Archive for the ‘Destination Weddings’ Category
Best of Recherche Weddings Slideshow
I’ve been invited to have a booth at The St. Julien Hotel and Spa‘s exclusive bridal fair this weekend. You’ll probably recognize that pink peony shot on both their wedding page AND the bridal fair page. It is from Sarah & Dan’s wedding and flowers were created by Brighter Day. Anyhoo. . . I decided it was time to create an updated slideshow of my wedding images. Very tricky to narrow down eleven years of destination wedding photography to a three minute video, but here it is! (Hint: click on the fullscreen button in the bottom right corner of the video for it to fill up your screen!!!)
This is a collection of some of my favorite wedding images that I have shot over the last eleven years all over the world. Locations of images in this slideshow span from Boulder, Vail, Denver, Belize, Hawaii, Florida, Sydney, Mystic, Milwaukee, Florida, Bozeman, Costa Rica, Michigan, Mexico, Seattle, Aspen and Fiji!
I am mesmerized by the rituals and ceremonies that define our lives as humans. Weddings are remarkable celebrations of romance, family, and joy. The process of photographing a wedding is full of mystery, celebration, and beauty. I adore it.
My work might be called photojournalistic, since it documents an event’s storyline through unstaged shots. However, my images are unique in their softness, depth, and romance.
If you are keeping your wedding sweet and simple, do not miss the opportunity to have enchanting images created. I have accompanied many a couple to a castle in Ireland, a beach in Galveston, ruins in Belize, a tiny wedding chapel in Kauai, a snowy Aspen woodland. If you are captivated by Recherche Photography’s sumptuous style, do not hesitate to inquire about travel costs. They are typically more reasonable than expected. Just call or email to start the conversation of how I can capture the charm of your wedding even (and maybe especially) if it is just the two of you!
Dream a little! Talk to me about your dream package and let’s make it a reality.
A Destination Wedding in Morning Sun Iowa with Tiffany & Levi
Years ago Tiffany and I had a chance meeting while she was working at a little shop in Boulder. She held on to my business card for years and shortly after Levi proposed I got an email inquiring as to whether or not I would be interested in shooting her wedding. I was quite enchanted with the idea of photographing a destination wedding on her parents’ tree farm in a tiny town called Morning Sun, Iowa. I wasn’t prepared for the punch-in-the-stomach heat or the feeling of sweat running down my back, but the genuine kindness & hospitality of the entire party, the adoration that Levi & Tiffany have for one another and the fireflies made up for the sweat in spades. I am beyond thankful that they stole away with me for a sunset photo shoot. This wedding was a delight. Thank you so much for having me all the way from Colorado!! What a gorgeous event!!!
VIEW AN INTERVIEW WITH TIFFANY ABOUT HER EXPERIENCE WITH RECHERCHE
VIEW LEVI & TIFFANY’S ONLINE GALLERY
Lysa and Kevin’s Destination Wedding in Keystone, Colorado
Lysa & Kevin’s destination wedding at the Keystone Lodge nestled up in the Rocky Mountains was exquisite. What a wonderful couple. The weather was perfect, the location rustic and breathtaking, the details colorful and charming. Happy Anniversary, Lysa & Kevin!! 
Mary Beth and Jeff Coffin’s Destination Wedding at Sacred Heart Church and St. Julien Hotel in Boulder, CO with Calluna Events
On June 18, 2011 I photographed Mary Beth Piacenti and Jeff Coffin’s destination wedding in Boulder, CO and it was nothing short of fabulous! (After eleven years of shooting weddings I’m finally enjoying the process and not just in a state of panic!) What a perfect day. The wedding couple was sweet and sublime. The weather was ideal. The guests all looked as though they were stepping onto a red carpet. The time-line was seamless, thanks to Heather Dwight of Calluna Events. The venues were lovely. The service was excellent. And the candy bar was just icing on the cake.
MARY BETH & JEFF’S PHOTO SLIDESHOW!
SEE THEIR VIDEOGRAPHY FILM BY 303MOTION!!
Special thanks to all the top-shelf Boulder, Colorado wedding vendors that made my job a beautiful summer breeze: Calluna Events, Intricate Icings, Brighter Day Florist, 303Motion, Banjo Billy, St. Julien Hotel & Spa
Grant Humphreys Mansion Destination Wedding
Happy Anniversary, Ben & Courtney! I never managed to get this gorgeous wedding blogged… probably because I was blogging yet the year I shot this destination event. I’m always getting dragged into the newest technical/computer-related thing by my husband or best-friend. Anyhow, moving on. The wedding. Gorgeous. Fun. Dramatic.
