A rowing boat, champagne, laughter and love! What's not to like!
Arriving early at the Gilpin Lake House, I was greeted not by calm preparations but by a whirlwind of activity. The bridal party was running behind schedule, and the air was thick with pre-wedding nerves. This was no surprise—wedding mornings often carry a buzz of excitement and chaos. Sensing the atmosphere, I decided to give the bride and her party some space, starting my day with some establishing shots of the stunning venue before heading to the bar to meet Marcus, the groom.
From the moment I met Marcus, we hit it off. With a warm smile, he asked how life was treating me, and I replied with my usual upbeat, "I can't complain!" We chatted easily, and as we talked, I captured candid shots of him in his element. When he quipped, “You don’t mess about!” I laughed, knowing he’d noticed how quickly I got into storytelling mode with my camera.
After a while, I excused myself to check in on Lois, the bride. The plan was to get some shots of her final preparations, but things were still running late. “Ten more minutes,” I was told, glancing at my watch and calculating that it was almost time for her to meet the registrars. When I finally got the go-ahead, I couldn’t help but lighten the mood with a playful, “Right, I’ll just need about ten minutes then!”
Walking into Lois’s room was like stepping into a scene from a fairy tale. She looked radiant, her excitement lighting up the space. Her daughter was by her side, adding a beautiful familial touch to the moment. We managed to grab some quick portraits before Lois met her chaperone for the walk to the ceremony.
The ceremony itself was set amidst the woods, with the couple standing under a picturesque pergola by the boathouse. Marcus, waiting at the altar, couldn’t hold back his emotions as Lois walked through the woodland path, her long veil flowing behind her, carried by one of the Gilpin staff. I’d teased her earlier, saying, “If he doesn’t shed a tear, he’s not worth marrying!” Needless to say, Marcus didn’t disappoint.
The intimate ceremony was a photographer’s dream. With the couple perfectly backlit and their daughter presenting the rings, every moment was steeped in emotion. They exchanged heartfelt vows, said their “I do’s,” followed by a walk through a shower of confetti, their joy mirrored by their guests.
Post-ceremony, the fun really kicked off. There were incredible canapés (seriously, Gilpin’s chefs know what they’re doing) and group photos that went from traditional to downright epic. Lois had asked for some moody, gangster-style shots with her crew, and let me tell you, we nailed it. Cue laughter, fake scowls, and some of the best “serious faces” I’ve seen at a wedding.
Then came the pièce de résistance: capturing the couple from above with my drone as they rowed across the serene Knipe Tarn. The combination of the stunning scenery and their love-filled interactions made for breathtaking imagery. Later, we strolled through the Gilpin’s beautiful grounds, snapping intimate portraits that truly encapsulated their connection.
This wedding was unforgettable. From the raw emotions to the laughter and little surprises, it was a privilege to spend even a few hours with this incredible couple. Here's to Lois and Marcus—may their journey together be as magical as their wedding day!
Cheers!
