Heartfelt Colorado Wedding at Pinecrest Weddings
Jess and Philip’s Colorado winter wedding at Pinecrest Weddings & Event Center was a heartfelt celebration just days before Christmas. With family and friends traveling from across the world, their love story—rooted in long-distance devotion—unfolded beautifully against the stunning Colorado mountain backdrop. From an intimate first look to golden-hour portraits near Palmer Lake, every moment was filled with warmth and connection. Their reception was a joyful celebration, complete with heartfelt conversations and an unforgettable dance floor. Step into this romantic Colorado wedding!
Some love stories are so beautifully woven together that you can’t help but be in awe of the journey that brought two people to their wedding day. Jess and Philip’s story is one of those—filled with adventure, faith, and a deep-rooted love that spanned continents before bringing them together at Pinecrest Weddings & Event Center in Palmer Lake, Colorado, for a breathtaking December wedding.
A Love Story That Crossed Continents
Jess and Philip’s love story wasn’t born from swiping right or casual meet-ups—it was something far more intentional. Their families had known each other, and in a world where love can sometimes feel fleeting, their story was anything but. When the time was right, Philip traveled all the way to Turkey just to meet Jess for their very first date. Imagine that—flying across the world just for a chance to see if there was something real between them. Spoiler: there absolutely was.
What followed was a long-distance relationship that tested their patience, strengthened their faith, and solidified their commitment to each other. They spent months navigating time zones, airport goodbyes, and the longing that comes with being so far apart. But in the end, they knew there was no distance too great for a love like theirs.
A Cozy December Wedding in the Mountains
There’s something magical about a winter wedding, especially one held just days before Christmas. Pinecrest Weddings & Event Center provided the perfect setting—rustic yet elegant, tucked away in the foothills, surrounded by towering pines and mountain views that stretched for miles.
The day started with a quiet stillness in the air, the kind that only a crisp winter morning can bring. Jess and Philip’s first look was one of my favorite moments of the entire day. It was just the two of them, away from the noise, standing in a peaceful embrace. No words were needed—just the way they looked at each other said everything.
Their ceremony was filled with the most beautiful touches—a heartfelt exchange of vows, scripture readings that spoke of love and commitment, and everyone singing together as one. With family and friends gathered from all over the country—and even across the world—it felt like a true reflection of their journey. Every moment was rich with meaning, every glance filled with the weight of knowing this was the beginning of forever.
Horses, Sunsets, and the Most Breathtaking Couples Photos
After the ceremony, we stepped outside for couples portraits that could have been straight out of a storybook. One of the most unique parts of this location? The pasture we passed on our way to our intended location was filled with horses. We couldn’t help but stop. It added such an unexpected touch of rustic charm to their wedding day (and gallery). The horses wandered in the background as Jess and Philip held each other close, soaking in the quiet moments after saying "I do."
As golden hour approached, I made our way to a nearby scenic overlook, and let me tell you—the sunset did NOT disappoint. The sky lit up in the most incredible shades of orange and yellow as the sun dipped behind the mountains. They stood hand in hand, watching the last light of the day fade into the horizon, and I couldn’t help but think how perfectly that moment reflected their journey—waiting, trusting, and then stepping into something beautifully unknown.
A Celebration Filled With Love and Dance Moves
Once we returned to the venue, the reception was in full swing. The warmth inside was a beautiful contrast to the crisp winter air outside, and the love in the room was palpable. Guests gathered around tables, sharing laughter, heartfelt toasts, and stories of the couple’s journey.
But when the dancing started? Oh. My. Gosh. Jess’ dad and brother stole the show! Their dance moves had everyone on their feet, cheering and clapping along, and before long, the entire room was alive with celebration. It was the perfect mix of heartfelt and lively—a true reflection of who Jess and Philip are.
As the night came to a close, I looked around at all the love surrounding them and knew this wasn’t just a wedding—it was a homecoming. Two hearts, once separated by an ocean, now standing side by side, beginning the next chapter of their story together.
Capturing Your Colorado Wedding Story
Being part of Jess and Philip’s wedding was an absolute honor. From the stunning scenery to the deep-rooted love they share, every moment was a reminder of why I do what I do.
If you're planning a Colorado Springs wedding or a Colorado mountain wedding, I’d love to be there to document your day in a way that feels true to you. From helping you find the perfect location to capturing those quiet, intimate moments, I’m here to make sure your wedding day is everything you dreamed it would be.
Let’s chat about your wedding! Reach out today and let’s create something beautiful together.
The Fruits of a Long Marriage: A Heartfelt Session
Where to begin? Dana and Tom, this is what 30 years together looks like, friends. Take a moment and soak it all in. Thirty years of laughter, all-nighters, frustration, blissful times, sad times, downright hellish times. I am sure that you two have seen it all with so much tread worn in your journey. When you connect so deeply that you don’t know how else to feel or think. What a world to live in. A world where you are each other’s anchor. Rooted in the ground so firmly that nothing can disturb the solid foundation.
Maybe those are just wild dreams? What if love isn’t any of that? What if love is simply the choice to keep choosing each day to do what moves you. To keep with the vibe until the vibe isn’t what you want anymore? I know that people say that relationships are hard. Damn fact, friends.
Where to begin? Dana and Tom, this is what 30 years together looks like, friends. Take a moment and soak it all in. Thirty years of laughter, all-nighters, frustration, blissful times, sad times, downright hellish times. I am sure that you two have seen it all with so much tread worn in your journey. When you connect so deeply that you don’t know how else to feel or think. What a world to live in. A world where you are each other’s anchor. Rooted in the ground so firmly that nothing can disturb the solid foundation.
Maybe those are just wild dreams? What if love isn’t any of that? What if love is simply the choice to keep choosing each day to do what moves you. To keep with the vibe until the vibe isn’t what you want anymore? I know that people say that relationships are hard. Damn fact, friends.
These two have it figured out and being so, they have a lifetime of memories between them to share. I invited Dana and Tom to bring along with them tokens of their 30-year marriage to remember all of the choices they made and keep on making with each other. I love this part of our time together. Going through all the beautiful and important items you’ve brought along. Their daughter, Kayla brought along a sweet surprise. She had collected letters from those close to her parents that share stories about how Dana and Tom influenced their own relationships and lives. I’m not crying. You're crying. Okay, Kayla, Dana, and Tom are crying. It was pretty damn beautiful and I appreciate the vulnerability they had sharing that moment with me.
