Maria and Cole’s December wedding at St. Francis of Assisi in Longmont was as Christ‑centered as it was joy‑filled, wrapped in a cozy Christmas glow and surrounded by the people they love most. Their day brought together a reverent Catholic Mass, romantic winter details, and a warm, lodge‑style reception at Cottonwood Lodge at Hyland Hills, creating a celebration that felt both timeless and deeply personal.
Maria and Cole’s story and vision
Maria and Cole’s love story began the way many great stories do—over coffee. One of their favorite memories together is their first date at a cute coffee shop, followed by a stroll through old town where they paused to take a picture at a rock monument. Eleven months later, Cole brought the story full circle by proposing to Maria in that exact same spot. It’s the kind of detail that says everything about how thoughtful and intentional they are with each other.
From the beginning, they knew they wanted their wedding day to feel romantic, emotional, and rooted in their Catholic faith. When they reached out, I invited them to fill out a detailed questionnaire—not just for logistics, but as a way to turn their hopes for the day into specific “petitions” I could carry into both my planning and my prayer. For me, a contract isn’t only a legal agreement; it’s a special commitment to bring Christ into their wedding day and to serve them well as they celebrate this Holy Sacrament.
St. Francis of Assisi in Winter Light
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Longmont is a beautiful place to celebrate a sacramental wedding. The church’s architecture, stained glass, and generous aisle create a sense of reverence the moment you step inside. During a full Catholic Mass, light filters in softly, illuminating the altar and pews in a way that feels especially fitting for a winter wedding. For couples who want a traditional Catholic ceremony that still feels warm and inviting, St. Francis of Assisi is a wonderful choice.
Cozy, Christmas‑Inspired Reception
Cottonwood Lodge at Hyland Hills in Westminster is a cozy, welcoming space for a winter wedding reception. Warm wood, fireplaces, and seasonal décor create an intimate lodge feel as soon as guests walk in. The foyer, Christmas trees, and outdoor garlands offer beautiful spots for portraits and guest photos throughout the evening. For couples who want a relaxed, family‑centered celebration with plenty of room for dancing, Cottonwood Lodge is a great fit.
Getting ready: quiet moments before the Mass
The day began early with preparation on both sides of the family. Maria started getting ready at home in Westminster around 7:45 a.m., surrounded by her mom and bridesmaids. Before anyone even stepped into formal attire, there were sweet, simple moments in cozy PJs, full of anticipation and laughter. She envisioned her dress hanging from the loft, the rings staged in a Christmas‑inspired setup, and those details helped set the tone for the day—elegant, meaningful, and rooted in the season.
As hair and makeup unfolded, we captured “before and after” moments for both Maria and her mom, along with candid frames of the bridesmaids helping, chatting, and soaking in the morning. One of Maria’s most important requests was a mirror image: a photograph of her reflected in the mirror with her mom standing just behind her, helping with the final touches on her dress. That quiet, emotional moment became one of the anchors of the morning. From there, we moved into a series of first looks: Maria with her mom, then with her dad and brothers, and finally with her bridal party—each one a small burst of emotion that built toward the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Cole was getting ready in Longmont with his family. He requested a few key images: his dad fixing his bow tie, his mom fussing over him a bit, and some portraits of him with his parents and any extended family willing to step in front of the camera (even if they “don’t really do pictures”). These moments grounded the day in family and gave him a chance to breathe before the full schedule began.
A reverent Catholic Mass at St. Francis of Assisi
By early afternoon, everyone had gathered at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Longmont for a full wedding Mass beginning at 1:00 p.m. The church was filled with family, friends, and the sounds of hymns as the bridal party began their walk down the aisle. Maria and Cole had several “must‑have” moments they wanted from the ceremony, and each one helped tell the story of their Sacrament.
