Styled Shoot at Breckenridge Wedding Venue, the Oh Be Joyful Lodge
Styled Shoot in Breckenridge, Colorado
Today's post is all about a Styled Shoot at the Breckenridge Wedding Venue, the Oh Be Joyful Lodge. This somewhat new lodge (less than two years as of this writing) is located on Ski Hill Road, less than a mile from the base of Peak 8. I have seen lots of styled shoots on other wedding blogs, and I rounded up some of the vendors that service the mountain towns of Summit County with the help of local Breckenridge wedding planner, Erica Sarell. Erica moved to Colorado from Florida, and I remember her start in the industry as Colorado Occasions. And, with a rebranding and freshening up of her business, her new business name is Erica Sarell Weddings and Events.
And, just as I felt it was time for Breckenridge to have its own wedding blog, I felt it was time that we originated a styled shoot for our little mountain town. My goal would be to have others, in the other towns, to raise awareness of the magnificent opportunities in Summit County. Then, we'll move on to the Vail Valley and the nooks and crannies on that side of the pass. Oh, and speaking of Vail Pass, there are now new regulations for snow tires on I-70, so please click here to learn more.
Breckenridge Wedding Venue
We have worked with Erica before, and knew she had the connections and experience to put together this team of vendors for a one-of-a-kind shoot that Breckenridge deserves. We chose the Breckenridge Nordic Center and the Lomax Placer Mine as the backdrop for the fun set of photos you see here. The Breckenridge Heritage Alliance manages the historical sites around town, and that includes this set of cabins near the downtown historic district.
Be sure to contact Erica if you're considering hiring a helping hand for your big day, and if you'd like more information about how to get Erica or any of the vendors in this styled shoot as part of a custom wedding package for your destination wedding, elopement or vow renewal, then be sure to contact us and mention this styled shoot! Thanks for reading and happy planning.
Q. What items did you choose to include in this styled shoot? What kind of feeling were you going for?
I chose to focus on a muted, monochromatic and a romantic, yet playful, feel on this shoot. I also wanted to showcase local vendors and elements, like the Breckenridge Distillery.
Q. How did everything go on the day of the shoot?
Everything went smoothly, minus the wind! But as to be expected with any mountain wedding, the weather doesn't always cooperate. We were able to set up and get the table setting shots in during a short break in the wind and it turned out perfectly! I love getting to see the different elements you work hard to plan, and collaborate with the other vendors, come together into one beautiful and thoughtful design. Plus, we couldn't have had more fun dressing up those Scooter's!
Q. What would you say are the top three considerations for brides and grooms planning a Colorado mountain wedding?
Planning a Colorado mountain wedding definitely has some different considerations that need to be kept in mind:
1. Prepare your guests that are traveling from far and wide to join you on your wedding day – ie: altitude, layers, hydration, appropriate shoes, and the affects of alcohol consumption high, high above sea level. These factors can make or break your experience and your guests experience. Put simply – knowledge is power! Also, is everyone capable of riding on chairlift, walking through un-groomed mountain meadows, and being at over 10,000 feet above sea level? These are things that's can't be changed about having a wedding up here in the Colorado mountains, so make sure some serious considerations are made to this regard.
2. Weather - it can change on a dime here in Colorado. So dress is important. Layers are necessary and so is wearing the proper shoe. Heels aren't the best option for climbing up mountainsides, or off loading a chair lift. You'll also want to be prepared with a weather back up plan. Many times there will be an afternoon shower or thunderstorm that rolls through, and although most are quick to pass, sometimes they aren't. Anything is possible, even snow, so it's better to be prepared with a plan that isn't utilized than to be caught without one! 3. Arm yourself with the best possible team of local vendors you can to ensure your wedding will be in the hands of professionals well versed in the area you are getting married in. Choosing local vendors who are not only familiar with the venues you're looking at, but also the environment and weather will help you plan a smooth event.
Q. What's a helpful tip or prop addition that is a simple thing to have that a lot overlook or don't even think about?
It gets windy up here in the mountains. Candles won't stay lit outside, petals or leaves won't stay nicely lining your aisle way, and the wind has the potential to blow arches and other arrangements over is they're not secured properly!
Q. What's a funny or memorable moment you've had recently at a mountain wedding?
I think a memorable moment for me this wedding season was a couple that was married at Father Dyer Church in Breckenridge, just like the bride's parents were over 30 years prior. The bride's family thought the church had burnt down, and it wasn't until the mother of the bride looked at pictures of the stained glass in pictures that they realized it was the one they were married at.
Q. Any last-minute issues or problems pop up that you were able to successfully resolve for your clients?
Of course! I refer to those as wedding day hiccups. No matter how much your plan, inevitably things will need some flexibility and adjustments. It's part of the territory with weddings; chairlifts break down, it snows, you didn't get enough chairs delivered to the venue, or a boutonniere comes apart and you have to reassemble one. With each wedding I orchestrate behind me and after nearly 8 years of planning weddings, you pick up a few tricks of the trade and come prepared for anything!
Q. Tell us who you are and what mountain wedding experiences you've had along your way. What makes you different from the rest?
I'm the exclusive mountain wedding planner for the bold and playful couple. I specialize in destination, full and partial wedding planning. I begun planning weddings in 2008 after the economy collapsing closed the chapter of the non profit organization I was working for in Florida. I applied for an apprenticeship with an area planner and fell in love with planning weddings! I appreciate the opportunities I've had to plan events featuring vastly different backdrops and have gravitated toward planning destination weddings since majority of my experience has been in destination locations. Although, I must admit that living in the beautiful mountains I grew up around has forever captured my heart and I don't intend to leave again, ever! Planning a Colorado mountain wedding can be overwhelming, but it should be uber FUN along the way. It is my promise that as my client you will be inspired, well-informed and excited to plan your wedding. Every couple is unique in their own right and every event I plan will reflect the beautiful things that define who you both are. I strive to bring creative innovation to your visions, reduce stress and ensure no detail is overlooked.
