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

An Intimate Wedding in Telluride, Colorado | Sarah + Chase

intimate weddings

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

TL;DR: My approach to documenting your day will result in timeless wedding images that accurately resemble you. From the big celebrations to the not so small in-between moments you aren't even aware are happening, the images I deliver will help you relive the day for years to come. When it comes to your wedding day, the moments you want to remember aren't always perfect, staged or scripted, they are uncut, raw and true to you.

AN HONEST WEDDING EXPERIENCE

I believe in

Dorothea Lange

“Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still”

Words I Live by

Let's Connect

I'm WHITNEY.

*Virtual Wave*

Hello! I feel beyond honored that you've made your way here! In order to give you the best representation of who you'll be spending your wedding day (one of the best days you'll live) with, here's a brief run down!

First and foremost, I'm a mountain gal through and through. I was born and raised in Vail, Colorado and unless it's another mountain town, my husband and I will always call this home. It's the tightly knit community, the fresh air (but really, it hits different here), the scenery and most importantly for us, the recreation + lifestyle. This is something that will always come through in my work, and what I believe sets me just a little bit apart - I am, and will forever be, inspired by the poetry of love in landscapes. 

I have a deep desire to be on the move, to see everything before I don't have the opportunity to, and are therefore happiest when traveling and exploring new places (which I feel so lucky is a part of my work!) 
























 




Spending quality time hiking/biking/skiing/camping with my husband and our two border collies, clocking in some R&R at home or catching up with a friend over a glass of wine/craft beer are things that always sit at the top of the priority list.

If you're in to it- I'm a Libra, A Manifesting Generator (6-2) and an Enneagram 7 Wing 6/8. In short, I'm a people person, an optimist, and for lack of better terms- like to get shit done and make things happen. I'm a feeler, with a strong sense of empathy and sense of what people are experiencing, both when it comes to myself and others. I'm a bit of a goof, a tiny little thing packed with some sass, and ultimately just want to live a fun and adventurous life that's packed with new experiences and people. 

..I guess that's why I do what I do. I feel so grateful to be on this journey of having my own business where I have freedom to curate the life I want to live, where I get to connect with truly so many amazing humans, travel to some really beautiful places, and document that as a whole, as creatively and beautifully as I can for you.

Copyright 2024 WHITNEY RAE  |  Template Design by With Grace and Gold |