Play the slideshow below to see some of my best wedding pictures from 2011. I had soo many good ones though that this is only half my 2011 weddings, the “Best Weddings of 2011″ – part 2 is in the works, enjoy!

As I prepare for the 2012 wedding season and reflect back on the weddings of 2011, I can’t help but think – damn my job rocks!  Not only do I get to work with amazing couples and spend one of the most important days of their lives with them….but I get to take killer pictures and travel around the world while I’m at!  I must say…2011 was an amazing year for wedding photography for me!  I’m typically modest when it comes to talking about myself, but I can’t help but brag just a little right now…. because I truly had the most interesting and unique weddings, as well as the funnest, coolest clients in 2011 then I ever had before!  I started out the year photographing weddings in New Orleans, including Carrie & Chris’ destination wedding at the historical Edgar Degas House.  Then Memorial Day weekend I had the pleasure of documenting Monica & Tom’s 2 day wedding weekend which included a beautiful Cambodian wedding and a funky modern peacock inspired wedding at the Mile High Station in Denver.  My summer weddings in Colorado included 6 mountain weddings all over the Rocky Mountains including Sunspot at Winterpark, Beaver Meadows Ranch, and – Jennell & Rick’s wedding at Della Terra in Estes Park.  I also had quite a few downtown Denver weddings ranging in styles from urban chic to antique vintage.  And speaking of unique wedding themes, I totally loved the Steampunk Wedding pictures I captured from Faith & Tim’s extremely artistic celebration at Lady of Loretto Church & Mile High Station.  To wrap up the summer I got to spend Labor Day weekend doing destination wedding photography in Venice, Italy, need I say more?  Oh yes, lets finish the year off with a few more destination weddings in New Orleans as well as Destin, Florida.  Its honestly going to be really hard to top 2011’s wedding photography season…but thinking about the future of wedding photography and the new adventures to come, truly excites me!

If any of my 2011 brides & grooms are reading this…I know I’ve said this a dozen times already, but THANK YOU for trusting me to document such an important time in your lives, and THANK YOU for being such awesome clients, YOU ALL ROCK!!

Wedding Picture in front of French Quarter Chapel

Wedding Picture Preview:

Julie & Shelby’s Destination Wedding in New Orleans
by Nicole Nichols

Julie & Shelby were not originally particularly drawn to St. Patrick’s Day for any reason….but they will forever be now!  They met on St. Patrick’s Day, got engaged on St.Patrick’s Day, so it only made sense to also get married on St. Patrick’s Day!
In a very short amount of time Julie & Shelby planned an amazing wedding day, and with only 2 weeks notice got me on board & to New Orleans!  The bride & groom and their eleven guests flew in from all over the country for their destination wedding in one of their favorite American cities, New Orleans.  They stayed in the French Quarter at the vintage Creole House, a part of the St.Peter House Hotel.  Julie & Shelby got ready at their hotel then skipped on to the French Quarter Chapel to pick up the bouquet and meet their reverend.  We did a couple of fun shots around the French Quarter Chapel and then it was time for their wedding ceremony at the Armstrong Park (created in honor of one of my favorite musicians Louis Armstrong).
The last time I was at Armstrong Park was over a decade ago and it used to be a scruffy park that you didn’t dare enter after dark.  I was amazed to see the park’s beautiful face lift, with numerous water fountains, modern sculptures, and cool bridges.  It’s usually really hard to find a quite area of the French Quarter open to the public, and this park was right by their hotel yet far enough away to avoid drunk tourists or crazy locals.  They held the ceremony on a bridge as the sun set in the background and their closest friends and family witnessed their devotion of love to each other.   It turned out to be the perfect spot for their wedding.
Their celebration continued on with pictures on cop cars (see below) and a romantic horse carriage ride through the French Quarter.  Everyone then met for dinner at the famous Jackson Square restaurant, Muriel’s.  I was honored when Julie & Shelby invited me to stay for dinner (how could you turn down Muriel’s).  Wedding dinners are always fun, there’s great stories to hear, toasts to capture, and the best part….the cake!  Also, the more I think about it, the more important I think it is to document the food (especially in New Orleans), and for the couple to remember their first meal as husband and wife.  You never know, one day we may be eating square pills for dinner and you will be looking at your wedding album with your grand-kid saying, “look what we used to eat!”
I love documenting small destination weddings like Julie & Shelby’s. Destination weddings are usually much more smaller & personal, laid-back, unique, and there’s always more time for pictures! Thank you Julie & Shelby for inviting me to share this special day with you!

