Summer Destination Wedding in Vail

Colorado might be my new zen place. I used to think it was California, but Vail has this inexplicable magic that you can’t quite understand unless you’ve been there. What a perfect backdrop, and I mean that in the most literal and figurative sense, for a wedding. Wow!

The reason for the trek out to Vail for the wedding… sentiment, beauty, fun, and roots. Max’s family had been coming to Vail for years, starting with his grandfather when he first ventured out west. Ever since, it’s been a special gathering place for their family and where they’ve shared many a memory, and more recently with Ellie in tow.

For three days, they hosted all of the people who are closest to them starting with a rehearsal dinner on Thursday evening at Larkspur. Drinks were served, dinner was incredible, and the night capped off with a few speeches from a range of guests, and included a fun slideshow put together by Max’s mom. The following night was the cowboy-themed welcome reception, which is why you’ll see a lot of folks wearing boots, plaid, and lasso’s.

On to the main event! The wedding day was perfect. Vail is truly a dream and obviously the thing that sticks out the most is the view. Pretty much everywhere you look you’re surrounded by the natural beauty of that landscape. As immersive as we tried to make the film… it still doesn’t really capture the essence of Colorado. Max and Ellie’s stunning arch for the ceremony was the perfect pop of color in the foreground of their ceremony’s canvas. It was held on a small little island accessible via footbridge on the Vail Golf Club’s property, next to Gore Creek.

Below is just a quick sampling of some of Rachel Havel‘s beautiful work. She was amazing to work with, obviously our first time doing so and hopefully not the last!

 Wedding Credits:
Cinematography // Brighter Lights Media
Photography // Rachel Havel
Event Planner // Kelly Karli Weddings & Events
Venue // Four Seasons Vail