Wedding Blog | Mountain Destination Weddings

A Spring Garden Wedding

April 19, 2018 / 0 Comments

From the photographer: It all started with a dress. We were so inspired by this gown that we knew we had to use it in an innovative and refreshing way. We were dreaming of a perfectly pink, whimsical, refreshing spring garden inspiration shoot. We started showing “Lindsay” off to many of our vendor friends and we knew we wanted to work with people who were just as inspired as we were. Somehow, this pretty little number nestled it’s way into all of our hearts and created this rare form of magic. The magic grew and grew. Our shoot seemed to take on a life of it’s own and evolved right before our eyes. We started referring to it as our “Through the looking glass” shoot, as a little nod to “Alice In Wonderland.” Like Alice, it grew and evolved so much throughout the planning process. Before long, we had a cake that matched the print of the gown, Alice In Wonderland inspired treats, paper cranes, paper lanterns and collectible rabbits involved in the shoot. Everyone’s heart became intertwined in this day and it quickly became very personal for each and every one of us that there were. Now, there is something to be said about working with vendors that share the same vision as you. Since it was so near and dear to each of our hearts, the enthusiasm of the day was absolutely infectious.

THE STYLE TEAM

A Snowy Mountain Elopement in Colorado

April 16, 2018 / 0 Comments

Sarah & Patrick | Breckenridge, Colorado

From the bride: We had a planned trip to visit Patrick’s family for Christmas in Colorado before moving overseas, and figured it would be the opertune time & place to get become husband and wife. Everything happened so fast for us. We were engaged in August, and we really wanted to be married December 21st, which left little time for planning and coordinating a wedding across the country. My husband loves winter and the mountains, and I loved the significance of the winter solstice, “after December 21st, every day becomes a little brighter than the last.

WHY COLORADO

We were instantly drawn to Sapphire point for our elopement location for several reasons. Sapphire is the December birthstone, and Patrick got me the most beautiful sapphire engagement ring. We were also staying close by, in Breckenridge for Christmas, and while looking in the location for a potential elopement spot, we could not believe it’s incredible beauty.

ADVICE

Just Do it! I love how the day was truly just for us. However it was also important for me to feel like a “bride” . To be able to wear a beautiful wedding dress, and pick out a cake + bouquet. I feel by eloping we avoided all of the stress that comes with planning an actual wedding. For example, the bouquet we had selected from a florist did not arrive by our expected date as planned. Which meant I had to make my own very last minute (which was actually ended up incredibly fun) I don’t know how one would be able to handle an entire floral arrangement for a wedding party and ceremony not arriving on time. We could not imagine having gotten married any other way.

THE WEDDING TEAM

A Pretty Blue Ridge Mountain Wedding

April 16, 2018 / 0 Comments

Mendy & Bryan | Landrum, South Carolina

From the bride: We met in Atlanta GA, we were both coaching college softball at the time. I was looking for my rental car in the parking lot and he almost hit me with his car.

THE PROPOSAL

Bryan proposed at my families Beach house, over looking the inter coastal waterway. My family was there and was able to experience the special moment together. Now every time I go to the beach with my family it reminds me of our sweet engagement.

THE LOCATION

Chapel at the Cliffs, I knew I wanted to get married in a chapel and the chapel at the cliffs was the perfect spot to walk down the aisle. It is a very special and unique chapel.

My favorite part of the day was when the chapel doors opened and I saw my husband. You always dream of your wedding and what it would be like, but when those doors opened it was the best feeling in the whole world.

My favorite part of the day was kissing my bride for the first time. -Bryan

Looking back, our wedding was special because we were surrounded by our friends and family which was super important to us.

THE WEDDING TEAM

An Organic Bridal Shoot in the Rocky Mountains

April 9, 2018 / 0 Comments

With a stunning floral bouquet and a breathtaking backdrop in the Cascade Mountains, these images have us dreaming of summer days. This shoot took place at the summit of Zopkios just outside Vancouver via the Coquihalla Highway. The area has a distinctive ridgeline that appears as if Mother Earth sliced through the rock revealing the granite slab leading up to the top. Although the original shoot location was relocated last-minute due to a grazing mama grizzly and her cub, the style team found a nearby wildflower meadow free of local wildlife. This talented group of wedding pros designed a simple and gorgeous shoot that truly showcases the unfathomable beauty and romanticism that is the Rocky Mountains.

THE STYLE TEAM

Photographer: Avec Amour Weddings | Floral Designer: Our Little Flower Company | Dress Designer: Renee Monique Designs | Makeup Artist: Styled by Heidi | Model: Lianne

See more styled shoots | Rocky Mountain Weddings, Canada

A Gorgeous Rocky Mountain Wedding

April 3, 2018 / 0 Comments

The big city met Rocky Mountain charm in the heart of Beaver Creek, Colorado at this mountain destination wedding. Rachael and Keegan were married on a warm early summer day at the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. Their friends and family enjoyed fresh mountain air, lots of love, and with the help of their furry friend, R&K said their “I do’s”. The couple wanted to keep the design of their wedding very simple, yet elegant. Rachael’s classic dress was a stunning match with Keegan’s striking blue suit. Her bridesmaids all wore different gowns in neutral colors and patterns. Flowers were simple, yet formal – green and white with explosions of eucalyptus and hydrangea. Th reception flowers included a stunning installation of greenery and orbs over the tables while garlands adorned the elegant ballroom chandeliers. Guests flew in from all over the country and had a blast dancing the night away!

