Breckenridge
A Destination Wedding in Breckenridge
Alyssa + David | 08.08.18
It was very important for Alyssa and David to get married in Breckenridge, Colorado. Alyssa’s parents have a house there so many a family weekend has been spent making memories in Breck. They decided on the picturesque Lodge at Breckenridge that was able to house their guests as well as host their amazing wedding for everyone! The date 8.18.18 was also of utmost importance as BOTH sets of (still married) parents of the Bride & Groom have the same wedding anniversary date of August 18th, which also made the day very special.
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THE RECEPTION
Despite finishing law school and studying for the bar exam which she took only WEEKS before her wedding, Bride Alyssa poured all of herself into all of the custom details of the day. All of the escort cards, signage and invitations were all hand-lettered and designed by the Bride. It was also important to her to have a little bit different centerpieces so she had custom made, battery powered Edison bulb wooden planks instead of any candles, surrounded by lush greens with some simple blooms.
At first glance, much of the day might look like a typical Colorado mountain wedding but it was so much more emotional! Instead of a first dance with her father, the Bride and her Father sang “American Pie” together, and even though there wasn’t an “official” bridal party, the Bride’s three best pals put together a little song & dance skit to one of the Bride & Groom’s favorite songs.
THE FILM
THE WEDDING TEAM
Planner: Hourglass Productions | Photographer: KMitiska Photography | Videographer: Basecamp Visual | DJ: Ignight Entertainment | Florist: MJM Designs | Cupcakes: Gold Mine Cupcakes | Hair: Kayla Wildeman | Makeup: Brooke Rock | Dress: Hayley Paige from Anna Be | Oxygen Bar: Summit Oxygen, Inc. | Lights & Draping: LMD Productions | Custom Centerpieces: Highlights Colorado | Venue: The Lodge at Breckenridge
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A Winter Elopement in Breckenridge
Snowball fights, ski lift rides, and a mountaintop elopement ceremony- does a wedding get more fun than that? We certainly don’t think so. Breeann and Andy celebrated their love with an intimate ceremony atop a snowy mountain at Sapphire Point Overlook in Breckenridge, Colorado. However, the mountaintop exchange wasn’t even the most magical part of the day. Filled with love, laughter, and pure happiness, Breeann and Andy’s big day is one that won’t soon be forgotten.
We love her weather appropriate boots!
Breeann radiated pure joy as she shared an intimate first look with her husband to be.
All smiles, the outdoorsy pair headed to Breckenridge for some whimsical shots on the ski lift and in the snow. Not even a little bit afraid of the cold, Breeann and her beau threw snowballs and collapsed in laughter in the snow. The soulful laughs these two share represent the kind of love that comes once in a lifetime, and we love the way that this fun-loving couple look at each other with nothing but adoration.
By the time they reached Sapphire Point, Breeann and Andy were more than ready to say “I Do” and they proudly displayed their “We Eloped” sign among the snow and trees.
Finally feeling a little bit of a chill, the newlyweds donned a flannel and beanie, respectively, for a few more shots before heading inside for some well-deserved champagne and celebration. It truly doesn’t get more beautiful than a mountaintop elopement!
THE ELOPEMENT TEAM
Photographer: From the Hip Photo | Ceremony Location: Sapphire Point | Reception Venue: Ember
A Colorado Elopement in the Snow
Laura & Adam | Breckenidge, Colorado
From the bride: We started planning a big wedding here in Houston but found it so stressful that we decided to elope. We already had a trip planned to Breckenridge, Colorado with friends so we said why not?!
We rented a 10-passenger van so all our friends could stay together throughout the day.
I decided to wear pink snow boots because traditional wedding shoes didn’t seem practical.
My favorite part of the day was everything our friends did to make it so special. They planned lots of little touches that I never would have thought of.
THE WEDDING TEAM
Photographer: We, The Light Photography | Hair & Make-up: First Impressions Salon & Spa | Flowers: Garden of Eden | Location: Sapphire Point
A Snowy Mountain Elopement in Colorado
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
Photographer: We, The Light Photography | Hair + Make-up: First Impressions Salon & Spa | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Bride’s Shoes: Oxford Pumps By Ralph Lauren Purple Label | Groom’s Suit: Charles Trywitt | Bouquet + Hairpiece: hand made by the bride
A Winter Wedding with a Snowboarding Bride & Groom
Twee & John | February 16th
From the photographer, Mark Creery Photography: Twee and John had a small and heart-felt wedding at Sapphire Point overlooking a frozen Lake Dillon and the mountains of Breckenridge Ski Resort. After several days of fog and snow, they had perfect February weather and were able to have a fun day that reflected their true personalities. After their morning wedding they decided to do what they loved doing together – hitting the slopes for some snowboarding. Twee caught lots of attention in her cheetah print shrug along with her dress, which covered almost her entire board and collected many pounds of snow and ice along the way. That didn’t stop her from shredding up the slopes with her new hubbie. With gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and the sun shining, it was an idyllic scene for some adventurous wedding photos.
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A Mountain Destination Wedding in Breckenridge
This is a super sweet mountain wedding from Susannah Storch Photography. The couple is from Chicago, but on a trip to Breckenridge years earlier, they had discussed how one day they wanted to be in Breck with all of their loved ones. This dream came true last July. The couple put together a lot of details playing on their newly shared last name of “key.”
