Wedding Anniversary Ski Photos in Winter Park

These couple ski photos in Winter Park have the most incredible skiing love story behind them. March 2020 was Kathy and John’s 35th anniversary of when they met on the Iron Horse Lift at Winter Park Ski Resort. To celebrate we did an anniversary session at Winter Park and took photos on the ski lift they met on! 

Winter Park Skiing Love Story

Kathy was on a ski trip with a group of coworkers (she was a nurse) and John was actually on a ski date. Despite being with other people at Winter Park, they were such good skiers that they ended up skiing on their own for most of the day.

John was there with his date and a friend, but neither could keep up with him. Eventually, John’s date and his friend headed to the lodge for a break. John continued to ski and ended up riding the two-person lift, Iron Horse, on Mary Jane. Kathy was in the singles line and rode up the lift with him. This specific lift is a slooooow one, so they had plenty of time to talk on the way up. They skied the next run together and then ended up skiing together the rest of the day.

At the end of the day, Kathy gave John her number, but he LOST IT. He got out the phone book and called every woman with the same first and last name until he found her. He says that he knew he met his wife that day. How adorable?? Later that year they got married at the Catholic Cathedral in Denver and they’ve been together ever since!

Kathy and John are still super active with downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and running. They are now retired and live in a beautiful mountain home in Winter Park. They share their love of winter sports with their two daughters who are avid snowboarders and joined us for some of the photos.

Hearing Kathy and John’s love story and then getting to photograph them on the lift where it all started for them was such a special experience! These two are exceptional skiers, so it was fun to ski along with them at Winter Park!

Winter Park Ski Photographer

I’m a Colorado ski photographer who photographs skiing and snowboarding- ski proposals, ski engagements, and ski weddings! If you’re looking to plan a ski or snowboard photo session get in touch with me here! 

Looking for more Winter Park ski inspiration? Check out this Ski Elopement in Winter Park!

Colorado Skiing Engagement Photos at Keystone Ski Resort

I loved meeting up with Caitlin and Alex for their Colorado skiing engagement photos at Keystone Ski Resort. These two met at college in Georgia and have been together ever since. Alex’s family has been coming to Keystone every year since he was a kid. With skiing being an important part of his life, Alex taught Caitlin how to ski, and she fell in love with the sport. For their engagement session, they wanted to include skiing since it’s one of their favorite activities to do together!

Engagement Photos in Keystone

Alex and Caitlin came to Colorado after Christmas to spend New Years with Alex’s family. The pandemic had put them on hold from skiing, so they were beyond excited to hit the slopes! Occasionally, they get to ski in the Southeast, but to them nothing compares to skiing in Colorado. 

Before heading to Keystone Resort for their ski engagement session, we met at a location nearby for a few photos Après Ski style in “normal clothes”. Then they swapped their sweaters for ski jackets and we headed to the resort to start their skiing engagement session.

Colorado Skiing Engagement Photos at Keystone Ski Resort

I loved that Caitlin and Alex decided to include skiing in their engagement session. Couples are always curious about how to incorporate skiing into their engagement photos, but it’s quite simple. 

First, decide that you want to ski for your engagement photos. Next, find a photographer who is comfortable and confident with skiing and up to photograph you! I started skiing at a young age and competitively alpine raced for 10 years, so skiing is like second nature to me. Once you have a photographer nailed down, next you’ll plan out the logistics like the mountain, date, and time. When a couple books a ski engagement session with me, I guide them through the entire process! Keystone Ski Resort is a special place to both Alex and Caitlin, so it made sense to plan their session at a place they love, and also a ski mountain they are familiar with. 

I had so much fun getting to ski with Caitlin and Alex, and capturing their engagement photos at Keystone. To a skiing photographer, it really is the best of both worlds!

Review from the Couple

Caitlin and Alex left me an incredible view about their experience working with me!

“Gabrielle was incredibly fun to work with, making the photo taking process feel as natural as possible and perfectly reflecting us as a couple. She made both the skiing photos and après-ski photos such a smooth process, especially for two people notoriously awkward in front of cameras. With her photos, you would never know that was the case! We absolutely love our photos. We cannot stop looking at them, and neither can anyone we show them to! We had a blast the entire day. Not only is Gabrielle a wonderful photographer, but she's also extremely fun to ski with. She's a kind soul and an incredible photographer, we would absolutely recommend her to anyone!”- Caitlin & Alex

Colorado Skiing Engagement Photographer

Dreaming of including skiing in your engagement photos?! I would love to chat with you about how to make it happen! Get in touch with me below!

Skiing & Snowboarding Proposal in Vail

We couldn’t have asked for a better bluebird day for this skiing and snowboarding proposal in Vail!

Vail Proposal Photographer

Francisco and Valeria came all the way from Guatemala for a ski vacation in Colorado. Valeria has been skiing with her family in the Rockies since she was a child, and Francisco just learned to snowboard during this trip! He took some snowboard lessons and when he proposed, it was only on his fourth day ever on the mountain. Thankfully, Francisco’s surf-boarding skills definitely transferred over! I was so impressed!

