed to fudge a little in my nervousness with all of the eyes on me during the wedding. I didn’t even really notice the view until the wedding was over.

ASPEN BRIDE: What was your favorite memory from the wedding? Stephen: Our first meeting. The lighting was perfect and she was resplendent in her dress.

ASPEN BRIDE: What was a funny moment from the wedding? Stephen: We both cried during our vows, perhaps I more than she. Our kiss was a bit messy.

ASPEN BRIDE: Do you think your wedding was indicative of your relationship? Stephen: Like us, our wedding was laid back and without frivols. We had a small, intimate event with nature as our primary decoration.

ASPEN BRIDE: If you had to describe your spouse in just 3 words what would they be? Stephen: Funny, loyal, beautiful.

ASPEN BRIDE: In retrospect, what would you change about your wedding? Stephen: I would have slowed down to take in the details. It was a lovely blur.

Select Vendor List For Samantha & Stephen’s Aspen Wedding Catering and Venue: The Little Nell Music: Bill Parish Productions Flowers/Decor: Glamorous Occasions Photography: Tangled Lilac Photography (Melissa Dunstan) Wedding Cake: d’Elissious Cake Studio - Aspen Wedding Dress: Romona Keveza Couture Wedding Planner: Dana Micklos (Glamorous Occasions) Winter/Spring 2012 | aspenbride.com | 53

ASPEN BRIDE | FEATURED ARTICLE

Advice for Dealing with Unruly Wedding Guests Article by Lauren Guillory

WHEN you read the title of this article, someone undoubtedly popped to mind. If not, well, consider yourself amongst the fortunate few. Be it an offbeat friend from college, an overindulgent cousin, a loose-lipped sibling. The inevitable and uncomfortable truth is that few wedding guest lists are comprised entirely of well-behaved attendees. Indeed, even the British royal family faced this issue when Kate Middleton had to ask her Uncle, Gary Goldsmith, to please refrain from what were less than desirable behaviors. Although there is undoubtedly a degree of humor in the matter, the potential repercussions for your wedding are disastrous. There is nothing worse than a uncle or cousin who decides to show up drunk at your on your wedding day. Even if you are able to deal with the situation effectively, it will be an inconvenience on what is supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life. Therefore, it is important to be proactive and deal with any issues or concerns prior to your wedding date. Setting aside the time required to have such a conversation is often avoided or put off because it can be deemed as awkward or offensive. However, with these suggestions, you can safe guard your wedding day and possibly even shed light on an issue that might be much more complex than it appears at first glance. 54 | aspenbride.com | Winter/Spring 2012

If you have someone in mind already, you probably have good reason to be concerned. Indeed, your internal awareness of their potential for bad behavior likely means that they have previously made a habit of bringing negative attention to themselves through alcohol or other means.

be much more receptive to what you have to say. All that said, it is not entirely inappropriate to kindly remind them that this is your day and if they do not intend to control themselves for their own sake, to please keep your best interests in mind.

When you do sit down to talk with him or her, be sure to bring up a few examples from the past. Not to focus on the past, but to provide examples that form the basis of your concern.

Another important component of this issue is that because you recognize it as a problem, it likely affects other parts of their lives. People who cannot conduct themselves in a reasonable manner at formal events may have a much deeper dilemma.

It means much more when you say, “I am worried because at the last family reunion, you over-consumed and your behavior made a few people uncomfortable” as opposed to, “don’t you dare get drunk at my wedding.” Use of this approach shows that your concern is rooted in past events and not just general wedding anxiety. Whomever you are speaking with will be able to sense whether or not you are coming from an honest place, assure them as much as you can that you are. Be sure to set aside adequate time to dedicate entirely to the matter. Do not simply interject your feelings into a passing conversation; this will give off the impression that you either do not genuinely care, or you are acting like a pretentious bridezilla accusing everyone of trying to disrupt your dream wedding day. If they see that you are devoting your undivided attention to them despite everything else you have on your plate, they will

Be it addiction, or emotional issues, there is likely much more than meets the eye. By your taking the time to point out their behavior from a genuinely concerned place, you are hopefully reaching them on a deeper, more meaningful, level. The issue of addressing a potentially unruly friend or family member is oftentimes swept under the rug so as not to ruffle any feathers. That said, do your best not to look at this as a burdensome or awkward situation; approach the discussion as an opportunity to clear the air and potentially help someone whom you care for.

FEATURED ARTICLE | ASPEN BRIDE

A MAN’S WORLD men and wedding planning Article by Jessica Smith

IT is sad, but true.

planning process. In many instances, it is even a necessity.

There are always exceptions, of course, but from a stereotypical standpoint, a groom’s role in wedding planning is usually minimal.

Many, if not all, wedding couples build a personalized website in order to inform their guests of important dates, locations, directions, transportation details and any last minute changes.

