A Winter Wonderland Destination Wedding in Colorado

Abby spent many family vacations in Beaver Creek, Colorado, and always knew that she would get married there some day. But even though she and her future husband, Cliff, had dated since high school in Mobile, Alabama, she didn't initially peg him as the groom. Four years of long distance on-again, off-again later, they got serious. She moved back to Cliff in Mobile, and a year and a half later, he proposed.

Abby wasn't fazed by the prospect of long-distance wedding planning, and with the help of a planner, the couple pulled off a glamorous ski-lodge wedding, with bursts of metallic gold to play off Colorado's snowy landscape.

"I've always loved stationery," said Abby. "We custom-designed every piece of our suite." Engraved invites went to guests in foil-letterpressed envelopes, and gold thread held together a pine needle–adorned "Save the Weekend" booklet.

Chocolate-covered pretzels sweetened the welcome bags.

The Colorado slopes offered a regal reception-site view.

The bride's sisters, both maids of honor, wore champagne Tadashi Shoji dresses. Abby carried a lily of the valley bouquet. Underneath the bride's snow-white cape was a one-of-a-kind hybrid gown: Vera Wang on top and Monique Lhuillier below.

Eucalyptus and tallow berries united on the groomsmen's lapels.

The groom sported a cheeky pair of socks underneath his suit.

Cliff converted to Judiasm, Abby's faith, after the pair got engaged, and they were married in the Chapel at Beaver Creek in a traditional Jewish ceremony.

The huppa, a Jewish ceremonial structure that represents the home, incorporated the same fringed fabric that Abby's parents wed beneath in 1980.

A pine-branch motif spruced up the ketubah, the traditional Jewish wedding contract.

Servers distributed s'more kits on the slopes.

Each place setting at the reception included a napkin embroidered with the couple's new monogram. The pair's 130 guests dined on elk medallions, braised Brussels sprouts, and smoky cheddar grits, nods to both the woodsy setting and the duo's Southern roots. 

During a toast, accordionists serenaded the couple.

The bride's mom stuffed favor bags with almond dragees, a symbol of good luck.

After the festivities, the newlyweds traveled by snowcat to a spectacular chalet high up on the mountain, nestled in the slopes.

Photography: Aaron Delesie

Locations: The Chapel at Beaver Creek; Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa

Event Production and Design: Lisa Vorce

Flowers and Decor: R. Jack Balthazar Wedding

Stationery: Wiley Valentine

Calligraphy: PenGraphics

Rentals: Alpine Party Rentals

Bride's Gown: Vera Wang and Monique Lhuillier

Seamstress: Christal Hall for Something New Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses: Tadashi Shoji

Groom's Dinner Jacket: Samuelsohn

Officiants: Rabbi Steven Silberman; Cantor Judy Greenfeld

Reception Paper: Papel Paper & Press

Music: Ceremony, Bill Parish Productions; reception DJ, Ian Gotler of Red Shoe LA

Dance Floor: Barker Decor Service

Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen

Hair and Makeup: Allegria Spa

Bride's Accessories: The Fur Salon at Saks Fifth Avenue cape; Miu Miu shoes