Vail Mountain Wedding With Pheasant Feathers & Pops of Red ⋆ Ruffled

If a Genie gave us three wishes, we’d wish the first on travel back in time that lands us right in the heart of this Vail mountain wedding. We’d wish the second on a designer label ensemble to complement Shea and Daniel’s refined masculine color palette – a beautiful mélange of red, teal and chestnut. And the third? We’d wish the happy couple a lifetime of sweet wedded bliss. Then of course, we’d party. And oh, what a party it would be! As evidenced in the visual narrative from Diana Coulter, the weekend was oozing with immersive experiences inspired by the couple’s love story + passions. Lookin’ at you, archery! Framed by the designs from Pop Parties, these details were as striking as can be. From the gold foil-stamped paperie and brown gingham table linens to the custom bar-front paying homage to the couple’s own hunting dogs (who were also present!), Shea & Daniel’s style influence was ever-present. We may or may not have cried when we saw the photos of Shea walking towards the mountain-backdropped ceremony, her groom waiting at the end, in a smooth silk number juxtaposed dreamily by a bold red bouquet. Little Shop of Floral understood the assignment!!! You’ll see what we mean in the images that follow. Even the cakes got the royal floral treatment! Take it from us and set your own scene with a ‘lil John Denver before you scroll on. The Vail mountain wedding spirit will feel even more blissful.

From the Photographer, Diana Coulter: Influenced by the pheasant and the bride’s request for red with the contrast of pheasant greens and teals to make for a unique mountain color story, Shea and Daniel’s wedding was designed with a masculine residential feel in mind. Paired with earth tones, refined details, and whimsical florals by Little Shop of Floral, Molly and the Pop Parties team designed a weekend for Shea (therapist) and Daniel (ranch real estate agent) based on their love for the outdoors and their quest for the truth in Vail, CO. 

They welcomed their guests at the Rehearsal dinner and welcome party at Ludwigs, the restaurant connected to the Sonnenalp (with the most incredible light, might I add). The toasts created this lively and memorable experience for all the guests and was carried seamlessly into the wedding day– honoring the couple both emotionally and humorously. 

As night turned into morning, the wedding party found themselves back at the Sonnenalp in each respective suite getting ready for the big day. At noon the bridal party arrived at Camp Hale to a perfect overcast sky and a clear reflection in the lake. The bride wore a pure silk dress and wowed the groom – his reaction was priceless.

After the wedding party photos, guests started arriving at Camp Hale in Leadville, CO. The bride and groom shared beautiful and emotional vows and as they were walking down the aisle it started to rain (the big droplet kind of rain). As an ode to how their story began, the seating chart was created by Katherine Jezek: “You never know who you’ll meet until you take a seat” because Shea and Daniel met on a party bus at a friend’s wedding. Their story was woven into their entire day with intention and care. 

As the rain continued to pour heavily for the entire night, the guests were ultimately unfazed because they were too busy dancing the night away with friends and family to the Taylor Pace Orchestra of Jordan Kahn Music Company.

See Also

We’re on a rocky mountain high after reading Shea + Daniel’s story. As if we didn’t adore their wedding enough from the personal details, unique experiences, epic color palette and divine fashion picks, the design details are just too good to ignore. The mid-century mod lounges beneath unfussy string lights, the cozy patchwork patterns, the bride’s wool rancher hat, the groom’s pheasant feather bowtie… sublime. All of it. Continue on in the spirit of this Vail mountain wedding with a visit to Glacier National Park next. This destination wedding is timeless as can be with an organically rustic ceremony, a dinner in the woods and even couple portraits with wild horses.

Wedding Vendors:
Event Planning + Design: Pop Parties
Photography: Diana Coulter
Floral Design: Little Shop of Floral
Cinematography: Nice Shot Films
Invitations and Installation: Katherine Jezek Design
Rentals: Wallflower Event Rental
Beauty: Divine Beauty Artists
Wedding Dress Designer: Prea James
Wedding Dress Shop: Lovely Bride Denver
Wedding Cake: Mountain Flour
Bridesmaids Dresses: BHLDN
Groomsmen Attire: Indochino
Band: Taylor Pace Orchestra
Linens: BBJ La Tavola