Colorado Wedding Photographer | Aspen

I want to start this post by saying that Chauncey and Amanda’s Aspen wedding was true perfection. From the stunning location, to the understated yet glamorous gown that Amanda rocked (and yes, she ROCKED that dress), to the personal touches like Chauncey’s grandfather’s old skis used as a guest book, to the exquisite meal, to the super fun dance party later that evening… everything was absolutely perfect.

Well, everything except the weather. Obviously, when you choose a wedding venue that’s on top of one of the world’s most renowned ski mountains, you’re going for wow factor, and the Sundeck outside of the Aspen Mountain Club has one of the most incredible views I’ve ever seen.

There’s no doubt that they had put together an exceptional day with an even more exceptional backdrop. But as we got ready to start the ceremony, just as the guests had all settled in their seats, the clouds rolled in. Really, they didn’t roll. They charged, stormed, and barreled in, completely consuming the mountain and a thick, dense, chilly fog. A little rain began to fall. By the time Chauncey and Amanda were holding hands and exchanging their wedding vows, however, the rain had turned harsh and the wind was whipping. Hail. Lightening. And we all rushed inside.

But this isn’t a story of an outdoor wedding ruined by weather. It’s the story of a perfect wedding day, despite the change of plans, mid-ceremony. Everyone crammed into a small room by a fireplace while the bride and groom regrouped in a private spot. They hugged. They chatted. They did a shot of bourbon (to warm up of course! And maybe to calm the nerves. Mmmm. Bourbon.). And they got married. Was it what they pictured, saying their I-Do’s a little water-logged and frazzled while their guests huddled together in the lodge’s gathering room? No. But man, it was still perfect. Everyone still cheered and laughed. Everyone still smiled for hours as they mingled and consumed an incredible meal and listened to intimate, heart-felt speeches by the best man, bride’s sisters, and the groom himself. This day. It was perfect. And I was so lucky to be a part of it.

I think it’s something we can all learn from, especially when it comes to weddings. Yes, you spend months on months on months planning a perfect day, picturing every last perfect detail, and holding on to a vision of exactly what the day should be. But even the best laid plans aren’t fool proof, and things go wrong. Little things, like running late or forgetting the bobby pins to fix your hair. And big things, like a hail storm in the middle of your outdoor wedding. But you still get married, and the people that love you the most are there for that, regardless of the things that may not go as planned. Chauncey and Amanda figured that out, and they had this beautiful wedding surrounded by their family and friends. Congrats to these two – I have no doubt that in the years ahead, they will weather the storm (cheesy pun intended!) and come out on the other side, holding hands and by each other’s side.

Wedding location and accommodations by The Little Nell in Aspen.

Want to chat with me about wedding photography? Say yes! Get in touch here.

Big thanks to my talented second shooter, TJ Romero. Check out more of his work here.