When I met Ben & Courtney they felt very cinematic to me. They had planned an evening ceremony at Grant Humphreys Mansion in Denver so I suggested we take a few house prior and hit a few cool spots for pre-wedding shots. We chose an antique salvage yard and an art gallery. Another plus for this wedding is that I had the good fortune of having Zoriah second shoot. He is an incredibly accomplished photojournalist and his photos were so different from mine and so striking. I’ve watermarked them with Recherche, just so they have some level of protection, but his style is so distinct I’m sure you can identify his shots. Sidenote: For some reason I remember Zoriah teasing that he was going to open up a photography studio in Boulder and name it “Better Than Recherche.” That always makes me smile!
Regina’s Favorite Top Destination Weddings
What is Recherche Photography doing this time of year? Wedding consultations. (Along with LOTS of baby portraits!). I’ve traveled to some of the most wonderfully romantic wedding destinations all over the world, but to be honest, the last decade has been such a whirlwind that I barely remember it. Looking back on my first ten years of wedding photography feels pretty surreal. I’m so thankful to have something gorgeous to show for all the hours I’ve spend in airports, hotels, rental cars, trudging around with film cameras, laptops, etc. It didn’t feel very romantic at the time, but you’d never know from these photos!
Thank you to all my amazing clients and family and friends for making my life so fabulous. Here’s to another decade of destination wedding photography!
A wedding image of Krystal & Chris on the ruins in Belize. Love how Chris’ shirt is the same color as the sky!
This is one of my favorite shots from Susie and David Duval’s wedding at his beach house in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. We did all the formal portraits on the beach (with no shoes of course) and the kids were eager to get down there first!
Abby & Drew with their faithful companions. Pastures of Plenty is just the most wonderful organic outdoor wedding venue in Boulder County. The food is scrumptious and the setting is just lovely.
Kim & Chris chose a little hacienda, Playa del Secreto, in Playa del Carmen, Mexico for their breezy ocean-side wedding. Although it was storming on both sides of us, the weather was perfectly overcast for the entire ceremony. (And this wedding was my very FIRST blog post!!)
Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Tabernash, CO has always been picturesque; the epitome of Colorado rustic mountain charm, but in the last five years they completed a major renovation. Now is not just charming but completely luxurious, spoiling Amy & Heath and all their guests.
Josh & Stephanie were wed on a private little island in Fiji, aptly named Treasure Island. I nearly expired of heat exhaustion, but we try to forget that bit! Private little cabanas, huge spiders, the most amazing selection of fruits and seafood I have ever seen. And the sunsets were unreal.
Marion & Jason’s wedding at The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera was the sweetest thing. Every detail, from the hanging vases of flowers in the gazebo to the personalized m&m’s in yellow and blue, were impeccable. But more importantly, the couple just adored one another (and still do!)
The picture below says it all- a perfect fall wedding at the Wild Basin Lodge in Allenspark, Colorado. Sublime.
If you need an elegant venue in Denver, CO for a wedding of well under 200 guests, Grant-Humphreys Mansion in Denver just might suit you! Courtney & Ben certainly made it work!
It came as no surprise to anyone that the lovely Heather Dwight from Calluna Events made a stunning bride. She chose as her venue the private and exclusive Boulder Canyon House. A few drops brought out the umbrellas and perfect light.
Harkness Park in Mystic, Connecticut was one of my all-time favorite locations. The day on which Suzanne & Andrew married, it was stormy, blustery and bone-chilling; something straight out of an Emily Bronte novel. All the guests were lamenting the weather but I was ecstatic.”
After this couple wed in a beautiful little Catholic Church in San Pedro, California we drove along the coastline to their reception venue. We got out and take in the view and and shoot a few gorgeous images of the wedding couple.
A beach wedding on Marco Island, Florida
was Vanessa’s dream. It did NOT, however, include a gale so strong that it blew all the un-sat guests chairs all the way down the beach and a torrential downpour of rain on the entire party. I was still shooting film WAY back then and my assistant, Cat, was desperately trying to cover me up with a flimsy umbrella and shower cap so I could change film and keep shooting the oh-so-dramatic event!! (See the watermarks on the lens? Those are NOT photoshopped!)
The Sunrise Amphitheater is one of Boulder, Colorado’s most lovely wedding ceremony spots. That’s about all I have to say about that!
