Denver Botanical Gardens micro-wedding

Alex was floating around the Denver botanical gardens, getting everything ready for the moment, when I snagged him for photos. We had to utilize lush green backdrop while the sun was out. I asked him how he was doing, if he was excited and ready, he definitely looked it. Tamra texted me that she had arrived. As Alex and I walked towards the front of the venue, me 5 feet ahead of  him, to make sure they wouldn't cross paths unintentionally, I spotted one of her bridesmaids. Alex was then quickly, albeit gently, shoved into a nook so I could place Tamra for the first look. We took 3 minutes of bridal photos before allowing Alex to greet his bride. He squeezed her from behind and finally Tamra could breathe again, her nervousness may have captured her breath during the brief interrim of anticipation. They spun, they hugged, they kissed, they were ready. Ready for photos, ready to spend their lives with each other, and ready to never have to plan a wedding during a pandemic again. We wandered the gardens, spying on a nearby wedding, and soaking in the fall sun of Colorado that gave us the most beautiful of days. As we made our way to the ceremony site, their limited but selected guestlist continued to track them down for hugs in a sheer display of excitement. It was time though and the planner urged them to take their seats so they could begin.I placed a little flash in the corner of the greenhouse to anticipate the setting sun and we began. The excited groom, the hesitant 1 year old ring bearer, and the bride and her parents processed down the aisle. As ceremonies start, I often have to disconnect myself from the moment and focus on the job. At times, I've been known to get lost in the love and emotional intensity that is surrounding me during the ceremony. Everyone is there to watch the bride and groom's commitment to each other, it is overwhelmingly beautiful. Alex focused on Tamra, maybe lost in the moment I was trying not to get lost in myself. They've been together forever but the next level of commitment was finally happening. After all the drama of quarantine and the pandemic, they could absolutely say that one amazing thing happened in 2020.As the light dropped over the horizon we gathered the troops for formally gathered photos to remember just how dapper everyone looked for the evening. The 'golden hour' shifted to 'blue hour' and we utilized Tamra's flowing dress to mimic the movement of the migrating birds of fall. Everyone had dinner, a delicious one mind you thanks to Rocky Mountain Catering. A handful of guests gave their speeches, all acknowledging the love Alex & Tamra have for each other and exactly how beautiful that is. As the guests enjoyed their ice cream and cigars, usually one or the other and not at the same time, I touched base with Tamra to chat. Since she had only contacted me about 3 weeks prior to the big day, it was nice to have an opportunity to get to know her more. She told me about her classes in photography and her appreciation for the art. I could have spent the rest of the reception talking to her but couldn't bare to take her away from her loved ones for too long. The day felt short in some respects, I guess that always happens though when you're immersed and enjoying yourself. It was short but nonetheless a day that will impact Tamra & Alex for the rest of their lives.