Just days after graduating from the Air Force Academy, Jonas and Julia stood on a mountain and vowed to love each other forever. Not with a casual love. The kind that gives fully, selflessly, and wholly like Christ.
Their story is genuine, pure, and full of as much promise as the coming summer on that last day in May when they married. It was a true honor to capture their wedding day in Granby, Colorado!

An Air Force Romance

Jonas and Julia were in their second semester at the Academy. After an unfortunate series of viruses kept them from class, they found each other in the back of a basement computer lab. Mostly because there were no other seats available. “It was there, amidst the artificial lighting and the study of electrical and computer engineering, that Julia and I met and, eventually, fell in love.”
Over the next 18 months their relationship deepened. From sledding a nearby hill with friends to an afternoon picnic in the woods painting, their time together was growing something more. It was soon evident that they wanted to spend their lives together.
Jonas describes how he took his sisters with him to pick an engagement ring. He set up another afternoon of painting but when it was time for the reveal, he got down on one knee. That began their wedding planning journey and the beginning of the rest of their lives. As always Christ stayed at the center. They actually read the Bible together leading up to their wedding day.

Discovering Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby Colorado

A little beyond the hub of Winter Park ski area sits rustic Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby, Colorado. It is rugged and quaint and the perfect setting for Jonas and Julia’s vision. Mainly, for the views to be a focal point. They wanted simple beauty and to be surrounded by their closest people.
Obtained by the YMCA organization in the early 1900’s, Snow Mountain Ranch rose in popularity in the 1960’s. With expanding family programs, lodges, and events, it was a travel destination with a lot to offer. That still holds true today. Guests can stay in cabins, yurts, or even campsites, and each has a fire pit for s’mores. Activities include biking, hiking, fishing, archery, and a challenge course.
When Jonas and Julia toured the grounds and viewed their wedding packages, it was an easy answer. Snow Mountain Ranch offered an experience that fit their exact needs. Starting with a rehearsal dinner.

The Rehearsal Dinner

When I say that Jonas and Julia come from large families, I mean he has 4 siblings and she has 5 siblings! They told me they wanted their weekend to be, “a mountain family reunion.” And it definitely was. Nearly their entire guest list came from out of state. So the rehearsal dinner was really important for them to have documented.
The theme was like a cowboy cookout with pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, and s’mores centerpieces on the tables. But the overwhelming love and fun was the most obvious part of the evening. So much family, and so many friends gathered to share stories and catch up.
Probably the most unique event I’ve ever seen for a rehearsal dinner was a game of family feud they’d created. Jonas’ grandmother MC’d and trivia questions were of their relationship. Such as who did their first plane jump at the academy and what Jonas’ grandfather’s did for work. It was a complete blast to see the “contestants” try to answer and win points.
They ended the night with dessert and conversation around the fire. A beautiful start to the weekend.

The Meaningful Ceremony

“In all my decades of officiating weddings, no couple has ever laughed more during a ceremony,” said Jonas’ grandfather. He didn’t say it as a criticism, but rather to note how much Jonas and Julia enjoy each other. They do laugh together so easily and fully, and their ceremony was no exception.
It was a bright, spring day with snow still on the tops of the peaks at Columbine Point Chapel. The greens of leaves were that tell-tale lime color of being new. And it was slightly cool with a bit of breeze and we were praying any rain clouds would hold out for a while.
Julia was beaming as she walked down the aisle in her elegant wedding dress. A delicate tulle shawl wrapped her shoulders and tied in the back. Bridesmaids wore springs colors while Jonas, his dad, and best man donned their Service Dress Uniforms.
There was no wiping the smiles off their faces as they stood at the cross alter. Both of Jonas’ grandfathers officiated and actually spoke a message from the Bible. There were parent roses handed out, a covenant of faith and love vowed, and final kiss. They were giddy as they walked the recessional.

Just The Beginning

Little prepares a parent for their child’s wedding day. The memories spoken and the prayers given over Jonas and Julia were authentic and heartfelt. They are incredibly loved and supported which was evident in so many speeches.
After dinner we ran out for sunset photos, but were quickly met with icy rain and hail. I still had some in my hair when we made it back into the reception hall! It didn’t faze either of them one bit to just go for it anyway. I love their adventurous spirit! We even got a rainbow out of it.
Then it was time for dancing and before long, heels were kicked off and suit jackets were shed. All ages came to the floor while the DJ played classic crowd pleasers.
They were sent off after the last song played but it was only the beginning their life together. Jonas and Julia, thank you for the opportunity to capture your story. Congratulations, cuties!

BRITTANY ANN PHOTOGRAPHY

Hey there, I’m Brittany, a wedding photographer based near Denver, Colorado. You should know I’ve long had an obsession with the human story and yours is my next favorite.
Documenting weddings and families authentically and timelessly.
FIND ME HERE.

VENDORS for this Granby, Colorado wedding:
Photographer- Brittany Ann Photography
Venue- YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch
Caterer- YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch