A Summer Wedding at Timber Ridge Lodge in Keystone, Colorado
Keystone, Colorado Destination Wedding
Have you ever had a bucket list spot where you knew if you could just go there, your life would be full?
Last November, my family and I took a trip to Keystone, Colorado. It’s a location I had wanted to go since I was a little girl. Little did I know that the bucket list Colorado trip would turn into a magical Keystone Wedding on top of a high mountain. The wedding day would be full of love and laughter, the couple would hug and kiss atop a high peak, the family would travel from all over to celebrate the amazing day.
If you ever ask me what my mountain top moment is in business, this weekend would likely be my answer.
The morning after.
We had celebrated the most amazing Indian ceremony and Sangeet the day before this Keystone Wedding began. You can see more of that amazing day here: Megan and Zubin’s Indian Ceremony and Sangeet.
They danced and laughed, we enjoyed the music and fellowship of new friendships and even some old friendships, and then we headed to our resorts because tomorrow was a big day.
The morning after came quickly and we head to meet Megan and her girls for all of the festivities. Lots of details and fun moments as they gathered around to share stories from the night before, and even a few bagels. The suspense was building for this beautiful Keystone Wedding as the light was shining bright and the dresses were being pressed.
After the detail shots were complete, we head back to the room to join the fun.
Little did we know that around the corner to the current resort, the guys were sleeping in after dancing the night away. I mean, they had to get their rest to enjoy a new day and a new Keystone Wedding.
Can we just pause for one second to talk about how handsome Zubin Shah is, ladies and gentlemen?
Not only is he handsome in his tuxedo, but he is one of the kindest people ever. I don’t just say that because we share the same birthday!
The guys were busy ironing pants and steaming jackets. We took Zubin outside with his best man and captured his detail and getting ready shots. You could sense the anxiousness he felt to see Megan in her gown. We warned him to be prepared because this girl’s gown was ready for it’s Keystone Wedding entrance and he was not going to be disappointed. We left the guys finishing their tuxedos and gave our swift warning…be up the mountain by 2:30. Our bride will be coming up those Keystone Wedding gondolas and we need Zubin in hiding.
We arrived back at Megan’s resort just in time to capture her gown! I would love to tell you that we didn’t move every table and that Josh isn’t standing on the table over the right holding a chandelier, but the truth is…you do what you need to do to capture the magic of a Keystone Wedding, that even means moving furniture for the most perfect and creamy/dreamy light.
Megan was stunning. It was time for us to head up the mountain, but not before we gave the girls the same warning. Don’t head up the gondolas until 2:40. We need those guys up the mountain first. I will say, this is the first time in my history of wedding photography that I have had to tell people about gondola timing. I think I could do it over and over again.
We made it to the top! Three gondola rides and about 30 minutes later, we arrived. The setting was just too much! A Keystone Wedding is something I could relive over and over again!
It was time, the bride had arrived, the groom was in hiding and it was time for our first look!
Can we just stop!
What in the world. They are just too gorgeous and that view! This Keystone Wedding was not disappointing at all. The sun was high, the light was strong, the clouds were perfect, and the sky was blue. But not only that, this couple was smiling from ear to ear. Their family and friends were here and we were ready to celebrate their love story.
And enter the wedding party at the perfect spot for this Keystone Wedding day.
Can we get a round of applause for this gorgeous wedding party? They were not only so much fun, but they were so very kind. They even made me cry at the end of the night by loving on me and encouraging me. Get you some friends like Zubin and Megan, because their friends are amazing (and they’re my friends now, too!).
After the gorgeous Keystone Wedding light and the wedding party formals had been complete, we headed in to see the reception. We had already taken a sneak peek when we arrived, and Fern and Blooms was already blowing it out of the water on her designs, but Megan’s vision of her day was coming to life and it was sure to be stunning. Guess what, it was!
Ready or not, here comes the bride.
As guest exited the gondola on top of the mountain, they were greeted with a glass of champagne to start the celebration. They were seated with a magnificent view of the Colorado mountains and the sweet summer breeze was definitely in the air.
As the ceremony began, the minister politely requested for cell phones and cameras to go away so we could soak up the atmosphere together! For us, this is a magical moment because we were able to capture all of the views of the ceremony!
Their Keystone Wedding was complete! The ceremony was so perfect and we heard so many amazing stories about their life and relationship together. You can tell these two are ready to enjoy being married for their whole lives to come!
After the ceremony, it was time for sunset formals. This is always a favorite part of the day. The newlyweds get a minute to breathe and shares some kisses, but this Keystone Wedding sunset was one for the books. We enjoyed the light as long as possible and soaked in every moment with them.
The light was right, the guest were enjoying cocktails, and it was time to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Shah on this Keystone Wedding evening!
So many amazing stories from Megan’s dad and Zubin’s mom. They thanked everyone for coming and enjoying the event, sweet Bindu even thanked Josh and me for coming in-spite of Josh’s dad passing away. Honestly, it was exactly where we needed to be. The love from this day carried us. The wedding party and families gathered around us and encouraged us, but mostly we left with a heart for these amazing people and their love story.
Will I ever get over this Keystone Wedding? Likely not. Megan sent me her sneak peek video from Cat and Lemus Studios just a little bit ago, and I was crying all over again. There was just something so special and unique about these amazing people, two cultures, one love, coming together to celebrate. They honored one another, they respected traditions and honored their parents. They hugged their friends and enjoyed each other’s company. They danced and laughed. They casted off worry and enjoyed the moments.
I get asked often why I love destination weddings so much. It’s this. The people who make the journey are there for the complete adventure. They are not there out of obligation or because the church is right up the road. These people come together to celebrate a beautiful love and Megan and Zubin have just that. A unique love story that God created and has gifted them for eternity!
I could talk on and on about how much we truly enjoyed being with these amazing people! What a perfect Keystone Wedding!
But for now, we love you, Megan and Zubin! Congratulations on your new life together! We can’t wait for the many years of friendship to come!
Everybody, I give you, Mr. and Mrs. Shah!
Keystone, Colorado Wedding Vendors:
Wedding Venue and Address: Timber Ridge Lodge :: Keystone, CO
Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Laura Pearson, L Elizabeth Events
Bridal Shop for Wedding Gown: Carriage House, Mountain Brook
Dress Design by: Kelly Faetanini
Tuxedo Shop for Groom and Groomsmen: Black Tux
Videography by: Cat Lemus, Studio Lemus
Florist: Katie Carrera, Fern & Bloom
Make-up by: Nicole Toledo
Hair by: Hayley Styles
Catering by: Keystone
Invitations by: Zola
DJ/Music by: PULSE Band, Hipster Mama Productions
Photography: Amy Sullins and Josh Sullins of Amy-Cole Photography