Today I’m taking a little editing break to post a quick sneak peek of these Denver courthouse wedding photos from Sarah + Steve’s beautiful day back in May!  We did the first look in one of the most breathtaking urban spots in all of downtown Denver: the Byron J. White Courthouse (which is also one of my most favorite locales for photos in all of the Mile High City).

Afterwards, we cruised to RiNo for a couple of quick photos of the couple together and a few with their bridal party.  We finished with some early evening portraits at their ceremony venue, the Trinity Church, which has so much history behind it (built in 1887 and is also on the National Historic Register).

I can’t wait to share the full post of their gorgeous day, which finished with their reception at the Space Gallery in the Santa Fe Art District.  Enjoy this little sneak peak for now!

Denver Courthouse Wedding Photos | Ashley Kidder Photo

Ceremony venue: The Trinity Church (fun fact: this is the oldest church in Denver!) | Additional photo locations: Byron J. White Courthouse, RiNo neighborhood of Denver

Ashley Kidder is a Denver-based wedding and engagement photographer who shoots at any Colorado wedding venue. She shoots rad couples and weddings that are both traditional and unconventional. When she’s not behind the camera you can find her lifting weights at her new favorite gym (Compass Fitness — take a class with Cory!) or eating bowls upon bowls of quinoa (it really is a superfood, y’all).  Feel free to get in touch with her to chat about your event!

This post is dedicated to all the fine-tuned, hand-picked, sentimental AF details that you include in your wedding.  

These smaller parts of the wedding day are sometimes overlooked by guests, but they are definitely not ignored by me.  I’m a sucker for all the little pieces you bring together for your celebration, ranging from something borrowed to something blue, and everything in between.

I’m an incredibly nostalgic person.  You’ll see this word thrown around a shit-ton on this blog.  I love to look through boxes of old photos, airline ticket stubs, and letters from friends dating back to my time in California in the 90s.  There is just something so damn romantic about looking back on your favorite, most cherished memories.

Readers of the internet: are you like me?  Do you have a little time capsule of important trinkets that you hold onto? 

In honor of all these little mementos, I’m throwing together this blog post featuring just the details from a recent Cable Center wedding I had the pleasure of photographing back in December.  Alex + Greg put together a stunning geode theme with all the colors from my favorite palette: the Crayola Bold crayon box.

In true The Sound Of Music fashion, here are a few of my favorite things from their day:

• That emerald engagement ring!  Such a stunning, unique piece (well-done, Greg)
• That geode cake!  I’m loving this trend of statement desserts like these
• Alex’s nontraditional blush wedding dress! Move over, ivory + white, there’s a new sheriff in town
• Those hella sparkly purple bridesmaids dresses!  These are definitely the type that you can wear again (aka the best kind of bridesmaid dress)
• The entire peacock color palette!  Alex + Greg did such a fantastic job of bringing this theme to life across the board, from their centerpieces to their flowers to Greg’s navy suit

I tip my hat to this inspired couple that really hit a home run with their Cable Center wedding.  Take a peek at all their gorgeous details below!

Cable Center Wedding Denver | Ashley Kidder Photo

Want to see more from my recent weddings?  Take a peek at my ever-updating wedding portfolio or come hang on Instagram!

If you thought this Lyons Riverbend wedding couldn’t get any better, wait until you get to know Suzy and Sarah.

We actually met at one of my favorite neighborhood spots, El Camino, margaritas in hand — naturally. I knew immediately these were my kind of people.

Their engagement session was a blast, made even better by the addition of their dogs. Honestly, is there anything pups can’t improve?