THE VENDOR TEAM
Photographer: Susannah Storch Photography // Venue: Breckenridge Lodge and Spa // Cake Designer: Blue Moon Bakery // Floral Designer: Petal and Bean // Officiant: Summit Celebrant // DJ: Hampton Entertainment
A Colorado Lake Elopement
From the photographer, Rayna McGinnis: Sarah and Almir decided to elope to the Colorado mountains from Lincoln, Nebraska. Their only guests were Sarah’s parents and younger sister. Their day was marked by beautiful Colorado weather in a breathtaking location. Dillon Lake made for an amazing backdrop that complimented their personalities perfectly. They were a joy to work with, so full of life and laughter. Sarah was probably the happiest bride. From the moment she said I do, her smile became ever lasting and contagious.
From the bride: We made it a day about us, which for us is usually just relaxation. So, on our wedding day we got up early, drank tea together after breakfast, drove together to the ceremony site, got married, then relaxed the rest of the day. We even had a celebratory dinner together by ourselves; it was perfect!
We got out of the car, walked right up to the most gorgeous location inches from the lake. The mountains were in the background, the sun was shining, the clouds were puffy and bright.
My advice: Don’t feel obligated to follow everyone else or what’s trending; be brave and do what you want and your day will be perfect (and less stressful!)
Sarah’s RECOMMENDED VENDORS
Photographer: Rayna McGinnis Photography. Rayna was so much fun to work with, suggesting different poses and settings. Her personality is so cute too! The pictures are so beautiful that every time I look at them again, I fall even more in love with them!
Hair & Makeup: Kylee Williams. I’ve never worn make up before so she did a really good job of making me look natural but really beautiful. I was also worried because my hair is short and my trial run with my usual hairdresser didn’t turn out well, but Kylee came prepared! She had me send her pictures of the disaster, plus pictures of what my hair looks like blow dried, and because of her talent, she made my hair gorgeous! (I don’t know how, but she did it and it was perfect!)
Officiant: Diane Gansauer. She worked with us tirelessly to write an extremely personalized ceremony that included the exact wording we felt moved by. She had so many helpful suggestions and would accept any and all critiques with such professionalism. Her demeanor and attire at the actual ceremony was exactly right for the setting and only added to the perfection of the day. She also included a keepsake copy of our ceremony for us to treasure.
A Winter Elopement in the Mountains
From the bride, Margaret: We wanted something different than a beach wedding, or just a typical outdoor wedding. We both love the mountains and we also wanted to see snow. Since we are from Louisiana, we don’t get to see either one. I picked Colorado, just because I heard a lot of great things about the ski resorts. Once we started researching, we both fell in love with the pictures we saw of Breckenridge and both knew this was the place!
Our ceremony was at Sapphire Point on a bright and beautiful, snow covered day in 20 degree weather. The overlook was a frozen Lake Dillon, with snowcapped mountains all around us. We had an elopement-type ceremony, which made for a very intimate and powerful bonding.
Looking back, we would have made sure our trip was longer; we just didn’t have enough time to fully enjoy Breckenridge and the surrounding towns. There are so many things to see and do.
My advice: Consider a wedding and/or honeymoon in Colorado. It’s absolutely beautiful, the people are wonderful and I highly recommend the vendors we used.
Margaret & Robin’s
RECOMMENDED VENDORS
Ceremony Site: Sapphire Point. An absolutely beautiful place in the winter with snowcapped mountains all around you as you overlook Lake Dillon.
Photographer: Kristina Lynn Photography. She is an amazing and talented woman! We talked to her on the phone, told her what types of pictures we were wanting to capture and to our astonishment, she emailed us pictures before the wedding so we could see some different settings. She nailed it with what we were wanting! She took pictures at our lodge before the wedding, drove us to Sapphire Point and then after the ceremony she drove us to different locations and helped us get spectacular pictures. She was extremely professional, personalized the photographs and the day just for us, and listened to our requests. She made sure we were her top priority and we definitely felt it.
Lodging: Mountain Thunder Lodge. Conveniently located to everything, and the setting was breathtaking with mountains all around the backside of the lodge. We were able to bundle the car rental, ski lift tickets and the lodging all together for a discounted rate. The heated underground parking garage was wonderful and a lifesaver in the winter. There was a beautiful, cozy fireplace in our room, as well as a big and spacious balcony. The employees were very courteous and helpful to us. I highly recommend this lodge.
Hair & Makeup: Hair & Weddings by Kylee. She did an outstanding job with my hair and makeup! I absolutely loved it! I emailed her before the wedding asking her opinions on hair styles and hair accessories and she would respond by attaching pictures for her suggestions, which made it very easy for me to see what would look best. She opened up early for me (8:30 AM) and made me felt like I had known her for many years. She asked my thoughts on different things as we went along and made sure I was her main focus and was happy with the outcome.
Gown Designer: Belsoie by Jasmine. This is an absolutely beautiful and elegant dress that flatters and makes a “WOW” statement without being extravagant. It is actually a bridesmaid dress, but I love the fact how easily it turns into a simple bridal gown. I didn’t want the traditional big poufy gown with beads, so this dress was a perfect choice for me.
Groom’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse // Officiant: Gretchen Abernathy