As I pulled up to the house on the mountain – the vacation rental where a majority of the brides’ guests were staying for the trip – a scraggly fox met me in the yard. Crested Butte never fails to offer some pretty incredible wildlife viewings while I’m there. An hour earlier I had met their florist at the ceremony site in the mountains where two hummingbirds played overhead as we discussed the perfect backdrop for the wedding. Another great view for a great day.
I went to knock on the door to meet the brides for getting ready, but one of the moms beat me to it and welcomed me in like family. That’s one of the real rewards of this job; I get to become one of the “friends and family” of this journey. I cherish those photos of your grandma or your kiddo just like you would, because I know how much they mean to you.
The brides had an entourage of help for getting ready, from their hair and makeup artist to many great friends. Bekah kept mentioning throughout the day how great their plans for a more intimate day were, because she kept walking into any room and thinking “these are all my favorite people!” over and over again. That really is the best vibe for your best day!
Reno mentioned on our drive to or from their ceremony a similar gratefulness for the intimacy of their plans. We talked about how important and rewarding it is to be true to yourself on your wedding day plans, because your experience really is the most important one! People will always find a way to have their feelings hurt or try to impose their desires onto your plans. It’s not easy, but it’s so worth it to do things how you want to regardless of others.
We pulled up to the ceremony site for some creative portraits before the guests arrived, and explored the 360 degree views (ants included, but we won’t get into that lol) and we really lucked out with how quickly the valley began to green up after the huge snowy winter Crested Butte was blessed with!
The two brides walked arm in arm along the mountain trail to their archway they built, surrounded metaphorically and literally by the love of their favorite people, as they were led in a ceremony that reflected on the road that brought them here and the life they hope to build in the future. Everyone grabbed a unity shot of whiskey as their friend and officiant reminded everyone, “A good whiskey, like a good marriage, warms you from the inside, gives you strength and confidence, and helps you face difficult situations. Just like whiskey, their love will improve with age.” They shared a cheers and a first kiss, and their daughters blew bubbles as others gave them hugs of congratulations.
Back at the vacation rental, the smell of catering making dinner wafted over the group photos on the lawn that perfectly overlooked Paradise Divide. The evening wound down with a first dance between the couple, and each bride dancing with the twins, and finally a bouquet toss and Tin Cup ice cream for dessert. It was truly the best day! Take a peek at some of my favorites from their Crested Butte Micro Wedding:
Wedding Vendors:
Flowers: West Elk Floral Co.
Hair & Makeup: Gabriella Garcia Beauty
Catering: Burnell’s Farmhouse
Dessert: Tin Cup Ice Cream
Dress Shop: Blossoms Bride