The Keystone Lodge in Timber Ridge, Colorado. Again, no words necessary. Actually, I should just really stop writing anything besides the location. This post would go a lot faster…
The Villa Terrace Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Perhaps the farthest I’ve traveled for a destination wedding was Sydney Australia for Wendy & Paul’s wedding. Lush & lovely. (And check out that ancient blog post!!! Geeze!)
A destination wedding at Snow Mountain Ranch’s Columbine Point
I was speechless. Just one of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen. 
The first destination wedding I photographed in Europe- or the British Isles was in Shannon, Ireland at this fantastic castle. It was early September and the castle gardens were stunning. The whole thing still feels like a dream.
Tina & Joe’s ceremony at the Wedding Chapel in Kauai, Hawaii had a very tiny guest count- her parents and brother. And me. They basically eloped and brought along a photographer. Perhaps my most favorite type of destination wedding of all!
I feel SO lucky to have captured this image of this wonderful wedding couple tucked back in an aspen glade in Beaver Creek Colorado just outside Saddle Ridge. I had about five minutes to do all the portraits of them because the groom could not stand still for more than 15 seconds! So fun! 
This destination wedding at the famously fabulous Broadmoor Hotel and Resort in Colorado Springs was dripping ceiling to floor in elegance.
This wedding couple escaped the pouring rain with a tender moment under the outdoor covering of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Roman Catholic Church. I was taking cover on the other side of the garden and caught this image.
One of my favorite destination weddings took place at a resort in Costa Rica
planned by the fabulous Aimee Monihan of Tropical Occasions.. I shot this romantic image of the wedding couple taking a moment to themselves after their ceremony by taking a stroll down the beach.
The Apple Valley Orchard in Lyons Colorado is a private estate so this wedding couple was ecstatic to secure an October date for their wedding. The colors could not have been more stunning.
We shot this beautiful formal portrait of all the wedding guests at Anna & Rob’s destination wedding at St. Malo Catholic Church in Estes Park, Colorado.
It was a dream come true for this bride to have her wedding the Powel Crosley Estate in Sarasota Florida as her father grew up in this mansion which has since become a historical museum. She has a keen eye for funky vintage glam and an impeccable sense of style so everywhere I turned there was another gorgeous detail, a stunning angle, a lovely expression to photograph. Incidentally, this mansion is where they filmed Great Expectations several years ago- before they did a major renovation so shooting this wedding was a vintage romantic destination wedding photographer’s dream come true!
As an artist in a highly competitive industry, it is easy (for me at least) to feel like I’ve never really “succeeded.” I see other photographers’ images, people with kids, fancy cars and a second home in some fabulous place and a little voice whispers that I have nothing to show for my life. Well, perhaps I don’t have those types of things, but I am happy, loved and have stacks of lovely images created for my clients. Over and over again I need to define success on my own terms and focus on all the beauty in my life. Perhaps take a moment to jot down YOUR definition of success in your own life.
My Favorite Broadmoor Hotel Wedding
I’ve had several requests recently to see images from weddings at the famous Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, CO. It was my pleasure to pull from the archives a few images from my all-time favorite Broadmoor Wedding: Trina & Ken Thiel. Drop dead gorgeous. Every bit of it. Exuding glamour and sophistication. And to top it off, Trina is wonderfully kind and creative human being. Ken is a lucky, lucky man. And I am a lucky, lucky photographer. 
A rare glimpse of my favorite videographer of all-time, Dennis with Over The Moon Films. For a real treat click on his website. His work is just fantastic. He is so brilliantly talented I can barely stand it. There is no one I would rather partner with for my events. 
Marissa & Justin’s Wedding in Windsor, CO
Marissa & Justin were recently married at her parent’s spectacular home in Windsor, CO. The whole affair was dripping in love, lilac, white bouquets and strands of crystals. It was breathtaking; a fine art wedding photographer’s haven. Our main challenge was to capture every delicious detail and every tender moment. Caroline and I were practically spinning the entire day! On a day like that I just had to let go and trust my skill & instinct that has been honed over the last ten years of shooting weddings. By the end of the day we were exhausted and blurry-eyed. Now that the dust has settled I am relieved & satisfied that in the midst of it all we managed to capture the magic of their beautiful wedding day. Hurrah!!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THEIR SLIDESHOW!!
I adore this moment shared between father & daughter with a beaming mother looking on.
Marissa filled her wedding day with heartfelt and sentimental expressions of love for her family. This gift she had made for her father is just one example. She gave it to him right as they were getting ready to walk down the aisle together. 
The flower ceremony was when I really got choked up. Marissa & Justin chose people among family and friends who have served as an inspiration and an example for their marriage. Each of these mentors presented the couple with a flower which was arranged in a full bouquet.