For the most part, he is expected to show up and look presentable. Men might have fallen into this minimalist role for a variety of reasons: it is easier, it is “traditional,” and they believe that women prefer it. Every couple is different and, for some, having the groom maintain this secondary role is a tongue-in-cheek ideal for how the wedding planning should play out. That said, it is nonetheless important to consider a groom’s role before their responsibilities seemingly become so insignificant that their attendance as a cardboard cut out at the end of the aisle will suffice. The word “wedding” has long been infiltrated with feminine associations. Indeed, the mere mention of it usually brings about thoughts of flowers, wedding dresses, ornate cakes and centerpieces. However, when the process is sufficiently thought over, wedding planning actually involves a great deal of activities that can be, and often are, appealing to men. Consider these aspects of planning: 1.

Technology Choices

Modern weddings are no exception to the increasing role and prominence of technology. There are plenty of ways that technology is utilized throughout the

This saves the couple the trouble of having to provide similar details if the guests lose their invitations. More than that, it is also a wonderful tool through which your guests are able to interact and plan activities with one another about the upcoming wedding date. Similarly, a honeymoon blog is increasingly seen as a unique forum to share pictures and memories with friends and family. If for no other purpose, such a blog will serve as a private memorabilia for you and your significant other to reflect on and this “honeymoon stage” long after the vacation has passed. 2.

however, is what makes the music task ideal for grooms to participate in; your balance as husband and wife can take an early flight when you come together to choose and coordinate your wedding music. 3.

Food Choices

Obviously. If there are no other avenues for soliciting a groom’s participation, food selection may be the only available option. Initially, there might be concern that the extent of this decision will come down to: beef, chicken or fish. That said, try to make this fun as this is an excellent opportunity to express a bit of your personality as a couple. When it comes to food, nothing should be off limits. Whether your favorite item is filet mignon or a simple hot dog, there are ways to elegantly integrate whatever your heart desires. The traditional hot dog, for example, can be turned into a smaller finger food with a distinctive dipping sauce in the place of ketchup.

Music Choices

Perhaps one of the most underestimated components of the wedding planning process is the music. If guests do not like the crab cakes, they can instead nibble on the beef tartare. But, if your guests do not like the music, there are no workarounds. The music at your wedding is a tremendous decision that sets the mood for a significant portion of your wedding day. There are a number of factors that can either help or hinder the overall goal for it to be both appropriate and enjoyable. That said, men tend to flock to the enjoyable end of the spectrum. That,

Using this opportunity to brainstorm with your fiancé will help to ensure that you are not restricting your choices to a set menu that may not be representative of your style and taste in food. This opportunity is also important for considering and incorporating solutions for guests with special or restricted diets. All in all, this article sets forth duties and responsibilities that will help men shed any hesitancy in relation to participating in your wedding planning activities. While taking complete charge of the process might be exhilarating for some brides, your fiancé is sure to at least appreciate the sentiment that you are seeking their involvement.

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Unplug!d _ _

A Cell Phone Free Wedding Article by Jennifer Kennedy

For

better or worse, cell phones are taking over the world and your wedding is no exception. Your guests will be sure to have their iPhones and Androids as accessible as an extra limb at your ceremony. Although people obviously do not intend to be rude or distracting with their plethora of mobile devices, most other environments have become so cell phone friendly that it might simply slip your guests’ minds. That said, with modern technology must come a heightened establishment of modern wedding rules. Rule number one? Put that cell phone down and back away. The idea of having a mobile-free wedding might, at first, seem an overbearing obligation for your guests. People are obviously attached to their cell phones, so why would you ask them to leave them behind? To this question, an analogy: You are sitting on your back porch one lovely Sunday afternoon as a few deer come walking through your yard. Without hesitation, you instantly reach for your cell phones to capture this beautiful scene. However, between reaching for your camera phones and fumbling

to take photos to post to your Twitter and Facebook accounts you end up missing the moment entirely. If you are not careful, a similar scenario may easily occur at your wedding. As times have progressed, most people have simply forgotten what it is like to sit back and enjoy something beautiful. We often appear plagued by our “never miss a moment mentality” which causes us to instinctively reach for our cell phones or cameras whenever a significant moment is happening. The irony, of course, is that while people are intending to make the moment more special by capturing it, they spend most if not all of that moment looking at it on a small cell phone screen. Moreover, how many times have you or one of your friends ended up taking 10 or 20 photos of the same event just to “get the right shot”? Now, all this cell phone camera talk might not bother you. Indeed, you may even find it beneficial to have such an abundance of cameras and phones around so that every possible angle of your wedding event is covered.

That said, you presumably have a professional photographer. And, that photographer will inevitably be covering your event. Moreover, at the very moment when that professional photographer pans his Nikon across the sea of wedding guests, he or she is bound to catch someone holding up their phone to take, or review, a photo. Thus, not only is your wedding guest missing out on the moment, they are undeniably intruding upon your photographer’s ability to capture your wedding moments in the best possible manner. Therefore, at the beginning of your wedding kindly invite (or instruct) your guests to relieve themselves of their cell phones, and constant Twitter update duties for a few hours. In addition to the added sophistication, most will likely find it exhilarating to indulge in an entire event without having to capture every moment on a cell phone. Enticing your guests with a promise to be generous and timely in your distribution of the professional wedding photography will ensure that their “never miss a moment” itch does not drag out for too long!

