Imagine getting an email from one of your sweetest students saying that they wanted to hire you to come out to Colorado to capture their small, intimate wedding in Aspen…. I was SO EXCITED!!! This was long before COVID or travel bans or quarantine. Haleigh planned her wedding quickly because her dad’s health was declining quickly and she wanted nothing more than for him to walk her down the aisle and get to experience an amazing trip with him. Haleigh’s dad has been battling cancer with a prognosis that is hard to imagine. That reality made Jack and Haleigh’s wedding day so incredibly special, meaningful and intentional.
Jack and Haleigh are from Florida and so their mountain wedding was a drastic change from their normal day-to-day view. The views were just unimaginable. As soon as I walked around the corner of the ceremony venue and saw the backdrop, I was shocked. I hate to say it but images don’t even do it justice. It’s impossible to fully capture how grand and majestic Maroon Bells is in real life. It’s stunning. We were shooting in the middle of the day and so even though the light was harsh, it was still absolutely beautiful and I was able to capture images that I will cherish for the rest of my career!
Their day was so incredibly beautiful, simple, and so them. They wanted epic portraits and to be surrounded by those that love them the most and with the exception of a few friends what couldn’t come because of Covid, that is exactly what they got! It was such an honor to be trusted with their day and to be the ones who had the privilege of capturing such special moments for a family that is walking through so much right now.
Enjoy Jack and Haleigh’s wedding day and just prepare yourself…. these are portraits like I have never captured before!! I would go back and do this all over again in a heartbeat! …. except I would make sure I research the elevation restrictions while 20 weeks pregnant so that I wouldn’t have to order an Oxygen tank just in case!! We have so many fun memories from this trip that will be shared in our next KJ All Access episode and our members are going to LOVE it! Thank you Haleigh and Jack for allowing us to teach and inspire other photographers through your epic wedding day!!!
We love you both and we are cheering for you and this exciting new season of your life!!!
Haleigh you are beautiful!!!!
When her dad saw a note she had embroidered on the back of his tie….
Have you ever seen a more epic First Look location?!
Photographers, notice how much the light was changing literally every few minutes. It was challenging but still epic! We kind of got the best of both worlds…. sunlight and overcast!
Jack tossed this veil himself… Michael may be out of a job in the veil department!
This one got me when I took it. I had mascara everywhere. Haleigh you have such a beautiful relationship with your precious dad. It was such an honor to capture it.
Ceremony | Maroon Bells Amphitheater
Reception | Highlands Alehouse
Dress Store | Minerva Bridal
Dress Designer | Morilee by Madeline Gardner
Florist | Bride & Groom, Florals purchased from Afloral
Hair & Make Up | Aspen Hair and Makeup
Catering | Highlands Alehouse
Groomsmen Attire | Vest: JJ’s House | Shirt + Pants: Kohls
Invitations | Minted
Rings | Manly Bands, Kohls, Blue Nile
Hair Piece | Bella Via Designs
Hope Charm for Florals | Etsy
View Jack + Haleigh’s Engagement Session HERE!
When you think about your business, do you see it as simply a job—or something more?
Today, I’m diving into an experience that was nothing like I anticipated: my digital detox in December. If you’ve ever considered taking a break from the noise of the online world, you might relate to my journey—the good, the surprising, and the, well, completely unplanned.
The wedding industry has faced unique challenges recently, with inflation affecting budgets and couples cutting costs. If you’re a wedding photographer feeling the pinch, don’t worry—2025 doesn’t have to be a slow year.
Life has a way of surprising us, doesn’t it? Over the last few months, I’ve been on a medical rollercoaster that I never saw coming.
If you’ve been following my journey, you know I’m always looking for ways to do life differently. Whether it’s in business, family, or personal growth, I’ve learned that stepping away from the norm often leads to the most profound transformations.
As a wedding photographer, having the right gear can make all the difference in capturing those precious moments. Over the years, I’ve transitioned from my trusty Canon 5D Mark V to the Canon R6, and along the way, I’ve curated a lineup of RF lenses that truly complements my shooting style.