A green painted fingernail & a streak of purple hair for the wedding day

French Quarter Chapel Wedding Picture by Destination Wedding Photographer Nicole Nichols

Wedding Ceremony in Armstrong Park in New Orleans, La

Having fun with the police! thank you cop for letting us borrow your car

I could see in their eyes how much they adore each other...pictures at Louis Armstrong Park & in front of Muriel's Restaurant

I love this cake topper they found in the French Quarter!....................................................................taken at Muriel's Restaurant by Destination Wedding Photographer Nicole Nichols

If you are looking for something unique for your wedding or special event photography, then you will love these 2 new event photography add on options!  The “Fun, Funky, Photo Station” consists of a backdrop, props, and one photographer who makes sure your guests get involved & have a good time taking some fun pictures. Guests love trying on our collection of props such as masks, feather boas, and other costume accessories. Your guests will stay entertained and you will have a lot more fun pictures of all your friends and family to remember your special day by.

Funky, Fun, Photo Station

Do you want to add some music to your favorite photos?  How about also including a few video clips of your first dance, your toasts, or other prime moments of your event?  With a Photo/Video DVD Fusion short video clips are taken during  your wedding or special event and mixed into a unique slideshow that you can watch with any DVD player.  This modern music video mix is a perfect add-on to your printed wedding album or memory book.  Check out this Fusion Video I made for a destination wedding I photographed in Venice, Italy.

Photo/Video DVD Fusion

For a limited time only – Book any 8hr. or larger wedding package and receive a complimentary Funky, Fun Photo Station OR a Photo/Video DVD Fusion

Quality Hill Bridal Show – Sunday, January 29, 2012

Grant Humphrey’s Mansion in Denver, CO
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
No RSVP necessary • Onsite registration
Free admission for everyone!

Grant Humphrey Mansion wedding

Located in the historic Quality Hill District, Grant-Humphreys Mansion’s wedding showcase is Denver’s finest, boutique bridal event of the year. This is a necessary for any couple – newly engaged to finalizing your ceremony – featuring Colorado’s best wedding experts in the relaxing and magnificent environment of a historic landmark. Best of all, this event is FREE! But, it only comes around once a year so be sure to bring your fiance, mom, maid-of-honor and friends!

I would recommend this show to all brides looking for a little guidance with their wedding planning, as well as an enjoyable personable experience. And make sure to stop by my booth upstairs in the bridesmaid room, I’ll be doing a drawing to give away a Bridal Boudoir photo shoot as well as an Engagement Session! Scroll down for more info. and play the slideshow below to see more pictures from weddings I have photographed at this beautiful Denver venue.

- Taste incredible food from seven of Colorado’s top caterers & bakers
-Talk one-on-one with experts: photographers, DJs, bridal salons, planners
- Obtain ideas by viewing work samples from linen companies, invitation designers, florists, and hair & make-up artists
- Observe live models boasting the latest wedding fashions
- Take with you an incredible canvas re-usable goodie bag which includes a keepsake 40-page wedding planning guide and lots of goodies!
- Listen to live pianist and take notes for your own wedding music!
- Register to win door prizes, including a $200 gift certificate towards any 2012 participating Q.H. Bridal Show vendor!
- Click here to view the 2011 exhibiting vendors-

- Some of my personal favorite wedding vendors that will also be there include:
Bliss Elevated /Events Unwrapped / The Wedding Connectors / Tussie Mussie Floral

Kristy & Travis’ Wedding Picture Preview: The Omni Hotel, The Bourbon Orleans Hotel,  The Riverview Room, and Pat O’Brian’s in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana by destination wedding photographer Nicole Nichols Photography

Bride & Groom celebrating at the after-party at Pat O'Brians in the New Orleans French Quarter

The bride Kristy currently lives in Denver, CO but spent her college years at LSU (Gueax Tigers!) as well as much time in the New Orleans area, so she was delighted to be able to go back to New Orleans for her wedding.   After all, New Orleans is considered one of the most romantic cities, and it is the #2 wedding destination location after Las Vegas.   I can’t tell you how many people I meet that have left part of their heart in New Orleans (me included), or got engaged in NOLA (see last blog post), so it only makes sense for them to come back to New Orleans to share the city they love, and their love of each other with the people that they love (wait, I think I said that last part in my own wedding toast, haha).

I got to document this couple’s rehearsal dinner the previous night at Tujague’s (click for that blog post) and spent the whole next day documenting their wedding celebration from the getting ready at the Omni Hotel to the after-party at Pat O’Brian’s.

