Rist Canyon Inn Wedding Photos – Kaylynn + Nate
We were excited to photograph Kaylynn & Nate’s Rist Canyon Inn wedding in the early fall, located outside of Fort Collins last September.
Kaylynn and Nate are both a super sweet couple that fell in love a few years ago, and these two are crazy for each other in the most effortless way.. Their Rist Canyon Inn wedding had that great balance of heartfelt and playful, with the fun touch that they’re both aerialists. Not only that, they set up a rig right on the property for wedding portraits, which made this Rist Canyon Inn wedding feel uniquely theirs. If you’re dreaming up a cozy, nature-filled Fort Collins wedding that still feels elevated and intentional, this venue is such a gem.
Getting ready
They both got ready at the venue in separate getting ready spaces. Kaylynn got ready with her bridesmaids at the historic farmhouse suite, and Nate got ready with his groomsmen in the nearby white pine cabin. It was a beautiful morning to be at Rist Canyon, which is a local favorite of ours. There’s something special about the way the property feels intimate and home-like, like you’re walking through a place that has so much character and with it, a calming presence. For a Fort Collins wedding, it’s hard to beat how convenient everything is: you can easily move between the farmhouse to pasture and into the Bellevue Event Hall easily.
First look on the bridge
They shared their first look on the bridge that passes over the creek, and Nate was ecstatic to see his bride! The greenery surrounding the bridge was lush and beautiful, with big cottonwoods towering overhead, one of unique spots of a Rist Canyon Inn wedding to make you feel like you’re tucked into your own little world.
Then Kaylynn shared a first look with her dad, and it was such a sweet moment on the porch of the farmhouse. After that, we played around with a few fun portraits across the property (because exploring is half the fun here). We also loved the new floral arrangements Allan had put out in front of the farmhouse, it was so fun layering those blooms into the frame and using them as a colorful element in the foreground.
Aerial portraits on the rig
Then we moved to a few couples portraits on the rig, which was hands-down one of the most unique parts of this Rist Canyon Inn wedding. As aerialists, they incorporated their love of this art into their day. We were amazed that Kaylynn could navigate as an aerialist in a wedding dress! Nate hung upside down with a secure waist wrap and a hooked foot position to hold steady while creating a swing-like shape below for Kaylynn. It was such a treat to photograph, as this was a first for us!
Ceremony in the pasture
Then came time for the ceremony to begin in the ceremony pasture. They had lined the aisle with colorful summery flowers, which made it so fun to layer in the foreground as Kaylynn walked down the aisle. Her dad walked her in, and Nate gave a cute little hand wave as she got close, a sweet little gesture that instantly showed us how excited he was.
The wedding was officiated by her mom’s friend who was very close to the couple, and they shared emotional vows that brought everyone to tears. Nate was especially emotional over the gravity of the moment. The light started out soft (which was great for photos), and everything was kissed in a warm light. And then just like that, they were married, sealing their recessional with a kiss and a dip.
Cocktail hour surprise
During cocktail hour, their aerialist teacher performed, which was such a fun surprise for guests that raised the energy! Kaylynn and Nate also made sure they were present for the cocktail hour to witness the last choreographed set that the aerialist performed!
Reception in the Bellvue Event Hall
They had a grand entrance into the Bellvue Event Hall, with disco floral themed decor, a long farm table bringing their favorite people (wedding party) right alongside them, and details that pulled together this joyful dinner party feel. There were emotional toasts, great first dances, and the kind of laughter you only get when the room is full of people who really know you.
Later, we snuck out for a quick nighttime portrait by the farmhouse during blue hour. They also had a beautiful last private dance with the newlyweds, which is one of those timeline choices we’ll always love: a final exhale at the end of the night.
And then the newlyweds were sent off with a streamer grand exit. Everyone lined up, the energy peaked, and Kaylynn and Nate walked out laughing and beaming. The perfect ending to an unforgettable Rist Canyon Inn wedding day, and a seriously fun way to wrap a Fort Collins wedding celebration.
Enjoy some of our favorite wedding photos from their Rist Canyon Inn wedding!
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