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  • Welcome!

    Hi there and welcome to the blog of Kathryn Kim Photography! I am a Colorado mountain wedding photographer who specializes in photography for laid back couples who love the outdoors! I am based in Denver, Colorado but also LOVE to travel!

    I'm passionate about :

    Buying everything I can on Amazon Prime.

    Pretending like I'm not crying while watching This Is Us.

    Following contestants from the Bachelor on instagram and talking about their lives with my sister like I actually know them.

    Normal important things like my cute husband and 2 tiny baes.

    If you think we might be a good fit, I would love to speak with you about capturing your epic wedding day! Feel free to browse around or leave comments, I'd love to hear from you. Fill out my contact form or shoot me an email. Have an amazing day!



{carol + ryan} ymca of the rockies wedding venue | kathryn kim photography

YMCA of the Rockies Wedding Venue | Estes Park Wedding Venues | Kathryn Kim Photography | Estes Park Wedding Photographers | Colorado Mountain Wedding Photographer | Epic Wedding Venues in Colorado | Colorado Wedding Photographers | Intimate Outdoor Mountain Wedding

Intimate. Epic. Windy. Mountainous. Tender. Sweet.

These are some of the words I would use to describe Carol and Ryan’s incredible Colorado mountain wedding a few short weeks ago! They got married at the YMCA of the Rockies wedding venue in gorgeous Estes Park, Colorado . It was absolute perfection!

The Love Story

The beginning of their love story from Carol’s perspective: We met when we were both living and working in Southern California. I was helping organize a group trip to Vegas, and one of our mutual friends invited Ryan along. I remember the mutual friend telling me that he thought his former roommate (Ryan) and I would get along. I’ll admit I was skeptical because I thought Ryan was going to be too cool for me since he lived in Santa Monica at the time. Apparently our friend was right though because it was pretty much love at first sight! Ryan and I became official within a couple weeks of meeting one another in September 2012. 

When we lived in California, we enjoyed going to breweries, trying different restaurants in and around LA, skiing at Mammoth Mountain, and visiting Santa Barbara. Flash forward four years and we agreed that we wanted to move to Colorado. We were long distance for a total of 8 months, but saw each other usually a couple times a month, taking turns flying out to see one another.  We also talked on the phone A LOT during this time, more than I ever have! Ryan proposed during one of his visits out to Colorado 🙂 We both love it here and plan on staying for a while! We have most of the same hobbies as we did in California, except more hiking, skiing, and even more breweries!

The Dress

I also want to mention Carol’s dress because it’s one my faves I’ve ever seen!! “I found the dress at The Altar Bridal in Centennial, which is a consignment shop. It was the first bridal shop I went to and I didn’t think I was going to buy a dress that day. I just wanted to get a feel for what I wanted. The dress was originally an Essence of Australia sample gown. The belt and shoulder piece were separate from the dress, but the owner/lead stylist added all of the pieces together when I tried on the dress and I fell in love!”

ymca of the rockies wedding venue bride and groom portraits vintage glam bride

YMCA of the Rockies Wedding Venue

Carol and Ryan found me when looking at images from the YMCA of the Rockies wedding venue, and I am so glad they did! We initially met over delicious beers at Locavore. They told me how they wanted an intimate outdoor wedding that showed off Colorado’s beauty for their families. YMCA of the Rockies was the perfect wedding venue because they definitely did just that!

