Lily and Charlie live in Golden, Colorado, but welcomed friends and family from Michigan and beyond for their Willow Ridge Manor wedding in Morrison. With around 200 guests attending, they wanted a venue that could comfortably host a large celebration while still feeling scenic, accessible, and true to who they are.
Willow Ridge Manor checked every box—including one very important one: being pet friendly, so their dog could be part of the day.
A Large, Joyful Wedding at Willow Ridge Manor
With many guests traveling from out of state, Lily and Charlie wanted a venue close to Denver that could accommodate a large group without feeling crowded. Willow Ridge Manor was the perfect fit. The expansive outdoor space and red rock scenery surrounding the venue created a beautiful backdrop for both their ceremony and portraits.
One of their top priorities was making sure the day felt relaxed and intentional, even with a full guest count. They planned a first look and romantic portraits before the ceremony, allowing them to take care of a big portion of their photos early. That way, once the ceremony was over, they could fully enjoy cocktail hour and the reception with their guests.
They were also looking for a photographer who could help them feel comfortable in front of the camera. Like many couples, they worried they weren’t very photogenic—but with gentle direction and a relaxed approach, we focused on natural movement and connection to capture photos that truly reflected their relationship.
A Dog Ring Bearer and Thoughtful Timeline Choices
One of the most memorable parts of their Willow Ridge Manor wedding was having their dog take part in the ceremony as the ring bearer. I’m always a fan of pets at weddings, and he absolutely stole the show in his little bowtie.
Before the ceremony, we also photographed the wedding party, which allowed everyone to relax and enjoy the rest of the evening together. Planning portraits earlier in the day made a huge difference—especially for a larger wedding like this one—and helped the celebration flow smoothly.
Between the red rock surroundings, the thoughtful timeline, and the joy of having their dog involved, Lily and Charlie’s wedding felt personal, lively, and full of genuine moments.
Thank you, Lily and Charlie
Lily and Charlie, thank you so much for inviting me to capture your Willow Ridge Manor wedding. It was such a joy to be part of your celebration and to document the love and energy you shared with all your guests. And of course—your dog was absolutely adorable. I hope you’re both doing well and soaking in this next chapter of your lives together. Much love to you both!
If you’re planning a Willow Ridge Manor wedding or a larger celebration in Colorado and want photography that feels natural and true to you, I’d love to connect. From guiding you through portraits to capturing the moments you’ll want to remember most, I’m here to help your day feel relaxed and meaningful.
👉 Learn more about Nichole Emerson Photography
The Willow Ridge Manor Wedding Creative Team
Wedding Venue – Willow Ridge Manor
Floral Arrangements- Fleur De Liz
DJ – Mark Frazen
Catering – Rocky Mountain Catering
Wedding Dress – Amanda’s Bridal
