Alison & McKenzie's DIY Wedding at Stem Ciders in Lafayette, Colorado
Some wedding days are beautiful because of the details, and some are beautiful because of the people. Alison and McKenzie's wedding day was the perfect combination of both.
The day began at the home they purchased together just last October, making the getting-ready portion of the day feel even more meaningful. Their home already reflects the life they're building together, so it was the perfect backdrop for the start of their wedding story. Before heading to the venue, there was one very important family member who needed to be included in the festivities, their adorable cat, Trixie. We made sure to capture plenty of photos with her before everyone headed out for the celebration.
One of my favorite things about Alison and McKenzie's wedding was how much of it was created by the couple themselves. Every detail felt intentional and personal. The brides even made their own bouquets the night before the wedding, adding an extra layer of love and creativity to the day. Throughout the entire celebration, you could feel how much thought, care, and effort they put into bringing their vision to life.
Their ceremony and reception took place at Stem Ciders in Lafayette, Colorado, a unique venue known for its welcoming atmosphere, industrial-modern style, and locally crafted hard ciders. The venue offers a relaxed Colorado vibe while still providing a beautiful space for couples to celebrate with family and friends. The warm interior, open gathering spaces, and brewery setting created the perfect backdrop for Alison and McKenzie's wedding day.
The Colorado weather certainly kept everyone on their toes. Rain showers moved through the area throughout the day, but instead of putting a damper on the celebration, they added to the magic. The sun would peek through the dramatic clouds one moment and disappear behind them the next, creating the most beautiful light for photographs. As the day came to a close, the skies rewarded everyone with an incredible sunset over the Rocky Mountains. The golden light breaking through the clouds created a breathtaking backdrop and made for some truly unforgettable portraits.
A close friend of the couple officiated the ceremony, making the experience even more personal and heartfelt. One of the most memorable moments was a fun new wedding trend that had everyone smiling. Hidden beneath one lucky guest's chair was a small ring box, officially appointing them as the honorary ring bearer. The surprise brought plenty of laughter and excitement before the rings made their way down the aisle.
The ceremony was filled with love, support, and the unmistakable feeling that everyone present was genuinely invested in the couple's happiness. That feeling continued throughout the reception as family and friends shared incredibly heartfelt toasts. Each speech reflected years of friendship, love, and admiration for Alison and McKenzie, leaving few dry eyes in the room.
When it came time to hit the dance floor, the celebration truly came alive. The newlyweds wowed their guests with a beautifully choreographed first dance that showcased both their personalities and the joy they share together. From there, the dance floor stayed packed as guests celebrated late into the evening. Watching Alison and McKenzie dance the night away surrounded by the people they love most was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day.
Alison and McKenzie's wedding was a wonderful reminder that the most meaningful celebrations are often the ones built by hand and filled with personal touches. From the handmade bouquets and honorary ring bearer surprise to the heartfelt ceremony, emotional toasts, stunning mountain sunset, and joyful reception, every part of the day reflected who they are as a couple. It was an absolute honor to document the beginning of this next chapter in their story.
