An Intimate Wedding in Telluride, Colorado | Sarah + Chase
When Sarah and Chase decided to tie the knot, they knew there was no place more magical than Telluride, Colorado. In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Telluride’s breathtaking terrain provided the perfect stage for their intimate wedding. With their closest friends and family gathered around, Sarah and Chase exchanged vows in a place that felt like a dream come true. The day was filled with intentional moments of joy, laughter, and love, creating a relaxed and unforgettable atmosphere. This stress-free celebration reflected the couple’s go-with-the-flow spirit, making it a memorable wedding in the mountains.
From Breckenridge Beginnings to Endless Adventures
Sarah and Chase’s love story began five years ago in Breckenridge, where friends introduced them, but it blossomed on a camping trip in June 2019. Since then, they’ve shared countless adventures, from skiing and mountain biking to hiking and traveling. They cherish the simple joys of life, like cuddling, camping, and sipping drinks while listening to music and talking. Their playful, lighthearted spirit shines through in everything they do, whether dancing in the middle of nowhere or staying up all night to talk. They genuinely love having fun together, and their ability to laugh at themselves strengthens their bond.
Rediscovering the Perfect Spot: A Serendipitous Mountain Wedding in Telluride
Years ago, Sarah had camped with friends in a spot she hadn’t thought much about since. When planning her wedding in Telluride, this long-forgotten location resurfaced during our discussions about potential ceremony sites. Over a dinner date filled with excitement, Sarah showed me a photo from her camping trip, and I gasped—it was the exact spot I’d been dreaming of bringing a couple to for a wedding! Despite remembering it vaguely, Sarah’s friend, who had introduced her to the campsite, happily dropped a pin to guide us. The stars aligned perfectly, and this stunning, unique site was just a short distance from their gorgeous VRBO in Mountain Village, Telluride. It was fate and the perfect backdrop for their unforgettable ceremony.
“Whitney, we have no words for how unbelievably grateful we are for you. Thank you for making our perfect version of yesterday happen. We love you so very much and would not have had our dream wedding day without you!”
A Cozy and Intimate Telluride, Colorado Wedding
We started Sarah and Chase’s wedding day with a slow, cozy morning at their Airbnb, setting a calm tone. We had scouted the stunning ceremony site a few days earlier and ensured everything was in place, from the rehearsal to setting up their beautiful arch with that incredible view. The ceremony was intimate and touching, with 25 of their closest friends and family gathering to witness their vows, ring exchange, and signing their marriage license. The evening continued with a delicious, catered dinner at the Airbnb, where friends and family shared heartfelt toasts. Despite some rain during the bride and groom portraits, they busted out a trusty clear umbrella to continue. Sarah and Chase ended their magical day with a celebratory ShotSki, savoring every moment.
Read more: Luxury Wedding Photography Trends in 2024
Vendors
Photo | Whitney Rae Photography
Venue | Private VRBO with Exceptional Stays
Coordination | Gathered Events Co.
Florals | Sola Wood Flowers & Trader Joe’s
Hair | Linda Does Telluride Hair
Makeup | Telluride Beauty Co.
Suit | Suit Supply
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.
Let's Connect
"she made the day feel so easy and seamless"
