Heisel Photo

2011 Top 10

2011-11-06T01:07:00.007-06:00

Thus far 2011 has been an amazing year for weddings - traditions, colors, cultures, ceremonies, mountains, Colorado, DC, Atlanta and beyond! Here are my favorites through November... Thanks to all of our wonderful clients!

Renea + Colin | Flagstaff Ampitheater, Hotel Boulderado

2010-11-07T23:12:00.009-07:00

Sun, heat, mountains, love and cake... Upon the grand Rocky Mountains above Boulder, Renea and Colin were wed. With the Flatirons looming in the background as well as the vast views of the Foothills on a blue-sky day, they wed at the Flagstaff Ampitheater then ventured down the numerous switchbacks to celebrate at the historic Hotel Boulderado! To view a slideshow of their wedding, please click here. Congratulations Renea and Colin!

flowers: European Flower Shop
catering and reception venue: Hotel Boulderado
videographer: Marlowe Fawcette
second photographer (ceremony): Krista Johns

KRISTIN & MATT | BOULDER, COLORADO

2009-11-23T16:51:00.005-07:00

On the sunny day in May, Kristin and Matt were wed in the glorious cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Mary Church outside of Boulder, Colorado. Family, friends, even Clyde the dog reunited at the cathedral for this special occasion. I've known Matt, aka Samet for over ten years. We met when I was an intern at Climbing Magazine, where he is currently the editor. I even did my first ascent of the Diamond on Long's Peak with him, which was probably the most epic adventures of my life! Kristin also works for Climbing as the senior editor. Fellow photographer and friend, John Hudetz helped me document the day and captured some stellar moments. To see a slideshow of their wedding, please click here. Congratulations Kristin and Samet!

Michelle + Charlie | Mount Sanitas portraits

2009-10-08T11:31:00.004-06:00

The dawn blasted alpine sun on Mt. Sanitas (just above Boulder Colorado) as I chased Michelle, Charlie and their dog, Karma on a crisp morning last May. A few weeks ago we photographed their gorgeous wedding at Devil's Thumb Ranch, so check back soon for more imagery and a slideshow... Congratulations Michelle and Charlie!

Jenn's Birthday & Portraits | Longmont, Colorado

2009-09-18T10:33:00.006-06:00

"The family is the country of the heart." (Mazzini)

On a summerset day with a dusk that stretched into the evening, I captured Jenn's birthday party and family portraits at her dad's house. With family traveling from all over the country, indeed it was a special evening to be remembered. Jenn took my Photoshop class last year at Front Range Community College, and it was truly an honor to document her birthday party & family reunion! Click here to see the slideshow

ALANA & STEVEN ~ SOUTH BOULDER CREEK TRAIL

2009-09-03T13:17:00.009-06:00

On crisp cool evening with black clouds looming and lightning on the horizon, I "struck" these portraits of Alana and Steven to commemorate their engagement. The cottonwoods loomed and the South Boulder Creek trickled through the thirsty valley... Congratulations to Alana & Steven, who are now newlyweds!

Arin + Bryan | JW Marriott, Denver

2009-08-21T12:07:00.006-06:00

Catching up on late spring/summer weddings, hooray! May started out with a blast photographing Arin and Bryan's gorgeous 5/2 wedding at the JW Marriott hotel in Cherry Creek, Denver. I had the fortune to work with Michelle Gillette from Dramatic Events. Her business mantra is “drama is in the details...” Indeed, everything from the organized timeline to the gorgeous décor was choreographed to precision! Stephanie from the JW was also instrumental in Arin and Bryan's "picture perfect" day. At the reception A Music Plus orchestrated the celebration through the first dance, Hora and cake cutting. Thanks to Arin and Bryan for the privilege of documenting this gorgeous day! Please click here to see a slideshow of their story. ~John

a few images from the FW7 workshop...

2009-08-13T09:56:00.005-06:00

This winter I had the opportunity to learn from some of the best wedding photojournalists in the world at the Foundation Wedding Workshop in Allen, Texas. Our team leader was Greg Gibson and my assignment was to document Michael Bohdan, owner of the Pest Sho p and the Cockroach Hall of Fame Museum in Plano. Michael is a professional exterminator who also runs a museum that was once featured on the "Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson! Below are a few of my photos of following "Cockroach Dundee" around for two days...

... and here is a incredible video that Vlad produced of FW7 with an HD digital SLR and Final Cut Pro!