You may remember their adorable fall Evergreen engagement session which you can revisit here! Now enjoy some of my faves from their stunning intimate wedding, and be sure to check out the incredible vendors involved posted at the bottom!

romantic riversong bed and breakfast estes park colorado bride and groom first lookromantic riversong bed and breakfast estes park colorado bride and groom first look photosymca of the rockies wedding venue bridal portraits vintage glam brideymca of the rockies wedding venue ceremony details flowers and wooden cratesymca of the rockies wedding venue father walks bride down the aisleymca of the rockies wedding groom sees his bride walk down the aisleymca of the rockies wedding venue epic mountain view for ceremonyymca of the rockies wedding venue candid laughter bride and groomymca of the rockies wedding venue windy ceremony bride veil blowsymca of the rockies wedding venue ceremony bride and groom just marriedymca of the rockies wedding venue bride and groom portraits and bridal bouquetymca of the rockies wedding venue bridal party floor length blush dresses grey suitsymca of the rockies wedding venue bridal party floor length blush dresses and grey suitsymca of the rockies wedding venue bride and groom portraits vintage glam brideymca of the rockies wedding venue bride and groom portraits vintage glam outdoor brideymca of the rockies wedding venue bride and groom portraits vintage glam brideymca of the rockies wedding venue reception decor eucalyptus leaves and favorsymca of the rockies wedding venue reception decor table floral centerpieces cake and cupcakesymca of the rockies wedding venue bridal bouquetymca of the rockies wedding venue reception decor table floral centerpiecesymca of the rockies wedding venue reception bride and groom first danceymca of the rockies wedding venue reception dancingymca of the rockies wedding venue bride and groom ringsAmazing vendors:

Venue : YMCA of the Rockies

Coordination: Pink Diamond Events

Bridal Gown : The Altar Bridal

Catering : YMCA of the Rockies

Cake/desserts: La Momo Maes Bakery

Photographer : Kathryn Kim Photography

Videographer : Drake and Co Photo and Films

Florist : Kimball Floral

DJ : Colorado Sound

Hair : Hair by Danelle Myers

Makeup : Studio Poppy

Photobooth : Create and Capture Photobooth

Bartender : Garnish Bartending

 

 

 

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{victoria + jeff} rocky mountain national park engagement session | kathryn kim photography

Rocky Mountain National Park Engagement Session | Colorado Mountain Wedding Photographer | Colorado Engagement Photographer | Colorado Wedding Photographer | RMNP Adventure Session | RMNP Engagement Photos | Kathryn Kim Photography | RMNP engagement photos

The wind was blowing like crazy, but I knew it was to our advantage. I was confident I could make Tyra Banks proud by having Victoria’s perfectly windblown hair look like model status! We did just that, and it was such a blast! Victoria and Jeff flew all the way from Texas to have a Rocky Mountain National Park engagement session with me! What an honor! We actually initially had their RMNP engagement session scheduled for a weekend in late May. But we ended up having a freezing cold and rainy weekend, and these two were hoping for some sun! So they were glad to fly back out in June for a sunny Rocky Mountain National Park engagement session. We traversed around the park, exploring different areas and creating beautiful memories and photos.

RMNP has quickly become one of my favorite locations for engagement photos, as well as bride and groom portraits for weddings in the Estes Park area! I cannot believe it is only a short drive from Denver. What a gift! We started out at Sheep Lakes, traversed and played with the wind. The mountain views here are unreal, and it’s so beautiful with the lakes as well. Then we made our way through Moraine Park right about sunset. Victoria was so adventurous and was climbing up super steep rocks! I love being trusted that it’s worth it for the incredible views! These two laughed, snuggled, and kissed their way through this epic RMNP engagement session, and it was absolute perfection.

I am beyond thrilled to continue documenting Victoria and Jeff’s love story on their wedding day at Stone Mountain Lodge in Lyons! As a Colorado mountain wedding photographer, this is one of my favorite venues. It is laid back, has beautiful lush green grounds and you get to take an ATV up the mountain for epic mountaintop bride and groom portraits! Stay tuned for their beautiful Colorado mountain wedding next month! For now, enjoy my faves from this incredible Rocky Mountain National Park engagement session!

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Erin Witt Photography - Woah! These are gorgeous and you got such great variety! Loved the moose!

Juatyna E Butler - My fave place on Earth!!!! Beautiful!

Danica Donnelly - How beautiful! And love that wind blowing her hair around!

