Rachel and Tyler’s wedding next month will be our first Dunafon wedding of the 2012 season and I’d be lying if I said I was anything but widely excited.  It’s also going to be my first wedding working with Julie of Classic Creations Wedding Planning and Design.

I had my X100 with me today so here’s a few snaps from around the property up at the castle as of this morning.    Be sure to check back tomorrow as Friday Favorites takes a walk on the FILM side of life with a few shots from Dunafon during the last “Taste of Dunafon” with some high speed film in a Holga camera.

So it was off to Something New Boutique to meet Sara, her bridesmaid, mom and her groom-to-be’s mom.  What was really great about the day was this was in fact the first time Sara had actually seen the finished dress herself.  Her dress is a bit of a custom number with a few ideas borrowed from other dresses by the designer.

Now of course I can’t share any photos of this dress until after the wedding, but here’s a peek of the effect it had on Sara’s guests when she opened the changing room door.  I love the gasp from Sara’s mom.

My special thanks to the staff of Something New Boutique for putting up with me, I don’t know how common it is for a brides photographer to attend something like this for them, but I’m hoping for me it won’t be the last time since this is indeed a piece of the couples story to document.

One thing I do want to stress about the “Taste’s” is that they aren’t really a bridal show, this isn’t a sales event for me.   Most clients book their photographer shortly after they have their venue and date finalized.   Most couples have already talked to the event manager, Annie, up at the castle – so I know she’s told them about me.  If they didn’t already have a photographer in mind and liked my work – chances are I’ve already talked to and booked them.   If I haven’t then they either already had someone in mind, or my style of wedding photojournalism just doesn’t appeal to them and they are looking for something more tradition or more fashion-esque for their wedding photos.   Whatever the case may be most people at these tastes already have their photographer booked.

So if it’s not for the chance to book a few more weddings why do I bother to go to these events every time they are held?

1. A chance to hang out at the castle.   I’m not lying when I say Dunafon Castle is my all time favorite wedding venue and I won’t pass up a chance to just walk the grounds and enjoy just being there if it is given to me.
2. To be of service to Annie, the event manager at Dunafon Castle.   I love being able to talk to couples, regardless of their choice for photographer, about the site and photo options available.   This time I had a big screen TV up there connected to a few hundred photos from the past few seasons so I could show couples the various ceremony sites, places for portraits, etc.   It is always a pleasure to be off assistance to these couples without turning it into a sales pitch.
3. To hang out with couples I’ve already booked.   There is usually around 2-4 of my booked clients or brides at these events for the current season – it helps build the excitement just walking around and talking about their plans for the big day.

Also on hand for the event was:

Three Tomatoes Catering

Scot Conti with Bamboo Booth

Amy from Spalon

Here’s a few shots from the most recent “Taste”   (I also had a pair of film cameras up there that I took a few shots with – I’ll post those once I fill up the rolls and get them developed).

The views of Denver from the 4th floor patio are truly wonderful. 

Of course not everyone was able to dance the night away….

Dunafon Castle

Of course any talk of favorite wedding venues on my blog has to include the amazing Dunafon Castle.  As a featured wedding photographer for this venue I had quite a few chances last year to see how this the wonderful grounds and amazing Castle would look in infrared – and clearly it is an impressive site.   The vines on the stone look stunning in infrared as does the rest of the tree covered grounds.

Sanctuary Golf Course

It should come as little surprise that one of the most breathtaking golf courses in Colorado also looks stunning when captured with an infrared camera.

Della Terra Mountain Chateau

Nestled in the mountains just outside of Estes Park, Della Terra Mountain Chateau, is another venue that is just stunning with any camera and the infrared camera is no exception.