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Ryan & Caroline | Unique Small Wedding in Colorado

August 17, 2016 March 15, 2026 From the Hip Photo1 comment4278 views

Ryan and Caroline celebrated their unique small wedding on a sunny June day in Colorado at the Pines at Genesee, and everything from the details to the party was magical! Hot air balloons, cats, and some blue dancing shoes – this couple made sure to share their personal love story by incorporate it into their big day in the simplest ways.

First, a little background! The couple met during their freshman year at Carleton College in chilly Minnesota, when their paths would literally cross when they would journey from class to class. Before the end of their freshman year, they had started dating and have been together ever since!

When Ryan proposed, he invited Caroline to a CSA farm breakfast, which started at six in the morning (no thank you!). Since both of them love to sleep in, she nearly declined. Fortunately, he was so enthusiastic that she agreed to go with him. When they arrived, it turned out the farm was hosting hot air balloons and the couple took a sunrise flight over Boulder. He proposed midair with Caroline’s great-grandmother’s ring. Childhood dreams do come true!

Unique Small Wedding | Wedding Photography | Golden Colorado | From the Hip Photo

As a part of their unique small wedding, they made sure their DIY card box reflected their special proposal. The couple designed it to be a miniature hot air balloon – cute and artistic! Their creativity showed throughout the rest of the wedding as well, from the groom’s polka-dot socks to the bride’s bright blue shoes to the kitty cake toppers, the couple’s personality was highlighted the entire day!

The other special touches on their big day came from family. Caroline walked down the aisle wearing a stunningly delicate necklace that her grandmother had received as a wedding gift and that her mother and sister wore at each of their weddings. She incorporated a second “something old” in her bouquet by using a handkerchief that has been handed down through her family for five generations as a wrap around the flower stems.

Before their emotional ceremony, Caroline and Ryan took some time to be with each other. Taking part in a modern wedding tradition, their first look was a tender moment. It was so easy to see how much they did truly love each other as they shared what had been inscribed on each other’s wedding bands – the bride wrote a surprise message to the groom and the groom did the same for the bride!

After their ceremony, the festivities took off! Because of the small size of their wedding, the party was filled with wonderful family and friend dancing moments! When it was time for the couple to leave the party and officially begin their lives as husband and wife, they were showered with sweetly-smelling lavender. They drove into the night in their bright blue car that had their names and wedding date written on it in gorgeous handwriting.

Their unique small wedding at the Pines of Genesee in the hills of Golden, Colorado provided so many touching moments and filled their special day with personal DIY details. It was a beautiful day for Ryan and Caroline to celebrate their love for each other!

Unique Small Wedding | Wedding Photography | Golden Colorado | From the Hip Photo
Unique Small Wedding | Wedding Photography | Golden Colorado | From the Hip Photo
Unique Small Wedding | Wedding Photography | Golden Colorado | From the Hip Photo
Unique Small Wedding | Wedding Photography | Golden Colorado | From the Hip Photo
Unique Small Wedding | Wedding Photography | Golden Colorado | From the Hip Photo
Unique Small Wedding | Wedding Photography | Golden Colorado | From the Hip Photo
Unique Small Wedding | Wedding Photography | Golden Colorado | From the Hip Photo
Unique Small Wedding | Wedding Photography | Golden Colorado | From the Hip Photo
Unique Small Wedding | Wedding Photography | Golden Colorado | From the Hip Photo

Frequently Asked Questions

What should we expect during our wedding photography session?

Our team arrives early to capture preparation moments, then documents your ceremony and reception with artistic, candid shots. We work seamlessly in the background to capture authentic emotions and details.

How many photos will we receive from our wedding?

Typically, couples receive 600-800 edited, high-resolution images from a full wedding day, organized by event segment for easy browsing and ordering.

When will our wedding photos be ready?

We deliver edited galleries within 4-6 weeks after your wedding day, giving you plenty of time to order prints and plan how you’ll display your favorite moments.

Can we request specific shots or styles?

Absolutely! During our pre-wedding consultation, we discuss your vision, must-have shots, and any specific photography styles you love to ensure we capture exactly what you want.

Do you offer engagement session photography?

Yes! We recommend engagement sessions 2-3 months before your wedding. It’s a great way to relax in front of the camera and get comfortable with us before the big day.

Related Articles: Tips for Choosing a Wedding Photographer | Best Denver Wedding Venues | Denver Engagement Photo Locations

Ready to capture your story? Get in touch with us to discuss your photography needs and book your session today.

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From the Hip PhotoAugust 17, 2016
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From the Hip Photo

From the Hip Photo is Colorado's best photography team. Based in Denver, they photograph assignments across the country and the globe for individuals, couples, families, businesses, and non-profits. Their photo adventures have taken them to Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Russia, among other spots.

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About Focus

Focus: the From the Hip Photo blog
Focus is the blog from the team at From the Hip Photo. We're Colorado's best-reviewed photography team and ply our craft from our Denver studio and around the globe.

We hope that Focus will illuminate more about who we are, the photographs we capture, and the joys of being professional artists. Enjoy your visit!

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