Kaleigh - Awww that’s awesome they were able to come back out for these- definitely worth it, these shots are incredible!

Samantha Jessup - They look so happy. This kind of freedom and happiness is something to aspire to I think.

Brooke - I love the focus play, and the joy in the photos!

Jamie Kraus - Oh, I love how fun and playful these are! You did such a great job capturing them and their connection!

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{featured on luxe mountain weddings} t lazy 7 ranch wedding venue | aspen wedding photographer

T Lazy 7 Ranch Wedding Venue | Kathryn Kim Photography | Aspen Wedding Venues | Aspen Mountain Weddings | Aspen Wedding Photographer |Colorado Mountain Wedding Photographer | Colorado Wedding Photographer

One of my favorite couples and weddings was just featured on Luxe Mountain Weddings! Barry and Erica are Aspen locals and had a stunning T Lazy 7 Ranch Wedding in October. The T Lazy 7 Ranch wedding venue is definitely one of my favorites! It is incredible with the stunning Maroon Bells as the backdrop for the ceremony! Erica is such a sweetheart. I remember when I was photographing her and her bridesmaids getting ready in Aspen’s iconic Little Nell hotel. She said “Ooh I’m starting to get nervous! I bet Barry looks so handsome. I just cannot WAIT to marry him! ” We had the most perfect fall weather in Aspen.  And literally the next morning after the wedding a snowstorm came through! Talk about perfect timing.

Be sure to check out this beautiful feature and read about all of the sweet and funny quirks that they weaved into their T Lazy 7 Ranch Wedding day! Teaser: there are 1929 Ford Roadsters, police cars and handcuffs involved! Erica also has some advice for future brides! So be sure to click the link below and check it all out!

T Lazy 7 Ranch Blog Feature

 

Vendor Love:

Florist: Harrington Smith

HAMU: Makeup Artist Heather

Ceremony Musicians: Natalie Spears Duo

Rentals: Bethel Party Rentals

Caterer: Slow Groovin BBQ

DJ: DJ Naka G

Videographer : Elizabeth Workman

 

bride and groom share intimate first kiss in front of mountains during T Lazy 7 ranch wedding in Aspen Coloradosuper fun veil photo bride and groom portraits taken after T Lazy 7 ranch wedding in aspen coloradobride and groom photos taken after T Lazy 7 ranch wedding in aspen coloradoT Lazy 7 Ranch wedding venue ceremony site

The T Lazy 7 Ranch wedding venue should be at the top of your list if you are a bride seeking an incredible outdoor Colorado mountain wedding! I hope you enjoyed checking out my feature!

Jolie - Love love! What a handsome couple. Congratulations on your publication. You really captured their day beautifully.

Cara - Man Aspen sure doesn’t disappoint in the fall!! (Or ever!) this was a lovely wedding!!!

Whitney Milton Films - Omgosh Kathryn, the T lazy 7 ranch is so beautiful!Looks so dreamy <3

Kim Rodgers - Oh my goodness this is beautiful. What a gorgeous couple!

Danica - They are so sweet! And what a stunning location

Justyna E Butler - Oh!!! Congratulations Kim!!! I love Maroon Bells…and I have driven so many times past that venue!!! Beautiful!

Sarah Fosco - Ah I remember seeing your images from this wedding and I am so happy they are featured so more people can see them and your gorgeous work <3

Jamie Kraus - That mountain view is bananas! Wow! Congrats on the publication!

Rachel Schrepel - Sooooo beautiful!!! Great work!! I’ve always wanted to shoot there!!

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{bethany + james} Standley Lake Wedding | Colorado Mountain Wedding Photographer | Colorado Wedding Photographer

Colorado Mountain Wedding Photographer | Colorado Wedding Photographer | Standley Lake Wedding | Denver Wedding Photographer | Kathryn Kim Photography

 

 

bride and groom portraits outdoors before standley lake wedding“It’s SO gorgeous with the fog! I promise it will be worth it!”

