The Sobczak Wedding

It's 12 p.m. when Mandee Middleton of Upbeat Indigo and I meet in the dusty parking lot of the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield and head to Lakewood, Colorado to meet our friend and the bride, Cydne Hitchings. We meet her and her crew in a little hotel room. Cydne is at one end of the room, getting her dark hair curled and prepped while the other four girls crowd around two different mirrors, helping each other look their best. Grandma Pat enters the room twice during our time there, filled with a nervous excitement and rearing to go celebrate. 

I have known Cydne for quite some time since we met in college, but I am always shocked by how striking her eyes are. Especially as they catch the light of the nearby window, you can see the array of colors in them. 

We reflect on how it seems like just yesterday we were sitting by the pool over the summer talking about the possibility of her marrying her boyfriend, Luke. That was months ago, but now the day is here.

Not too far away at the venue, Luke and his groomsmen prepare for the day too. When Mandee and I arrive, Luke is working on folding his pocket square, trying to make it just right. He is calm, collected, and ready to go. He pauses in the mirror to adjust his bow tie. 

After snapping some pictures of the guys, we head over to where the girls will be shortly to steal some pictures of the dress. When we arrive, we initially find a long sleeve dress hanging in a closest. I immediately grab it, but have a funny feeling about it. Mandee is the one to finally express my thoughts. "I do not think this is the dress." She says shaking her head. She was right, it wasn't. Soon enough though we find the real wedding dress (apparently the other was a prop) and steal it away for some quick pictures before Cydne slips it on. 

Cydne's girls get a first look and are filled with emotion seeing her dressed in white. While Cydne made the last touches with her tribe, I ran off to find Luke and get him set up for the first look. Poor guy had to move after I started him in one spot then moved him somewhere totally different. It was worth it though! The smiles on their faces said it all!

We gave them a couple minutes with each other before heading into photos. Let me tell you, this venue has SO many amazing places to take pictures we had the barn, the mountain views, the little house...I was in love!

After stealing away these two for the photos, Luke stepped out and headed for where the ceremony would be held. Cydne stayed back briefly to make the finishing touches on her look, including putting on her garter. 

We had the most lovely subtle light coming through the window created by the overcast sky outside. With that, Cydne was ready!

The two said their vows on the field outside, with the barn and mountains in the backdrop and a beautiful *handmade* geometric wedding arch framing them. Their family and friends looking on with love, knowing for some time this day would come. 

After the celebrating and cheering and the "I Do's" we pick a spot of photos of the wedding party and family. However, like any wedding a little wrench was about to be thrown into our plans. As the wind increased, so did the smell of rain. We knew we had to hurry, but we didn't know how fast. We had ALMOST made it through bridal party photos when the rain started and we were forced to finish the photos on the side of the barn that blocked the wind and rain. Cydne and Luke rolled with the punches with an effortless grace and flexibility. 

After getting everyone rounded up and photographed, we headed into the warmth of the barn to begin the reception. The chatter of the room quieted down as the bridal party entered and the toasts began. People laugh and sigh at the sweet and funny comments made during the toasts. After toasts, Cydne headed into cake cutting and the dances. Cydne and Luke swayed on the dance floor surrounded by all the people that loved them. Tears came to people's eyes when Cydne began her dance with her father. Luke and his mother also danced. They started off in the traditional way, but abruptly changed their tune with the music. They jumped around, spun, and laughed the whole time!

With the end of the dances, the floor was open and the party began! Guests filled the dance floor the entire night, showing off their very bet moves. 

After a full night of dancing, Cydne and Luke headed off on their honeymoon but not before being showered with love (and soap) from their family.

Cheers to you two and to your new adventure!