The Omni is a beautiful majestic hotel right in the heart of the French Quarter.  It was a perfect spot for everyone to get ready and for the bridal portraits.   I absolutely loved Kristy’s dress, which she found in Mandeville at Southern Bridal.  We then all headed to the elegant ballroom of the Bourbon Orleans Hotel for their wedding ceremony.  New Orleans Finest Musicians and singer Carrie Helm provided the live music.  Their was a lot of emotion and tears of joy flowing in the ballroom that day.  And in traditional New Orleans style the ceremony was followed by a second line parade.  The Storyville Stompers brass band met us outside the Bourbon Orleans Hotel and led a 2nd line parade through the French Quarter.  The bride and groom had custom white handkerchiefs made for all the guest with their name & date on it (see picture below), and Kristy & Travis had beautiful parasols made decorated with fleur de lis and flair.  Once we got to the Jax Brewery the band played their last song and everyone headed up to Riverview Room at the top of the building.  At the Riverview Room the DJ kept the crowd dancing all night and there was so much food I don’t know how anyone could have even tried it all!  Also, The Royal Cakery made a beautiful and delicious white wedding cake.   Travis’ artist sister, Brooke,  who is also a caricature artist in Denver (see LOL Caricature Company), created a handmade caricature cake topper….along with a caricature drawing that all the guests signed around in place of a traditional guest book.
After the last song was played and the last drink was served, Kristy & Travis left in style with elaborate carnival masks and a horse and buggy ride.  Everyone then grabbed their custom to-go cups (filled of course, this is New Orleans after-all) and headed to the famous Pat Brian’s Patio Bar for a casual after-party.  My 2nd photographer, Ashley, and I had a wonderful time photographing this amazing wedding and were so glad to be a part of it!  Thanks again Kristy & Travis for having us there….plenty more pictures to come, but for now enjoy your “picture preview” below:

Cold weather in Colorado means time to travel South for weddings!  I’m currently in New Orleans working & waiting for a French Quarter wedding I am photographing this weekend and just came back from sunny Florida for another wedding.  Running around today, but realized I”m getting a little behind in my blogging, so just wanted to quickly post a few of my favorite pictures from Joey & Tiffany’s beautiful beach wedding in Destin, Florida held on 11-12-11.  I just love these shots below of their son, Aiden, first tugging on mommy during the ceremony to try to get her attention and then throwing his hands up in praise during the prayer as he holds on tight to his starfish.  The sky was dramatic that day and it couldn’t have been a better day for a beach ceremony….hoping it won’t be too long before I’m back on the Florida beach for another wedding.

Destin, Florida destination wedding

Florida Beach Wedding Pictures

Destin, FL Wedding Pictures

Talia & Kristopher’s Wedding Picture Preview: Civic Center Park, Riots, & Italy

I first photographed Talia & Kristopher’s wedding over Labor Day weekend in Venice, Italy, to see some of those pictures check out this blog post about their Italian destination wedding.
Their wedding in Italy was a small affair for just a few immediate family members so they also held a traditional Catholic ceremony and reception in Denver, Colorado so that their friends & family could celebrate the marriage with them too.  Talia upheld her family wedding tradition by getting married at the same church that her parents, sister, and just about everyone in her family married at – Our Lady of Mt.Carmel Church in Denver.
After the ceremony we met the wedding party in Civic Center Park for pictures.  Occupy Denver protests were going on just around the corner from us at the State Capitol so we had to maneuver around protestors, police, and blocked streets…which almost made me call off the plans to stop at this park.  But I crossed my fingers and took a chance because I knew Civic Center Park was the best option to get the most variety of  historic  & artistic photos that I knew the couple would love, so we trekked on. Luckily we didn’t have any problems, but I found out later that right after we left the cops tried to shut down the protests which resulted in a nasty riot.  So either the cops waited for us to finish our pictures before starting trouble with the protestors, or I just had really good luck on my side.  I like to think that the cops are true romantics deep down and enjoyed watching a couple in love before getting the fight started, haha…..hmm…can you imagine the pictures I could have gotten and the story!—“Bride & Groom Caught Between the Occupy Denver Riot” crazy, but not pretty! I ended up getting some amazing pictures of the wedding party in Civic Center Park, like the one below, so I think it was totally worth it!

Wedding Pictures in Civic Center Park...just minutes before the riot

So thankfully all was safe and we then headed to Maggiano’s Little Italy Restaurant in downtown Denver on 16th St. Mall. The fabulous Italian food & decor at Maggiano’s Restaurant made it a perfect choice for their wedding reception.   The family style dinner meant no waiting in long buffet lines, as well as unlimited servings. ..molto buono!  After dinner the bride & groom handed out mini Italian espresso makers to all the guests as favors, quite a unique choice!

Talia had a custom wedding cake created to match her wedding dress, it had lace details and even the same jeweled belt decoration.   After the cake was cut the bride changed into her short party dress with pockets and extra high heels to compliment it.   Complete Music did a great job DJ’ing the reception and played all kinds of unique Italian music, traditional wedding music,  as well as modern dance beats that got the kids, even the babies, excited & dancing!

