B+C_Wedding_1281.jpg — Brandi + Clint

Sonnenalp Club

Vail, Colorado, is a year-round playground for many outdoor activities, like skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. Being a picture-perfect mountain town with awe-inspiring views, it's also a gorgeous place for wedding ceremonies. I was ecstatic when Brandi and Clint called upon me to photograph their micro-wedding and even more excited when I found out it was taking place in beautiful Vail. Brandi and Clint had a lovely micro-wedding at the Sonnenalp Club with roughly 20 guests in attendance, followed by an intimate cocktail hour with delicious hors d'oeuvres and desserts.

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Brandi's sleeveless dress was perfect for a summer wedding in Vail, Colorado. The all-over lace design and fitted silhouette were elegant, and the dress seemed to float across her skin. Brandi wore simple hair and make-up, which emphasized the beauty of her natural features. She chose boho-chic barefoot sandals, which she wore for the entirety of the day.

Wearing soft shades of pink, Brandi's sisters were at her side. It was so much fun listening to them reminisce about growing up together, and many laughs happened behind the scenes in the bridal suite. These three have a magical relationship, and I could feel genuine love radiating from them all. Being natural beauties, it didn't take much to get them ready.

Looking dapper in a classic black tuxedo, Clint had an endearing moment with his mom as she lovingly affixed a boutonniere to his lapel. Then, it was time to meet Brandi for a joyous first look. Surrounded by panoramic views of rolling hills, Brandi and Clint looked regal as they stood next to each other in their formal wedding attire. In the distance, their family members watched them from the Sonnenalp Club balcony.

This micro-wedding entailed a few of the time-honored traditions that most weddings have. But Brandi and Clint created a unique wedding timeline for their special day. After their first look, they took a moment to mingle with their guests and have a few celebratory drinks before the ceremony. In all the weddings I've photographed, this was the first time anyone has done this. It was a refreshing change of pace that set the tone for an enjoyable, laid-back wedding.

The wedding processional began, and everyone headed to the "wedding green," where the nuptials took place. Brandi and her dad made a grand entrance as they walked arm in arm down the wooden staircase. They joined Clint and the wedding officiant on the lush green grass, and Brandi's dad gave her a heartfelt embrace before taking his seat. Overcast skies and warm summer air created a surreal ambiance that seemed dreamlike as the ceremony began.

Brandi and Clint chose to forego traditional wedding vows and instead wrote their own. In doing so, they expressed their constitutions to each other and set expectations for their relationship. First, Brandi declared her love for Clint. Then, it was Clint's turn. They both made lifelong promises of love and commitment as I captured these sweet images. It was an unforgettable moment, and I'm happy to have witnessed it.

Brandi and Clint exchanged rings and said, "I do," to symbolize their never-ending commitment to each other. Their officiant pronounced them husband and wife, which Brandi and Clint sealed with a kiss. They made their way off the “wedding greens” but stopped briefly for one more kiss. I was able to get them and all their guests in the shot, which turned out to be my favorite shot of the day.

The Sonnenalp Club boasts an award-winning spa and hotel, a world-renowned golf course, and Harvest, one of the finest restaurants in the Vail Valley. If you want an all-inclusive venue for an elaborate destination wedding, perhaps the Sonnenalp Club in Vail, Colorado, is perfect for your needs. They also happily welcome intimate affairs, like Brandi and Clint's. Harvest offers the “wedding green” for ceremonies, their lounge for cocktail hour, and dining room services for wedding receptions.

The expansive decks at Harvest wrap around the entire restaurant. After hors d'oeuvres and signing the marriage license, the party moved outside to enjoy the mild weather and the stunning Colorado view. Brandi and Clint had been together for six years before getting married, so everyone in attendance was familiar with each other. This down-to-earth group was laid-back and a lot of fun to hang out with and photograph.

This micro-wedding was all about the feels. Set in the gorgeous Sonnenalp Club, there were many magical moments and reflections of Brandi and Clint's personalities. Small weddings are more about the bride and groom's intention and less about the guest experience. Brandi and Clint did not plan a traditional wedding reception. Instead, they decided to keep it simple by having a cocktail party after their ceremony, followed by a romantic dinner in Vail Village afterward. I shot these couple's photos before they headed out.

Brandi and Clint requested a few more photos in Vail Village before their dinner reservation. Of course, I happily obliged! Vail, Colorado, is one of the most splendorous places on Earth. It was the first sustainable mountain resort destination in the world. The Vail Village is charming and quaint. Steeped in Bavarian culture, the Austrian-style architecture throughout the village is the perfect backdrop for a memorable destination wedding.

Vail, Colorado, was developed as a ski resort, but the Rocky Mountains surrounding the city are also perfect for outdoor activities during warmer months throughout the year. In addition to skiing, the area offers hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, golf, and more. If you're planning a micro-wedding or elopement, consider Vail, Colorado, for your wedding destination. With the money you'll be saving by having a small-scale wedding, you can treat yourself to the luxurious amenities found throughout Vail, Colorado. An intimate wedding also means more money for a deluxe wedding photography package. I'd love to join you, no matter where your wedding is. Let's talk!

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