Gorgeous Mountain Wedding With A View Like No Other
When it comes to venues, the great outdoors is hard to beat. While it has its challenges, like hiking to the top of a mountain and bringing 20 of your closest friends and family with you like this couple did, we guarantee you, it's well worth it. Just look at these photos! You won't remember any of the difficult parts. In the end, all you'll remember is the gorgeous view that took your breath away and seeing the love of your life walking towards you in an otherworldly wilderness–a feeling you will truly never be able to recreate for as long as you live.
To find their dream location, Abby and Mike put their faith in their photographer, Josie V Photography, and they knew just the spot! The bride's beautiful chiffon dress by Watters Designs was perfect for this lovely fall wedding and we're obsessed with the groom's embellished velvet loafers. Keep reading to hear more from photographer Josie Skinner about how everything unfolded on this magical day, and you won't want to miss the rest of these dreamy photos in the full gallery!
LEAN ON YOUR VENDORS
Abby and Mike met on Bumble and quickly realized that their love was real. They shared a mutual love of traveling, hiking, and the great state of Colorado. When planning their wedding day, they realized what they wanted above everything else was to have quality time with their favorite people in a beautiful place. They settled on the mountains of Colorado and found an Airbnb for their 20 closest friends and family. Their goal was to create a weekend that celebrated their love but remained low-stress. They relied heavily on their photographer to help them choose a magical location that would be perfect for their group. They settled on an area near Breckenridge, where they also found a mountain house to host them and their friends and family.
JUST A FLOOR APART
The morning of the elopement Abby and Mike got ready on different house floors. Abby and her friends sourced their own flowers, creating a bouquet and boutonnière for the bride and groom. Mike's mom pinned on his boutonnière while friends ran from floor to floor, organizing details of the day. Abby and her sister got ready in robes created from their mother's wedding dress, while friends helped prep Abby's hair and makeup. Riding in separate cars, Abby and Mike planned to meet on the top of the mountain to exchange their private vows. Abby's dress swirled with the wind as she walked to tap Mike on the shoulder. Mike's face lit up with awe and joy at the sight of her. The pair grinned as the bright mountain sun shone down on their clasped hands as they read their vows to one another.
SURROUNDED BY LOVE
The couple then moved to a mountainside lake for the second ceremony with the entire group. Friends and family carried speakers, champagne, and blankets on a short hike into the ceremony site. Abby and Mike grinned from ear to ear as they slipped rings onto one another's hands and kissed for the first time officially as a married couple. The group toasted, laughing and soaking in the moment together. After the ceremony, Abby and Mike explored more of the mountain together, taking photos and dancing through the autumn-hued Rockies. When they arrived back at the rental home, Abby and Mike danced together in the living room, their friends lining the walls, smiles spread wide over their faces. The group cheered the couple on as they cut their chic, classic cake by Cāk The Bakery. Afterward, a private chef from We Got This! served a gourmet meal. The group laughed and partied together late into the night, hearts full of connection.
ADVICE FROM THE PRO
1. Find a photographer or planner knowledgeable about the area who can help you find a location. There are many permitted areas in Colorado, so you will need to make sure that your event is allowed.
2. If you want to have friends and family there, make sure you choose those who will lift you and ensure that the day remains about your love.
3. When planning, it is helpful for each person to choose their top two essential things on the wedding day and create your budget from these things. Spend your money on what is most important to you!
- Cakes & Catering: Cāk The Bakery
- Cakes & Catering: We Got This!
- Couple: Abby Ball
- Couple: Mike Sullivan
- Dress & Apparel: Rosalin's Bridal Boutique
- Groom & His Men: Suit Supply
- Jewelry: Brilliant Earth
- Wedding Dresses: Watters Designs
- Wedding Photographers: Josie V Photography