Destination Crested Butte

Denise & Brad | August 18th | Crested Butte, Colorado

From the bride, Denise:
We lived in Crested Butte for a year, and still consider it our favorite place on earth. We didn’t want to have a big wedding, and 90+% of our guests were coming from out of state or out of the country.  Rather than follow the outline of a standard wedding, we created our own rituals. Everyone rode the chairlift to the venue. Our dog, Otter, carried our vows pinned to his collar, escorted by our Flower Matron. After the opening of the ceremony we each introduced our attendants to our guests, and the formalities concluded with a champagne toast. Everyone then enjoyed a cocktail hour with music, lawn games, and light fare presented in picnic baskets and on tiered silver trays. Drinks included a selection of Colorado microbrews, champagne and Pimm’s Cups.

We had events throughout the week so guests could get to know each other. On Wednesday we had a Welcome Gathering featuring rum from Montanya Distillers in Crested Butte. Thursday night we rented a screen at the Majestic theater to screen our slideshow and play our favorite movie (Blazing Saddles). Friday we had the rehearsal at the site and rehearsal dinner on-mountain at Uley’s Cabin for wedding participants, followed by Sunset Cocktails for all the invitees.

Our in-case-of-rain plan for the outdoor ceremony was 25 different umbrellas in the wedding colors (different sizes, patterns and shapes).

We were married in the meadow at the top of the Red Lady chairlift at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, with the Elk Mountains as our backdrop.

After the ceremony, there was a two-hour break allowing time for guests to relax, change clothes or nap. The reception was held in Crested Butte at Maxwell’s restaurant. Décor included crystal chandeliers, candlelight yellow uplighting, and rich fabrics.

Our tent was decorated with yellow seersucker drapes, and the interior ceiling covered with various sized paper lanterns in shades of blue. This allowed for cover for the food and bar, and shelter in case of inclement weather.

My advice: Take your time! Think about what you really want before you make ANY plans. Others will pressure you into decisions (What sort of flowers are you having?), but you should really decide what you want the event to be (Do I want any flowers at all?).

The theme for the rehearsal party was Mountain Pub, and included ping-pong, darts and foosball tables, and large chandeliers crafted out of Colorado beer bottles.

Since we were hiking directly from town the next morning to start our honeymoon, our backpacks were decorated and brought to the reception. We left wearing them, with cans and streamers tied to them, and ‘Just Married!’ signs.

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Photographer: Alison White Photography  //  Event Planner: Crested Butte Events  //  Ceremony Site: Crested Butte Mountain Resort  //  Reception Site: Maxwell’s Restaurant  //  DJ: High Mountain DJs  //  Décor: Pink Monkey Solutions  //  Invitations: The Envelope Please   //  Wedding Dress: The Little White Dress   //  Hair & Makeup: The Cut Above

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