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Full Circle will help make your wedding unforgettable! As Aspen’s premier resource of beauty and wellness for over 20 years, we have

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Searching for the “Perfect” Wedding Photographer Article by Andrew Clark If there is one question I get asked more than any other (including, “Can we have a play date, Dad?”) it is, “Who are the best wedding photographers in Colorado?” Of course, the answer to both questions is exactly the same: "It depends on whom you want to hang out with all day"... Assuming you, the reader, are discerning, sophisticated, have great taste and are planning an elegant and memorable wedding, please read on. Google “colorado wedding photographer,” and as usual, you get a hilarious, and sometimes frightening, list of ads and websites owned by people who in many cases simply know how to pay for ad placement or game the search engines. But are they reliable wedding photographers? Certainly one or two are. Sadly, most aren’t. So how do you find someone who is honest, professional, creative, presentable to your guests, and whom you can truly rely upon to capture the essence of your wedding day? In my opinion, certainly not in one of the incessantly confusing lists, directories, guides, websites, magazines or handbooks. SEO overload. The web’s greatest strength and greatest weakness. "Please can someone just tell me whom to hire"? Depending upon the day of the week you start your search, there are well over 1,000 people in Colorado with websites which proclaim they photograph weddings in some manner or another. There are, however, only about three or four dozen who specialize solely in wedding photography as a full-time profession, and even less who actually know what they are doing. Indeed, the top professionals are very hard to find unless you happen to know someone who knows someone. Not surprisingly, with over 35,000 weddings a year in Colorado, the few worthy and talented professionals are nearly always booked for your date, and almost completely obscured by legions of inherently unreliable part-timers, all clamoring for attention. So here is the only way to be sure you are working with someone who is up to the task of making the most important pictures of your life, and safeguarding the enormous investment you are making in your wedding day...

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Ask a reliable human being. Preferably someone with lengthy experience of the wedding industr y. Delve into your photographer’s reputation. It really matters. If you get this wrong, it’s too late to do anything about it when you see the results. Everything is already lost. So please be sure to ask as many people as you can realistically find. Past clients, wedding planners, florists, dressmakers, event designers and venue managers. Great wedding photographers earn their stripes from consistent excellence in their pictures, frequent industry accolades, enthusiastic respect from everyone they meet and many years of experience honing their craft. No amount of advertising or blogging can provide a true picture of ability, competence or reliability. Top photographers have a clear pedigree with which no one can argue. People refer them. They are hired by the folks who can have anything they want. Their portfolios are full of the biggest weddings anywhere and they have won objectively adjudicated competitions for their work (not just the cheesy awards where you can badger all your friends to vote for you). They probably teach others in their profession and likely contribute to text books and workshops. They are clear experts in their field and readily share their experience to better the profession. To an extent, years in business may be the single best criterion for choosing your professional. The best people probably don’t advertise much online because they only have about 15 to 20 saturdays each year to offer to new clients. Moreover, anyone with a solid reputation will book those weekends quickly from referrals alone. Wedding photography is extremely difficult to do well. It requires the broadest possible set of photographic skills, insanely expensive camera gear, thousands of hours of experience making and editing images, unflappable performance under extreme pressure, brilliant communication skills and a comforting charisma that instills confidence in every type of awkward or difficult personality upon first contact.

It is a very rare combination of diverse talents. Science, art, performance and psychology, all rolled into one person through training and years of experience. Wedding photographers also require fast and secure computers as well as archiving systems, liability insurance, at least one assistant, an all-terrain vehicle, a printer, an album-maker and more batteries than any human being should ever have to carry. They might also need a very understanding family, who won’t mind not seeing them on weekends in the summer. Oh, and they will need a great eye for the beautiful, unusual, timeless and emotionally poignant photographic image. Phew. Simple. Passion for the craft is easy to find. So are beautiful images. They are everywhere, and sometimes they are even stolen from other photographers’ websites or simply made at a workshop with the help of a master photographer. Neither passion nor a nifty website guarantee competence or reliability at your wedding. Experience does. All that said, a personal referral might be the only effective criteria to use when screening out the risky practitioners from your list of favorites. And, in case you were wondering: never ask a family member or friend to photograph your wedding; it can only end in disaster! I’ve always said it’s more than a full-time job being a wedding photographer, and these days it’s becoming a full-time job finding a good one for your wedding. Please take the time. Please check references. Please ask the experts. You will be very glad you did. The investment in your wedding is too great to risk losing those memories because of a poor photographer, and the disappointment of having no good wedding pictures is completely irreparable. I know this because, ironically, it happened to me, and I care a ton that it doesn’t happen to you.

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