Winter Wedding Guide Vol. 2

winter weddings

wedding tips & inspiration volume two

There is something extremely magaical about the Rocky Mountains during the winter months. Perhaps it’s the beautiful snowfall that covers the mountaintops, the colder weather that causes everyone to snuggle closer together or the start of many couples’ love stories with a proposal and one-of-a-kind engagement ring. Whatever upcoming memorable moment has drawn you to open this wedding guide, you’ll be sure to find the inspiration you came looking for. From a snowboarding mountaintop proposal and a stunning snow-filled anniversary session to incredible winter weddings and elopements from across the U.S. and Canadian Rockies, take note of the talented vendor teams featured inside these pages and start piecing together your own winter fairytale!

leah dee photo

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Ski Resorts in the

the Rockies Leisure

TAOS SKI VALLEY • NEW MEXICO skitaos.com | @skitaos

Located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos Ski Valley offers challenging terrain for advanced skiers and snowboarders. The resort also boasts a European-style base village with a variety of dining and shopping options.

Check out the Taos, New Mexico Wedding Guide Here

ALTA SKI RESORT • UTAH alta.com | @altaskiarea

Known for its deep powder and rugged terrain, Alta Ski Resort is a top destination for expert skiers. The resort operates on a skiers-only policy, making it a peaceful and uncrowded choice for those looking for a true ski experience.

Check out the Park City, Utah Wedding Guide Here

VAIL SKI RESORT • COLORADO vail.com | @vailmtn

One of the largest ski resorts in the country, Vail Ski Resort offers a variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The resort features a European-style village with a range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

Check out the Vail, Colorado Wedding Guide Here

JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT • WYOMING jacksonhole.com | @jacksonhole

Located in the Teton Mountains, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is known for its challenging terrain and impressive vertical drop. The resort also offers a variety of other winter activities, including snowshoeing and dog sledding.

Check out the Jackson, Wyoming Wedding Guide Here

BIG SKY RESORT • MONTANA bigskyresort.com | @bigskyresort

Located in the Madison Range, Big Sky Resort boasts over 5,800 acres of skiable terrain and a vertical drop of over 4,000 feet. The resort also offers a variety of dining and shopping options, as well as a range of off-mountain activities such as ice skating and snowshoeing.

Check out the Big Sky, Montana Wedding Guide Here

BANFF SUNSHINE • ALBERTA skibanff.com | @sunshinevillage

Located in Banff National Park, Banff Sunshine is known for its reliable snow conditions and breathtaking views. The resort offers a variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, as well as a range of dining and shopping options in the village.

Check out the Banff, Alberta Wedding Guide Here

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB • BRITISH COLUMBIA whistlerblackcomb.com | @whistlerblackcomb

Located in the Coast Mountains, Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America. The resort offers a variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, as well as a range of dining and shopping options in the village. In addition to downhill skiing and snowboarding, the resort also offers a variety of other winter activities such as ice skating and snowshoeing.

Check out the Whistler, British Columbia Wedding Guide Here

STEAMBOAT SKI RESORT • COLORADO steamboat.com | @steamboatresort

Located in the Park Range, Steamboat Ski Resort offers over 2,900 acres of skiable terrain and a variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The resort is known for its abundant champagne powder, as well as its western-themed base village with a range of dining and shopping options. In addition to downhill skiing and snowboarding, the resort also offers a variety of other winter activities such as snowshoeing and tubing.

Check out the Steamboat, Colorado Wedding Guide Here

Kortney + Ryan proposal

On one of those long days during the Covid lockdown, Kortney found herself creating a dating profile on Match.com. Using a profile picture of herself, as little information as she could, and the pseudo name “Amanda,” Kortney quickly hit submit and her profile was live. Later, the feelings of regret came but before she deactivated her profile for good, a message caught her attention, or rather, a guy. Ryan and Kortney (also known as Amanda on her profile) had their first date at a local bar before ending the night with wine and puzzle. I guess you could say, everything fell into place!

