Full-Moon First Dance | Lyons Riverbend |
“As an LGBTQIA+ couple, it was so important to find a photographer who was also a part of our community. Ivy's work absolutely blew us away. Ivy and the 2nd shooter, Dani, were so creative in the direction they gave us when taking photos. Not only did we have such a great time with them, we loved being able to see our love so clearly shown in the photos of our special wedding day.”
-Jena & Kennedy
Kennedy and Jena’s wedding has a special place in my heart. Not only was it a full moon, and the day that I met my now partner, but we had an immediate connection that felt like we’d known each other for years. Kennedy’s mother passed away nine years ago and she shared that reading my “About Me,” convinced her that I would be the right fit to be there on her wedding day. I understand all too well how it feels to get married without your Mother there, but luckily she had her Aunties there to have a first look. Kennedy surprised them with a beautiful recreation of her Mother’s wedding dress. She had the bodice made into a long sleeved, lacy top as an homage to her Mom. It did not disappoint.
When I asked K&J where their favorite portrait spot was at The Lyons Riverbend, we are in agreeance that this was THE spot to capture their entourage and do their couples portraits. What I loved about this stunning Colorado outdoor venue is how close everything is to one another. The getting ready suite, is close to the ceremony site, which is close to the dance floor, which is close to the bar, which is close to the reception site, which is close to all of the most gorgeous and natural photo worthy locations.
“We had a few of them. The dance floor sitting in front of the river, the grass area with all of our entourage with the rock in the background. Our venue was absolutely stunning and the nature is what made us choose it!”
“We remember how supportive our entourage was. Whether it was getting us something to drink, going for walks with us around the property, going back to our WeeCasa and gathering anything we needed, it all meant the world to us. They knew what we needed before we even did.”
On that note… when I asked them what advice they would give to another couple for their wedding day, they added…
“Delegate tasks. You only have one wedding day, and it goes by in the blink of an eye. If you're spending too much time or energy on what has to get done, it becomes difficult to focus on just being present.”
“We LOVED that our wedding team all got along with each other! We had collaboration, community, and so much more. We were very lucky with our team and are so grateful.”
It was my first time photographing a wedding at The Lyons Farmette in Lyons, CO and it’s incredible, just like the vendors that I worked with on September 30th, 2023.
Meet the team!
Venue- The Lyons Riverbend
Photographer- Ivy Bencheck Portraits
Planner- Poised Events
Officiant- Nearly Wed Coaching
Florist- Plume and Furrow
Caterer- Sugar Pine Catering
Band- Diamond Empire Band
Rentals- Sugar Pine
Hair and Makeup- LoLa Beauty Denver
I highly recommend all of these vendors as they were all so kind, experienced, and dependable. Everyone was on the top of their game that night and it showed. When I asked K&J if they would recommend me as a wedding photographer their response put me in the best mood.
“ABSOLUTELY! We had more than one guest who happened to be a photographer, that gave many compliments the day of. In addition, we LOVED the shot set up with our entourage! SO many creative and unique shots that we would have never thought of, and are so excited to see the end results! In addition, every photo that we've seen has taken our breath away. Obviously, loved every photo showing our love as a couple as well.”
“Collectively, our favorite part was sitting together at our Sweetheart Table, looking out at all of our guests. Making eye contact and gestures across the room, and hearing the conversation, laughter, seeing the hugs all around, and witnessing so many smiles. All of that just warmed our hearts.”
Late September brought us a sprinkle of rain as the night started to get cozy. Light enough to bring the couple luck and gone just as the party hit the dance floor.
To me, being an LGBTQIA+ photographer, I love working with the couples in my community. It brings me much honor to be there and celebrate queer and trans love. I’m apart of a group that’s called, Stand In Pride. This is a community of ally’s and LGBTQIA+ folks who offer to “stand in” at your wedding. We offer the support, the love, and the representation as if we’re one of your own. Being able to be a photographer at queer or trans celebrations is still something that I recognized as an accomplishment. It is something that many people have fought to have the right to do for all of history and I get to be apart of standing up for what is right. I hope I get to do this forever.
What does forever look like to you?
“We see ourselves continuing to grow our lives together, whether that be moving into a new home or finding new passions and glimmers. We are so excited to find out what the future has in store for us as a newly married couple.”
