I am certain there is nothing more magical than a snowy winter wedding in Colorado.
However long or short my career as a wedding and elopement photographer is, Alli + Cody’s snowy winter wedding at the Lodge at Breckenridge was one I’ll never forget; just one day before Colorado shut down the first time from the Coronavirus and less than 2 weeks after Dave’s ski accident. He was still in the hospital 2 hours away, and I was home with our three little boys, trying to navigate the unknown of a global pandemic – not to mention the normal day to day. Needless to say, this wedding day was a deeply welcomed and anticipated break. But of course, more than that, it was a perfect celebration for Alli + Cody as they started their life together.
It was a true testament to the joining of two families.
I’ll never forget how welcome and appreciated Alli + Cody’s families made us feel. We walked through the front door to begin that day and were immediately invited in to join the party – not just as the photographers, but as a part of the story. As a part of the family.
In true Colorado form, we saw every kind of weather – sunshine and warmth and a beautiful mountain blizzard during their intimate ceremony.
As the story goes with any Colorado wedding, the weather has a mind of it’s own. The snow began to softly fall during their first look, and as we ventured up to Boreas Pass for portraits the sun peeked through as the snowfall strengthened. It was a gorgeous combination and made for some magically wintery photos. It wasn’t until we returned back to the venue, the Lodge at Breckenridge, and began to prepare for their ceremony that it really started to fall. The beautiful mountain views that Lodge is known for quickly disappeared and the snow dumped. It was incredibly magical. We were drenched in fresh white powder and it’s a miracle we got our cameras to focus at all. It was PERFECT.
No winter wedding detail was overlooked.
Alli + Cody are both pilots and their intimate wedding day was a perfect representation of their shared love – flying. Erica Sarell Weddings absolutely nailed the overall design. Mini helicopters at each place setting; a helicopter cake topper. And beyond the theme – an incredible floral install above the head table. Perfect fur shawls and coats and hats. Clear umbrellas and blankets to keep the guests warm. And finally, that beautiful, fluffy, perfectly fresh snow to cover the ceremony. That last part wasn’t necessarily planned, but it was amazing.
When any further words fail, I hope their photos speak for themselves. Take a look and immerse yourself in this magical Breckenridge winter wedding day.
Here are a few words straight from the bride, Alli.
What did you love most about your Colorado wedding?
The natural beauty, especially in the winter season and snow. It allowed for so much diversity in photos and made decorating easier, specifically for the ceremony portion (who doesn’t love a mountain backdrop you can’t see because there was a mini blizzard lol). And of course getting married was pretty cool!
What’s one tip you’d give to couples planning a winter destination wedding?
Hire a wedding planner, doesn’t have to be for the entire wedding if you still want to do a lot of the planning yourself but it’s best to have boots on the ground who knows the area, especially in the winter. A local planner is going to know more of what to expect and how to mitigate issues that may arise. Plus it makes the week leading up to the wedding super relaxing and more time to spend with family that made the trip.
What did you enjoy about working with us, Basecamp Visual?
You guys are so incredibly easy to work with and being someone with a busy schedule, you understood that and worked with me around the planning process. When the day came you captured every moment Cody and I wanted and we will never forget our special day. Your style and photographic eye make for incredible and unique photos that anyone would love!
Design, Planning, & Floral: Erica Sarell Weddings + Events
Venue: The Lodge at Breckenridge
Hair: Huxley Rose Hair Shop
Make-up: Weemala Hair & Makeup
Dress: Stella York
Crafting really beautiful films + photos for the wild at heart, Basecamp Visual is a Breckenridge, Colorado based videography and photography team run by us, a husband and wife duo, Dave & Shanna. Are you on the hunt for a creative storytelling team for your upcoming 2021 or 2022 Colorado (or other amazing places) intimate wedding or elopement? Interested in a session just because? Let’s talk about it! Contact us today to learn more.
CaraHoly smokes Shanna you guys did it again! Captured the most beautiful moments of one perfect winter Breck wedding. I loved that they hopped on the gondola up for photos! And him in his uniform!!! Ugh perfection!
Basecamp VisualGirl. THANK YOU! It was THE best day. Easily a favorite and great way to end life as we knew it, lol.
SydneyYou captured every moment and detail so beautifully! I feel like I’m right with them celebrating.
Basecamp VisualThanks, Sydney! Wish you could’ve been there – it was amazing!
CaraGirl y’all did it again!! Captured this gorgeous winter Breck Wrdding at the lodge so freeking perfectly. I absolutely love that they hopped on the gondola for portraits. And that ceremony is so romantic with all the snow. Not to mention him in his uniform! Every moment of this day is amazing.
DylanWhat a gorgeous winter wedding in Colorado – I love the snowflakes suspended in midair in their photos. It’s like a metaphor for flight that goes perfectly with the helicopter details. Stunning photography!
Basecamp VisualThat snow was literally amazing!
MollyOh wow! This winter wedding is so incredibly gorgeous! You did an amazing job capturing their day and I’m sure they will treasure these photos for years to come.
Basecamp VisualThanks so much! OBSESSED with winter weddings!
Jacqueline GriffinWOW! There are so many things I could say about this wedding; That snowy ceremony?! The CUTE couple?! The helicopter details?! SO many amazing things! You can tell everyone there was so invested in the day; I love how you beautifully incorporated the ways the guests were capturing the day too! So sweet and lovely.
Basecamp VisualThank you thank you! Every single star aligned that day. It was all perfect!
heather huieI love these intimate winter vibes! Gorgeous wedding
Basecamp VisualThanks so much! It was PERFECT.
Sarah Katherine DavisHoly smokes this whole day is just gorgeous, but those images of them coming back down the aisle laughing in the snow are just WOW!!! Such stunning work!
Basecamp VisualThe snowy ceremony was seriously magical. I’ve never experienced anything like it!
AftonOkay whaaat! She looks incredible; perfect winter bride. Winter weddings are where it’s at in Colorado!
Basecamp VisualMore winter weddings, please!!!
KathleenWow wow wow!! These images are so stunning!! The snow makes it feel like the perfect winter wonderland. And I love all the flight related details, it’s all so great!
Basecamp VisualThank you! It was THE perfect wedding day!