Well, after Lauren and Simon’s wedding I’m pretty convinced. Every wedding day should begin with a dip in some natural hot springs. Have a Mount Princeton Hot Springs wedding and your guests (and photographer) will thank you.

If you’ve ever taken a dip in one of Colorado’s hot springs on a cold Rocky Mountain fall morning, you already know it’s pretty magical. The Mount Princeton hot springs has the added benefit of being a little more private than some of our other popular spots. In addition they have several adults only pools, which creates a wonderful quiet and relaxed atmosphere. After all, I have two small kids at home so no one appreciates an adults only area more than me! Well maybe Lauren and Simon do. #justthetwofous (You’d never guess that a bunch of their wedding guests were actually cat calling from the other side of the pool during this photo.)

Of course, a Mount Princeton Hot Springs wedding offers more than just hot springs! They have the coziest rooms and cabins for couples and their guests. After a leisurely morning and their dip in the springs Lauren and Simon got ready with the help of their family and friends. Lauren is originally from Canada and a lot of her family traveled to the states to celebrate with her. In addition, their talented guests played a huge part in their day from hair and makeup, to making the florals and centerpieces, to the band. The band that Lauren is in fact a member of herself!

Want to bring your dog to your wedding? Well then a Mount Princeton Hot Springs wedding might be for you! This is the second wedding I’ve been a part of at Mount Princeton and the second one to include the couple’s furry baby. There’s lots more of this furry face if you keep reading!

Yet another awesome perk of a Mount Princeton Hot Springs wedding? Awesome views, no matter the time of year. The chalk cliffs made the perfect backdrop for Lauren and Simon’s romantic first look.

After their first look we took a little more time to head down to the river for some intimate portraits. I love the way Lauren and Simon laugh together. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in almost 10 years of marriage, it’s that above all, laughter is key. It’s okay if you don’t think MY jokes are funny, as long as you two can share a laugh at my expense.

I have the most STUNNING brides!!! Her accessories were so simple and elegant. Each piece was a family heirloom and loaded with emotional significance. Lauren’s lace gown fit her like a glove, but that smile is what really makes her whole look a work of art.

Hey y’all, my grooms aren’t too shabby either. There are also a nice collection of very goofy photos to go with Simon’s handsome and suave portraits (as there should be in my opinion).

Speaking of amazing smiles, doesn’t this one on Lauren’s face just say it all? These two are never happier than when they are together. And that’s a pretty special thing.

Did I mention that a Mount Princeton Hot Springs wedding includes awesome views? I did? Oh, well here’s some more evidence for you.

So one thing I maaaaaaaybe should have mentioned earlier. Lauren and Simon got married the Saturday before Halloween. You’re going to start to notice that they have incorporated some of that spirit into their wedding day. For a start, everyone was invited (encouraged?) to wear their halloween finest. They even gave ME permission to wear my costume! Unfortunately I decided that Wonder Woman, while wonderful at many things, might not be the most practical choice to document a wedding. Check out this fabulous flock of dragons. Quite possibly my favorite wedding attire ever.

Oh heyyyyyyy! There’s those gorgeous chalk cliffs again! Let’s CHALK it up to Mount Princeton’s awesome location! #punnynotfunny Seriously though, a pretty great place to say forever, amiright?

Heading inside for Lauren and Simon’s Mount Princeton Hot Springs reception and we will see some more of those spooky elements! Lauren and Simon carefully collected and cultivated their eclectic table pieces in the months leading up to the wedding. I think the dinosaur table numbers are my fave.

Lauren and Simon’s guests were clearly on board with the theme. They helped out with the decadent dessert table, including these absolutely TO DIE FOR gingerbread skeletons.

Mount Princeton Hot Springs reception pavilion is wall to wall windows, which I absolutely adore. You don’t have to say goodbye to those views when you move inside! Not to mention so much yummy natural light for your photographer to use, wink wink.

However, things didn’t get any less beautiful once the sun set and we said goodby to the yummy natural light. The twinkle light curtained dance floor made a romantic backdrop for dinner, toasts, and dancing. The heartfelt speeches given by Simon and Lauren’s families brought their own special kind of glow to the night as well. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Lauren’s dad gifted Simon with a special saw, brought to Canada when the family first immigrated from Iceland. “I hope you, like me, will hang it where you work and occasionally use it to make a cut.” Simon is a passionate carpenter and has made many of the special pieces in the home he shares with Lauren, and the gift meant a lot to him.

Another bit of Icelandic flair was found at the desert table. This Vínarterta acted as Lauren and Simon’s wedding cake along with the table full of treats made by their family and friends. It was brought all the way from Gimili, MB for the wedding by Lauren’s grandfather!

Once speeches were over and the Vínarterta was cut, the party really got rolling. All the kids in attendance went “trick or treating” to each table. Every centerpiece included a bowl of candy or toys to go into the provided treat bags. Apparently this was too much for one toy dinosaur, who attempted to grab the rings and run.

Of course the bride and groom needed their own treat. A group drink from the shot ski that also acted as a guest book. Covered with signatures and filled with alcohol. Perfection. I have a great shot of Lauren’s face AFTER the shot as well, but I’ll let her share that on her own terms.

In contrast to her fun and silly attired guests, Lauren switched over to her fabulous beaded reception dress. And no shoes, of course. After all, what else can you do when your dance partner is so much shorter than you?

Congratulations Lauren and Simon, and thank you so much for letting me come and share the weekend with you! Any wedding that includes costumes, a fluffy dog, two such funny, wonderful people, AND a soak in the hot springs is a winner in my book.

Photography: Folly Photography 

Venue, catering, and bar: Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort