Aaron & David
Some weddings stay with you long after the gallery is delivered—and this Black Canyon Inn Estes Park wedding is one of those days for me. Aaron and David’s New Year’s Eve celebration was elegant, joyful, and deeply personal, but what made it truly special was the connection we built throughout the planning process.
From the very beginning, this wedding felt collaborative in the best way. We had a group text going for months where ideas were shared, questions were asked, and real life was talked about too. By the time their wedding day arrived, it didn’t feel like I was stepping into a room of strangers—it felt like showing up for people I genuinely knew.
An LGBTQ Wedding Day Built on Connection
Aaron and David were incredibly intentional about the experience they created, not just for themselves, but for everyone around them. One of my favorite examples of that care was how they treated their wedding party. They had professional hair and makeup artists to help their “groomsmaids” get ready. They wanted the women who had supported them so deeply to feel celebrated and appreciated. It was such a thoughtful gesture, and it set the tone for a day centered on gratitude and presence.
That emphasis on connection carried through every part of the celebration, from quiet moments with family to big, joyful group energy.
Winter Wedding Portraits in Rocky Mountain National Park
After the ceremony, we headed into Rocky Mountain National Park for wedding party photos and portraits. It was cold—single-digit temperatures, frozen fingers, the whole thing—but somehow everyone laughed through it all. The joy was real, and it shows in the images.
And another note: Aaron and David’s champagne pop portraits are some of my favorites from the day—equal parts celebratory and effortless. Those moments perfectly captured the spirit of their wedding: refined, fun, and completely unpretentious.
A Candlelit New Year’s Eve Reception at Black Canyon Inn
As the night went on, the reception at Black Canyon Inn was stunning. Guests were welcomed into an elegant, candlelit dinner filled with white florals, black linens, and warm gold accents that felt timeless and elevated without ever feeling stiff. The atmosphere was intimate and glowing. Exactly what you hope for on a winter night in the mountains.
Later in the evening, Aaron and David shared a champagne tower with their guests, followed by a joyful countdown to midnight. Ringing in the New Year surrounded by the people who love you most is something truly special. This New Year’s Eve wedding in Estes Park captured that feeling beautifully.
Photographing This Black Canyon Inn Estes Park Wedding
What made this wedding unforgettable for me wasn’t just the aesthetics—though they were stunning—but the relationships. Feeling connected to Aaron and David, their families, and their friends allowed me to photograph the day in a way that felt natural, emotional, and honest. There’s even a photo of the three of us together that made its way into this blog, which feels like the perfect full-circle moment.
If you’re planning your own Black Canyon Inn Estes Park wedding, especially a winter or New Year’s Eve celebration, I’d love to help you create and document a day that feels just as intentional, connected, and joy-filled.
Vendors
Photography | Haley Hawn Photo
Venue & Catering | The Boulders at Black Canyon Inn
Florist | Lace & Lillies
DJ | Matt DiAno – Top Denver DJ
