{Real Mountain Wedding} Rebecca + Ben at Ten Mile Station in Breckenridge, Colorado
In traditional Jewish weddings , a couple gets married under the Chuppa, a wedding canopy and covering (often cloth) held suspended by four poles. The chuppah is symbolic of the first roof the bride and groom share together, representing their new home. This symbolizes that there are no walls in this new home, and it encourages the couple to follow in the ways of Abraham and Sarah, whose tent was always open to guests. Rebecca and Ben's chuppa was draped with prayer shawls from Ben's grandfather and great-great grandfather.
The oversize deck is a place where dreams are made. Rebecca and Ben had fabulous wedding weather, which to me, means clouds in the background. You see, clouds really do help create a stunning natural background.
According to Wikipedia, a modern trend is that a "chuppah can be made of any material. Silk or quilted chuppot are increasingly common, and can often be customized or personalized to suit the couple's unique interests and occupations."
Bridal bouquet created by Dina Sanchez of Petal and Bean.
A wildflower theme was used throughout the decor at the Breckenridge Ski Resort's mid-mountain venue, Ten Mile Station, which is located at 10,234 feet. This unique venue, in-the-middle-of-the-ski-slopes, overlooks the Blue River valley and can host weddings and receptions from late May through September for up to 200 of your closest friends and family (please check with venue for most accurate figures).
Floral decor included fresh herbs like Seeded Eucalyptus immersed in the plum, orange, brown and powder blue arrangements, bouquets and boutonnieres. Rebecca's mother, Donna, who helped a great deal with the planning of the wedding, made a point to mention that Kelly, initial contact for the venue for Vail Resorts and the Breckenridge Ski Resort, was incredibly helpful in suggesting local vendors to use.
A big part of Rebecca and Ben's ceremony was the Ketubah signing. Two witnesses sign the Ketubah (literally the marriage contract) which traditionally spells out the husband’s obligation to his wife, everything from sustaining her with basic necessities to honoring and cherishing her.
Table centerpieces alternated between large and small glass vases.
IN Photography's husband and wife team, Mark & Michele Sprague-DeVries, were the photographers that Rebecca and Ben chose for their wedding. Together, Mark and Michele, photograph weddings throughout Colorado and after looking at hundreds of their photos from all kinds of weddings over the years, I can definitely say I like their style.
[ IN photography ]
During the week following the wedding, it is customary for friends and relatives to host festive meals in honor of the new couple. This is called the week of the Seven Blessings, or Sheva Brachot because the seven blessings that are given during the ceremony are repeated after the saying of the Grace at each of these dinners.
Looking back, one thing that Rebecca and Ben wished that they had done differently was to invite more people. They were so worried about going over the capacity for the venue that they held back on the invites and found folks declining, therefore not reaching the potential for a full house and maximum value. Their advice to other couples was to invite more than you think will show up. Plan ahead, talk it out and make the most of your resources to determine who's able to travel to the mountains and celebrate with you.
Rebecca and Ben were glad they threw down for the premium bar offering and a fun band for live music. From the looks of it, they danced all night long and had themselves a marvelous time! Mazal Tov!
See more photos on >Inphotography's blog
// VENDORS
Venue and Catering: Vail Resorts / Breckenridge Hospitality
Photography: INphotography
Floral and Decor: Petal and Bean