Kelly + Will | Wild Basin Lodge, Colorado

2009-08-03T17:57:00.003-06:00

Through rain, sleet snow and peacocks, Kelly and Will were wed at the historic Wild Basin Lodge outside Allenspark, Colorado in April. The lodge was constructed in the early 1900’s and nestles against the slopes of Rocky Mountain National Park. Will and Kelly feared their dream of an outdoor ceremony would be rained out, however, the drizzle waned as guests donned umbrellas and witnessed their vows. It was great fun capturing their portraits by the creek after the ceremony and documenting their energetic reception with dancing and rituals. Congratulations Kelly and Will! ~John

ROBIN + JOE | AUSTIN WEDDING

2009-06-23T09:07:00.008-06:00

“Everything is big in Texas!” Amidst the campus of the enormous University of Texas in Austin, Robin and her guests entered the University Christian Church for holy matrimony. It was a gorgeous spring day as the sounds of the South by Southwest Music Festival filled the capitol town. After Robin’s group portraits, the newlyweds escaped the church amongst a sea of bubbles. Then we went to the steps of the Texas Capitol where lush greenery and blue sky filled the air. They celebrated their reception at the Austin Marriott South hotel where Robin and Joe danced into the evening. The rest is history! Click here to view a slideshow of their wedding day and thank you Robin and Joe for being so awesome!

TUXEDOS + FLOWERS | BRIDES COLORADO MAGAZINE

2009-06-04T09:28:00.012-06:00

"The handsomes," Peter (second from left) and his groomsmen, show off their tuxedo style during his 2007 wedding at the King Family Vineyards in Crozet, Virginia.

The current issue of Brides Colorado magazine features Heisel Photo in two of it's articles: Tuxedo Q&A, by Steve Nucci of Tom James Company in Denver, and Affordable Style Centerpieces for $65 or Less, which features gorgeous flowers from The Flower House in Denver. I'm honored to have these photographs published and hope you will find these articles helpful for your wedding planning!

READ THE FULL ARTICLES.

CARRIE + LAURENCE | PORTENZA LODGE, DENVER

2009-05-29T13:38:00.008-06:00

This year of weddings started out at the picturesque Portenza Lodge with Carrie and Laurence. The lodge was transformed for the event with theatrical lighting and gorgeous fabric lining the walls. Following their intimate ceremony, I went with Carrie and Laurence to the luminous Denver Union Station for our photo walk. They weaved through passengers of the Ski Train, kissed before the neon lights and soaked in their newlywed euphoria. Thanks to Carrie and Laurence for letting me be part of this amazing evening!

Samantha + Michael | JW Marriott, Cherry Creek Colorado

2009-05-06T15:14:00.010-06:00

Last Fall I had the priviledge to photograph Samantha and Michael's wedding at the magnificent JW Marriott in Cherry Creek, Colorado. They had a gorgeous ceremony, then we blocked traffic in front of the hotel for their photo walk, followed by a night of dancing and revelry! Before their wedding, I also photographed their engagement session on Flagstaff Mountain above Boulder, Colorado. I feel blessed to have been their photographer!

Engagement portraits at Flagstaff Mountain above Boulder, Colorado

NACE Denver Monthly Meeting

2009-04-24T16:32:00.003-06:00

Over 100 planners, caterers and event specialists rendezvoused at the Events Rents Facility last week in Englewood, Colorado for NACE's monthly meeting. NACE is the National Association of Catering Executives and is the largest and oldest catering association in the world. The Denver chapter of NACE meets monthly and gives events specialists and opportunity to network and learn from each other. The April meeting's theme was "Decorate on a Budget." Each individual was assigned a team and given a limited budget and amount of time to make their dream table! To see all the photos, please CLICK HERE for a complete web gallery and. And CLICK HERE for a slideshow of highlights. Thanks to NACE Denver for letting me document this wonderful event! ~John

Courtney + Jeff's Wedding at the Plum Creek Golf and Country Club

2009-04-15T11:06:00.005-06:00

On September 6, 2008 Courtney and Jeff drove home their vows on the finely manicured grass of the Plum Creek Golf and Country Club in Castle Rock, Colorado. The weather scored a hole in one under with crystal bluebird skies and some cloud cover for the family portraits. Friend and photographer, Steve Gaudin, was my assistant for the day and captured this stellar sunset shot of the couple through a glass door. Thanks to Courtney and Jeff for letting me document their day! ~John

Calluna Events Celebrates 5 Years!

2009-03-30T12:37:00.007-06:00

Bia and I had the privilege to attend Calluna Events 5 year anniversary last Friday at the Rembrandt Yard. It was a great celebration of Calluna's success. We take pride in being one of Heather Dwight's first planned weddings. In the past five years her business has really taken off and Calluna Events was chosen by The Knot as the Best of Weddings 2008 Pick. Here's to 5 years and congrats to Heather and her staff!

