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Anna + Alex
Catholic wedding day with a modern twist

Weddings

Anna and Alex’s wedding day in Vail was one of my favorite of the year. The day was both traditional and yet highly curated to the couple and their personalities.

These two were so kind, funny and so joyful. Their day was such a great reminder that wedding day’s can be exactly what you make them– full of personality and completely unique to you as a couple.

Some of highlights of the day:

Anna and Alex’s custom wedding day Nikes
Getting ready at a gorgeous Airbnb with all of Anna’s best friends
Trekking up the gondola to the top of Vail Mountain and seeing incredible views
Alex helping Anna with her dress the entire day
All the hilarious kiddos included in Anna and Alex’s wedding
Stopping for drinks in downtown Vail
The couple seeing their reception space for the first time
Anna’s tear jerking first dance with her late father’s best friend

To Anna and Alex

Thank you so much for trusting me capture such an important day for y’all. It was such a joy following you both around all day. Y’alls love and respect for each other was so evident throughout the day– I’m so excited for what’s in store for you both. Wishing y’all so much love and happiness in the years to come!

-Leah

The Inside Scoop

How did y’all meet?

We matched on Hinge and hit it off right away. Before our scheduled first date, though, we met IRL by accident at a mutual friend’s kickball game! We went to a bar with the team afterwards and ended up staying way later than anyone just talking and hanging out. We went on the “real” first date a few days later.

Tell us about the proposal

Alex proposed in Milan only hours after touching down in Italy. Italy is Anna’s favorite place (she lived there for a bit), and Alex picked the most perfect, intimate spot in a beautiful courtyard to pop the question. Anna blacked out but definitely remembers saying “YES!” as soon as she could.

What are you most looking forward to about being married?

We’re most looking forward to having our loved ones with us as we vow to spend our lives together! We are so blessed to have such amazing family and friends, and we can’t wait to celebrate with them.

Any wedding planning advice?

It’s your day! Don’t let other’s opinions get you down. Listen to your gut.

The Wedding Day

Getting Ready

Anna and Alex both got ready at separate Airbnb’s a close distance to both of their venues. The Airbnb’s allowed their entire wedding party to get ready with plenty of space to move around and hang out (and watch the Olympics).

This wedding had tons of kiddos involved, which made the day extra fun to photograph. They were constantly hamming it up in front of the camera.

Anna had some beautiful details that we photographed, included a gorgeous pearl necklace and some custom Nikes for the reception– but the real star of the show was her Rita Vinieris wedding dress. It required three people to fully put on and Alex’s help throughout the day gathering and carrying around– but wow was it a show stopper.

First Look and Private Vows

After getting ready, we made our way to the couple’s first look spot. It was a super sweet moment and Alex’s reaction was ever bride’s dream. We then made our way up the gondola to get some gorgeous sweeping mountain views where the couple did my favorite thing, sharing private vows! After a few photos we made our way back down the gondola to ensure there was plenty of time before their ceremony.

Ceremony

This ceremony was one of my favorite of the year. It was a traditional Catholic ceremony, which meant there were lots of significant readings and traditions. It was so fun to capture the little kid’s reactions to a lengthier ceremony and all the way they entertained themselves.

Photographing Catholic ceremonies can sometimes be a bit tricky with lighting and restrictions, but the chapel had so much natural light and were very accommodating to us vendors.

The couple ended the ceremony with a bubble exit, which is such a fun way to get “exit” photos without the end of night exit.

Vail Village Couple and Wedding Party Portraits

When talking with Anna on our consultation calls, she mentioned wanted to have a solid chunk of time to just explore Vail Village with the wedding party– and I was absolutely here for it! We spent about an hour wandering the quaint streets of Vail, popping around to some photo opportunities, but really just letting my couple enjoy their time with their friends.

One of my favorite moments was when we overtook Mountain Standard (a restaurant in Vail) and a little girl came up and asked to take a photo with Anna because she looked like a princess.

Cocktail Hour

Anna and Alex really wanted to join their cocktail hour, to which I said, absolutely!! Donovan Pavilion has a wonderful cocktail hour space in the back of the venue, which allowed for plenty of room to mingle and greet guests.

While guests were enjoying their time outside, Anna and Alex snuck away to practice their first dance together.

Reception

Time for reception! And truly one of the most stunning reception spaces I’ve photographed. The floor to ceiling windows, the exposed beams. Anna and her planner (Leah from West and Anchored) absolutely nailed the decor. It looked so gorgeous.

After entrances and a few toasts, the couple did some special dances (including a sentimental dance with Anna’s late-father’s best friend, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room).

The couple then cut the cake and did an outfit change (into custom sneakers!) and the dancefloor was finally open. I didn’t stay for long, but I know it was a party to remember!

This day was such a perfect reminder that you can have it all on your wedding day. You can have traditional elements (a Catholic ceremony, a large bridal party, classic family formals, toasts) but still make the day your own. I hope you can take some inspiration for your upcoming day!