Shortly after, we made our way to West Vail for the ceremony and reception. Pedro & Meredith’s Donovan Pavilion Wedding was a joy to photograph and ended with a surprise champagne gun appearance. It was our first experience with such a device and we feel every wedding reception should have one.

Congrats you two on your Beautiful Vail Winter Wedding. It is always a pleasure working with one of our favorite Vail Wedding Planners, Glitter & Bliss Weddings & Events.

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Vail the Christmas Town

Vail is a vacation destination all throughout the year, but in our opinion, the very best time to visit, is during Christmas. It feels like a real life Hallmark Movie. Snow covered trees and endless strings of Christmas lights provide that warm feeling everyone craves around the Holidays. This is exactly why these two decided to have a Winter Wedding in Vail at the Donovan Pavilion.

The Big Day

After everyone arrived to Vail safely, these two spent the morning getting ready at the Simba Run Vail Condominiums. Once everyone in the wedding party was ready, we made our way to the covered bridge near the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens for their first look. These two shared a moment and then a shooter of Fireball before hiking up their pants and dress to hike through the 6 inches of fresh powder that came down earlier. As with most winter weddings, we race from spot to spot, shedding jackets and gloves to quickly make a frame before the cold really sets in. The constant movement keeps the energy up, but the real trick to keeping warm is a sip of whiskey at every stop.

The next stop on our agenda was the Donovan Pavilion so these two could exchange vows and make a promise in front of their closest loved ones. The snow began to really come down as everyone scurried inside for the ceremony. Two of their close friends officiated and got these two married. The night carried on as everyone ate, drank and danced their behinds off. Craig even made an appearance on the mic, a surprise and delight to all.

What a whirlwind of events that led up to a beautiful wedding day for these two. We were so honored to be able to capture your wedding day at one of our favorite Vail Wedding Venues.

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Suzanne and her lovely family started the day off with hair and makeup in the cutest Airbnb, just across from the Vail Village. The view was to die for. After adorning her wedding dress, we loaded in the Eagle Bahn Gondola for a ride to the top of Vail. Shortly after unloading, Zach & his groomsmen arrived and polished off a few craft beers before it came time to walk down the isle.

After exchanging the usual kiss and vows, these two danced among the wild flowers before venturing back down, eventually to the Donovan Pavilion for their wedding reception. With the help of Chelsea at Radiant Events, and a wonderful team of wedding vendors, their party went off without a hitch. The highlight of their night had to be the moment Suzanne iced Zach when he thought he was removing the garter.

A huge congrats to these two and their Summer Wedding at the Vail Wedding Deck. All that we ever ask for are beautiful moments and a fun loving couple. It never hurts when you get backdrops like these and a party that just won’t stop. Thanks for having us there to document your Vail Wedding.

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They both start their day at the Lions Square Lodge, prepping for their big day. Stacey and her bridesmaids spent the morning opening gifts and drinking mimosas while Wedlocks Bridal Hair & Makeup did them up. Mike, or Cooks as most call him, spent their morning relaxing while buttoning their suits and straightening their ties before sending him off on the Eagle Bahn Gondola to anxiously await his first reveal of his beautiful bride on top of Vail.

Once Stacey was in her stunning Wtoo wedding dress, these two met up for one the most memorable first looks we’ve ever photographed. Heading into it, we knew Cooks was going to deliver. Our photo barely does his reaction justice.

Upon arriving at the base of Lionshead, we met up with the wedding party and soon made our way to The Chapel at Beaver Creek. Shortly after their ceremony, everyone loaded up in the Turtle Bus for memorable ride to the Donovan Pavilion for their wedding reception where The Radio Band absolutely rocked the jams.

All in all, the day couldn’t have gone any better, rain and all. Michael & Stacey were true to themselves and it was such a joy to capture their Vail Summer Wedding.

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It is nestled in the forest, all the while being right on the South Frontage Road, meaning you are minutes away from some world-class lodging. In the summer months, couples can use the outdoor patio to have their wedding ceremony. In the winter months, the inside area is large enough to host a ceremony and reception with not too much flipping.

The room feels very large with it’s high ceilings, so we only suggest the Donovan Pavilion for medium to larger weddings. With that said, it is a beautiful space with its massive chandeliers overhead.

For photography, the premise isn’t going to give you any mountain views. A short drive to East Vail can get you some beautiful backdrops of the Gore Mountains though.

We photographed many of weddings here and every one has gone off without a hitch, in part to its wonderful staff and management. There is no reason why the Donovan Pavilion wouldn’t make our list of favorite Vail Wedding Venues.

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Every so often, we get invited to cover rehearsal dinners, and Scott & Danielle’s was a great reason why. Even though it was just dinner and speeches, there were so many beautiful moments to capture. We heard all about when Scott backed the car a little to far into the garage as well as a bunch of other hilarious and embarrassing stories.

Couples often hire us for our ‘off-the-path’ style of photography, but never know quite what to expect, so after a few hours of bridal prep, we took Scott & Danielle on a adventure they’ll never forget. Danielle’s Vera Wang dress had over 100 yards of tulle, which looked stunning, but also served as a great pine needle collector. The dress had collected so many after a short first reveal, the only thing Danielle could do is shrug and smile.

After a jaunt, or more like a hike, up a ski run for some portraits in front of the Gore Range, we headed back to the Donovan Pavilion for the wedding ceremony. It could not have been more personal and genuine. From Jax, their dog, walking down the isle, to Pa (grandpa) officiating it and some hilarious speeches, Scott & Danielle’s ceremony was one we’ll never forget.

Shortly after their reception introduction, the real party began. Danielle’s sisters kicked it off with a beautiful speech and a rap parody that had everyone busting a gut… which transitioned awesomely into some dance floor antics that made for some crazy awesome material for us photographers to shoot.

All in all, we couldn’t have asked for a better couple and wedding to help cap off another year of wedding photography. Enjoy the photos from Scott & Danielle’s Donovan Pavilion Wedding.

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