I'm a lover of color, family, love, laughter + sunshine.
I also live on coffee + tacos, but what mom of toddlers doesn't?1
-Candice
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So I need to be real with you guys. After my own wedding (…okay over a year later) I finally ordered prints for my walls. My goal was to create a wall of wedding photos that would make Pinterest proud. But, when I received the prints…it started the quest of trying to find frames that...
Audrey + Andrew…or A2 as I shall call them from now on, were such a blast to hang out with during their engagement session! When we were brainstorming for their session, we came up with a few ideas; nerf guns, picnics, flowwy dresses in the water, flower crowns…the list goes on. While we might of not done everything, what we did photograph was nothing less than magical. We photographed everything around the Montage in Laguna Beach, and lucked out with not only the weather, but the crowds.
Sam + Joe are just like me, out of state transplants that got bit with the Colorado bug and moved across the country on a whim. How could you blame them? Colorado is filled with nice people, endless mountains, and winters that are just as fun as the summers.
These two met in Vail and after living there and in Denver for a few years…they decided to call Glenwood Springs their home. I had the pleasure of photographing them in their new hometown, and we chased the changing leaves while enjoying the perfect fall weather.
Next summer these guys are getting married in the city where it all started…in one of my favorite locations I’ve found while exploring Colorado, Piney River Ranch. You guys know how to pick a location, that’s for sure!
I first met Kiersta randomly at a wedding up in Fort Collins, Colorado. I was photographing bridesmaids bouquets when she popped up and said “You’re Candice Benjamin, right?” at this point I was kinda scarred…I was 2nd shooting and my 1st goal is for people to not know who I am. And this bright eyed bridesmaid knew who I was? I smiled, shook my head and quickly went on my way….extremely flattered but not wanting to “get into trouble”.
A few months later Kiersta emails me and tells me she’s also a photographer/graphic designer, has been following me for years and wants me to photograph her destination wedding in Punta Cana. Um, yes?
If that wasn’t enough a dream, they asked me to travel up to Portland, Oregon for their engagement session. We spent the entire day chatting, eating, laughing, and I really enjoyed being shown around their new home state. Kevin is also the coffee king (he has a setup that would put Starbucks to shame!!), so of course we started the session with homemade lattes. Heaven.
Gold Dress: Rent The Runway || Hair + Makeup: Powder Inc. || Flowers: Sammy’s Flowers ||
Courtney + Brad wanted to celebrate their anniversary with a long overdo couple’s session and I was so happy the stars aligned! They traveled in from Iowa and we made our way to Mt. Falcon Park in Morrison, CO a fun afternoon around the trees!
Laura + Dustin are tying the knot this weekend so I wanted to share a few of my favorite images from their San Fransisco engagement session! We started at the Palace of Fine Arts and ended at Baker Beach! You would never expect to have such a clean backdrop on Labor Day weekend, but things just fell into place beautifully!
It’s hard to sum up such an emotional, loving day in just a few sentences…so I hope that my photos pick up where my writing will leave off. Brooke + Nathan’s wedding was one of those special events where the day of the wedding I already knew most of the family. We spent the night before walking through the mansion, choosing the location for the ceremony, relaxing by the pool, and talking about life while joking about jumping in the fountain. The morning of the wedding, I couldn’t sleep in…I was too excited. So instead of jumping in a car and watching traffic, I walked up one flight of stairs and started shooting details.
Brooke + Nathan’s #1 goal was to make their wedding a reflection of them. After their first look, we all stepped away to let the couple pray and have a moment alone. It was one of those moments that I wish happened more at weddings. Brooke’s father married them in the backyard of the Mansion, overlooking a wooden cross that Nathan and his Father made by hand. Everything tied together so perfectly, and I feel so lucky I could be a part of it.