A MATCH MEANT TO BE

whistler, british columbia

A SURPRISE ON THE SKI SLOPE

After a busy weekend with both of their families at Whistler Blackcomb Mountain, Kortney and Ryan found themselves wishing for a minute to themselves. After lunch, Ryan asked Kortney if she wanted to sneak off to a cool selfie spot he had found, just the two of them. Being unable to turn down a good photo op and the chance to get a few moments alone with Ryan, she quickly agreed. After a short ski to the spot, they took off their ski gear and soaked in the scenery and its breathtaking views. Ryan had an idea to recreate a photo they both cherished and told Kortney to walk to the edge of the mountain and throw her hands up in the air while he snapped the photo. She obliged thinking nothing of it, but to her surprise, when she turned back around, Ryan was on one knee holding a little box with a not-so-little ring. Not only did they have their moment together, now they have a lifetime of them.

Photographer: Janice Power | janicepower.com

Rings: King Jewelers | kingjewelers.com

ENGAGEMENTS

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Maria + Marc

Maria had been waiting ever so patiently for that little velvet box and that highly anticipated question. When they planned to spend Christmas with Marc’s parents, she knew something had to be happening. Much to her dismay, Marc assured her that the proposal wouldn’t be on the trip and he wanted to propose in their hometown. That seemed realistic for him, so she accepted, decided to focus on family time, and looked forward to a New Years’ proposal instead. Being a spontaneous person, Maria didn’t think anything of it when Marc booked a hotel on Christmas night at the Mount Washington Hotel in New Hampshire. Being that the 26th happened to fall on a Saturday, his family decided to tag along.

When they arrived at the hotel, they got settled before Marc invited Maria to take a walk around the porch, just the two of them. Unfortunately, she turned it down and had her sights on an expresso martini instead. Shortly after, Marc insisted on a walk again and this time, Maria obliged. Thank goodness she did because, during that walk, Marc got down on one knee and asked the question she had been waiting for. She said, “it was the best moment of my life” and needless to say, worth the wait.

Photographer: Alicia & Co | alicialucia.com

Ring; James Allen | jamesallen.com

Alexa + Eric

Alexa and Eric found themselves thrown together by fate when they were both invited as guests to a house in The Hamptons for a weekend. Alexa met her friend at the train station in New York City, New York immediately noticed Eric amongst the group. When Eric asked anyone if anyone wanted to grab a cup of coffee, Alexa took that as the perfect opportunity to hang out with him. They spent the rest of the weekend together, enjoying each other’s company and eating lobster rolls. A few weeks later, they were doing “the long-distance thing”, thing,” falling in love and taking the Amtrack train to visit each other!

Photographer: Shannon Elizabeth | shannonelizabethphoto.com

park city, utah

Sara + Travis

After meeting at a restaurant in Jupiter, Florida in 2017, Sara and Travis made going to Breckenridge, Colorado, an anniversary tradition. During the annual trip for their fourth anniversary, Travis suggested taking an alternative, more scenic route from Denver to the ski town. This new route included a stop at Boreas Pass. After stepping out and taking a handful of photos, Travis set up the camera to take a photo together. What Sara thought was a cute photo to capture the memory of their anniversary ended up being a proposal video she would remember for the rest of her life.

Photographer: Leah Dee Photo | leahdeephoto.com

Ring: Blue Nile | bluenile.com

breckenridge, colorado

Jordyn + Brayton

banff, alberta

CHILDHOOD FRIENDS TURNED HUSBAND AND WIFE

Jordyn and Brayton initially met in elementary school, but it wasn’t until an unexpected ski outgoing as adults that they felt their friendship evolve. They hit the slopes on their first official date in March 2020, a day before the pandemic shut the world down. After dating through a pandemic for a year and a half, Jordyn and Brayton set out to do a sunrise hike in August of 2021 in hopes of catching both a sunrise and sunset on the same day. At the top of the mountain, as the sun crested the horizon, Brayton got down on one knee and proposed. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect - what was going to be one of Jordyn’s favorite dates is now one of her favorite memories that she will cherish forever. After soaking up the rest of the day just the two of them, they watched the sunset atop a separate mountain before heading down to share the news with family and friends.

