Highlands Ranch Mansion Wedding

I had the sweetest opportunity to travel to Colorado for Darby and Dillon’s summer wedding, and it quickly became one of my favorite destination days. This dog-loving couple chose to say their vows at the stunning Highlands Ranch Mansion, a historic estate just outside of Denver in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. A Highlands Ranch Mansion Wedding already feels like something out of a storybook, but the way Darby and Dillon personalized it made the day even more special.

From the moment you arrive at the Highlands Ranch Mansion, you’re greeted by sweeping lawns, classic stone architecture, and views that stretch across more than 200 acres of preserved land. It’s one of the most iconic venues in the Denver area for a reason—there are grand indoor spaces, romantic outdoor ceremony locations, and so many beautiful corners for portraits. Their Highlands Ranch Mansion Wedding felt elegant and timeless, while still being warm, relaxed, and full of personality.

One of the first things I noticed about their day was Darby’s vision for a classy black and white theme. It was such a chic choice and worked perfectly with the historic feel of the mansion. The bridesmaids started the day in adorable black and white striped robes as they got ready—laughing, sipping champagne, and helping Darby with the final little details. Later, they changed into sleek black dresses that looked incredible against the light stone and lush greenery of the property. The groomsmen tied into the theme with black and white striped socks, a subtle but fun detail that made everyone smile. All together, the look of this Highlands Ranch Mansion Wedding was cohesive, stylish, and so photogenic.

One of my favorite personal touches from the day involved someone very important to Darby and Dillon—their pup. They decided to include their dog in a thoughtful, creative way by having a sketch of him printed on the napkins. It was such a sweet nod to their little family and a perfect detail for this dog-loving couple. Guests commented on it all night, and it made their Highlands Ranch Mansion Wedding feel even more like a true reflection of who they are.

As beautiful as the decor and details were, nothing topped Darby’s dress—and the story behind it. Her incredibly talented mother made her wedding gown by hand. I still get goosebumps thinking about that. In a world where most brides are choosing dresses off the rack or from designer collections, having a dress lovingly created by your own mom is so rare and special. The craftsmanship, the fit, and the emotion woven into every stitch made it one of the most meaningful details of the entire day. Watching Darby walk through the halls of the mansion in a gown her mother made, during her Highlands Ranch Mansion Wedding, felt like something you’d see in a classic novel.

The venue itself played such a big role in the feel of the celebration. The Highlands Ranch Mansion is a 27,000-square-foot historic estate with beautiful rooms, a grand hall, and manicured grounds that are perfect for both ceremonies and receptions. It’s surrounded by open ranchland, gardens, and walking paths, giving couples endless options for portraits. Everywhere you turn, there’s another stunning backdrop—stone archways, elegant staircases, tree-lined views, and wide open skies. Darby and Dillon’s Highlands Ranch Mansion Wedding took full advantage of this, and we were able to wander around the property capturing their love in so many different settings.

The black and white palette popped beautifully against the mansion’s warm tones and the surrounding greenery. The overall look was classic and refined, but never stuffy. This Highlands Ranch Mansion Wedding had the perfect blend of formal and fun—think stunning architecture and elegant styling, paired with lots of laughter, happy tears, and a packed dance floor once the sun went down.

As the evening settled in, the mansion’s interior glowed with warm light, and the celebration really came to life. Guests mingled in the historic rooms, enjoyed the beautiful reception setup, and soaked in the atmosphere that only a venue like this can provide. Between the heartfelt toasts, joyful hugs, and constant smiles, it was so clear how loved Darby and Dillon are by their family and friends.

Looking back on this Highlands Ranch Mansion Wedding, so many details stand out: the black and white theme carried through robes, dresses, and socks; the custom sketch of their pup on the napkins; Darby’s one-of-a-kind dress made by her mom; and the way the historic Highlands Ranch Mansion wrapped it all in this romantic, old-world charm. But more than anything, I remember how happy they were—how relaxed, present, and fully themselves they felt on their day.

It was such an honor to travel to Colorado and capture this chapter of their story. If you’re dreaming of a Colorado celebration that feels both grand and deeply personal, a Highlands Ranch Mansion Wedding is truly something special—and Darby and Dillon’s day is one I’ll never forget.