{ Real Mountain Wedding } Emily + Chris: Ceremony and Reception at Timber Ridge in Keystone,Colorado | photos[paperantler.com]

 Ah, yes, a Labor day wedding weekend in the Colorado Rockies.  There may not be a more perfect weekend in the summer in the Colorado High Country. Typically, right about now the August monsoon moisture is usually drying up, the wildflowers are still vibrant and the aspen leaves are just starting to think about changing.  However, times aren't typical.  We went from 500+ inches of snow to drought conditions.  So, right now, the leaves are already starting to change, about two weeks ahead of schedule.  

Regardless, the weather is always secondary to the event on hand.  And, that means, the party must go on.  Yes, rain, sun or snow, the Fall can bring unexpected, yet very brief bouts of weather.  The thunderstorms are getting less frequent, and there's always a chance of snow with the right mix of conditions.  But, on the other hand, you can still wear flip flops and feel the warm summer sun, and have the best of both worlds.  A warm (or, as warm as its gonna get) mountain environment, perfect for traveling long distances to a destination wedding in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.  It's doable during the winter, just not as predictable as the summer months.  

Once you've decided (and accepted) that not all things can be controlled and you're willing to being your adventure planning a wedding in the mountains, then you need to decide which area you want to spend time in.  Hands down, two of the most popular areas for Colorado is Breckenridge and the Summit County area.  Lots of couples choose wedding venues on the mountains themselves.  This is one of those stories.

Take Emily and Chris, who planned their  rustic mountain wedding at Keystone Resort's Timber Ridge Lodge.  Timber Ridge is located at the top of North Peak, accessible via two gondolas.  Guests load the first gondola at the River Run Village, then walk across the ski slope to a second gondola that traverses Dercum Mountain to North Peak.  Once at North Peak, guests will walk by the Alpenglow Stube, another event venue here, yet smaller.  Once guests enter Timber Ridge, they witness a spacious mountain lodge atmosphere with cathedral ceilings and a two-story fireplace.  

Ceremonies at Timber Ridge have an outdoor wooden deck with magnificent views of the Ten Mile Range and Continental Divide.  Timber Ridge is a magical place to exchange your vows and celebrate with loved ones amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains.  You definitely feel small and are, somehow, just more lovable at altitude.  You can, literally, elevate your wedding experience above all the day-to-day stress and just enjoy a few precious moments with family and friends. 

Emily and Chris kept things simple and minimal since the views are simply stunning.  Over from the Petal and Bean side of things, we provided a mismatched collection of mason jars and vases for the tables at the reception to keep with the rustic, vintage feel that Emily and Chris wanted.

Lining the aisle were simple wildflower clusters attached to each chair.  Paper Antler,  a husband and wife photography duo who state on their website that,

"We understand that every relationship is unique.  We also understand how much time and energy goes into planning a wedding.  So if you want photos that honestly and creatively reflect your personalities, as well as the details and hard work that you put into your day, you’re in good company. 

Like a bad perm, choosing the wrong photographer can leave you feeling saddened and confused.  Unlike a bad perm, you have to live with your wedding photography for the next 60 or so years.  While we may cost a little more than our Great Clips counter-parts, it’s worth the investment.   

Ask anyone with a bad perm."    

The bride commented on their blog posting of this wedding, saying

"Thank you so much Jonny and Michelle. The pictures are everything we could have hoped for and so much more! Everyone who sees them falls in love with your photography. Thanks again. You are the best photographers in all the land."  

Martini? Yes, please.  This is certainly one way to get the party started especially at 11,444 feet!  Please remember that if your guests are not used to the altitude  you want to educate them that up here 1 drink is like 2-3 at sea level.  Encourage guests to drink one glass of water per alcohol beverage.  If you add together dehydration from traveling, the dry mountain air, the hot sun and alcohol,  it can give you a headache and induce other altitude-related illnesses.  Please exercise caution when in the mountains, period.  Just be careful kids.  I can't say it enough.

 

That moment when you realize that you just got married.

This beautiful mountain inspired cake was made by Chef Ned Archibald , who is Keystone Resorts Executive Pastry Chef. 

And at the end of the night, after saying good bye to their guests,  Emily and Chris shared a quiet moment together in the gondola.  As wedding days go, they are over before you know it... a total whirl wind of events.  Lucky for them they'll have a lifetime together to relive all the memories from this night.

 // VENDORS

Venue & Catering: Timber Ridge at Keystone Resort

Photography: Paper Antler

Flowers and Decor: Petal and Bean 

See more Keystone Colorado posts by clicking here, and more event locations by visiting our venues board on Pinterest!  If you were recently married in the Summit County or Vail Valley area, we'd love to show a few photos on this blog.  Please contact us to learn more.