North Star Gatherings Photographer
North Star Gatherings Venue
Coming from Texas, Avery and Nick had their hearts set on a destination wedding in the mountains of Colorado. They chose North Star Gatherings as their wedding venue – one of the best venues for mountain views and sustainability. If you’re unfamiliar with North Star Gatherings, it’s a self-sustaining wedding venue situated just below 9,000 feet between Idaho Springs and Evergreen, Colorado. Yes, the entire venue runs on solar power. It also has some of the best mountain views – and sunsets – for your out-of-town guests to truly enjoy what Colorado has to offer.
The Girls
Avery and her bridesmaids started their day relaxing and getting ready in the loft as vendors were hustling and bustling in the great hall below. Shortly after the ladies arrived, Nick sent his best man up the hill to deliver a gift to Avery – a stunning flower arrangement with a handwritten note – seriously, so sweet! The ladies got dressed as Avery’s mom helped her into her wedding dress and shoes.
The Guys
In the meantime, the guys arrived in fashion at their hut down the hill. These groomsmen walk-up photos will be unmatched…forever. Talk about a fun group! Nick and his buddies got ready in the newly built groomsmen hut, and Nick prepared for his first look with Avery.
Before the Ceremony
I will always be an advocate for a first look for a few reasons: it calms the nerves, gives you a practice round if you want to read your vows to each other, and it gives you a lot more time to enjoy your wedding day together.
Nick and Avery shared a sweet, intimate first look on the hill above the venue. We were also able to take some portraits – which is always a blessing because you truly never know if you’ll get a sunset or storm clouds in the evening hours. I always try to squeeze in a portrait session right after the first look moments!
We also took advantage of this extra time for family photos and wedding party portraits. Hats off to Avery, because this color palette was *chef’s kiss*. Her and her bridesmaids looked absolutely stunning, and these dresses matched the florals PERFECTLY. What a bright and colorful day.
Speaking of, let’s address these florals right now, because I cannot wait any longer. I’m still drooling over them, and it’s been months since this wedding. I’m all for a neutral design palette – in life, in weddings, in fashion – but let me just say I’m ECSTATIC that bold color is making a comeback in the wedding industry. Floral Wild Designs knocked my socks off with these flower details, from the ceremony arches to the tablescape and fireplace design.
The Ceremony
Nick and Avery’s ceremony was filled with joy. From the wedding party to the guests, everyone was smiling. Nick and Avery shared their vows in front of their loved ones. They lit a unity candle – which proved to be quite difficult given the wind! They exchanged rings and shared their first kiss as husband and wife.
After the Ceremony
Thankfully we had taken most of our portraits pre-ceremony, which gave Avery and Nick the chance to mingle with their guests during cocktail hour. North Star Gatherings does require cocktail hour to be on the patio to give vendors time to transition into the great hall. This also gives your photographer time to photograph all those special details that you spent months (or years!) working on. Guests are free to roam the patio, get drinks from the bar, and head up the hill to take in the mountain views before dinner.
As soon as the guests sat down for dinner, the wedding party made their grand entrance and speeches began. Dinner was served. First dances were had. Evening coffee was enjoyed.
Everyone was excited to get on the dance floor with DJ Tony. The Get Down is THE BEST DJ in the biz, and I will always be excited to work alongside them. Think of it this way – the more bangers the DJ plays, the more unhinged the photos get as the night goes on. Anyway, I’ll leave you with some “details after dark” and a wild dance floor gallery to scroll through.
Venue: North Star Gatherings
Photographer: Taylor Hassebroek Photo
Planning + Coordination: A Touch of Bliss
Florals: Floral Wild Designs
DJ: The Get Down
Coffee Bar: Goodhart Coffee
Catering: Greenspoint Catering
Cake: Love, Emily
Transportation: Ride Experiences
Hair & Makeup: Captivate Beauty
Dress: Grace Loves Lace
North Star Gatherings holds such a special place in my heart. If you’re getting married at North Star, and you love these images, please reach out to me to see if we’d be a good fit to work together on your wedding day!
xo, taylor
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