Before the night ended I took the couple outside onto 16th St. for one last wedding day portrait.  I also found out that the protestors that were chased out of Civic Center Park earlier that day took their “army” to 16th St. Mall which resulted in the mall shuttle being shut down for a few hours as crowds of protestors marched down.  Apparently that whole scenario ended about 10pm, not too long before we went outside for pictures…another draw of the luck for us that day!  To view some of my favorite pictures from their Colorado wedding day, play the slideshow below.

Hey Brides – Still looking for the perfect wedding venue in Colorado? Then please check out this free bridal soiree being held at the Canongate Blackstone Country Club in Aurora, CO on Sunday Nov.6th. I will be taking quick pics of any newly engaged couples and if you tell me that you read my blog I will have a special gift (nothing cheesy I promise) for you! And if you can’t get your fiancee away from football, then bring your mom or a friend…I’m sure lots of woman out there are looking for an excuse not to watch football this weekend!

Blackstone Country Club WeddingBbridal Soiree in Aurora, CO

Trying to find the perfect wedding venue is extremely difficult, trust me I’ve been there! Outside, or inside? Formal or Casual? Denver or Destination? There are so many options out there it can be overwhelming….or darn right maddening! As a wedding photographer it amazes me to see all the different places available in CO. Every wedding season brings a brand new venue or a place so hidden and off the map I had no idea it even existed. I’ve also been able to see all the good…and the bad, first hand, from a vendors’ (and former bride’s) perspective. Blackstone Country Club is one of those venues that is a little off the map, and also still a little in the “new” category. This beautiful venue is just a few years young, has an elegant outdoor & indoor area, and an amazing staff on hand. Anyway, pictures speak much louder then words, so check out this “mini-music video” below from Tatiana & Joaquin’s wedding I photographed there. And also check out Megan & Darcey’s Wedding Story from their recent wedding there back in July.   I hope to see you there on Nov.6th!

Canongate Blackstone Country Club Wedding

Canongate Blackstone Country Club Wedding Pictures

Wedding Picture Preview: Melissa & Lionel at Little Zion Baptist Church & Jerusalem Shrine Center in Louisiana

Rolls Royce Wedding in Lousiana

Melissa & Lionel pronounced their love at Little Zion Baptist Church in Kenner, La and celebrated their marriage at the Jerusalem Shrine Center in Destrehan.  I first witnessed the love in this couple’s eyes when I photographed their engagement session at the Spillway about six months ago.  They were obviously in love and really excited about their upcoming wedding. When the wedding day finally arrived everyone was excited and ready to go.  They had a short but sweet ceremony at the Baptist church with a crowded house full of friends & family.  Night quickly fell which instantly brought a sense of time to party!  The bride & groom were escorted to the reception at the Jerusalem Shrine Center in a beautiful white Rolls Royce.  A few wedding party pictures then it was time to be announced in and to start the celebration.  Lionel, a long-time Saints fan, had a Saints grooms cake (check out slideshow to see it), which of course I loved too!  After everyone filled up on a traditional Southern buffet of gumbo, jambalaya, and much more, it was time for some dancing!  Everyone was in high spirits and the dance floor stayed full, which was a constant entertainment for all….not quite sure if some of my dance & grind pictures are appropriate for this blog, but I’m sure the bride & groom will appreciate them!  Thanks Melissa & Lionel for having me be a part of your wedding day, it was truly a wedding to remember.

Play the slideshow below to see just a few of my favorite pictures below:

Destination wedding photography in Venice, Italy

I recently had the honor of traveling to Venice, Italy to photograph Talia & Kris’ destination wedding.  When I first met with this couple they were only considering hiring me for their Denver wedding, but after lots of meeting, talking, and negotiating they realized the importance of having the same photographer cover both events, as well as having an English speaking photographer that they could easily communicate with and trust to not only document their day, but provide them with quality images & albums after the wedding day.  I fell in love with Italy and the Italian culture after my first trip backpacking through the country many years ago.  So when I booked this job it truly was a dream come true for me to not only have the opportunity to go back, but to photograph a wedding there as well.  It was a spectacular wedding day, and I was so glad my husband was also able come along to assist.  I promised to wait till their Colorado wedding last night to post any pictures online, so that she could keep her dress a surprise to all of her Denver wedding guests.  However, with the extra time I was able to put together this spectacular mini-music video/slideshow below.  We displayed it for the very first time at their wedding reception last night at Maggiano’s Little Italy restaurant, which was really neat to see the family’s reaction…full of lots of hugs, awes, and even tears.  For a glimpse into their amazing Italian destination wedding watch the video below and please leave a comment and let me know what you think!