Anna and Eddy

Anna Ingram became Mrs. Eddy Cotton on Saturday at the beautiful Redstone Inn. We were so excited for their wedding, and not one single part of it was disappointing. It was a typical Colorado day with beautiful blue skies and a handful of raindrops. As photographers, we love a few (ok, more than a few) clouds, and we had that as well.


And when Anna and Eddy do something, they do it full tilt! Everything about their wedding was modest yet beautiful, simple yet creative and very well thought out. Anna left no stone unturned. From the parasols they gave guests for the ceremony to the hand-carved aspen logs that the cakes were perched upon, everything had Anna's special touch.


They agreed to see each other before the ceremony, which we love, love, love for our brides and grooms to do. There is such a special chemistry that happens - the first sight of each other and the subtle tension and anticipation because they are still not quite married. We have photographed many brides and grooms after their ceremony, and there is a mental, emotional, and physical let-down that is so apparent in the photos - their body language, their smiles - lots of things. When they see each other before the wedding, they are completely focused on each other. Every little detail about each other. And that makes for some great moments.

I love this shot of them! I love their expressions, the lighting, and the tonality of the photo.

Their rings are amazing! They were custom made based on a sketch drawn by Eddy. These guys are huge Jeeping fans, so I thought they would appreciate this shot of the rings!

This is one of the amazing little details from this wedding. This section from an aspen tree is actually the base of one of the cake layers. You'll see the whole thing here in a minute. Renae carved the words!

Post note: Ok, I found out the scoop on the cake. Eddy's mom, Renae, designed the cake and supplied all the natural elements, and Melissa Miller made the cake and put it all together. Anna's parents, Alan and Janice, cut the logs, and Anna and Eddy supplied the Jeep and bicycle. A group effort that turned out spectacular!

The ceremony was one of the nicest that I have ever been a part of. Really. Their pastor, Tommy Schneider of Calvary Chapel Vail Valley Church, was so great - funny, serious, sincere, spontaneous - you name it. There were plenty of funny moments...

And there were a some tender moments, too. Eddy had a hard time saying his vows - a really hard time. He is trying really hard here to gain his composure to finish. He did, and there was not a dry eye in the courtyard. Including me. Thank God for auto focus, 'cause I couldn't see a thing.

I love this moment where Eddy's Mom and Dad are watching him get through his vows.

We have a bunch of sensitive men here in these two families. Anna's dad was touched, as were so many others.

And this moment for Renae is sweet as she watches her son and new daughter-in-law walk down the aisle as a married couple.

Beautiful, aren't they?!

We have a whole series of shots from this. The wind was blowing Anna's dress and it almost looked like a video when we viewed the photos on the back of the camera. They had been practicing the "dip", and they did it like pros!

Ok, here's the most AMAZING cake I have ever seen. It was truly beautiful, and the attention to detail is second to none. I love all the aspen leaves, the tree "cake plates", the carvings, the cotton (Eddy's last name is Cotton - now Anna's, too! :-) ), and of course, the Jeep and bicycle.

The Jeep even had a little "Just Married" license plate made out of a piece of Aspen bark. Incredible!

They also had a few games set up right next to the reception tent. This was a great idea and a big hit with the guests. So creative and a nice touch.

Anna and Eddy - thank you for allowing us to be a part of your special day. It was truly lovely. We wish you all of God's blessings on your new life together!