Photographer: Home and Away Photos | homeawayphotos.mypixieset.com

Rings: MollyjewelryUS | mollyjewelryus.com

Ski Suits: One Piece Ski Suit | @onepieceskisuit

Nicole + Zach

After spending the first two years of their relationship long-distance between Wyoming and South Dakota, Nicole moved west to join Zach. Enjoying the ability to spend more time together, they took a weekend trip over Memorial Day to Alcova Reservoir in central Wyoming. While there, Zach’s cousin was taking professional pictures for the marina, which brought the perfect opportunity to cover up a surprise proposal. At a scenic rock outcrop, the cousin offered to take a picture of the two. They climbed to the top of the rock for the photo when Zach unexpectedly got down on one knee and asked Nicole to marry him. After a moment of pure shock, sheer excitement rained over Nicole, and the two are now planning their happily ever after.

Photographer: Elsica Photography | elsicaphotography.com

Ring: Best Brilliance | bestbrilliance.com

casper mountain, wyoming

WEDDING PLANNING TIP

“Enjoy your engagement and plan the wedding you want. Sometimes family and friends get wrapped up in the process and you tend to forget the bigger picture. You and your partner getting married. Involve your partner in the decision making process and build together the perfect day!”

Brianna + Marc Anniversary

After meeting while attending San Diego State University, Brianna and Marc dated for three years long distance before moving in together in Florida. Marc popped the question on an anniversary trip to the Bahamas, and the two tied the knot in February 2020. After relocating to Colorado, they decided to embrace their new home and new life by capturing how their love has grown with updated wedding photos for their two-year anniversary.

A NEW PLACE TO CALL HOME

Photographer: Morgan Buck Photography | morganbuckphotography.com

REAL WEDDINGS and elopements!

caitlin steuben photo

Irish + Brandon

When Brandon traveled from Newfoundland to Calgary for work, he only expected to stay a week. Little did he know that the project would keep him there for a year, ultimately changing the rest of his life. Irish and Brandon met during that one-year period, and Brandon relocated from Newfoundland permanently.

On the day of the proposal, one of Calgary’s worst blizzards swept through the region, leaving more than 40cm of snow in its wake. Brandon had planned the perfect Christmas photoshoot and proposal, but closed roads and stuck cars made the day more adventurous than originally anticipated. Finally arriving at the third-attempted location for the day, a stunning overlook of the Canadian Rockies, Brandon got down on one knee. The sun was perfectly setting, and they both cried tears of happiness, knowing their forever was with each other.

Whistler, British Columbia

Lovers of the outdoors and adventure, getting married in the Rocky Mountains was a no-brainer for Irish and Brandon. They knew Whistler would be the perfect place from the first moment they visited the area together. As they navigated the difficulty of planning a wedding through the pandemic, the day finally came together on December 8th, 2021. After over a year of lockdown, perhaps the most special part of the day was celebrating with their friends and family who they’d been apart from for so long. As they said their vows through the falling snow in front of the mountains, the sun peaked out perfectly, reminding them of all the light there is to come.

Kate + Graham

big sky, montana

After meeting through a mutual friend, Kate and Graham stayed friends for a few years before dating. Graham popped the question during an otherwise normal day while they were walking their dog, Maisel, after work. Kate was completely caught off guard but couldn’t resist saying yes to forever to her best friend.

The couple loves Big Sky Bozeman and had dreams of their wedding being snowy and magical. On January 15th, 2022, the couple said their vows at the Firelight Farm surrounded by family, friends, and a starry night.

