What do you get when you mix a mountain in Colorado, a couple deeply in love, and a thunderous rain cloud? Definitely Lindsay + Rob’s Dao House Wedding.

Their Story

“We had heard about each other for years, thanks to a mutual BFF,” Lindsay told me. “But we didn’t meet until Rob’s 23rd birthday when I went to his party with said BFF. We spent the evening chatting and dancing, both thinking that the other was SUPER cute. It was a shame then that Rob almost immediately left on a four-month road trip and we wouldn’t get to meet again until May.

We finally got to go on a date on Cinco De Mayo, 2012. We wore fake mustaches to ease the tension and shake first-date nerves, and looked great doing it. Before going to dinner I got to meet Rob’s parents, and then after dinner, a whole group of Rob’s oldest friends… diving head first into his life. We saw each other for the next four days, climbing trees, eating food, and visiting with friends. And then, again, Rob left the DC area for four months. This time, it was to travel around Southeast Asia. But this time, we stayed in close contact: exchanging over 100 emails in our time apart, getting closer despite the distance. Then, when he got back, he asked me to be his girlfriend. We moved to Colorado, got Scout, and waited a bit to get engaged. Then we got engaged. Now we’re getting married. lol.”

Mountaintop Ceremony / Dao House Wedding

For these two, this day was a long time coming. When it finally did, it looked like the imminent rain would be an unwelcome wedding crasher at their venue, the Dao House. We had no choice but to embrace it, and that we did! After the couple got ready separately, we met in the woods for their first look + portraits. “FUCK IT!” Lindsay screamed after everyone took off their raincoats. I had an absolute BLAST photographing this wedding party and I loved that they were down for anything. Sometimes it’s important to just go with the flow and embrace whatever comes your way on your wedding day. From the moment Lindsay walked down the aisle to when she and Rob said “I do,” it poured BUCKETS.

My poncho was dripping as I continued to wipe the fog from my lenses, but none of that mattered. I was more focused on not crying as I listened to Rob + Lindsay say their vows to each other. After a long time of dating, these two were ready tell the world about their love. Rain or not, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

An Epic Party

Once everyone was back inside, we snagged some family photos as the rest of the guests clinked cocktails. We heard some amazing speeches followed by the couple’s first dance and parent’s dance. After a few night portraits, Lindsay + Rob initiated the most epic dance party ever witnessed at a Dao House wedding. Lots of classics were bumpin’ through the speakers as the newlyweds tore up the dance floor. Eventually Lindsay ended up changing back into her “getting ready” outfit so she could dance the night away in comfort. I even put my cameras down for a song or two so I could join!

This day was truly unforgettable. It was emotional, beautiful, and unique in every way possible. I love that I was able to be there for Lindsay + Rob’s Dao House wedding in Estes Park. To be honest, I wouldn’t have changed a single thing about how the day went. It was truly legendary.

Venue: Dao House Retreat and Wellness Center / Florals: Fanciful Floral Design and Wedding Planning / Catering: Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ / Dessert: You Need Pie Diner and Bakery / Dress: David’s Bridal / Suit: Men’s Wearhouse / Makeup: {Re}vamp Makeup Artistry by Christina / Hair: Jes Hitch / DJ: DJ Jahsonic