THE WEDDING TEAM

A Mountain Wedding in the Vail Valley

March 28, 2018 / 0 Comments

Carly & James | Eagle, Colorado

From the couple: From the very first time we visited and soaked in the idyllic scenery, we knew the Vail Valley was where we wanted to get married someday. We could not have dreamed up a place that would give our guests a taste of the Colorado Mountains.

THE DESIGN

Our mountain boho luxe style was fluid, authentically Colorado and perfectly resonanted with the venue. We chose a large color palette with burgundies, coral, peach, off whites, and navy.

James gave each of his groomsmen personalized cufflinks that fit each groomsman’s personality and interests.

THE CEREMONY

The ceremony was held at The Chapel at Beaver Creek. The colors, ambiance, and intimate nature of the venue made for the most cozy and love-filled room. It was early enough that all the light poured in through the windows perfectly and the cloud cover was minimal. Outside we were surrounded by golden to red aspen, sunshine and fall.

The whole Chapel radiated with joy and we felt blessed to be surrounded with our fabulous friends and family. The Priest sent us off with the most beautiful messages and took us by surprise with his thoughtfulness.

After the ceremony, we had the opportunity to have a little one on one time. We somehow broke into dance, our first dance. I sang to James and we whirled and twirled. It was an incredible moment that allowed us to step back and enjoy our day just as the two of us. It was perfect.

THE GUEST BOOK

Our guest book was a hand-painted tree that now hangs in our livingroom.

THE RECEPTION

We had delicious mountain food, cozy details like blankets for the s’more bar (outside!), a family history wall, cascading florals and just the right amount of white and formal.

THE DECOR

We had 3 long farm tables at the front of the room surrounded by circular tables. The head tables had a long Eucalyptus runner and lanterns with flowing flowers. The flower arrangements were ethereal and cascading: a mix of peach roses, white dahlias, burgundy ranuculus, blushing bride portea, pieris japonica, hanging pepper berry, astrania, seeded eucalyptus and burgundy amaranthus. Each accent table had a selection of small vases and varied fall flowers.

FAVORITE DETAIL

Our favorite detail was the custom-labeled beer (The Priestley Pilsner and I Do Brew) we had as our parting favors for guests from Tommyknocker Brewing Co, complete with hand-dipped wax caps!

ADVICE

Take time to be really thoughtful about how you want your day to be. Think of your 5 most important priorities, how you want guests to feel, and what the overarching theme of your wedding is—it can be a loose theme, but have a picture in mind. Secondly, be a bit selfish. Do a few things every month leading up to your wedding for the two of you. Take time to appreciate the process and definitely take time ON your wedding day to enjoy yourself and your company. This moment will never happen again, do regret not being perfectly present. Similarly, don’t get caught up in any drama, actions of others, things that go wrong or the unexpected. Put blinders on and keep the end goal in mind: you are one step closer to spending the rest of your life with the love of your world!

THE WEDDING TEAM

View more: Colorado Mountain Weddings | Fall Mountain Weddings

Soft & Organic Inspiration for the Mountain Bride

March 20, 2018 / 0 Comments

From the photographer, Dylan Cross Photo: This styled bridal shoot is meant to showcase the talent available in the Front Range, and specifically within 45 minutes of Boulder. My goal with this shoot was to create something beautiful with a sense of place. The Front Range bride is elegant without being fussy. She appreciates small details but knows how to focus on the larger picture and enjoy her day. She doesn’t mind a little dust on her dress or a small delay in her ceremony due to our characteristic summer afternoon rainstorms. She wants everyone to enjoy their visit to Colorado as much as her wedding. This shoot is for her.

Maci Marie Bridal in Louisville, Colorado provided the beautiful Rowena dress by WToo. Kim Jundt of Kim J Beauty gave our model a soft foundation with a bit of shimmer and a perfectly undone updo. Rachel of A Florae designed the most exquisite organically shaped bouquet overflowing with coral, golden, and fuchsia roses.

Veronica of Something Borrowed Vintage Rentals provided the lush red velvet sofa.

The texture of Avo Ink’s invitation suite is divine for the tactile bride who would never choose an e-book over a vintage hardcover copy, who would never choose an e-mail over a handwritten letter. Her designs on soft linen white paper with gold and fuchsia accents were the perfect complement to the floral bouquet.

Natalie of Avo Ink added flawless calligraphy to our mirrors.

The Style Team

See more: Styled shoots | Colorado weddings

An Elegant Snow-Kissed Styled Shoot

March 14, 2018 / 0 Comments

This nature-inspired shoot features simple elegance with a clean and crisp white and green color palette with hints of gold. Organic elements with evergreens and pinecones blend perfectly with the snowy Blue Ridge Mountain backdrop. Lots of earthy wedding ideas mountain brides can incorporate into their wedding day.