The weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful. But since we’ve got no place to go – let it snow, let it snow, let it snow … One of my favorite carols perfectly described Jesse and Joie’s special day in mid-November. Their winter Denver wedding was sandwiched in between two unseasonably warm weekends, and the arctic weather was brutal – even without the wind, it was below zero in the sun. Brrr! But regardless of the weather, Joie was absolutely stunning in her handmade, custom wedding dress that she designed (and her aunt created) – she reminded me a wee bit of Belle from Beauty and the Beast.

Since Jesse and Joie are Mormon, we actually weren’t allowed to go into the temple to witness their official wedding – but they did have a sweet ring ceremony at their reception, which was officiated by Joie’s father. We stopped by Glen Eyrie on the way from the temple in Denver to the Briarhurst, where the reception was held, because Jesse surprised Joie with the news that they would be spending their wedding night in the castle spire! Since we were losing light so quickly due to the snowstorm, we did most of their formal wedding portraits there at Glen Eyrie (so I can now cross “shoot a bridal session at a castle” off my bucket list!).

Their reception was filled with a few tears and many laughs, and a delicious dinner put together by the team of the Briarhurst. Each of the tables were centered around a fairytale or fable that had special meaning to the two of them, with handmade items to represent each theme. The wedding cake topper, a family heirloom, was carefully restored earlier this year and was absolutely perfect for Jesse + Joie’s cake.

vendor love

Ceremony Venue // Denver Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Bridal Portrait Venue // Glen Eyrie

Reception Venue + Catering // The Briarhurst Manor

Floral // My Floral Shop

DJ // John of Complete Music

Wedding Cake // Creative Cakes

Bridal Hair + Makeup // Sabrina Tannehill

Invitations // With Our Powers Combined

Bridal Attire // Dress was designed by the bride; Veil designed by Yumi Blackwell

Groom’s Attire // H.M. Cole

Jewelry // Lane Mitchell Jewelers and Lacy Laura Gray Beach Jewelry

Are you looking for a wedding photographer in Lake Havasu?

Hey there, I am Ashley Durham, a western Arizona wedding photographer specializing in unposed, authentic and romantic intimate weddings that capture the love, fun and realness of couples and wedding days.

I am happy to serve couples from Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Prescott, Kingman, Skull Valley all the way to Palm Springs, Southern California and anywhere I can drive or fly. Are you ready to have an incredible time together for your wedding?? DM me!!