Erin and Beto were thrown one of the biggest wrenches you can have in an outdoor wedding: a severe thunderstorm. Their big day went from a Colorado National Monument wedding celebration to an entirely Colorado Brewery wedding celebration – and it was a beautiful Plan B!
As we arrived on the monument for the couples’ first look and portraits before their ceremony, Beto, his best man, and I watched the skies turn dark fast – lit with lightning as the thunder rumbled the sandstone beneath us. As a desert elopement photographer, I am keenly aware of how unsafe storms in the desert can be, and we quickly took shelter in our cars — safely on high ground. The storm that erupted around us next was unlike one I’ve ever seen (at least from inside a vehicle!) The streamline winds, tiny hail, and sheets of pouring rain descended upon us as the sands around the area turned to mud and slid down every surface. It was clear that a Plan B was probably needed, so we made the tough call to relocate the ceremony to Ramblebine Brewing – where their reception was to be held later.
As the rain slowed to a stop, we decided to go ahead with Erin and Beto’s first look and portraits before the next line of dark skies caught up to us. We lucked out with beautiful blue skies and sun for our time on the monument, before we headed into town to meet up with their guests at the brewery. Erin was wearing her grandmother’s wedding dress, and they shared a private moment together before walking down the aisle – something they will both remember forever.
Their ceremony was surrounded by loved ones watching as the pair exchanged personal vows (in both English and Spanish to honor Beto’s heritage and family), rings, and shared in a handfasting ceremony. Their loved ones raised their arms in prayer over the couple, before the pair sealed the union it with a kiss.
The way the lights of the brewery reflected off the floor-to-ceiling windows added the most beautiful backdrop to the evening. As the pair exited the ceremony, the mariachi band began to play and Erin and Beto to a moment to twirl around the dance floor as the taco truck opened for dinner. With first dances with one another, her father, and his mother, the evening darkened and the dance floor came alive. It really was the most spectacular Plan B for a truly wild day. Take a peek at some of my favorite moments from their Colorado brewery wedding:
