I'm a fine art wedding and portrait photographer — creating a space that welcomes creativity and inspiration. Based in Colorado, my work has taken me across the globe.

Meet WHITNEY RAE

A Surf Hotel Wedding in Buena Vista | Hannah + Craig

weddings

Hannah and Craig’s Surf Hotel wedding in Buena Vista, Colorado, was a blend of beauty and surprises. Classic Colorado treated them to a day that encompassed sun, clouds, rain, and even snow all within the span of one day. Despite the unpredictable weather, the exceptional vendor team ensured that everything ran seamlessly. Their entire entourage departed with nothing but smiles. Continue scrolling to discover their incredibly unique Dia de los Muertos details and decor. You’ll also gain a little insight into the experience of having your wedding at the Surf Hotel.

WHAT IT’S LIKE TO HAVE A SURF HOTEL WEDDING

Located discreetly in Buena Vista, Colorado, this destination wedding venue seamlessly blends the timeless charm of European-style hotels with the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains. With a unique vantage point and a picturesque backdrop, it provides guests with a luxurious experience that is both refined and modest.

Besides the jaw-dropping mountain vistas, well-appointed guest rooms, and the lively community, the Surf Hotel offers an array of amenities and services that provide distinctive choices for your special celebration. From an inviting ground floor restaurant to an outdoor courtyard and a conveniently located onsite ballroom, the spaces were meticulously designed to accommodate a wide range of events. Regardless of your wedding’s style or format, they can assist you in crafting your one-of-a-kind vision for a day (or several days) filled with mountain town elegance.

I WANT TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR COZY BUENA VISTA WEDDING DAY!

Whether you find inspiration in this Surf Hotel wedding or simply dream of a Rocky Mountain wedding or elopement, I’m here to assist you in capturing every detail. If you’re still searching for your Colorado wedding or elopement photographer, click here to get in touch, and let’s make it happen!

A LOVE NOTE FROM HANNAH AND CRAIG

“Whitney, I can’t thank you enough for everything you did on Saturday, you were such a steady helpful ROCK for me. Everyone has been talking about how great you were and we truly couldn’t have done it without you!!!! We are so so thankful that you were a part of our day. I’m loooooving the colors in these so far and holy moly the snow pics on the raft are EPIC”

VENDORS

Venue | Surf Hotel Buena Vista

Planning + Rentals | Kosi Rentals & Kosi Events

Florals | Wild Holly Floral Co.

HMU | Graykin Hair & Makeup

Dinnerware | Ann-Marie Vintage Dish Rental

Band | DeadPhish Orchestra

Cake | Joyful Bakery

Dress | Caroline Takvorian

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

Dorothea Lange

“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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