Introducing: Nick and Lauren

“I want to be her,” Lauren said about me at the end of her reception. And I’ve never felt more honored to be a photographer. There are couples who hire me that I could frankly hang out with outside of any working relationship. Nick and Lauren are that kind of couple. It was pure fun and such a treat to document their ranch wedding. They are completely down-to-earth and the emotions I captured of them with their families was so special. Whether it was Lauren’s first look with her dad, the longhorn portrait experience, or how they partied to the last call- this was a day I’ll always remember.

The Ranch

If you’re not familiar with Younger Ranch, it’s a quaint, authentic ranch owned by Rex and Gina Younger. Real Texas longhorns graze the fields where Rex’s family has called home for multiple generations. They are the real deal when it comes to decades of hard work, family, and genuine care for the land and community around them. The property lies on the northern end of Colorado Springs. It features a large red barn as the reception hall, wood cabin bridal suite, groom’s teepee, and ceremony site overlooking Pike’s Peak. They offer all-inclusive options including full service catering, bar, vendor recommendations, and a longhorn portrait experience.

Getting Ready

Inside the rustic wood walls of the bridal suite, Lauren had her hair done in an elegant up-do, and her makeup perfectly applied. She, along with her bridesmaids and mom wore white, slide-on slippers and a shorts pajama set. We had so much fun getting group photos of them!
Afterwards, Lauren got into her lace bodice gown with its long train. She graced her wrist in a diamond bracelet and put on white embellished cowgirl boots. Her mom was by her side with every beautiful detail.

Nick and his groomsmen got ready in the teepee up hill. His dad and brother were there to help straighten his bow tie and each of them donned classic black tuxes and suspenders. But with any ranch wedding, you also need a good cowboy hat. We got some classic shots of that!

First Look With Dad

It was important to Lauren that she have a first look. Not just with Nick but with her sweet dad, too. We set up near the teepee under some tall pines. When she told him to turn around, the emotion was palpable. He took his time admiring how stunning she looked in her dress. As his eyes misted and he listened to her talk, there was an obvious patience in his approach. He was simply content to be there. I am a complete sucker for a daddy-daughter moment.

Longhorn Experience

What’s a western, Colorado ranch wedding without a longhorn portrait experience?! One of the truly unique aspects of the Younger Ranch venue is when they bring out their cattle. Rex gathers the herd and gives a run-down of what to observe while being with them. One of the biggest things to keep in mind are the breadth of the horns. As the cows turn to take a cattle cake or walk a different direction, they don’t consider spacial awareness. So we should!

Lauren’s giddiness was one of the best things to witness! She and Nick fed the cows some treats and then I walked them through several poses and prompts for epic photos. With her dress and his classic black tux, they looked incredible. They even brought out their western hats for a few as well.

As a finishing touch, they also rented burro service for drinks! The cutest duo of burros were strapped with baskets that held various beverages. We got a few photos with them as well!

Sunset Photos

Guests are settled, any stress of the day is over, and I get to take my couples into that glowy {hopefully} light for a last session. I love the ease of this portion of the wedding.

We made our way to the property’s towering windmill, then over to an open field. As it was a September wedding, hay bales were sprinkled throughout which added to the authenticity of the photos. It was such a beautiful backdrop to add to their gallery. Just as the sun was setting we got the last few portraits of the day and Nick and Lauren were as gorgeous as ever.

The Party

“I just wanna spin you ’round and ’round that dance floor, keep you drunk on a love like mine,” sang Morgan Wallen during Nick and Lauren’s first dance. Surrounded by family and friends on the outside patio, string lights above, they kicked off the reception party. Lauren’s dad had already given the sweetest speech honoring those who serve. Nick’s brother had everyone laughing until he ended with such heartfelt words. Tears all around, and amazing BBQ.

And did they know how to party.

Meet Brittany and See List of Vendors

Hey there, I’m Brittany, a wedding photographer in the south metro Denver area and I’d love to get to know you. Your story is my next favorite. I strive to create emotive, elegant, timeless, documentary galleries for couples starting their lives together. It would be an honor to hear from you. Find my full website here or get in touch here.

VENUE- Younger Ranch Event Venue
PHOTOGRAPHER- Brittany Ann Photography
COORDINATOR- Prive Events
FLORALS- Prive Events
HAIR/MAKEUP- The Day Colorado
BAR SERVICE- Peak Beverage
DJ- Celebrity DJ
CATERER- Three Tomatoes
CAKE- Sugar Plum Cake Shoppe
BURRO RENTAL- Rocky Mountain Beverage Burro