Katie and Mike’s summer-camp-themed wedding at Deer Creek Mountain Camp was an absolute DREAM to photograph. Every little detail was hand-crafted, insanely intentional, and on-theme. 

And I’m not exaggerating when I say everything came together to create the most magical 70’s-feeling summer camp experience that celebrated their love and was unforgettable for their guests.

I want this post to transport you back to Katie and Mike’s day as if you were there with me– fly on the wall style.  Let’s recap everything that made their day soo memorable. Okay, fine– not everything… but some major highlights.

The Coolest Venue: Deer Creek Mountain Park

This wedding had the intimacy and charm of a backyard wedding but with the size and energy of an insane outdoor venue- Deer Creek Mountain Camp. Think of it like a gorgeous summer camp, but for adults. Amazing, I know. This wedding had the intimacy and charm of a backyard wedding but with the size and energy of an insane outdoor venue- Deer Creek Mountain Camp.

This venue has tons of great perks:

• 120 acres of outdoor gorgeousness
• Only 30 minutes west of Denver, CO
• Dedicated getting-ready rooms
• Accommodates 25-150 guests
• Tons of on-site lodging options 

There are also tons of sweet photo ops at this venue– I mean there’s 120 acres to explore, like c’monnn. We drove up the mountain to an expansive overlook for photos. 

The 70’s Vibes = Unmatched

You all know I’m a sucker for anything old school, and Katie and Mike really leaned in on the seventies-vibes which I friggin’ loved. 

The 6 Insanely Memorable Details

Katie and Mike DIYed… everything. And I was so impressed with how incredible all the details for their day turned out. We’re talking handmade friendship bracelets, the coolest table numbers, and flower backdrops. And they didn’t skimp on FUN, like when the groomsmen had a mini Mario Kart marathon and basketball game tournament on the morning of the wedding.

Here were my 6 favorite details from this wedding at Deer Creek Mountain Camp:

1. The handmade friendship keychains

Nothing screams summer camp like plastic friendship keychains. The couple had a station out for their guests to get crafty. It was charming, fun, and super nostalgic. Their guests were sooo excited to string the alphabet beads together to create fun phrases that were perfect for celebrating the Whitneys’ big day.

2. Felt pennant table numbers

Seriously… look at these table numbers and tell me they aren’t so creative?! The pennants totally tie the summer camp theme in seamlessly. These added a fresh and youthful touch that I simply adored. And I think when guests saw these, they knew this couple was not messing around with the vibe they were after. 

3. Hand dyed bud vases 

The summer camp charm was unmatched by the swe1et bud vases they hand-dyed and placed gorgeous blooms in to display throughout the venue.

I loved that they opted for bud vases because they have a simplicity and elegance that bigger table arrangements don’t have. 

4. Hand-sewn table escort cards

“Nothing boring” might as well have been their motto. These sewn escort cards were a hit with their guests and added even more cutesy charm to the day.

5. Ceremony flower backdrop 

As K&M said I do, a stunning flower display hovered behind them. They made this themselves too, and it was such a photogenic backdrop and a great way to incorporate nature into their ceremony.

6. “Camp Whitney” shirts

Before the wedding day officially began, members of the bridal party were wearing “Camp Whitney” shirts as an homage to the couple’s new last name. They thought of everything. I’m convinced. 

The groomsmen wore the tees while they got ready for the ceremony. The ultimate vibe. 

Plus Film & Super 8 to Add Alllll The Nostalgia 

K+M added film and Super 8 coverage onto their package. And their venue was sooo perfect for it. 

The 35mm film photos I took will allow them to remember their day with all the grainy, nostalgic vibes intact. 

Super 8 is Kodak’s old school film that was made for 3 minute home videos. You know the cute montage in your fave old-school movie? The one where everyone is waving at the camera at the family BBQ. That’s Super 8 and it adds MAGIC to your final gallery — bringing your wedding day to LIFE with its unmatched charm. 

If you want to see the Super 8 footage I captured for The Whitney’s you can watch it HERE and HERE.

There’s nothing like film’s grain and texture. And when you pair that with the already nostalgic vibes of a summer camp, it’s absolute magic. 

I’m wearing my heart on my sleeve with this one, babes. This wedding day was incredible.

Getting married at Deer Creek Mountain Camp?

 
If you’re hoping to get married at Deer Creek Mountain Camp and are hoping for an experienced photog–who’s worked there and totally knows the ropes–you know where to reach me.