As a COVID bride myself who replanned her wedding three times and ultimately moved to an intimate, 50 guest wedding: I have a special place in my heart for small wedding gatherings. Recently, I was able to relive some of this small wedding magic through the honor of documenting Megan and Evan’s stunning vow exchange in Evergreen, Colorado. This smaller-scale event allowed time for unique touches throughout the day including fly fishing, an abundance of private moments, and so much quality time with their love ones.

Planning an Intimate Wedding

Planning an intimate wedding is not only cost-effective, but has a certain whimsy about it. Big venue rentals are swapped out for national parks or private land. You can simply find a place you think is beautiful and with the right permits or allowances you can make that your venue. As pictured, Megan and Evan opted to get married on private property surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and glorious evergreens.

After Megan slipped into her stunning gown designed by Jenny Yoo found at A & Be Bridal in Denver, Evan met her in a charmingly quaint chapel surrounded by wildflowers where they shared an emotional first look. These very wildflowers inspired the day’s florals crafted intentionally and uniquely by Rosemary Floral Co.

Bride and groom share hug during their first look.
Groom holds his bride close as tears well in his eyes.
Bride wears groom's grandmother's necklace during wedding day.
Bride and groom run joyfully near Colorado evergreens.

Unique Small Wedding Ideas

There are endless ideas you can incorporate into your day. Time is on your side as you can use the time you would normally spend greeting hundreds of guests to sneak off and do things you love. Head to a local brewery, play cards with your bridal party, spend time in prayer, enjoy cocktail hour- you have the freedom to do whatever you want! After their ceremony, Megan and Evan opted to spend a few private moments together fly fishing and joyfully soaking up the fact they were officially husband and wife. At the end of the night, they had a private dance together while their guests lined up for an eco-conscious lavender toss grand exit. The genuine joy, adventure, and fun this day held shined brightly as the day unfolded authentically and beautifully in front of my camera lens.

Bride's holds her veil open as the light comes through the cabin window.
Bridesmaids in sage green dresses stand in a line by the bride's side.
Beautiful bride walking holding wildflower bouquet.
Bride and groom pray during communion during their ceremony.
Bride and groom share a passionate kiss underneath the bride's veil.
Bride and groom cast out while fly fishing after ceremony.
Bride smiles at the camera as groom fly fishes.
Bride and groom cut their cake together.
Bride and groom run joyfully through a lavender toss grand exit.
let's make art together

HI, I'M MICHAELA!

making art of your everyday

I’m a Minnesota photographer drawn to the kind of moments you feel before you fully see them. I chase good light, quiet gestures, and the small details that make a day feel beautifully ordinary and monumental at the same time. My work leans film-forward and instinctive, shaped by texture, movement, and whatever honesty the moment gives me.

When I’m not shooting, you’ll usually find me lingering over a matcha latte, thumbing through a stack of dog-eared books, or wandering somewhere with my camera just in case the light does something interesting.

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digital + film photographer