The golden hues of autumn in Vail, Colorado, provided the perfect backdrop for a modern celebration of love last October. Nestled in the stunning alpine scenery at Donovan Pavilion, this wedding was a masterclass in refined elegance- blending high fashion with the natural splendor of the Rockies.
The theme, “Fall Vogue”, was a seamless fusion of runway sophistication and autumnal warmth, where rich shades of yellow, gold, and champagne set the tone for an unforgettable day.
The morning of the wedding began at The Hythe Hotel in Vail, where the couple and their closest friends and family prepared for the day.
Once ready, the couple met for their first look beside the mountain stream nearby. The soft rustling of golden leaves and the distant murmur of the water created the perfect intimate moment as they locked eyes for the first time that day and shared their private vows.
Following the first look, the wedding party set out to capture unforgettable portraits against Vail’s most stunning backdrops. They posed with their wedding party and immediate familly near the gondola, where the brightest golden aspens added the perfect backdrop to the images. Later, they wandered through Vail Village, where the European-inspired architecture and cobblestone streets provided an effortlessly chic setting for fashion-forward editorial-style portraits.
Behind the soaring wooden beams of Donovan Pavilion, the couple wed surrounded by unique floral installations by Marked by Alex.
One of the most heartwarming moments of the ceremony was the entrance of the couple’s beloved golden retriever, Noodle, who proudly served as the ring bearer and witness on their marriage license. With a joyful wag of his tail and a special stuffed ring toy in his mouth, Noodle trotted down the aisle, eliciting laughter and delighted whispers from guests. Dressed in a custom bowtie that matched the groom’s tuxedo, he brought a touch of charm and personality to the already magical occasion. His presence was a testament to the couple’s love for their four-legged companion, making the ceremony feel even more intimate and personal. Truly the perfect “golden” touch.
Every element of the reception was meticulously curated by the bride herself, whose keen eye for design and aesthetics transformed the space into a vision of luxury. Inspired by the elevated simplicity of high fashion, she selected individual donut towers, unique floral arrangements, and custom stone table numbers that evoked the effortless glamour of a Vogue editorial. She worked closely with Birdsong Bespoke to craft hand-painted and personalized place cards, ensuring that every component reflected the couple’s sophisticated style. Even the seating chart, a stunning display adorned with delicate aspen leaf ornaments, felt like a piece of art. All these elements reflecting the attention to detail that defines a true luxury Colorado wedding.
The guests embraced the Fall Vogue theme with impeccable style and dressed in elevated autumn hues that harmonized beautifully with the mountain setting and elegance of the day.
As a luxury wedding photographer, my approach is always to tell the story through an editorial and documentary lens. The ways I can capture details and moments that elevate the story being told. Every frame from this wedding exudes the essence of high fashion meeting romance—from the movement the bride’s custom cape to the quiet, intimate moments stolen between the couple beneath the aspens.
As a hybrid film wedding photographer, shooting on 35mm and 120 film helped me capture the rich warmth of autumn and textures of fall that inspired the day. All the images I have shared so far have been a mix of digital and film, but I wanted to highlight a few more of my favorite film images from the day since the medium captured the golden tones so perfectly.
For couples dreaming of an elegant yet nature-infused celebration, a Vail, Colorado wedding offers an unparalleled blend of grandeur and intimacy. The crisp mountain air, breathtaking scenery, and world-class venues like Donovan Pavilion make it the perfect location for those seeking both sophistication and adventure. With every changing season, Vail transforms, offering a unique canvas for couples who crave a celebration as timeless as their love.
If you’re envisioning a wedding steeped in luxury, high fashion, and breathtaking mountain scenery, Vail is the perfect setting. Let’s create something unforgettable—where every moment is captured with the artistry and editorial finesse it deserves. Contact me today to begin crafting your own iconic, vogue-worthy love story.
Vendors:
Planner + Rentals: The Perfect Touch
Design: Mer Verzino Design Co
Photography: Isabel Henry Photo
Cake: Alyce In Flourland
Florals: Marked by Alex
Food: Vail Catering Concepts
Venue: Donovan Pavilion
Rentals: Event Rents Vail/Aspen & The Perfect Touch
DJ: Seulstizz
Dress: Martina Liana Mimis Bridal & Boutique
Cape & Alterations: @donnabethcreations
Suit: Suit Supply
Ornament Leaf Wall Construction: The Perfect Touch
Aspen Ornaments: Light and Lilac
Stationery: Birdsong Design House
Rings: Brilliant Earth & Ramzi Zeidan & Co.
Dog Handlers: Canine Say I Do
HAMU: Til Death Bridal Beauty
Hair Color: The Denver Hair Chemist
Author
Isabel Henry
April 4, 2025
I'm a Colorado and New York City based wedding photographer that's here to help inspire madly in love couples and guide them along their wedding planning journey so they can have the most authentic experience possible.
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