Suzy and Sarah are warm, grounded, and genuinely thoughtful. They wanted a nontraditional celebration, and it only made the day feel more personal and intimate. A few of my favorite things about it:

• Two incredible locations. The ceremony at Riverbend in Lyons and the reception down the road at the Lyons Farmette are a dream pairing. You can stay in the tiny home village nearby, incorporate farm-fresh produce into your menu, enjoy flowers harvested straight from the property — which is exactly what Suzy and Sarah did — and feel good knowing the Farmette team composts and recycles throughout the venue. That last part matters a lot to me.
• Food trucks. When we say nontraditional, we mean it. Instead of a formal plated dinner with assigned seating, Suzy and Sarah brought in a food truck from Steuben’s. In their words, “We loved having a food truck and casual reception. No seating chart or served dinner. It made the evening more relaxed.” Hard to argue with that.
• All the Colorado beauty, none of the I-70 headache. The mountains are stunning, but let’s be real — the drive is a lot. Lyons Riverbend and the Farmette deliver that breathtaking Colorado setting without the traffic. Somebody please fast-track that mountain rail line.
• Alpacas. Yes, there are alpacas on the property. Yes, we took photos with them after the ceremony. No further explanation needed.

A laid-back couple, a wonderfully mixed bridal party, and an eco-conscious celebration — this is one I’ll be thinking about for a long time. Suzy and Sarah, thank you for letting me be part of your day. The next round of margaritas at El Camino is on me.

Lyons Riverbend wedding ceremony

Lyons Riverbend Wedding | Ashley Kidder Photo

Venue: Lyons Riverbend and Farmette | Dress: Watters | Floral: Farmette Flowers | Hair: Wedlocks Bridal Hair | Officiant: Friend of the couple | Food truck: Steuben’s | Dessert: Friend of the couple | Bridesmaids’ attire: Azazie | DJ: Elite DJ | Coordinator: Dahlia Events | Neckwear: The Tie Bar | Bartenders: Garnish Bartending | Tables: Harvest Tables |

Ashley Kidder is a Denver-based wedding and engagement photographer who shoots everything from mountain escapes to city streets. She specializes in couples who bring their own sense of style — whether that’s classic, quirky, or somewhere in between. When she’s not behind the camera, you’ll find her at Pearl Street Fitness or having deep conversations with her corgi, Sherman.

I adore a stunning Colorado mountain wedding, but there’s something about a vibrant, stylish urban celebration that truly lights me up as a photographer.

This Curtis Hotel Denver wedding had so much going for it beyond the epic dance party atmosphere — bold colors, incredible 90s hits, and a couple who made the whole day look effortless.

Kristi and Jason were an absolute joy to work with and made the day about everyone around them. Think amazing food, a dance floor that never quit, and a rooftop setup complete with an open bar and firepit.

A few more things I loved about this Curtis Hotel Denver wedding:

• The city backdrop was everything. Their ceremony featured a stunning view of the Daniels & Fisher Clock Tower — a true Denver icon — alongside the exciting new skyline taking shape around it. Right up my alley.
• Kristi was the picture of calm. When rain threatened just before the ceremony, she didn’t miss a beat — and sure enough, the skies cleared minutes before they said their vows. Classic Colorado.
• Those florals. My talented friend Stephanie of Lalé Florals created the most breathtaking arrangements in the boldest, most joyful color palette. Bright, vibrant wedding flowers are having a moment — and honestly, they never should have left.

I’ll admit, dancing along to 90s bangers all night left my feet a little worse for wear — but this was one of those weddings that filled everyone in the room with pure joy. Kristi and Jason, thank you for welcoming me into your tropical urban paradise in the heart of Denver. Enjoy some of my favorite moments from their day!

Curtis Hotel Denver Wedding | Ashley Kidder Photo

Venue: Curtis Hotel | Floral: Lalé Florals | Dress: Hayley Paige | Groom’s attire: Men’s Wearhouse | Hair: Clementine’s Salon in the Highlands | Makeup: Anna Guidone | Officiant: Good friend of the couple | Bridesmaids attire: Show Me Your Mumu | DJ: Elite DJ | Rings: Vintage | Earrings: Ralph Lauren | DIY: Spray-painted pineapples lining the aisle and reception tables

Interview with the Bride