It was about 30 degrees, drizzling rain. A little cold for a bride in a sleeveless wedding dress. But the fog was so beautiful over the lake after the ceremony that I couldn’t resist! Bethany is such a trooper that she willingly agreed to 5 minutes of portraits after their Standley Lake wedding ceremony. I brought my handy cute clear umbrella, we put a tarp under her dress to protect from the mud, and went for it! I am so thrilled with the beautiful foggy bride and groom portraits that we got!

It will not take you long to conclude that Bethany and James are two precious souls. They are such sweet, endearing people. James’s reaction to Bethany during their first look is about the sweetest thing you’ll ever see. They are just so genuine and kind.

We had to change our plans for the location of first look / bridal party photos due to the weather, but they trusted me to make beautiful portraits in their backyard and I’m so glad they did! It was perfect with the super cute fence and green trees!

Believe it or not, these two lovers actually met in a Jiu Jitsu class! My husband did Jiu Jitsu for a few years, so I was so excited to hear that. It is a tough sport for sure! Extra props to Bethany for rockin it!

Bethany and James, it was such an honor to capture your love on your sweet wedding day! Your Standley Lake wedding was so dreamy and full of love. I wish you two the happiest of marriage journeys! May it be filled with so much love and adventure!

bride and groom share first look outdoors before standley lake weddingbride and groom portraits outdoors before standley lake weddingbride and groom share first look outdoors before standley lake weddingbride and groom portraits outdoors before standley lake weddingstandley lake wedding reception flowersbride and groom portraits outdoors before standley lake weddingstandley lake wedding ceremony outdoorsstandley lake wedding ceremony outdoorsbride and groom portraits outdoors before standley lake weddingbridal party portraits outdoorsbride and groom portraits outdoors before standley lake weddingbride and groom portraits outdoors before standley lake weddingbride and groom portraits outdoors before standley lake weddingbride and groom portraits outdoors before standley lake weddingbride and groom portraits outdoors before standley lake weddingstandley lake wedding reception bride and groom in barstandley lake wedding reception bride and groomstandley lake wedding reception in barstandley lake wedding reception detailsstandley lake wedding reception bride and groom in barstandley lake wedding reception bride and groomstandley lake wedding reception bride and groom in barstandley lake wedding reception bride and groom rings

Nicole - I love these wedding pictures! How lucky that you had that clear umbrella, it made for such cute pictures in the fog and rain. And love all the details too, his mountain wedding ring is so cool.

Kara Pearson - They are such a cute couple! I love all the emotion – and the umbrella photos!

kyla - This is such a beautiful Colorado Mountain Wedding. I adore their couples photos!

Jolie Rodriguez - You took the challenging weather and made it perfect. Congratulation to the beautiful couple.

Ashley - Jiu jitsu? What a cool way to meet! Great photos of what seems to be a super sweet couple!

Jennifer K - Beautiful photo narrative of this magical looking wedding! I love fog! Great details and what a lovely couple — beautiful work!

Anna Bruce | Artist - Gorgeous wedding! Congratulations Bethan and James! You would never know it was that cold! I love all the dreamy photos with the rain and fog <3

Mary - I love love love foggy weddings, what a beautiful bride! Such a gorgeous ceremony and reception. Beautiful!

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{emily + matt} la foret wedding | kathryn kim photography | colorado mountain wedding photographer

La Foret Wedding | Colorado Mountain Wedding Photographer | Kathryn Kim Photography | Denver Wedding Photographer | Colorado Wedding Photographer

I was honored to photograph Emily and Matt’s La Foret wedding alongside the amazing Stevie Ferreira Photography. We started bright and early and the whole day was so incredible! It turns out that Matt went to the University of Georgia for his master’s degree, which is where I did my undergrad in Photography. We weren’t in Athens at the same time, but it’s still such a small world!