Caroline captured this saturated shot of the estate at the end of the day. A perfect final image to a perfect wedding story. 
Marissa & Justin’s Online Gallery is available here: www.pictage.com/908404
I had to include this stunning photo of the brides’s big sister and her hubby- your may recognize them as the gorgeous couple that were married in Belize a year ago last March: Krystal & Chris Reeves. Now dear friends. xoxo
Cat & Greg’s Sarasota, FL Wedding by Recherché Photography is Featured in The Knot!
We are sooooo excited & flattered to be promoted in the Florida edition of The Knot as a featured wedding. Not surprised though. Just because Cat & Greg’s Sarasota Great-Gatsy-styled event was hands down one of the most sexy, sublime and sophisticated weddings of all time. Cat is a long time friend, an artist, a photographer, a magazine editor and a designer. So of course her wedding rocked the house. All I did was show up and push the button a few times! 
Dying to see more images of their wedding? Click here to see the blog post!
Kuddos and thanks again and again to Keren Lifrak Weddings & Special Events for making SURE this wedding got where it needed to be: day of AND in the magazine!! You’re the best!! And I LOVE your new website! Esp. that very first pic of YOU!!! xoxo
Annie & Nick’s Boulder, CO Wedding at St. Julien Hotel & Spa
There is perhaps an excessive amount of photos in this blog post but Annie & Nick’s wedding at the St. Julien Hotel & Spa in Boulder, CO was brimming over in exquisite details & tender moments. But most importantly, it was drenched in LOVE. Love for each other, their family, each of their guests- and their vendors. Which resulted in piles of stunning images. I have said for years that I have the most wonderful clients in the world, and this couple takes the cake. As an artist & emotional creature it is hard to keep my heart out on the chopping block but Annie & Nick have made it all worth while. I hope they love their images as much as I have adored working with them and their family.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SLIDESHOW OF THIS WEDDING!
Heather with Calluna Events assembled a fabulous set of wedding professionals to pull off Annie’s dream wedding. Jessica Shineyda with The Face Lab transformed the already adorable Annie & her bridesmaids + mother into works of art. 
Had you any idea it was this much fun to work with a bride?? This shot really sums up how all the wedding vendors felt about working with Annie and her mom! Andy with Andres Alfredo styled the girls’ hair. He is as sweet as he is talented!
What is the best reason for a June wedding? PEONIES. Thanks to Brighter Day Floral, every corner of Annie’s wedding was dripping in these sublime arrangements. 
Due to rain, the ceremony was moved inside. I have NEVER been happier to shoot an indoor wedding thanks to Denver Design Works!! Can you believe this room?? It took my breath away- all night! We kept commenting that this backdrop, originally intended for outside, would have gotten lost. Sometimes it is for the best our plans get changed. What a treat to work with a team of unbelievably creative professional artists. It made my job so very fun!
I was so relieved Annie & Nick braved the drizzle for a quick photo shoot! Nothing is better than natural rain-cloud-diffused light!! 
Sumptuous cake by non other than the fabulous Tee & Cakes. Do NOT pull up their website if you are on a diet. Within one second of glancing at their blog I promise your mouth will be watering!! 
A very proud father of the bride!
(A guest grabbed me while shooting candids during the cocktail hour and said, “Get a shot of this- he is the bride’s father!!” I thought, “Geeze, it would be pretty sad if I hadn’t figured that out by now!” But I’m glad he grabbed me because this image is so beautiful!)
A shot with the Flatirons completely misted over. So enchanting! 
This might be my favorite shot of the day!!!
Can you see me in the background wearing my “signature” skirt that I found in a vintage shop in Dublin? I’ve worn in to almost every wedding I’ve shot in the last 8 years! Caroline shot this beautiful image. 
Although I haven’t yet seen the video, I can say that it was wonderful working with the Lupher Arts Videography team! And I always love the video light at the reception! 
Another seamless & resplendent event by Heather Dwight, the owner of Calluna Events. I have no idea how she pulls off perfection every single time with her gracious & unruffled spirit. Her attention to detail is impeccable and she treats everyone with the utmost respect & kindness. It is always such a dream to work with her. 
It’s not often that a photo of the photographer shows up on the blog! Here I am- Regina Mountjoy of Recherché Photography! My fabulous assistant, Caroline Colvin, took this shot of us as I was saying my goodbyes. It really is a trick to be “unobtrusive” with all that gear I’m packing!! But I’ve got to be ready for anything!! 
View Annie & Nick’s Online Gallery: www.pictage.com/744951