The couple’s overall theme for their wedding was “Under the Big Sky”, incorporating elements of a starry night. Kate wanted to ensure that her wedding had personal touches, as well, and enlisted her mom’s help for this. Kate’s mom, who happens to be a baker, helped add a personal touch to their wedding favors and made delicate macaroons with moon and star elements, the macaroons being Kate’s favorite dessert of her mom’s.

ABOUT THE VENUE

The Firelight Farm is nestled in a charming mountain town just an hour and a half from the beautiful Yellowstone National Park. Being far from the city lights, a sky full of stars would be impossible to miss. Going along with the couple’s wedding theme, the couple knew this was the perfect venue for their special day.

“You can be unique with your meal choices in winter as well. We had winter themed his and hers cocktails using herbs like rosemary and pomegranate. We went with a butternut squash soup to start as opposed to the normal salad. The dinner was surf and turf, montana raised bison tenderloin and wild alaskan salmon with potatoes and carrots. Having a hearty, warm dinner was a nice touch to the snowy outside.”

WINTER WEDDING TIP FROM THE BRIDE

-VENDORS-

Venue & Reception

Firelight Farm | firelightfarmmt.com

Lodging

The Lark Bozeman | larkbozeman.com

Rehearsal Dinner

Brigade | brigadebzn.com

Wedding Planner

Jasmine Lilly | jasminelillycreative.com

Photographer

Elsa Schuldheiss | elsaeileenphotography.com

Bride’s Dress Shop

Lovely Bride NYC | lovelybride.com

Gown Designer

Alexandra Grecco | alexandragrecco.com

Bride’s Veil Amelie George | ameliegeorgebridal.com

Bride’s Shoes Loeffler Randall | loefflerrandall.com

Bride’s Ring Designer Tacori | tacori.com

Bridemaids’ Attire BHLDN | bhldn.com

Hair and Makeup Ceremony Bozeman | ceremonybzn.com

Groom’s Suit Enzo Custom | enzocustom.com

Groomsmen Attiire Generation Tux | generationtux.com

Caterer

Just a Taste Catering | bozemancatering.com

Cake/Desserts

Sweet and Tarte | sweetandtarte.com

Floral Designer and Invitations

Jasmine Lilly | jasminelillycreative.com

Rentals

Montana Party Rentals | montanapartyrentals.com

Music/Entertainment

Joe’s DJ | joesdj.com

Officiant

Alex Campbell

Leah + Cody

stanley, idado

Born and raised on opposite sides of the country, Leah and Cody met while working together at a hospital. Cody was a resident, while Leah was a nurse. The two became quick friends but didn’t start dating until a few years later, which worked out perfectly for their love story. After recently purchasing a house together, Leah came home from a 12-hour hospital shift to the entire house filled with flowers, champagne, and their favorite music playing in the background. Their engagement was the perfect sweet moment, as was their wedding day.

On January 8th, 2022, the couple said their vows on a picture-perfect winter day in Stanley, Idaho. It was everything they dreamt of, filled with blessings, dogs, sunshine, and love. The next day, they celebrated with family by hitting the slopes in Sun Valley. After falling in love with each other and the Rockies, it only made sense to begin their forever in the heart of it.

ADVICE TO COUPLES

“Marry your best friend. Find activities you both enjoy. Set your expectations from the beginning of the relationship. Forgive easily and learn from your past mistakes. Remember your partner is human. As a couple you will go through seasons. Not all seasons are fun. They will either define you, destroy you, or strengthen you. Let it strengthen you!”

Mo + Joe

big sky, montana

Mo and Joe became inseparable from the moment they met through Joe’s brother, Nick, at a holiday party. After two years of dating, the couple was in Big Sky enjoying a long weekend on the slopes. On their last day after lunch, Mo was tired, but Joe talked her into a few last runs before returning to Chicago. Once atop the Iron Horse lift, Joe took off his skis and got down on one knee, asking Mo to marry him. Saying yes to Joe was easy, and having that special moment be in Big Sky made it all the better.

