{ Real Mountain Wedding } Q&A: Christy + Gabriel at Ten Mile Station in Breckenridge, CO

Christy and Gabe were married at popular Breckenridge wedding venue, Ten Mile Station on the slopes of Peak 9 at the Breckenridge Ski Resort.  Thousands upon thousands of wildflowers fill the empty ski runs, while the mountain is all yours to enjoy for your special day.

A red aisle runner was decorated with white rose petals, as the bridesmaids wore red dresses and the guys black suits.  It was a beautiful sunny day in Breckenridge that day.  Some couples aren't always that lucky.  The wind could be whipping and those petals you see in that photo would be long gone.

Each wedding is different, as weather is never predictable.  Rarely are the mountain storms long to last, and move quickly.  Make a back up plan and have a rainy day alternative if you're planning on an outside ceremony.

 When working with Petal and Bean (that's us, by the way) we had some great testimonials come in from the wedding planner that day, and the bride herself!  We just had to share with you how they thought the flowers and decor went that day.

"Everything went BEAUTIFULLY at Christy and Gabe’s wedding. She was amazed by the beautiful flowers and you did such a wonderful job.   Thanks again for being such a treat to work with, I hope we can work together again soon! "

- Gabby, Save the Date events

"The flowers were gorgeous! Thanks again for helping to make our wedding day such a special and beautiful day!" 

- Christy & Gabe

We asked Christy and Gabe a few questions about their big day and this is what they had to say!  Real advice from a real couple who exchanged their vows in a destination wedding in the Rocky Mountains.

Q.  Could you tell me your thoughts looking back how was the overall process of planning the wedding?

A.  As far as the overall process, it went relatively smoothly.  I did a lot of searching online for ideas, themes, colors, etc.  I enjoyed that aspect a lot, and though time consuming, it was very enjoyable and a once in a lifetime experience.  Because this was a destination wedding for us, I did hire a wedding planner (Gabby at Save the Date Events in Denver).  She was a huge help since my only visit to Breckenridge during the planning process was several months before when we booked the location at Ten Mile Station.

 Q. What was something that really stands out as far as a special moment?

A.  There were so many special moments during the process. I don't know if it could be classified as "special" but my husband was actually interested in the planning process and eager to help, or at least "oversee" some of the details.  So, that was special for me that he seemed to enjoy it as well (for the most part at least... I think he could have done without some of the small details... haha).

I think the most special part for me was incorporating my Mom into our wedding day.  She died of breast cancer at the age of 43 (when I was only 16).  Before my mom died, she spoke of some of the things that she regrettably knew she would miss out on over the course of my life, and my wedding was certainly one of them.  Though 13 years had passed since her death, I still wanted to honor her and be reminded of her spirit on that day.

So, instead of wedding favors, I opted to make a donation in her memory to the Susan G Komen foundation in Tulsa, OK (which is near where I grew up).  I also provided pink ribbons which my guests wore during the reception, and my Dad wore one on his lapel as he walked me down the aisle.

I still love looking back at the pictures and seeing my friends and family sporting the pink ribbons.... the pink ribbons truly made her presence felt throughout the night and that was incredibly special to me.

Q.  Looking back, is their anything you would of done differently?

A. I truly can't think of anything I would have done differently.   Other than invested in some gel inserts for my shoes (ha ha).  Spending an entire night on your feet and dancing in brand new heels can be torture on your feet!  I should have "planned" more accordingly for that.  But, I was in such a state of bliss that I didn't even notice the giant blisters on my feet until well after the reception concluded.

Q.  Why did you pick the mountains to get married?

A. I have always wanted a destination wedding.  My husband is in the Air Force, so our family and friends are spread out across the states, and we don't live near many of them.  We wanted a place that was relatively accessible and fun for everyone since virtually all our guests would be traveling regardless of the location we picked.

My husband is not a big fan of the beach, and he spent his college days at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, so he is a big fan of Colorado.  My family has taken numerous vacations in the mountains during the summer, and I've always loved Colorado in the summer.  We both fell in love with the incredible amount of charm Breckenridge has to offer.   And, of course, the mountains are simply breathtaking.  It was a fairly easy decision to arrive upon.

Q. Anything else that you'd like to share with our readers about your day?

A. The weather was also AMAZING the day of our wedding. I think it roughly 72 degrees, sunny, without a cloud in the sky.  There is inevitably a bit of stress when it comes to the weather the day of your wedding, specifically when it's outdoors, so that was truly special for us!  And I like to think my Mom might have had a tiny part in that.  :)

// VENDORS

Venue:  Ten Mile Station

 Cake: Intricate Icings

Ceremony Music: Sisters Quartet

Entertainment / DJ:  A Music Plus

Florist:  Petal and Bean        

Photographer: Fine Art Weddings

Transportation: Breck Stables

Planner:  Save the Date Events