Emily and Matt’s style and vibe of their whole La Foret wedding was total dreamworld for me. I loved their attire…Emily’s beautiful vintage wedding gown, insane dried out bouquet, flower crown, her fur! Other honorable mentions are Matt’s brown suit, plaid bowtie and shoes. It was all perfection! Their reception decor was super cool and unique as well!

Also would like to mention that I love a bride who isn’t afraid to do her finishing touches in the woods. La Foret is an incredible venue off the beaten path, out in the middle of the woods. It really reminded me of the south! Emily and Matt shared a sweet, intimate first look. They decided to also share their vows then which was awesome! I love that. It makes it so intimate and keeps the focus on the two of you, which is what the day is all about anyway!

I hope you enjoy my favorites from this amazing La Foret wedding! If you are interested in shooting at this venue, give me a shout!

bride and groom vintage attire for la foret wedding in coloradogroomgroom getting ready plaid bowtie la foret wedding coloradobride getting ready for wedding day at la foret wedding venuebride laughing while getting ready for wedding day at la foret wedding venuebridal portraits at la foret wedding venue in coloradobridal portraits with floral crown at la foret wedding venue in coloradobridal portraits with floral crown at la foret wedding venue in coloradodried out winter wedding bouquetgroom portraits at la foret wedding venue in coloradobride and groom share sweet intimate first look at la foret wedding venue in coloradobride and groom share sweet intimate first look at la foret wedding venue in coloradobride and groom share sweet intimate first look at la foret wedding venue in coloradobride and groom share a kiss during outdoor portraits at la foret wedding venuebride and groom share sweet intimate their vows at la foret wedding venue in coloradobride and groom outdoor portraits at la foret wedding venuebride and groom share a kiss during outdoor portraits at la foret wedding venuebride and groom outdoor portraits at la foret wedding venuebride and groom snuggle during outdoor portraits at la foret wedding venuebride and groom outdoor portraits at la foret wedding venuebride and groom outdoor portraits at la foret wedding venue in the mountains of coloradobride and groom outdoor portraits at la foret wedding venue in the mountains of coloradocandid photos at la foret wedding venue la foret outdoor winter wedding bride and groom portraitsla-foret-historic-wedding-venue-in-coloradola foret wedding ceremony flower girls walking down aislela foret wedding ceremonyla foret wedding ceremonyla foret wedding ceremony bride and groom exit with bubbleswinter wedding at la foret venue in colorado winter wedding at la foret venue in colorado la foret wedding reception decor detail photosla foret wedding reception bride and groom first dancela foret wedding reception toastsla foret wedding reception dancing

Jamie Kraus - I love that they shared their vows during the first look! It’s like an intimate elopement and traditional wedding combined! Genious!

Jennifer K - Oh this location and how you visually shared this wedding story are DREAMY!! Beautiful photos and gorgeous details… love love love!

Jamie Herrera - Impressive! Each detail was so carefully curated and preserved through your lens. The emotion conveyed is priceless and you are a true artist! My favorite image was the bride and groom wardrobes before they got dressed. I love the idea of putting them together like you did! And those flowers… AMAZING!

Brittany Gamblin - What a beautiful wedding! Amazing photos! So so gorgeous! <3

Jolie Rodriguez - Wow, I love this venue. Their wedding colors were just perfect. Gorgeous pictures. Her bouquet!

Jennie Crate - Stunning portraits! They look so happy and I love the colors they chose. Beautiful Kathryn!

Elizabeth Weitz - Wow! SO much to love about this beautiful day! I loved her beautiful gown and the girls fur stoles! Such a beautiful touch. Looks like a fabulous Wedding

Kaleigh - This wedding is so bohemian chic- I LOVE IT! Your photography style was perfect for this wedding too- the tones are just amazing! And yes- that fur…yes please haha

Danica Donnelly - Mmmmm I love mountain weddings! This is so sweet and beautifully captured! Love all the joy and excitement of the day

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