Joe grew up in Montana, and Big Sky was a core part of who they were. After the engagement, it only made sense to have a beautiful ski-inspired wedding with their closest family and friends. On March 29, 2022, the couple said ‘I do’ in front of 170 guests at the Montage Big Sky.

The couple opted out of a first look, and seeing each other for the first time while walking down the aisle was one of the highlights of their day. Mo and Joe also hired a live band for the reception, which they say added a whole new energy and kept the party going all night long. Although planning a Montana wedding from Chicago posed a unique set of challenges, it was the perfect way to start forever.

Be prepared for the cold and embrace it! Lots of cozy elements, furs, blankets, velvet and wool, a lot of candles, long sleeves gowns! A winter wedding is a classic and timeless affair so lean into it! We loved that Mo and Joe had a black-tie wedding in a ballroom, it was perfect for winter!

WINTER WEDDING TIP FROM THE PHOTOGRAPHER

ADVICE TO COUPLES

“Don’t forget to take a moment to take it all in on your wedding weekend. Jot down notes throughout the weekend about your favorite memories and moments. It will be fun to go back and reminisce with your spouse. The weekend will go by fast; this is a perfect way to capture those little moments!”

Lauren + Grady

laramie, wyoming

Lauren and Grady met online and got engaged a year later on a snowshoe hike in the Snowy Mountains. When planning began, they knew they wanted an enchanting NYE celebration with their closest friends and family in Laramie. After a traditional ceremony in St Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church, they danced the night away and counted down to the near year, followed by a last dance to the perfect tune - “Cowboy Take Me Away.”

ADVICE TO FUTURE COUPLES

“Don’t try to force the perfect day. No matter what happens, you are there to marry the love of your life, and it will be perfect regardless.”

-VENDORS-

Jessie + Sam

Jessie and Sam met at a brewery in Solona Beach, California and immediately clicked over their shared love of the outdoors and adventure. On a trip to Colorado to visit Jessie’s parents, they discovered their love for Steamboat Springs and La Joya Dulce and knew this was where they would one day say ‘I do.’

steamboat, colorado

On January 22nd, 2022 Jessie and Sam were married in Steamboat Springs on a shining winter wedding day. From the moment their relationship began, it was obvious they were built for one another. Jessie, who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis as a young adult, has fought most of her life for the things she loves. Yet being loved by Sam was easy, and starting forever together was the best decision of their lives.

Lindsey + Corey

Lindsey and Corey matched online on New Year’s Day and were engaged six months later at a friend’s lakehouse in Texas. Because they first connected on New Year’s, it only made sense to have a classy winter wonderland NYE wedding with 80 of their closest friends and family. Nearly a year to date from the moment they connected online, they said ‘I do’ at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. Both Lindsey and Corey had moved to Colorado in the past two years, so a ceremony in the mountains of their new home made perfect sense. It also presented the perfect opportunity to have their families visit and experience the state they had both fallen in love with.

colorado springs, Colorado

ADVICE TO COUPLES

“Soak it all up! Do as much planning ahead of time so you can truly relax and enjoy your day. Plan little moments throughout the day for just you and your mom, or you and your best friend, or you and your spouse. Looking back, those moments will mean the most.”

In true Colorado style, heavy snow was forecasted on the day of their nuptials. Taking a chance, Lindsey and Corey decided not to change their venue location, which was set to be outside, uncovered, and exposed to the elements. The weather seemed to be holding off as guests entered the venue, welcomed by a blanket and a cup of hot cider to bring to their seats.

“After meeting through a mutual friend, Kate and Graham stayed friends for a few years before dating. Graham popped the question during an otherwise after work.”

During Lindsey’s first steps down the aisle, fluffy flakes of snow began to fall perfectly, creating the winter wonderland both had dreamt of for their perfect day. The snow fell the rest of the evening while Lindsey and Corey danced the night away under a small tent with their closest loved ones.