Anna and Zach’s Vail Golf Club wedding was the perfect mix of mountain magic and editorial elegance. Vail has always been Anna’s happy place—where she grew up skiing and where she and Zach first fell in love—so it was only natural to bring everyone they love back here to celebrate. From the very beginning, Anna knew what she wanted: a celebration that felt elevated yet approachable, with all the polished details you’d expect from someone with her impeccable taste (and let me tell you, she nailed it).
When we first hopped on a call over a year ago, we just clicked. She loved my editing style, the fact that I was local to Vail, and that I already knew all the hidden corners and best light. I loved how excited she was about every detail—from her wedding weekend outfits to the silver tray–inspired decor that tied the whole vibe together. She had this vision of combining timeless elegance with the wild beauty of the Rockies, and it couldn’t have been a better fit.
A Wedding Weekend Celebration at Vail Mountain
Anna and Zach’s wedding weekend was a full-on celebration. They kicked things off with a “white western” welcome party at the Grand Hyatt, where friends and family rolled in ready to party in cowboy hats, boots, and bolo ties. Before the festivities, I met them in Vail Village for portraits (plus a few with their pup, of course). We even snuck away to a hidden mountain spot I love, where the Gore Range opened up in all its glory. That little detour turned into one of the most unforgettable moments of the weekend.
As we hopped out of the car, Anna’s eyes welled up. She pointed up the ski run and told us that her dad’s ashes were scattered right there. Total goosebumps moment. It wasn’t planned—we just happened to end up in that spot, and suddenly, it felt like he was suddenly part of the weekend. Later, Anna shared that story at the party, and it became one of those moments everyone remembered.
Covering the welcome party and rehearsal dinners allows me to capture those in-between memories, the ones that feel less polished but just as meaningful. It’s where couples get to really show their personalities, celebrate with their people, and create a fuller story of the weekend. Plus, who doesn’t love a good excuse to get dressed up twice?
The Wedding Day at Vail Golf Club
The wedding day itself was a perfect reflection of Anna and Zach—refined, elevated, and yet completely full of heart. Anna leaned into her love of all things editorial with silver trays, garden-inspired florals, and a vintage-meets-vogue aesthetic. It was chic, every detail was thoughtfully chosen, yet the whole day still felt approachable and welcoming.
Before the ceremony, Anna and Zach shared their first look on Vail Mountain. The wind picked up, the sky threatened rain, and for a minute we all wondered if the mountains had other plans. But, in true Colorado fashion, the storm passed as quickly as it came, leaving behind the kind of soft light and sweeping views that photographers dream about. It was one of those perfectly timed moments that felt almost too good to be true.
From the ceremony to the dance floor, there was an undeniable energy of love and joy. Family and friends came together from diverse backgrounds, and yet the celebration felt seamless. One of the most moving parts of the evening was Anna’s special “men who raised me dance,” where she shared a dance with four of her dad’s best friends and uncles. It was a powerful way to honor her family story.
More: A Piney Lake Wedding in Vail, Colorado
The Morning After the Wedding:
“Whitney! That was the best day of my life!!! Thank YOU for being the best photographer, friend, hype woman, and bad ass bitch to get the shot for me. I am so so so grateful for you!!!! Literally everyone is obsessed with you, and I just can’t wait to see the photos!!!!”
Vail Wedding Photographer | Whitney Rae Photography
What made this celebration truly special was documenting the entire weekend. It all came together as one continuous story. That’s the beauty of full weekend coverage: the big moments shine, but so do the quiet, serendipitous ones in between. Anna and Zach’s Vail Golf Club wedding was a story arc of love, family, and celebration in the mountains. And I feel so lucky to have been the one to tell it.
Vendors
Florals | Lady Sunshine
Videographer | Salt and Light
Stationery | Chandler D. Designs
Planner | Glitter & Bliss Weddings and Events
HMUA | Jamie at Divine Beauty Artists
Rentals | Event Rents
DJ | Vail DJs
Musician | Michael Bruin
Transportation | Epic Limo
Spray Tan | Golden Hour
Gown | Saint Bridal Couture
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