Venue: Newhall Mansion || Coordinator: Events By Robin || Florist: Lace Roots Floral || Centerpieces: Family || Makeup: Jennifer Glezer || DJ: Andy – VOX DJ’s || Video: Plant and Plow Video || Cake: Jill’s Cake Creations || Wedding Dress: The Bridal Collection || Signage: Jasmin Michelle Designs ||
Some of you guys might recognize Brooke, she’s been my assistant for the last year! When I was hearing talks of this new guy….Nathan…I could see Brooke just light up. They met at Church, cleaning up puzzle pieces on stage, and I love how much they involve God into their life + love. I knew it was just a matter of time and I’m so incredibly honored to photograph their wedding day.
This last spring we visited Paramount Ranch in Malibu and explored the old filming grounds. I love the fact that Nathan spends every weekend hiking around the area, and after the shoot they introduced me to one of their favorite dinner spots!
This Saturday they are completing the puzzle (see what I did there?!?!) and becoming husband and wife! I can’t wait! See you guys in a few days!
Paradise Falls feels like a botanical garden on one of the islands of Hawaii…and since I’m a huge fan of that little paradise, I LOVED shooting Heidi + Jason’s wedding. It was a warm, but beautiful day with a first look, lush gardens, and so much love you couldn’t help but have a great time.
Venue: Paradise Falls || Coordinator: Julianne of Los Willows || Videographer: PressPauseMedia || Florals: Maria Owston Floral Designs || Cake: King Hawaiian Bakery || DJ: Pro Sound DJ’s || Makeup + Hair: Vivian Tran || Wedding Dress: David Tutera for Mon Cheri Bridals || Bridesmaid Dresses: For Her and Him ||
Tamara + Ryan are getting married in Sonoma, California next year, so when they mentioned having me fly to Boston my heart tried to jump out of my body. It’s been years since I visited the historic city, and on this trip I even had a few hours to explore (and eat my weight in seafood) before meeting up!
We started walking around the neighborhood, and then ended the session in the Back Bay. I was in awe of the history surrounding me, and I could easily see why they made Boston their home. <3
Within the first email, I knew I would love shooting Nancy + David’s wedding. They not only picked e a beautiful venue in the Bay Area, but they share my obsession with trees and beautiful light. I loved traveling down to the bay area, and was honored to work alongside some fantastic vendors as well. Charmed Events designed a beautiful event, and it was so refreshing to work with a team that loved details as much as I do.
To sum up the amazingness of this wedding…I want to leave you with four words: First Dance Confetti Cannon.
Venue: Castlewood Country Club || Coordinator: Charmed Events || Florist: Poppy Petalworks || DJ: DJ Twin Spin || Boba Tea Station: Boba Guys || Wedding Dress: BoLee Bridal Couture || Hair and Makeup: Faces by Emily || Dessert Table: Sugarie Macarons / Lizzy D’s Cupcakes / Paris Baquette || Cake: Kara’s Cupcakes || Same Day Video: Awkward Turtle Media || Linens: La Tavola Linens || Event Rentals: Pleasanton Event Rentals || Officiant: Kathy – Friend || Ceremony Musician: Charles Wang || Lighting: JL Imagination ||
Saturday was 12 years in the making. After years of being “just friends”, it took a leap of faith and Vince being deployed in Afghanistan to make their relationship shine bright. Every part of the wedding was planned and made personal. Handwritten notes shared between the two of them were read during the ceremony, and even ending the night driving to a family member that couldn’t make it to the wedding.
But I think my favorite part of the day was watching Vince + Natalia goof off so lovingly with each other. When I can be 100% myself the entire wedding day because the couple reminds me so much of myself (and Jay) it fills me with so much joy. Joy that might involve running to catch the last 30 seconds of sunset, or having the bride sneak us a taste of their signature drink. Also, sarcasm is my love language.
Guys. Thank. You. <3 <3 <3
Venue: Walnut Grove Wedding Venue || Coordinator: Mia Bella Weddings || Florist: Yamagucci Flowers || Cake: Sweet Arleen’s || Hair + Makeup:Rejuvination Salon || DJ/Photobooth: Black Tie Events || Wedding Dress: Watters||
Hello and welcome!
A Northern Colorado and Fort Collins Wedding Photographer for couples that love color, laughter and relaxed moments. Candice Benjamin Photography
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Northern Colorado Photographer located in Greeley, CO