INTIMATE TELLURIDE, COLORADO MOUNTAIN WEDDING | ALTA LAKES OBSERVATORY
TELLURIDE & MOUNTAIN VILLAGE
Lauren + Todd’s intimate Telluride, Colorado mountain wedding took place in at the cutest and most quaint venue- Alta Lakes Observatory. If you’ve been there, you know how stunning of a location it is and how dreamy it may be to have a wedding here. If you’re unfamiliar with Telluride, the main town is a little ski village is nestled in a canyon surrounded by jagged peaks, some as high as 14,000 feet. In the summer, the canyons are covered in luscious trees and greenery and look like something out of a storybook. There is historical architecture with Victorian-era homes, boutiques, exceptional restaurants, and a small-town lifestyle. You can go between Telluride and Mountain Village by a free gondola, and you also have easy access to the Telluride Ski Resort and Uncompahgre National Forest.
A LOVELY DAY TO SAY “I DO”
Lauren and Todd wanted to cherish their special day celebrating their love in the mountains with their closest friends so they invited 10 or so of their closest friends to stay in the cabin that is Alta Lakes Observatory. Later that summer they would have their wine-country celebration with family. Their intimate Telluride, Colorado mountain wedding day began slow- making coffee and breakfast, and then eventually getting in to their wedding attire in the quaint mountain cabin at the base of the San Juan Mountain range. While the bride and groom were finishing getting ready, I walked the area and found a beautiful spot to conduct their ceremony overlooking the cabin’s private alpine lake. The ceremony was with just the bride and groom, and Lauren’s best friend as the officiant. It was the most intentional and sweet ceremony I have ever been a part of for that reason (the vows were also of course, nothing but precious.) Afterward, we rejoined their friends, who warmly welcomed them into their beautiful reception hosted by the amazing Forage Sisters who put together the tastiest 4 course meal. As a special touch, one of their guests (another close friend) who bakes as a hobby made their cake- talk about the perfect way to include the special people in your life on our wedding day. The entire day was so laid back, full of love, intimate conversation, and immaculate 360-degree views.
COLORADO ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER | WHITNEY RAE PHOTOGRAPHY
Want to plan your very own intimate Colorado mountain wedding? Let’s work together! Please inquire about your special day by filling out my contact form. I can’t wait to meet you and help tell your story!
VENDORS
Venue | Alta Lakes Observatory
Hair and makeup | Racquel Elena
Floral | Nested Telluride
Catering | Forage Sisters
Coordination | Knotted Events Co.
Mountain town | Visit Telluride
Every wedding is unique and deserves more than a cookie-cutter approach. By stepping back to let intimate moments unfold naturally while offering support and guidance to ensure no important memory is missed, I strive to create timeless images that blend an editorial style with a documentary approach. From the distinctive details of your celebration to the cherished traditions, I'll deliver a collection of photographs that allow you to relive these memories for years to come. After all, the moments that matter most aren’t always staged or polished—they’re raw, authentic, and uniquely you.
Don’t you agree?
MY PHILOSOPHY
An Honest Wedding Experience
“Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still”
Words I Live by
I'm WHITNEY.
Your wedding day is a story—one filled with fleeting moments of beauty, deep emotion, and once-in-a-lifetime memories. As an artist, I am here to preserve those moments with intention, artistry, and care. I don’t just capture what your wedding looked like—I document how it felt.
Born and raised in the breathtaking landscapes of Vail, Colorado, I am deeply inspired by the way love and nature intertwine. There’s something poetic about the way light moves across mountain peaks, the way wind dances through a bride’s veil, and how the beauty of the outdoors mirrors the intimacy of a wedding day. My work is shaped by this connection—an effortless blend of refined editorial imagery and documentary storytelling, allowing each wedding to unfold naturally while being captured with timeless elegance.
Beyond photography, I am an adventurer at heart. Whether I’m exploring new landscapes, hiking through the Rockies, or traveling to breathtaking destinations, my love for movement and exploration brings an effortless, natural feel to my imagery. Every love story is unique, and I am deeply invested in capturing the emotions, scenery, and in-between moments that make your wedding day truly unforgettable. From the moment we connect, my goal is to provide an effortless, elevated experience that allows you to be fully present while I handle the art of storytelling. With a calm, intuitive approach, I blend artistic direction with documentary storytelling—guiding you when needed while allowing your most authentic moments to unfold naturally. My couples value timeless, emotive imagery, a refined yet relaxed presence, and the confidence of knowing their memories are being preserved with intention. When I’m not behind the camera, you can find me skiing down the slopes, hiking with my husband and our two border collies, or enjoying a slow morning with a perfectly crafted latte. I live for meaningful conversations, spontaneous adventures, and capturing beauty in the quiet, in-between moments of life—just as I do with my couples. I take on a limited number of weddings each year to provide an intimate, high-touch experience, ensuring each love story is captured with the highest level of artistry and care. If you feel drawn to timeless, emotional, and editorial-inspired imagery, I would love to hear your vision and create something extraordinary together.
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"she made the day feel so easy and seamless"
