We had the unique privilege of spending lots of time with Rachel & Alex on their wedding weekend. They started their celebration off with a rocky drive and short hike to Bridal Veil Falls  then headed to High Pie Pizzeria for some grub and time with their closest family and friends. Alex’s dad and brother made a slideshow of Rachel & Alex’s travels/time together in their relationship which put half the people in tears.

The next morning they started getting ready at 7am for their ceremony at San Sophia Overlook at 11am. The air was crisp and the light was gorgeous as it fell on the fiery yellow-orange fall Aspen tree leaves. But when getting married in the mountains, they were at the mercy of the weather. It started sleeting 30 minutes before she walked down the aisle, but Alex and all their friends/family braved the storm and waited for Rachel to come down the aisle. Of course, the sleet stopped just at that time and the clouds cleared to show off the beauty of the overlook for everyone in attendance. 

We ended the night at Gorrono Ranch  where the sky put on a show and celebrating came easily with a combo of craft brews and an altitude of 10,000 feet. But as beautiful as the landscape of the whole weekend was, it still didn’t compare to the human connection present – like when Alex gave his dad a heartfelt letter in the gondola on the way to the ceremony, or when Rachel’s grandparents held hands with tears in their eyes as they listened to her practice her vows. Those are the fleeting, irreplaceable moments that take place on a wedding day that get lost in the whirlwind if someone isn’t paying attention. And that’s why we’re there – to pay attention. 

In addition to the above mentioned spots, these people & places made this weekend so awesome:

The Madeline Hotel – where they got ready; complete with 360 views of the mountains

Telluride Presents – planning & coordination

Telluride Ski Resort – ceremony location