Julie & Joe · September 21, 2025

By David Massey Photo – Colorado Springs Wedding Photographer


There are wedding days that simply feel effortless from beginning to end — and Julie & Joe’s celebration at Hillside Gardens was exactly that kind of day. Meticulously planned by Dream Catcher Weddings, surrounded by the fall colors of late September, views of Pikes Peak (and 113 of their closest friends and family) their wedding struck the perfect balance of emotional, joyful, relaxed, and deeply meaningful.

Below is a behind-the-scenes look at their full wedding day timeline and how everything unfolded.

This guide is also incredibly helpful for any future couples planning a Hillside Gardens wedding or trying to design the perfect Colorado Springs wedding timeline.

Getting Ready

Vendors arrived, décor began taking shape, and hair and makeup got started for Julie and her mom. Hillside Gardens’ Bridal Cottage is peaceful, filled with natural light, and perfect for warm, candid getting-ready photos.

Joe and his groomsmen settled into the Groom’s Room, a cozy, tucked-away space perfect for capturing those natural, relaxed moments before the ceremony.

A sequence of wedding preparation photos showing bridesmaids helping with final dress adjustments in a bright room.
A bride in a flowing white dress stands by large windows in a room with emerald velvet couch and wooden ceiling.
A person wearing a white lace-trimmed slip dress poses against a white wall in soft natural lighting.
A bride in a white dress poses near a window with natural light streaming in, creating a soft, romantic atmosphere.
Delicate pink and white floral arrangements with eucalyptus leaves displayed in a romantic wedding styling layout.
A wooden garden arbor with lattice sides stands in a peaceful wooded setting surrounded by trees and foliage.
Seven connected panoramic photos show a winding residential street lined with trees and utility poles on an overcast day.
Delicate white monogrammed handkerchief with embroidered scalloped edges displayed with eucalyptus leaves and gold jewelry.
A wooden bench sits beneath a lush green tree canopy in a tranquil garden setting.
Wedding details flatlay with floral heart decoration, rings on white plates, and eucalyptus leaves with coral flowers.
Art nouveau style wedding invitation with coral and gray florals featuring gold wedding rings and peach flowers.
A close-up view of a delicate rose gold engagement ring with a sparkling center diamond on a soft blurred background.
Art nouveau style wedding invitation with pink and sage green floral design and gold accents on colored envelopes.
Rustic wooden wedding welcome signs with coral flowers and elegant white text display event details against a dark background.
Two men in gray suits share a candid laughing moment while getting ready for a formal event.
Two people in gray suits embrace in an emotional moment outside a building with white walls.

first look with dad

As the bridesmaids finished getting ready and Julie stepped into her dress, we captured one of the most emotional parts of the day: Father-Daughter First Look. Julie's dad saw her for the first time in her gown, and it was a moment full of tears, laughter and pride - the Lind of memory you never forget.

A series of connected park scenes showing people walking along a tree-lined path on a sunny day.
A couple walks along a peaceful tree-lined path in a park on a sunny afternoon.
A joyful moment shared between a bride in a white dress and someone in a grey suit during an outdoor wedding.
A bride in a white dress shares a joyful moment with loved ones outdoors near a rustic wooden wall.

First Look & Portraits

Julie & Joe chose to share a private first look before the ceremony. Joe's genuine and heartfelt reaction to seeing his soon-to-be bride was one of the most heartwarming moments of the entire day. Surrounded by lush greenery and soft September light, the moment was a perfect way to slow down and soak each other in before the day sped up. The incredible tunnel at the venue was the perfect backdrop for this moment.

Afterward, we captured couple portraits across the property before the ceremony.

Person in a light grey three-piece suit poses confidently in a garden setting.
A sequence showing a person in a gray suit walking down a garden path surrounded by lush greenery.
A couple in wedding attire walks along a garden path surrounded by lush greenery.
A couple shares a romantic moment on a garden path surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
A first look sequence showing a couple in wedding attire sharing an emotional moment in a garden setting.
A couple shares an emotional first look moment in a garden setting, captured in a sequence of candid photos.
A series of candid wedding photos showing emotional reactions during a first look moment in a garden setting.
A sequence of romantic first look photos capturing joyful reactions between a couple in an outdoor garden venue.
A couple shares a tender moment during their wedding first look in a garden setting with string lights overhead.
A couple shares their first dance at an outdoor wedding reception under string lights and trees.
A romantic couple shares a tender kiss in an outdoor garden setting with lush greenery and trees in the background.
A couple embraces on a scenic outdoor pathway with trees and natural landscaping in the background.
Wedding couple poses together on a scenic garden path with trees in the background.
Wedding couple poses together on a grassy lawn with trees and rustic buildings in the background.
A romantic outdoor wedding scene with trees and sunlight filtering through the branches in a natural setting.
Bride in a white sleeveless dress poses against green foliage in natural lighting.
A wedding dress detail shot against lush green foliage and white flowers in a garden setting.
Wedding couple shares joyful laughter together in an outdoor garden setting.
A romantic couple shares intimate moments in a garden setting during their wedding celebration.
A couple embraces during a romantic outdoor photo session with soft bokeh lighting in the background.

the ceremony

As guests arrived to acoustic music, the energy shifted to excitement and anticipation. The processional began to “The One” by Christopher Phillips, followed by the most beautiful bridal entrance to Kacey Musgraves’ “Butterflies.”

