Michael & Madelyn | Private Property Wedding in Ridgway, Colorado

As a Ridgway Colorado wedding photographer, fall weddings like Michael and Madelyn’s remind me why late September is one of my favorite times of year here. The light turns golden, the air cools down, and the mountains start hinting at fall colors. Their wedding took place on a beautiful private property just outside Ridgway, and it felt like the perfect mix of relaxed mountain charm and full-on celebration.

Michael and Madelyn planned a day that was equal parts heartfelt and wildly fun. I knew it would be that way the moment I met them during their engagement session. Some couples just have that easy energy together, and these two absolutely do.

Why I love engagement sessions in the San Juan Mountains

The ceremony took place outside with the San Juan Mountains surrounding them. Eight bridesmaids stood beside Madelyn and eight groomsmen stood with Michael, which made for one of the biggest and most fun wedding parties I’ve photographed. Seriously, these guys were an absolute blast!

Madelyn looked stunning walking down the aisle. Her bridesmaids wore soft pastel tones that paired beautifully with the floral design. Flowers covered almost every corner of the space, and as someone who believes big florals at weddings are basically a love language, I was in heaven. Oh, and did I mention- they had flower grandma’s. Yes it was every bit as amazing as it sounds.

Little details throughout the property made the whole day feel warm and welcoming. Small pumpkin displays sat around the house and grounds, giving everything a cozy fall feel. Honestly, the whole place reminded me of a charming fall Airbnb somewhere in Vermont.

Michael and Madelyn’s son Parker served as the ring bearer, and he completely stole the show in the sweetest way. Kids bring such a genuine energy to weddings, and Parker was no exception.

After the ceremony, we snuck away for sunset portraits. We walked down the long driveway of the property and ended up near the dock as the sun dipped behind the mountains. The light was soft and golden, and the quiet moment together gave them a chance to breathe before the party really kicked off.

And speaking of the party… this reception might go down as one of the most fun I’ve ever photographed as a Ridgway Colorado wedding photographer.

The reception took place under a massive outdoor tent filled with chandeliers and strands of glowing fairy lights. The whole space felt magical once the sun went down. And i was obsessed with their table decor! I have a blog on some helpful hints if you are struggling in this area- but take a tip from Madelyn’s book- this set up was fabulous! Guests enjoyed an incredible dinner, followed by what might have been the most impressive dessert display I’ve ever seen.

The cake and dessert spread from Cakes Baby was unreal. There were so many beautiful treats that guests kept circling back for more all night.

Michael and Madelyn also added some really fun personal touches. One of my favorites was their trucker hat toss. Instead of the traditional bouquet toss, they tossed hats that said “Livin’ on Sella Time,” which had everyone laughing and scrambling to catch one.

Once the dance floor opened, the energy never slowed down. Guests danced, laughed, and celebrated well into the night. Around 10 PM a taco truck rolled in, which was honestly a genius move. Suddenly everyone had nachos, tacos, and quesadillas in hand while the party kept going.

Moments like that make weddings unforgettable. It wasn’t just beautiful—it was genuinely fun.

Michael and Madelyn created a day that felt relaxed, joyful, and completely true to them. From the pastel florals to the fairy-lit tent to the late-night taco truck, every piece came together perfectly. As a Ridgway Colorado wedding photographer, days like this are the reason I love what I do.

Getting to capture their story was such an honor, and I’m so grateful I got to be part of it.

Check out some more of my favorites from this wedding.