How to Propose While Skiing & Snowboarding in Vail

When Francisco started planning his Vail proposal to Valeria, he reached out to me about photographing it. I worked with him to nail down the time and gave him recommendations on where to propose on Vail mountain. I LOVE the spot he ended up proposing because it has the most incredible mountain views and an intimate feel. 

When Francisco and Valeria got to “the spot”, Francisco set up his Go Pro. They had been using it to take photos and videos their entire trip, so Valeria just thought he was taking a photo of them. Valeria turned her back to take off her helmet and when she turned around, Francisco was down on one knee! She was so surprised and had the biggest smile on her face!

Right after the proposal, Francisco and Valeria ran into her family who was coming up the lift nearby. They were ecstatic and so excited for the newly engaged couple! After the initial celebration, I headed off with Francisco and Valeria to capture photos of just the two of them skiing and snowboarding. After hitting a few runs together, they met back up with their family for group photos and to continue celebrating.

These two were super fun to ski with and they couldn’t keep from smiling! I had such an awesome time capturing their engagement and skiing with them!

Client REview

Francisco left me the best review!

"I don´t have words to describe how happy I am that I hired Gabrielle. In the beginning, I thought it would be enough to propose at the mountain and just take some pics with the Gopro and the phone. But hiring her made everything EASIER and made for a magical proposal- the best proposal ever!! From the planning to the execution, it was PERFECT. My girl had no clue that she was there to take pictures of the proposal because she did everything perfectly and camouflaged in with the crowd. I love the result of the pictures, we can’t stop looking at them and sharing our magical moments with friends and family. Once more, MANY MANY THANKS!" -Francisco

Colorado Ski Proposal Photographer

Thinking of planning to propose while skiing in Colorado? I’ll help you plan the logistics such as where to propose on the mountain and what time is best. Check out my proposal tips and get in touch with me below to start planning!

Ski Wedding at Beaver Creek Ski Resort

Lea & Sterling’s ski wedding at Beaver Creek Ski Resort Colorado was a dream wedding day for a couple who loves to ski and snowboard! They were both presidents of their respective skiing and snowboarding clubs in college, so hitting the slopes is truly a big part of their lives. Lea and Sterling visit Beaver Creek every year to ski and snowboard, so it made sense to have their wedding here!

Ski Wedding at Beaver Creek Ski Resort

This April wedding day started with Lea and Sterling getting ready at Grand Hyatt at the base of the mountain. For the first look, we took Sterling up in the Centennial Express Gondola to wait at the top of the mountain. Lea and her Mom rode up in a separate gondola shortly after. When Lea’s gondola arrived, Sterling turned around just as the gondola doors were opening. Out walked his gorgeous winter bride ready to ski!

After their first look, we took another lift up to the top of Beaver Creek, and took their couple’s portraits and a few family photos. Then Lea & Sterling hit a run down the mountain followed by their friends and family skiing along. Lea was in a beautiful ballgown and Sterling wore a classic tux. They got a lot of cheers of congratulations from onlookers as they were skiing and snowboarding down. After enjoying a run with their friends and family, Lea and Sterling did a run with just the two of them. Later we hopped in a gondola and headed down for their ceremony in the village!

Lea and Sterling exchanged their vows at the base of Park Hyatt at Beaver Creek Ski Resort. They had an emotional ceremony filled with lots of laughter and a few tears. Lea’s stepdad officiated the ceremony and it was a full-circle moment because he was the one who taught her how to ski!

Next, Lea & Sterling celebrated their nuptials with a shot ski! Their shot ski was custom-made by friends for their wedding day. Lea & Sterling were also super competitive about their “cake smash”- they were determined to smash cake in each other’s faces and they made it happen! I loved getting to ski alongside Lea & Sterling on their wedding day. Ski and snowboard weddings are my jam and I love helping couples plan a day that fits them!

Vendors

Photography: Ski the Day | Video: Cat Lemus of Studio Lemus | Hair + Make-up: Tiffani at Park Hyatt Spa | Dress: Something New Boutique | Venue: Park Hyatt Beaver Creek | Ski Resort Mountain: Beaver Creek | Cake: Mountain Flour

Looking for a skiing Colorado Wedding Photographer?

I’m Gabrielle and I’ve been skiing since I was 5! I grew up competitively alpine racing for 10 years, so skiing with my camera gear is no problem. As a Colorado wedding photographer, I get to combine my love for skiing and weddings to help adventurous couples create a wedding day that is true to them! Head over to my contact page with the button below to get in touch about planning your Colorado ski elopement!

Interested in seeing more ski wedding inspiration? Check out this Winter Park Skiing Elopement!

Skiing Elopement in Colorado at Winter Park Resort

One of the highlights of my ski season was photographing this beautiful skiing elopement in Colorado at Winter Park Resort! Originally, Kelcie and Jason planned on having a big wedding in May. They planned to downsize their big wedding even more, but ultimately decided to elope in March!

