Buena Vista Wedding Venue | Surf Hotel on Digital + 35mm Film

The first thing I noticed wasn’t the mountains. It wasn’t the river either. It was how absolutely comfortable everyone felt. Katie and Christian created the kind of wedding that reminds you what a celebration is actually supposed to feel like. If you’re searching for a Buena Vista wedding venue that naturally encourages your guests (and you) to slow down and soak it all in, the Surf Hotel absolutely deserves a spot at the top of your list.

Katie and Christian first heard about me through one of my couples whose wedding I documented in the summer of 2025. Hearing that they not only loved the photographs but also the overall experience of working together honestly means just as much to me. Beautiful photos matter, obviously. But creating an environment where couples can actually enjoy their wedding day? That’s the goal every single time.

These two met while attending the University of Denver after one of their closest friends decided they’d probably get along. Apparently being from Massachusetts and loving the outdoors was enough to play matchmaker, and honestly… they were onto something.

They built a relationship around chasing both mountain views and ocean air, so when it came time to choose where to get married, the Surf Hotel couldn’t have been a better fit.

Letting the Surf Hotel Speak for Itself

One of my favorite things Katie told me before the wedding was that she wanted the venue to do the talking.

Their colors stayed simple: soft greens, yellow, white, and plenty of natural textures that complemented the bright June aspens, historic stonework, and the Arkansas River flowing just outside. Nothing felt overdone or overly curated, which, if we’re being honest, is significantly cooler than throwing decorations at every available surface.

The Surf Hotel already has so much character built into it. The European-inspired architecture, warm stone walls, thoughtful design, and riverside setting create a space that feels elevated while still incredibly welcoming. Instead of competing with the venue, Katie and Christian embraced it.

The result felt timeless. Not trendy or performative. Just incredibly intentional. Every design choice reflected who they are rather than what social media said a wedding “should” look like, and I think that’s exactly why the entire weekend photographed so beautifully.

A Buena Vista Wedding Venue That Invites You to Slow Down

One of the biggest gifts Katie and Christian gave themselves wasn’t a décor decision. It was time. They invited me to photograph their entire wedding weekend rather than just the wedding day, and I genuinely wish more couples would consider this approach.

When your photography coverage extends beyond eight rushed hours, something really special happens. People stop watching the clock. You don’t feel like portraits have to happen at lightning speed because cocktail hour is about to start. You don’t spend the morning wondering if you’re already behind schedule.

You actually get to breathe. That slower pace changed everything. There was space for uninterrupted conversations, quiet moments together before the ceremony, and genuine laughter with family and lifelong friends.

Ironically, slowing down almost always leads to better photographs. The moments become real instead of manufactured, expressions soften, and people forget the camera is even there. That’s where the magic lives.

The morning after the wedding, Katie texted me:

“Guess what, I’ve cried like 7 times thinking about you this morning. I seriously can’t get over how amazing you were… You made our entire day. No question.”

Then Christian reached out, too:

“Just want to thank you again for capturing the best weekend of my life! These pictures are amazing and will be treasured for the rest of my life.”

I don’t think there’s a bigger compliment than hearing someone say they felt supported enough to simply enjoy their wedding. That’s always the goal.

Why Digital and 35mm Film Felt Right at Home at the Surf Hotel

This wedding also became one of my favorite examples of blending digital photography with 35mm film. Both mediums tell a story, but they tell it differently.

Digital allows me to capture fleeting moments with incredible consistency, preserving everything from emotional vows to spontaneous dance floor chaos (which, let’s be honest, usually deserves its own gallery).

Film brings something entirely different. It slows me down. The colors become softer, grain adds texture, and highlights bloom in a way that’s impossible to perfectly replicate, creating photographs that feel like memories you’ve somehow been holding onto for years.

The Surf Hotel almost feels like it was designed for film photography. The warm stone, natural wood, soft mountain light, riverside views, and lush June landscape all translate beautifully onto 35mm film.

Looking through Katie and Christian’s gallery now, my favorite part isn’t separating the digital images from the film ones. It’s how seamlessly they work together. One preserves every tiny detail with incredible clarity. The other preserves the feeling. Together, they tell a story that feels honest, relaxed, and beautifully complete.

If you’re planning a wedding at the Surf Hotel or searching for a Buena Vista wedding venue that encourages connection over perfection, I can’t recommend slowing your weekend down enough. Build a timeline that leaves room to breathe. Let the mountains, the river, and the people you love do most of the talking. Years from now, you probably won’t remember whether every napkin was perfectly folded. You’ll remember how the day felt.

Vendors

Planning/Coordination | Belle & York
Venue, Catering, & Bar | Surf Hotel
Photography | Whitney Rae Photography
Florist | Kind Floral
DJ | DJ Manos
Sweet Treats | Bird and Mouse Bakery
HMUA | Graykin Hair & Makeup
Transportation Partner | River Runners
Dress | Alena Leena
Shoes | Jimmy Choo
Rings | B.Allan Jewelers