Amanda and Mark wanted an event that was authentic to their everyday life, full of food, fun, and laughter. Set against the snow-covered continental divide, everyone bundled up in wool and furs for the outdoor ceremony before heading indoors to be seated at the long kings tables under giant photos from their parents and grandparents weddings. From the “tasting of the elements” during the ceremony, the curated charcuterie cocktail hours, to the fruit and veggie filled table runners, guests enjoyed filled their bellies with good food and laughter throughout the night.
Tasting of the Elements: The bride and groom taste four flavors that represent different emotions within a relationship. The four flavors typically used are salty, sour, bitter, and sweet. Each flavor represents the highs and lows that come with marriage — ending in sweetness to cover all other flavors.
Wedding Trailer:
https://vimeo.com/199699661
Slow Mo Booth:
https://vimeo.com/197825742
Amanda + Mark
Tabernash CO
December 2, 2016
Wedding day weather: Sunny, 17 degrees (f)
Number of guests: 120
Your budget: $50,000
Biggest splurge: Florals
Biggest savings: Decor and Design
Why did you choose the Mountains for your wedding?
We love spending time in the mountains, winter, summer, spring and fall.
Wedding day theme:
Food and Laughter. Our main color was white marble, from the invites to the table tops.
Where did you find your inspiration?
We pulled together inspiration from our daily lives, our favorite foods, our pup, etc., and scanning Pinterest and eBay for special touches.
How did you choose to personalize your wedding?
We made and customized nearly all of the decor. From the paper goods, the college pennants to wave as we walked back down the aisle, our dapper dalmatian on the cocktail napkins, and the individual cutting boards set at each place setting.
What was your favorite part of the reception?
We love to get down on the dance floor and so do our friends. If was so great having all of them there at the same time.
What are three things you’re super glad you did?
- Made our wedding about us.
- Paid tribute to our parents’ and grandparents’ weddings.
- Got a slo-mo video booth.
Anything you wished you hadn’t worried about?
- Had the wedding so late, with the altitude most sea-level guests retired before the after-party started.
- Worried about where to put the buffet table, the photographers are great at hiding those things.
- Allowed the decor set-up to start so late, photos were limited and dark.
What was the biggest challenge in planning your mountain wedding and how did you overcome it?
Many guests were worried about the drive. We made sure to explain to everyone that they would want to drive over the mountain pass during the day in a four-wheel drive vehicle or take a shuttle. We shared this on our website and in emails with guests beforehand.
How did you find and choose your vendors?
Through referrals.
What is your best piece of advice to other mountain brides who are planning their weddings?
Take the time to find vendors that have your same demeanor and values. If something goes terribly wrong that day, you want them to care and react the way you would.