Sarah & John’s Vail Mountain Wedding
A Whirlwind Fusion Wedding on the Mountain in Vail, Colorado
Sarah and John hired me to photograph their beautiful fusion wedding celebration in Vail, Colorado, and I was so excited to be part of it. From getting ready, to their emotional first look, a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony, their mountain-top vows on the Vail Wedding Deck, and an unforgettable reception. This day had it all.
Summers in Colorado are almost perfect… almost. Afternoon showers are common during our monsoon season, but usually they pass quickly. On Sarah and John’s wedding day, though? Mother Nature had a different plan.
Just after their first look, the skies opened up—not just rain, but lightning too. Since the gondola can’t run during lightning storms, we were temporarily stuck in Vail Village with no way up the mountain. But instead of letting it derail the day, Sarah and John rolled with it like champs. We found shelter in a covered passageway in Lionshead Village where I knew the light could be incredible: soft, directional, and dramatic. We made the most of it, creating some truly beautiful portraits while we waited out the storm.
Eventually, the weather cleared and we boarded the gondola to head up the mountain for their traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony. Then, it was time for the ceremony itself on the iconic Vail Wedding Deck. There are few places more awe-inspiring to say “I do” than surrounded by sweeping mountain views and feeling like you’re on top of the world.
After the ceremony, we managed to squeeze in another quick round of portraits before yet another round of rain came through. But it was no worries because Sarah and John were ready to party.
And then… magic.
As they shared their first dance, the clouds parted and a brilliant double rainbow appeared over the Vail Valley. We locked eyes, and without a word, all three of us knew what had to happen. Sarah kicked into superhero mode (in heels, no less) bolting down the stairs faster than me as we ran across ski trails to a clearing where we could capture them with the rainbow in all its glory. I’ve never had a rainbow moment so vibrant or so emotionally powerful. It was surreal.
Just when I thought the day couldn’t get any more perfect, Sarah changed into a traditional red Chinese wedding dress, and I asked if they’d be up for one last shot. They were totally game. We stepped outside under crystal-clear skies, and above us, the Milky Way was shining in full force. We captured a final night portrait under the stars—a quiet, cosmic close to a wild, wonderful day.
