I can’t think of a better wedding to kick of the holiday season than the wedding of #AnnaliseRealBride Jessica and her husband Ben! The winter-mountain scenery with picture perfect snow was the perfect backdrop for them to tie the knot.
Jessica & Ben
Jessica knew since the first time she went to Colorado that this was where she would have her wedding. Along with the perfect views and wintery vibes, Colorado is also a very special place in their life. After their first meeting at the Virginia State Fair back in 2013 her now husband, Ben, sent her a DM on Twitter saying “Hey, it’s Ben.”
And they’ve been together ever since! They were highschool sweethearts and then stayed together through college. Which is one of the reasons why Colorado is so significant to them, they did long distance for4 years while he was in college at the University of Colorado Boulder. Along with many family ski trips in Beaver Creek, “We felt it was the most special and perfect place for us!”
Finding the Right Venue
There are so many venues, but finding the right one for you as a couple is so important. They had 4 venue tours set up, “my wedding planner asked me if I wanted to add another venue to our list, Donovan Pavilion, since we were passing it on our way to the next appointment. I thought her question was interesting because my soon to be MIL asked if I wanted to stop by there a couple hours earlier. I thought it was no coincidence, it felt like we needed to. And I was right…”
As soon as they arrived, with no appointment, they were greeted by the sweetest lady who gave them the grand tour! “I immediately knew, this was it! The views were gorgeous, it was possible to do the ceremony and reception in the same location, we had open choice of all vendors, and wide open calendar dates to choose from! After seeing Donovan Pavilion I wanted to cancel the rest of the appointments.”
Dress Shopping for a Winter Wedding
“I had dreamed of trying on wedding dresses since I was a little girl! I knew it was going to be a very special moment.” Before coming to her appointment at Annalise Bridal, Jessica had done her research and was convinced Rosa by Kelly Faetanini was her dress! “I remember showing my mom the dress online and she immediately said, “That’s not your dress.” I was so upset!!!! But as they say, mother knows best!”
She tried on Rosa first at her appointment and immediately knew her mother was right and this was not her dress. “But my hopes were so high, I had no doubt I was going to leave there with a dress.” As she continued trying on dresses, “I had forgotten I sent over my Pinterest board… I thought you all just knew exactly what I wanted, I thought to myself, “These people get me…” hahah!” We had pulled Remi by Made With Love Bridal, and after trying it on the second time with a veil “it was a done deal!”
Elegant Winter Wedding Photography
We asked Jessica what was a splurge that was 100% worth it. She said “The photographers and videographers!!! They truly captured the emotions and raw feelings from the day.” Choosing a photographer that truly gets your vision for the day is one of the most important things for the wedding. The photos and video are what you with look back on forever. “We get to relive the best night of our lives over and over!”
Advice for Future Brides
“Go with the flow!” It’s inevitable that things will go wrong on your wedding day but it’s important that you “Don’t sweat the small details, your guests don’t know what’s ‘wrong.’” All of it is important to creating memories of the wedding day like, “‘accidentally’ spraying a bottle of champagne on my head right after I finished hair and makeup. It turned out to be so funny – even though my makeup and hair artists wanted to kill me hahah. We got the best pictures and created a great memory.”
“Everything works out how it’s meant to be! Go with the flow and enjoy every second of the best day of your life. It goes by way too quickly!!”
Blog Written By: Kennedy Williams
Bride & Groom: Jessica & Ben / Dress Designer: Made With Love Bridal / Accessories Designer: Untamed Petals / Photography: Lauren Pippin Photo / Venue: Donavan Pavillion / Planning: Glitter and Bliss Weddings / Florals: Bustle and Bloom Florals Hair: Hayley Styles Hair / Makeup: Nicole Toledo Makeup / Rentals: Tents and Events / Catering: Gourmet Cowboy / Photo Booth: Mihi Entertainment / Custom Decor: Handsome Love Co. / DJ: Vail DJ’s / Groom’s Attire: My King and Bay / Bridal Fur: Vintage Furs / Officiant: Phil Gallagher
One Comment
Was truly a special day and every detail turned out perfectly!
Thank you for a wonderful dress experience.
Betty (MOB)
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