Snowboarding & Skiing Elopement in Vail Colorado

Kirstyn and Frank came all the way from Florida for their snowboarding and skiing elopement in Vail, Colorado. These two are high school sweethearts and have been together for 13 years. They learned how to ski and snowboard together and it’s something they love doing as a couple. They knew they didn’t want a big traditional wedding- so they decided to elope in Vail and incorporate their shared love of skiing and snowboarding into their day.

Snowboarding & Skiing Elopement in Vail Colorado

On their wedding day, Kirstyn and Frank got ready at their ski-in-ski-out hotel and then hit the slopes. First, they skied and snowboarded two runs together, and then met their family at the top of Vail mountain for their wedding ceremony. 

The views for their Vail ski elopement ceremony were absolutely spectacular! It was a warm sunny day, so between the mountain views and the weather, it couldn’t have been more perfect!

Vail Ski Elopement

After their ceremony, Kirstyn’s dad and stepmother joined her and Frank for their last run of the day! As they skied down into the base area, they were greeted by a small crowd cheering for them. People at the base and at surrounding patios in Vail Village were in awe watching them ski down the mountain in their wedding attire! Next, they popped off their skis and snowboard, and met up with their family for slopeside Après-Ski drinks to celebrate! 

It was so wonderful to be able to capture Kirstyn and Frank’s Vail elopement and spend the afternoon skiing with them! Throughout the day, anytime other skiers saw the bride and groom they cheered and wished them congratulations! It was super sweet!

Hair + Make-up: Taylor Olson | Dress: Lulus

Skiing Colorado Wedding Photographer

I photograph ski elopements in Colorado and across the US. If you’re thinking of incorporating skiing and snowboarding into your wedding day, check out my Colorado Ski Wedding Guide here!

Ski Wedding at Beaver Creek Ski Resort

Lea & Sterling’s ski wedding at Beaver Creek Ski Resort Colorado was a dream wedding day for a couple who loves to ski and snowboard! They were both presidents of their respective skiing and snowboarding clubs in college, so hitting the slopes is truly a big part of their lives. Lea and Sterling visit Beaver Creek every year to ski and snowboard, so it made sense to have their wedding here!

Ski Wedding at Beaver Creek Ski Resort

This April wedding day started with Lea and Sterling getting ready at Grand Hyatt at the base of the mountain. For the first look, we took Sterling up in the Centennial Express Gondola to wait at the top of the mountain. Lea and her Mom rode up in a separate gondola shortly after. When Lea’s gondola arrived, Sterling turned around just as the gondola doors were opening. Out walked his gorgeous winter bride ready to ski!

After their first look, we took another lift up to the top of Beaver Creek, and took their couple’s portraits and a few family photos. Then Lea & Sterling hit a run down the mountain followed by their friends and family skiing along. Lea was in a beautiful ballgown and Sterling wore a classic tux. They got a lot of cheers of congratulations from onlookers as they were skiing and snowboarding down. After enjoying a run with their friends and family, Lea and Sterling did a run with just the two of them. Later we hopped in a gondola and headed down for their ceremony in the village!

Lea and Sterling exchanged their vows at the base of Park Hyatt at Beaver Creek Ski Resort. They had an emotional ceremony filled with lots of laughter and a few tears. Lea’s stepdad officiated the ceremony and it was a full-circle moment because he was the one who taught her how to ski!

Next, Lea & Sterling celebrated their nuptials with a shot ski! Their shot ski was custom-made by friends for their wedding day. Lea & Sterling were also super competitive about their “cake smash”- they were determined to smash cake in each other’s faces and they made it happen! I loved getting to ski alongside Lea & Sterling on their wedding day. Ski and snowboard weddings are my jam and I love helping couples plan a day that fits them!

Vendors

Photography: Ski the Day | Video: Cat Lemus of Studio Lemus | Hair + Make-up: Tiffani at Park Hyatt Spa | Dress: Something New Boutique | Venue: Park Hyatt Beaver Creek | Ski Resort Mountain: Beaver Creek | Cake: Mountain Flour

Looking for a skiing Colorado Wedding Photographer?

I’m Gabrielle and I’ve been skiing since I was 5! I grew up competitively alpine racing for 10 years, so skiing with my camera gear is no problem. As a Colorado wedding photographer, I get to combine my love for skiing and weddings to help adventurous couples create a wedding day that is true to them! Head over to my contact page with the button below to get in touch about planning your Colorado ski elopement!

Interested in seeing more ski wedding inspiration? Check out this Winter Park Skiing Elopement!