Surrounded by friends, family, and the mountains, Julie & Joe exchanged vows, rings, and shared their first kiss — officially becoming Mr. & Mrs. Peoria! Once the ceremony ended, and the celebration flowed seamlessly into cocktail hour.

Stone benches arranged in rows facing mountains with adobe walls and trees in the background under a cloudy sky.
Wedding guests enjoy a sunny outdoor reception while seated at long tables under natural lighting.
Peach-colored fabric draped across a curved wall installation creates an artistic architectural display against a cloudy sky.
Guests mingle and socialize at an outdoor wedding reception with white tablecloths and natural decor.
Orange fabric drapes elegantly from a wedding arch adorned with a lush floral arrangement against a beige wall.
Wedding ceremony under a draped orange fabric arch with attendees gathered in formal attire outdoors.
Outdoor wedding ceremony under a bright orange fabric arch with mountains and desert landscape in the background.
Pink roses bloom in a garden with stone urns and architectural elements under a bright blue sky.
A panoramic collage of an outdoor wedding ceremony with guests gathered under a sunny sky against mountain scenery.
A romantic wedding ceremony sequence shows a couple kissing under an orange-draped archway at sunset.
Wedding party poses playfully against an orange and white backdrop with mountains in the distance.
A couple shares romantic moments in a garden setting captured in black and white photography.

cocktail hour

Guests enjoyed drinks and lawn games as the couple signed their marriage license and we capture family and wedding party formals.

People gather at an outdoor venue with trees and string lights, socializing and enjoying drinks at a casual event.
Wedding party shares drinks and laughter during an outdoor sunset celebration in a garden setting.
A couple in wedding attire signs documents at a round table with a peach-colored tablecloth during an outdoor ceremony.
Outdoor wedding reception venue with orange tablecloths and covered pavilion surrounded by lush green landscaping.
A couple sits on a rustic wooden bench in a lush garden setting during a wedding ceremony.
Large wedding party group photo with bridesmaids and groomsmen lined up against a natural green backdrop.
Groomsmen in gray suits playfully pose together in a candid group photo outdoors.

Grand Entrance & Dinner

Julie & Joe made their grand entrance as newlyweds, followed by a relaxed BBQ buffet dinner. The reception space at Hillside Gardens felt cozy and joyful — string lights, warm wood textures, and a relaxed garden atmosphere. Perfection!

Elegant black and white photo of a formal table setting with wine glasses and floral centerpieces at a wedding reception.
Elegant table setting with pink depression glass goblets and delicate floral centerpieces at a wedding reception.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate on a dimly lit dance floor during an evening reception celebration.
A festive wedding reception in a rustic barn venue with string lights and guests seated at long tables.
Modern industrial office space with large windows, high ceilings, and exposed concrete floors and beams.
A panoramic view of a rose garden with blooming flowers against a cloudy mountain landscape at sunset.
Ornate stone fountain with water jets spraying in a garden with pink flowers and mountains in the background.
Black and white wedding ceremony photo of a couple walking down the aisle outdoors with guests seated on both sides.
Couples dancing together at an outdoor garden reception with terracotta tiles and decorative urns at sunset.

Toasts, Dancing & Celebration

Julie’s dad, her sister, and Deyton shared heartfelt, funny, and emotional speeches that had the entire room smiling. First dance was accompanied by Automobile” by Kaleo and Special parent dances, including ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” and Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Boogie Nights.” And then — open dancing officially began!


Julie did a quick dress change with help from her sister before rejoining the reception. Guests enjoyed dancing, the shoe game, and a full night of laughter.

Wedding party members laugh and celebrate while toasting with drinks at an elegant indoor reception venue.
A wedding couple dances together during their first dance at an elegant indoor reception venue.
Black and white photo showing wedding guests mingling at an elegant reception celebration.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate on a rustic wooden dance floor under warm string lights at an evening reception.
Wedding reception venue decorated with warm string lights and guests dancing on wooden floor.
A collage of wedding reception scenes showing guests dining and dancing in an elegant venue with warm lighting.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate on a dimly lit dance floor decorated with string lights above.
People dancing and celebrating at a nighttime party with glowing lights in the background.
Wedding guests dancing together under string lights at an indoor reception venue.
Couples dancing together on a wooden floor beneath string lights at an indoor wedding reception venue.
Wedding reception dance floor filled with guests enjoying themselves under twinkling lights in a rustic venue.

Send Off

With one final song and a tunnel of cheering guests, Julie & Joe ended their night with a joyful send-off led by Uncle Billy and their getaway vehicle.

A collection of wedding reception photos showing couples dancing and celebrating under outdoor string lights at night.
Wedding celebration with guests dancing and celebrating at an outdoor evening reception.
Wedding party guests dance and celebrate with sparklers during a nighttime reception celebration.
Four similar vintage-style photographs show someone in glasses sitting in the driver's seat of a car at night.

Final Thoughts

Julie & Joe’s wedding was the perfect reflection of who they are: warm, joyful, intentional, and so clearly meant for each other. From their emotional first look to their sunset portraits and energetic reception, their entire day at Hillside Gardens in Colorado Springs was a dream to photograph. Especially with the planning expertise from Dream Catcher Weddings that ensured every details was meticulously cared for ensuring the most stress free and enjoyable day for the couple.

If you’re planning a wedding at Hillside Gardens — or anywhere in Colorado Springs — I’d love to help document your story!

A couple in wedding attire stands together on a garden path surrounded by trees and greenery.