Gold Mountain Ranch Wedding in Ouray, Colorado
Erica and Steven’s wedding at Gold Mountain Ranch in Ouray, Colorado, was the perfect blend of casual elegance and heartfelt celebration. Their day was intimate, with only their closest friends and family gathered in the stunning Colorado mountains—a special nod to Steven’s roots, even though they now call California home. They were recommended to me by their wedding planner, and in the most flattering twist, they booked me without even a phone call! It was such a sweet moment when one of Erica’s friends approached me during dinner, saying, “Erica was OBSESSED with your work and has been counting down the days because of you!” Talk about pressure! But in the best way possible. The whole vibe of their day was the kind of wedding I live for: easygoing and filled with love.
Rustic Charm & Epic Views at Gold Mountain Ranch
Gold Mountain Ranch is everything you could dream of for an intimate Colorado mountain wedding—rustic charm, sweeping views, and a touch of that old mining history. Sitting on 1,200 acres high above Ouray, the ranch feels like it’s in a little town near the Swiss Alps. The ceremony lawn alone is worth the trip. Jaw-dropping mountain views practically steal the show (though Erica and Steven might’ve given those peaks a run for their money). It’s easy to see why they chose this place—what better way to celebrate their love than being surrounded by natural beauty, a bit of Colorado nostalgia, and the people who mean the most?
A True Colorado Mountain Wedding
Erica and Steven’s ceremony was nothing short of true Colorado fashion. We had a little bit of everything: rain in the morning, clouds, and then, on cue, the skies cleared just in time for their first look and private vows. Fresh snow dusted the high peaks, creating a picture-perfect backdrop. There were a few moments when we weren’t sure if the weather would cooperate. But in typical Colorado style, it all came together beautifully. Their family and the vendor team pitched in to ensure the ceremony could stay outside, drying chairs and moving flowers in a mad dash just before the “I dos.”
The whole day felt like one big celebration of love and teamwork. It was impressive how Erica and Steven stayed so calm and flexible through it all. After the ceremony, the skies stayed clear, and the evening unfolded with dancing, heartfelt toasts, and a whole lot of joy. It’s true what they say—sometimes everything just works out perfectly!
Want to see more like this? Check out this intimate wedding in Telluride!
Vendors
Venue | Gold Mountain Ranch
Planning & Consulting | Knotted Events CO & Gathered Events CO
Photography | Whitney Rae Photography
Florist | Hosanna Floral
Catering | High Country Catering
Bartending | DeSalvo Events Bartending
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"
