Tucked in a corner of Colorado, you will find the city of Parker, CO. A self proclaimed town on the outskirts of the Denver metro area. Parker is not typically known for it’s big city vibe. It is however known for its unique downtown area with aspects of Western-Victorian influence. And down the street from the center of Parker you will find the Villa Parker wedding and events venue which is most known for its Mediterranean feel making it the perfect location to have a destination wedding while remaining state side. And I am sure you will see why.

I met Julia and Nik under the most unfortunate circumstances. However I am grateful for them. It was the week of their wedding. I received a call from one of Julia’s bridesmaids, Courtney (I had photographed her proposal in Breckenridge a few months prior). According to Courtney, Julia and Nik’s photographer had canceled on them only a week before the wedding. Fortunately I had their wedding date still available. I jumped on a phone call with Julia and Nik and we hashed out all the details. They had everything planned out for their Parker Villa wedding… except a photographer. After a few minutes on the phone it felt like we were already friends. Together, we created a plan for their wedding and shortly after, they hired me to photographer their special day!!

The Wedding Day At Parker Villa

My husband (he was second shooting with me today) and I arrived for Julia and Nik’s Parker Villa wedding around 11am to join the wedding party for all the morning festivities. They had the most incredible getting ready locations. (For more tips on “Where to Get Ready The Morning Of Your Wedding” check out this post). The bridal party was busy getting their hair and make up done while the groom and groomsmen were all enjoying a few beers and playing pool. The morning was slow however the nerves were high as the hours grew closer to the ceremony.

Once Julia finished with her hair and make up, she had all of her bridesmaids help her into her wedding dress. And WOW!!! She looked absolutely stunning! She put the final touches on everything then enjoyed a few more drinks with her bridesmaids. Meanwhile in the groom’s suite, Nik put on his coat and headed out to a private courtyard to prepare for a first look with Julia.

The Sweetest First Look

Julia and Nik decided they wanted to put a unique twist on their first look and I was all about it. They didn’t want to do a traditional first look where Julia taps Nik on the shoulder, but rather walk up to each other and relish in those raw emotions as they see each other for the first time together. It was tricky to get the timing right, but in the end, Julia and Nik pulled of one of my absolute favorite first looks. It was so full of love and genuine emotions.

After their first look, we took the time to take some couples portraits around the Parker Villa Wedding Venue. We explored the grounds and really felt like we had taken a trip overseas to a beautiful European or Mediterranean style venue. After a while, both wedding parties joined the couple and we spent some time taking group photos in the main courtyard. Around 2pm, Julia and Nik’s guests started to arrive and Julia and Nik went inside the reception hall to prepare for their Park Villa Wedding.

Parker Villa Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony was perfect. Julia and Nik had both of their mothers say a few words, a few prayers during the ceremony, and everyone was in tears. They were surrounded by over a hundred of their favorite people who all traveled to celebrate their marriage. They included their own personal vows and in the end, exchanged wedding bands before they were announced husband and wife. As they proceeded back up the aisle, all of their guests showered them with love, smiles and cheering. And at the start of the aisle, Nik swept Julia away for another kiss. (Not knowing he accidentally ripped part of her dress).

Back behind the reception hall, the newly weds and the wedding party enjoyed a few drinks and made a toast to their favorite people. Afterwards, the bridesmaids scrambled to fix Julia’s dress so she could be ready for her wedding reception in the Parker Villa Wedding reception hall. After a few safety pins and a lot of ideas, Julia was ready to dance the night away.

A Wild Recpetion

To say that Julia and Nik know how to party would be an outrageous understatement. These two threw the BEST freaking party for themselves and all of their guests. Their DJ was incredible and had the dance floor bouncing all night long. Everyone was dancing so hard that one guest even ripped his pants while he was getting down. (The pictures from that moment are kept private, but I am sure you can only imaging). As the night grew dark, the dance floor lit up with disco lights, strobes and every one of Julia and Nik’s guests. At one point, the limbo even broke out and Julia crushed it. It was the most perfect celebration for some of the sweetest most incredible people I know.

Julia and Nik, I have so much love for you both. I wish you a lifetime of love, happiness, and adventure. Cheers my friends!

Villa Parker Wedding Vendors

Venue: Parker Villa Weddings & Events

Photography: Alexa Jade Photography

Videography: Shutter & Sound Videography

Catering: Rocky Mountain Caterers

Florist: Mainstreet Florist

DJ/MC: A Plus DJ

Hair Stylist: Honeycomb Hair

Lines: Elegant Linens