As the bridal party processed, we focused on the emotion on both sides—Maria’s face as she saw Cole waiting for her, and Cole’s reaction seeing her walk down the aisle. Once they reached the altar, those small, reverent details they’d mentioned in their questionnaire came to life: their hands joined as they stood together, the exchange of vows, and the lazo and coins during the wedding vows, symbolizing unity, trust, and God’s blessing on their marriage.
Throughout the Mass, we also documented their devotion: the lazo being placed over them and resting on their shoulders, the coins exchanged between them, the moment they received communion together for the first time as husband and wife, and their presentation of flowers to Mary. These rituals are at the heart of a Catholic wedding, and capturing them carefully and respectfully is essential. After the Mass, we photographed the signing of the marriage certificate and a group photo with the priests who celebrated with them, marking the sacramental side of their day in a tangible way.
Portraits and a Christmas‑cozy reception at Cottonwood Lodge
After the ceremony, Maria and Cole traveled from Longmont to Westminster for their reception at Cottonwood Lodge at Hyland Hills. We planned time for portraits and key entrance shots as they arrived: stepping out of the car, walking up to the doors, and pausing in the foyer surrounded by Christmas trees and holiday décor. The combination of winter light, festive details, and their just‑married joy made these some of the most atmospheric images of the entire day.
Inside the lodge, we made use of the fireplace, the decorated foyer, and the exterior garlands to create portraits that felt warm and seasonal without being overly posed. Maria and Cole also set aside time to stand by the garlands so guests could come and take photos with them—a sweet, old‑fashioned touch that meant no one felt they missed their chance to have a picture with the couple.
Once everyone had arrived and settled, the evening unfolded with a grand entrance into the reception hall, followed by dinner, toasts, and a packed dance floor. Speeches around 6:45 p.m. brought both laughter and tears, as family and friends reflected on Maria and Cole’s relationship, faith, and commitment. At 7:00 p.m., they shared their first dance, opening the dance floor and setting the tone for the rest of the night.
From there, it was pure celebration: hours of dancing, group photos, and candid moments of guests enjoying themselves. Later in the evening, Maria and Cole cut their cake and held a raffle for the flowers and arrangements—a fun twist that added excitement and interaction for their guests. The bouquet toss and a planned send‑off around 10:15 p.m. gave everyone one last big moment together before the official end of the party at 11:00 p.m., even though guests were invited to keep dancing after the couple’s departure.
Why engagement sessions matter in my work
For all of my couples, every wedding photography package includes an engagement session. It’s not just an add‑on; it’s one of the most important parts of how I work. An engagement session gives us time to get to know each other long before the wedding day, so when the schedule is full and emotions are high, you already know how I direct, how I help you relax, and what it feels like to be in front of my camera.
Couples often tell me that their engagement photos feel especially meaningful because they’re created on a slower, quieter day that’s just about the two of them—no tight timeline, no big audience, and no pressure to move immediately from one event to the next. That practice and comfort carry over to the wedding day, whether you’re navigating a long Catholic Mass, traveling between locations, or making the most of a winter sunset. The result is images that look natural and feel like you, even in the middle of a full, busy schedule.
Planning your own St. Francis of Assisi WEDDING
If you’re planning a Catholic wedding at St. Francis of Assisi in Longmont—or any church in the Denver, Longmont, or Westminster area—and dreaming of a cozy lodge reception, Maria and Cole’s day is a beautiful example of what’s possible. A Christ‑centered Mass, thoughtful traditions like the lazo and coins, and a warm, Christmas‑inspired reception can come together in a way that feels both reverent and joyfully relaxed.
As a Denver‑area wedding photographer, I’m comfortable working within the flow and expectations of Catholic liturgy while also keeping an eye on light, timelines, and all the small, in‑between moments you’ll want to remember. Every wedding package includes an engagement session so we can start building trust and comfort well before the day you say “I do.” If you’re planning a St. Francis of Assisi Longmont wedding or a similar faith‑filled celebration, I’d love to talk with you about how we can document it in a way that honors both your Sacrament and your story.