Andrea & Chris's Wedding at the Stanley Hotel and St. Malo Chapel

2009-03-18T18:45:00.014-06:00

As the aspen leaves peaked their rainbow colors and the impending cool of mother winter lingered into the Rockies, Chris and Andrea were wed at the altar of the breathtaking St. Malo Catholic Chapel in Allenspark, Colorado. They celebrated at the historic Stanley Hotel The Stanley is a national landmark and was once Stephen King's inspiration for the infamous thriller, The Shining. As the sun set beneath Long's Peak and elks herded to their homes, the wedding guests partied into the evening, Sicilian style! Please click here to view a slideshow of the event and thanks to T.C. at Muse Events for planning the perfect celebration and to Andrea and Chris for letting me document their day! ~John

Gina & Ajay's Indian Wedding at the Snow Mountain Ranch, Colorado

2009-02-28T15:18:00.009-07:00

Gina and Ajay's multi-cultural wedding was definitely one of the highlights of my 2008 wedding season. I had the honor of working with award winning photojournalist, Sean Cayton, to document this wedding which consisted of a traditional Indian ceremony on Saturday, followed by a Christian Ceremony on Sunday at the YMCA's Snow Mountain Ranch in Frasier, Colorado. Click here to see a slideshow of the highlights. -John

Happy Valentines Day!

2009-02-15T18:45:00.002-07:00

2008 Wedding Pictures of the Year

2009-01-28T23:49:00.022-07:00

"A good marriage is one which allows for change and growth in the individuals and in the way they express their love." Pearl S. Buck

Thanks to all of our clients for letting us document your wedding!
~John

Happy 2009!

2009-01-13T00:08:00.009-07:00

Here's to 2009! I've been a way from blogging for a bit -- trip to Austin to visit my family, a few ventures to the Rockies for some stellar winter skiing, and back to Boulder town. Lots of photos to post... Here is a collage of my nieces, Lydia and Josie, in Texas. Stay tuned for a complete slideshow, including highlights from the Austin Zoo and our 2009 wedding photographs of the year. We are now taking a limited number of commissions for 2009 weddings, and our calendar is filling rapidly. Please check out heiselphoto.com to see our portfolio.

Wishing all of you happiness, health and success during this new year!
--John

"Each new day is a blank page in the diary of your life. The secret of success is in turning that diary into the best story you possibly can." Douglas Pagels, A Wonderful Resolution For The New Year!

Erin's Bat Mitzvah at the Hotel Boulderado

2008-12-22T20:15:00.006-07:00

I recently had the priviledge to document Erin's Bat Mitzvah at the historic Hotel Boulderado. The rocking celebration was hosted by Tip Top Entertainment with hits from Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper and Katy Perry! Following a glorious feast and human train, Erin was hoisted through the ballroom during the Horah dance. Thanks to Erin's parents, Marianne and Colin, for letting me be a part of this event. To view a slideshow of this special rite of passage, please click here. ~John

The majestic Hotel Boulderado

The Horah Dance

Corn, Carrots and the Miller Farm!

2008-11-14T12:09:00.008-07:00

Yesterday, I joined a class of photojournalism students, led by Daily Camera photographer, Marty Caivano, to visit the Miller Farms in Platteville, Colorado. We photographed kids from the Wood Adventist Christian School who were taking a field trip and learning about where their food actually comes from. The kids picked produce and learned about how the crops are seeded and harvested. Please Click Here to view my photo essay from this adventure. Everyone nearby should experience the wonders of this farm. Tours will continue through the end of November, then resume in April. You can visit their website for more info.

Costa Rica Revisited...

2008-10-29T22:59:00.007-06:00

Jazz, Carl, Biff and Lara are some of our favorite friends on the planet. We all met in college and we called ourselves "The Gang." Although we are now scattered across the country, we still meet up every few years for reunions. Please click here to see a slideshow from our rendezvous in Costa Rica, and a few of our favorites are below. Thank you Jazz and the Varela family for their wonderful hospitality in Heredia and for guiding us throughout your exquisite country! :-) John

Sunrise Clothesline

Raquel

Raquel, Jazz and Bia at the airport in San Jose

Native species of La Selva Rain Forest outside of San Jose

The leash saved my life!

Lara

Flooded streets upon our return to Heredia after a few days at Nosara Beach.

Anne and Ben's Keystone Ranch Wedding

2008-10-03T13:10:00.009-06:00

On an evergreen August day, I had the privilege to photograph at the Keystone Ranch in Colorado with photographer, Sean Cayton. Anne and Ben were married by the golf course with the ski slope looming in the background. The clouds were ominous as the couple recited their vows, yet raindrops held off until after the ceremony. I was responsible to photograph Ben and his groomsmen before the ceremony. Click here to see a brief slideshow of some of the moments I captured. Congratulations Ann and Ben and thanks Sean for inviting me along to help document this magical event!