Spring Wedding at Boettcher Mansion

Nearly 10 years ago, we had a super interesting “first” during a wedding in Evergreen, Colorado. Instead of a child or a dog, the couple chose to have a hawk carry their rings down the aisle. It was a joy for us to photograph and something we never thought we would see again. Fast forward to Alex and Julian’s spring wedding at Boettcher Mansion last weekend.

When A&J told us that they would have a hawk flying their rings down the aisle, we immediately got excited. And also a bit nervous. As a photographer, there is no take two if you miss a moment like this. And after talking to the self-professed “Bird Man,” who showed us the hawk’s intended flight path, we knew we’d only have around 2-3 seconds to capture the bird in the air.

Just before the ceremony, Moira and I coordinated our settings and our shooting angles. (Shout-out to the Bird Man for suggesting that we use a “fast shutter speed.” We certainly never would have arrived at that conclusion after two decades in this profession.)

As the bird of prey took flight, we got into position and let our cameras rip at 20 frames per second. We both captured a shot of the exact moment as the hawk came in for the “kill,” rings suspended in the air. I think my favorite part of this moment is the look on the groomsman’s face who, at the time didn’t realize there was a hawk in flight, and was trying to figure out why there was a dude standing in front of the bride and groom with a mouse in his hand.

Alex and Julian, thank you both a million times for choosing us to photograph your spring wedding at Boettcher Mansion, for being so fun to work with, and for giving us another awesome hawk (and owl) experience. We hope you’re both having a wonderful time in Greece!