The Love Story

This beautiful Black Canyon Inn wedding in Estes Park Colorado was absolutely perfect. Each element of Sydney and Matt’s wedding day was a reflection of them and their love story. They chose to surround themselves with their family and friends and celebrate their marriage in one of their favorite locations.

Sydney and Matt had met while they were in high school and although they did not date much at they time, they quickly realized they were just meant to be together. After high school, Matt joined the military and their adventures together brought them to Colorado Springs. A few years later, Matt finally popped the question and Sydney said YES!!

They then began planning their Black Canyon Inn wedding at the Homestead. One of the most iconic wedding venues in Estes Park. Once they had decided on the venue, they reached out to me to photograph their wedding day and I was THRILLED! I quickly realized that Sydney and Matt are two of the sweetest, most loving and down to earth people I have ever met. They value friendships and relationships with their family, and this was made clear on the day of their wedding. These two were simply showered in love and support from their family and friends.

Preparing for a Black Canyon Inn Wedding

The morning of Sydney and Matt’s wedding was beautiful. The sun was shining and it was a typical warm summer day in Colorado. I met Sydney at her cabin where she was getting ready with her mother and her bridesmaids. Everyone was so excited and running about to put the final details on wedding preparations. Sydney stepped into her dress and had her mom help her zip up the back. After putting on the final details, Sydney shared the sweetest first look with her bridesmaids and junior bridesmaid. Everyone was overjoyed when they saw Sydney and her maid of honor even shed a few tears.

A First Look With Sydney’s Dad

After her first look with her wedding party, Sydney met her father outside to enjoy a few moments together. They laughed and smiled. Her dad even cried a little when he saw her for the first time. While Sydney and her father shared a first look, Matt came down from his cabin to prepare for a first look with his bride to be.

First Look With Matt & Reading Love Notes

Matt was tucked away in a secluded location facing the forest. He waited for Sydney. When Sydney approached him, they shared the most beautiful first look. Afterwards, they read each other their personal vows in the privacy of the trees. Tears were shed, mostly out of joy and excitement. Then everyone got ready for their official ceremony at the homestead.

Intimate Wedding Ceremony

By early afternoon everyone was set. Guests had taken their seats under the pavilion that overlooked the mountains. And the wedding party lined up outside underneath the trees. When the music started playing, everyone proceeded to the front of the pavilion to share in the celebration of Sydney and Matt.

They had a close family friend lead everyone in a prayer before the official ceremony began. Sydney and Matt joined hands and their officiant led everyone through the most beautiful wedding ceremony. It was complete with personal stories about the couple and words of wisdom for the couple to carry with them in their new life as husband and wife. After sharing their vows, and exchanging their rings, Sydney and Matt were announced as “husband and wife”. They then kissed and everyone stood up to clap and shower them in love.

All The Black Canyon Inn Wedding Details

After taking photos with all of their loved ones, Sydney and Matt joined their guest in the yard to play games. They indulged on meat and cheese charcuterie boards and shared a few drinks before entering the official reception area. The old homestead lodge was decorated in beautiful flowers and a banquet style table stood at the front of the room for the wedding party. As the wedding party entered the old cabin, family and friends began to cheer and clap. Finally, Sydney and Matt entered and they were led to the front of the room to share their first dance as husband and wife. Everyone held their breath as they danced around the dance floor. No one wanted to miss a second of this moment.

After the dances were finished, Sydney and Matt joined their wedding party at the banquet table to share a meal with all of their guest. It was a buffet style dinner complete with elk steaks and the best bourbon sweet potatoes one could ever have. During dinner, various family members took turns saying a toast to the newly weds. When toasts came to an end, one of the young boys on Sydney’s side took the microphone to say a few words. Needless to say, everyone was in tears by the end of it.

Cutting The Cake And Tearing Up The Dance Floor

After everyone was finished crying from all of the toasts, everyone gather around Sydney and Matt as they cut their wedding cake. They were careful with how they cut the cake and even more careful taking the first bite of cake. Matt was too much of a gentleman to shove cake in Sydney’s face. Once the cake was cut, everyone indulged in a table full of deserts. From cake to donuts, Sydney and Matt really had it all when it came to their desert table.

After everyone had enjoyed their cake, everyone returned to the dance floor to continue to celebrate the newly weds. No one held back on the dance floor. Everyone was showing off their best moves. People were throwing it down to the latest pop songs and then joining together for some line dancing. The afternoon was filled with smiles and laughter as Sydney and Matt’s guests took over the reception area!

Black Canyon Inn Wedding Sunset Photos

As the afternoon came to an end, Sydney, Matt and I stepped away from the party to enjoy the sunset over the valley below. We ventured out to where they had had their reception earlier that day. The three of us watched as the sun slipped behind the mountains. As the sun disappeared, it cast out a beautiful haze. Sydney and Matt enjoyed a few quiet moments alone. They reminisced on the amazing day they had with all their family and friends and took some time to be present and enjoy each others company. When it grew too dark, we returned to the Homestead lodge where Sydney and Matt danced the night away with all of their guests. It truly was the most beautiful ending to the most perfect Black Canyon Inn Wedding.

Black Canyon Inn Wedding Vendors

Photography: Alexa Jade Photography

Venue: Black Canyon Inn

Catering: Black Canyon Inn

Men’s Wear: Men’s Warehouse