Wedding and portrait photographer: Brittany Schnell

Danton & Katie Holcombe | January 8, 2022

It’s always so fun to work with people from my life before Lemmon. Danton and I were friends and even took the same photography class in high school. Witnessing him get married to Katie was an awesome experience! 

The big day started with Katie and her bridesmaids getting ready. The bridal suite was bustling with the smell of hair products and the excited chatter of the ladies. While they put on the finishing touches to their makeup, I photographed Katie’s dress, shoes and other details. It’s my habit to photograph each item individually and in an arrangement with the other details. 

I love it when the bride is present for her detail photos. These pictures of Katie looking at her dress or admiring her grandmother’s wedding gloves are the best way to naturally show off details! 

The ladies and I adventured outside for photos in the snow. There were huge flakes falling down, which are my favorite for photos! We took group photos, individual photos of each bridesmaid with Katie, and the bridesmaids by themselves. Finally, we took Bridal Portraits of Katie in the snow. 

After saying goodbye to Katie, I found Danton for Groom’s portraits. We took photos indoors and outside, under a canopy. 

Next, we made our way over to the ceremony location, which was a short walk from the reception hall. 

Danton and Katie still haven’t seen each other by this time. Everyone was buzzing with excitement, especially Danton. We all waited patiently for the ceremony to start and Katie to appear. She was escorted by her father into the ceremony. 

Danton couldn’t take his eyes off her, and she was the same. Anyone could see by looking at them that they belong with each other. 

Their ceremony was officiated by Danton’s pastor from his time interning in Colorado. In his sermon, he said something that has stuck with me. His advice to the couple was to always believe in the best in each other. 

I photograph every wedding ceremony in silent mode. My camera doesn’t make any noises when I take a photo. 

After they sealed the deal with a kiss, we moved into family photos. Photos went by quickly and seamlessly! Next, we photographed wedding party photos and finally, couples images. I have all sorts of mental combinations to go through for each group. 

We started the bride and groom photos at the gondola, which carried us up to a more speculated area further up the mountain. This was Danton & Katie’s first few moments alone. I love invading this time with my camera to capture their raw emotions. 

Danton discovered this beautiful bright green moss. We used the spot as a backdrop for shoe detail photos and ring detail photos. 

On our way back to the gondola, the area and skies opened up for us to capture a few photos of Danton and Katie with the mountains in the background. I changed my focal length and my location to change the size of the mountains. In some photos, the mountains are small and far away in the background. In other images, the Mountains completely swallow the background and they feel much larger & grander than before. It all has to do with my lens focal length (how far zoomed in the lens is) and my positioning. These are my absolute favorite images of the day.

We wrapped up the couple's photos in time to join everyone else at cocktail hour. While Danton & Katie enjoyed a drink and company of their guests, I photographed the cake and reception details. 

After all the details were finished, I set up a flash in the corner of the cocktail hall for a pop up photo booth and photographed wedding guests. Danton and Katie even stopped by to take photos with a few of their guests. This is one of my new favorite things to do at weddings. 

The DJ kicked off the reception by announcing the wedding party. Once Danton and Katie entered the reception hall, they went right into their first dance. Katie’s dress moved so beautifully for their first dance!! Katie and her father danced together as well as Danton and his mother. 

Dinner was served and it was so good! Guests enjoyed either a New York Strip or Half A Chicken!! I was served the chicken and it was killer! The best man, maid of honor and father of the bride gave moving speeches after Danton & Katie cut the cake.

Next it was time for everyone to get their boogy on the dance floor. The DJ played songs that filled up the floor with dancers of all ages. Meanwhile, guests enjoyed the brisk night air on the deck by propane heaters. I loved popping in and outside to cool off and hang out with the outdoor crowd.

Wade & Monica offered me a place to stay for the night, so I shut the wedding down with the family! In the morning, the Holcombes and I watched ranchin’ videos from my Youtube channel and went out for brunch.

I’m so thankful to have been a part of Katie & Danton’s special day. It was wonderful meeting Katie and connecting with my longtime friends.