Kelcie and Jason used to live in Evergreen, CO, and skied as often as possible at Winter Park Resort. At the time of their elopement, they lived in Taos, NM, and made their way back to Colorado to get married. When they decided to elope they knew they had to return to Winter Park!

Skiing Elopement at Winter Park Resort

Kelcie and Jason did a first look at the base of Mary Jane near the Iron Horse Lift. They immediately went into their self-solemnized ceremony and exchanged their personal vows. After they exchanged vows, it was time to hit the slopes as a newly married couple! 

We took the gondola up and got in a few runs. Then we found a beautiful spot in the trees for portraits and cupcakes. Have you ever thought of having a wedding day snowball fight? Kelcie and Jason did! Then they enjoyed vegan cupcakes they had packed along with them (a skiing essential).

I hit a few more runs with Kelcie and Jason, and took photos of them on the ski lift together. Kelcie and Jason love tree skiing, so we ended our time together with a tree run. Once we parted ways, Kelcie and Jason went to the lodge for a celebratory drink and spent the rest of their day skiing together. For a couple who loves to ski together, Kelcie and Jason’s elopement was a dream day!

Vendors 

Ski Resort: Winter Park Resort | Video: Cat Lemus of Studio Lemus| Hair + Makeup: Winter Park Beauty Bar | Dress: Flutter Dress Shop

How to Plan a Ski Elopement in Colorado

For Kelcie and Jason, planning a ski elopement in Colorado felt true to them. Because of their love and familiarity with Winter Park Resort, it easily became the place they wanted to get married. In Colorado, couples can self-solemnize. This means that you can perform your own marriage ceremony without a third party to officiate. It truly allows couples to plan a day that is focused on the two of them. I have an entire post with more information about self-solemnizing in Colorado, so check it out!

Ski Elopement Outfits

Kelcie ordered a Flutter Dress online and it arrived just in time! This flowy dress looked gorgeous on Kelcie and added some movement into action photos of her skiing. Flutter Dress is an online dress shop where you can buy or rent a dress. They have a gorgeous selection of dresses that are affordable too! Jason wore a jacket and a button-down shirt with tiny little skiers on it! I have a whole post dedicated to how to ski in a wedding dress, so you can make your ski wedding dreams a reality!

Looking for a Colorado Ski Elopement Photographer? 

I’m Gabrielle and I’ve been skiing since I was 5! I grew up competitively alpine racing for 10 years, so skiing with my camera gear is no problem. As a Colorado wedding photographer, I get to combine my love for skiing and weddings to help adventurous couples create a wedding day that is true to them! Head over to my contact page with the button below to get in touch about planning your Colorado ski elopement!

For more Winter Park ski and snowboard inspiration, check out Carissa & Aaron’s elopement!

Breckenridge Ski Proposal | Shahin & Paulina

Shahin and Paulina’s Breckenridge ski proposal at Peak 8 was on a beautiful blue sky day in April. These two came from Mexico City to Breckenridge for a Colorado ski vacation!

Ski Proposal in Breckenridge

Shahin proposed to Paulina on their second day on the mountain. They had stopped for a short break near the T-Bar at Peak 8. Before strapping back in, Shahin asked me to take a photo of him and Paulina as if I was a photographer for the mountain. Then Shahin dropped down to one knee and popped the question. When Paulina said yes, people waiting in the nearby lift line started cheering! Paulina was surprised and SO excited. You can see how she was gushing with excitement in their photos! 

After Shahin proposed, we took some portraits of them in the trees. Then they took a few moments to FaceTime their family in Mexico to tell them the good news! I hit a few runs with them to capture fun action shots of them skiing and snowboarding together. Then they popped a bottle of champagne and enjoyed the rest of their day on the mountain!

Planning a Breckenridge Ski Proposal 

When Shahin reached out to me about planning to propose while skiing in Breckenridge, I sent him location ideas for his proposal and he scouted them pn his first day on the mountain. He ended up picking a spot with great views in the middle of Peak 8. 

When planning to propose at a ski resort it can feel overwhelming to decide where might be best. With proposal clients, I’ll always send locations ideas and recommendations to help them decide the spot that is best for them. When it comes to deciding where to pop the question you can look for a spot: 

• at the top of the mountain or a run

• at the base of the mountain

  towards the back bowls or lesser known parts of the mountain. 

It depends on what you are envisioning, but I always help my clients nail down the best spot for them!

Looking for more ski proposal inspiration? Check out Andrew & Kim’s Vail ski proposal!

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About the Photographer

I’m Gabrielle, the creator and photographer behind Ski the Day. I specialize in photographing ski and snowboard weddings, elopements, proposals, and engagements. As an avid skier and wedding photographer, I aim to be a resource for couples who want to incorporate their love of skiing or snowboarding into the biggest day of their lives. I’m based in Colorado and available for travel worldwide.