Buena Vista Wedding at the Surf Hotel and Chateau
You know those days that make you grateful to be alive? That was this perfect spring Colorado day. Not too warm, with a gentle breeze and the ideal amount of cloud cover. Staci and Aaron’s Buena Vista wedding flowed smoothly and stress-free as we moved from the Surf Hotel and Chateau to the meadow ceremony to the church reception. You could feel the love radiating from everyone for the happy couple. And let me tell you, this crew knew how to party!
One hilarious highlight was the sing-along circles that kept breaking out. The DJ was spinning more typical wedding jams, but this group was all about belting out classic rock anthems by bands like Nickelback and Creed at the top of their lungs. From the DJ booth, you could see the confusion on his face like, “Uh, I don’t think they’re digging my music…” But who cares? They were having a blast singing their hearts out together. Maybe not a booty-shaking crowd, but just as fun in their own way!
Staci and Aaron’s Background
Staci and Aaron are a couple of energy industry professionals from Texas who found their perfect match! Both went to Colorado School of Mines but didn’t actually meet until matching on Hinge in Midland a couple of years ago. Aaron is a drilling engineer, and Staci is a geophysicist – a very fitting pairing for this adventurous duo.
What Staci loves most about Aaron is his kind heart. He loves his family, friends, and her with everything he’s got, constantly telling her that life is so much more fun with her in it. Aaron makes Staci feel like a queen and is always game for whatever travel plans she dreams up next. And for Aaron, it’s Staci’s caring nature that really won him over. He loves how devoted she is to her family, their relationship, her career, and their awesome friend group. Seeing Staci’s smile and getting greeted by her pup’s kisses when she comes home makes his heart swell. They’re best friends, and everything feels right when they’re together.
Reconnecting with an Adventurous Couple for Their Mountain Wedding
I first met Staci and Aaron last fall for their engagement photos in Breckenridge, and let me tell you, we had an absolute blast in the snow together! A few months later, once they had their wedding venue officially booked, they reached back out to ask if I’d photograph their big day too. Was I excited? Heck yes!
Not only do I love their venue, the Surf Hotel and Chateau, but this couple is just the sweetest, most fun pair. They told me they loved how I capture couples against those epic Colorado mountain backdrops, and that my documentary-style shooting and natural color tones really resonated with the vibe they wanted for their photos. The way they put it was that they were drawn to how my “images feel” – and I have to agree, I definitely put a lot of heart and emotion into my work. I was so pumped they wanted that same magic for their wedding gallery!
This Buena Vista Wedding Day at the Surf Hotel and Chateau
Staci and Aaron’s families traveled from Texas for their big Colorado celebration. They couldn’t have picked a more perfect location! After all, they met and fell in love in this state, so holding their wedding in the mountains was a must. I loved how they blended their adoration for the Rockies with their traditional Catholic upbringing.
With the awesome Surf Hotel as home base for getting ready and the reception, the towering Collegiate Peaks providing a jaw-dropping backdrop, and their ceremony at the local Catholic church, every element came together flawlessly. The hotel’s ballroom is an incredible space – I always get giddy seeing how it transforms once the planner and florist work their magic with the decorations. And those hotel rooms?! They’re so bright and stylish, making them the ideal setting for capturing those getting-ready moments.
See this other Surf Hotel wedding!
Buena Vista Wedding Photographer | Whitney Rae Photography
“Are you kidding meee, Whitney!? You’re a genius!!! 🥹❤️ we’re both speechless right now. We love them all! Thank you soooo much. The meadow for pictures is STUNNING. And you guys killed it in the church 🥹 Gahhh, I’m obsessed. Top vendor award- we love you and Brady, you killed it.”
Vendors
Venue | The Surf Hotel & Chateau
DJ | Elite Entertainment
Florist | Growing Wild
HMUA | Face of Makeup Salida
Dress | Emma & Grace Bridal Studio (Denver) | Designer – Willowby by Watters
Groom Suit | Custom
Planner | Emily Aughenbaugh at Leigh & Co. Events
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"
