Colorado Winter Wedding Weekend in Vail

Taylor and Stephan’s story with me started through a trusted recommendation from their incredible Vail-based planner. From there, it didn’t take long to realize we were all very much on the same wavelength. They were drawn to the fact that I’m local—which, in a place like Vail, isn’t just a fun bonus, it actually matters. Knowing the light, the terrain, and the flow of a Colorado winter wedding weekend here is an experience you can’t fake. And the real bonus: I can ski. And confidently ski and photograph at the same time. When they mentioned they were thinking about adding a ski day to their wedding weekend, it was an absolute yes.

From our very first call, there was an easy, natural connection. Fast forward to the wedding day, and Vail decided to throw us a curveball—in the best way. Instead of a snowy winter wonderland, we got sunshine and warmth. Not exactly what Taylor had been envisioning (fair), but it brought this bright, high-energy feel to the entire day. You can’t ever really be mad about blue skies and glowing light, especially during winter in Colorado.

Their Colorado Winter Wedding Day: Personal, Playful, and Very Vail

If the first section of their weekend set the tone, the wedding day itself delivered on all of it, and then some. The ceremony was the perfect blend of meaningful and mountain-inspired, with a chuppah that subtly incorporated skis (yes, actual skis, and yes, it was as cool as it sounds).

After the ceremony, instead of disappearing into a long list of formal photos, we did what made the most sense for them: we headed straight into Vail Village with their bridal party. Then came one of my favorite moments of the day. The bridal party casually disappears into Red Lion… and comes back out with a shot ski. They all lined up, took the shot together, and it was such a surprise for both of them.

Then we moved into the reception, which, being New Year’s Eve, was already destined to be a party. Disco balls hung from the ceiling, a packed dance floor, and an overall vibe that was stylish and still wildly fun.

And just when you think the day has peaked… midnight hits. Out of nowhere, cold sparks start going off—another surprise, this time from their planner. The couple’s reaction said everything. Especially Taylor, who had this very clear “oh my god, this is the best day of my life” moment written all over her face.

The Ski Day

As if their wedding day wasn’t already unforgettable, Taylor and Stephan decided to take things one step further. They added a full ski day to their wedding coverage—a full-on, dressed-in-their-wedding-attire, Vail Mountain kind of day.

This is where being local and actually knowing how to ski comes into play in a very real way. Photographing a couple while standing still is one thing. Photographing them while all of you are moving down a mountain? That’s a different skill set entirely. It means keeping up, reading terrain, chasing light, and somehow still capturing moments that feel effortless and natural. And that’s exactly what we did.

If you take anything from their Colorado winter wedding weekend, let it be this: your wedding doesn’t have to fit inside one day, or one version of what it’s “supposed” to look like. It can be an experience that reflects your favorite things, traditions, and your idea of fun. And if that includes skiing in a wedding dress down a mountain? I fully support that decision.

Best Vail Wedding Venues

Vendors

Photographer | Whitney Rae Photography

Wedding Planner | Events by Marguerite

Ceremony Venue | The Hythe Vail

Reception Venue | Vail Golf and Nordic Clubhouse

Lighting | Swag Event Decor

Music | Jonny Mogambo Band

Florist | Double Dutch Floral

Content Creator | Wild Heart Content

Cake | Forest and Fête

Hair + Makeup | Divine Beauty Artists

Rentals | Event Rents

Transportation | Vess Limousine

Invitations | Reb Peters Press

Day of Stationery | Wild Sage Paper Co.

Welcome Party | Vail Resorts Weddings

Dessert | Sundae

Photo Booth | Peel the Moment