Non-Traditional Weddings are the Best!Wedding Day Details:

Some wedding days are so unique that its easier to highlight the things that were standard.  Nathan and Jaclyn had family and friends in attendance and people toasting to them.  They had food and an indoor venue for the Colorado winter time.  On the non-traditional side of things they were officially married at the top of the Vail ski resort two days before the ‘wedding’.  It was a parents and couple event.  The wedding day was really more a celebration and party with friends and family from as far as India.

The women were getting ready in the Vail Spa Condos over in the Arrabelle Square area of Vail.  The guys had a home down the road very close to the Donovan Pavilion.  Some guys started the day off skiing, running, hitting the hot tub, with coffee, or bourbon.  Rather than do a bridal party they had friends.  Rather that the white dress Jaclyn opted for blue which went really well against the snowy winter mountain background.  We had some photos outside in the snow aided by some boots for the snow.  You can see how being together for 30 years helps a couple be more relaxed and natural.  It was likely around 10-11 years but nonetheless as demonstrated in the speeches the parents didn’t think it was going to ever happen.

Many people showed up 30 minutes early for the pre-ceremony cocktail hour.  We think this is a little bit of a love for alcohol, getting in the area early, and a laid back attitude for the day.  The ceremony was more a say nice things about one another style with mothers sharing a few words followed by eloquent and rich words of affection shared between Nathan and Jaclyn.

More open bar celebration continued as the live band came into full swing.  As nice as having a good DJ is there is something to be said for the energy a live band can bring to a wedding reception.  The wedding day was overall a celebration of the marriage and less about the stuff and more about the people.  We love these kind of days because they allow for more photojournalism and an editorial style over having a structured shot lists and activities.  It was quite a party with Grandmas shaking it, friends laughing, and live music entertaining.

Donovan Pavilion Review:

Vail is a beautiful place to get married.  The Donovan Pavilion is a location that can work well for any season.  The fire pit was a nice touch for the winter wedding.  If it was summer the terrace could have also been utilized to give even more space.  The wood beams give the mountain venue feel.  There are aspens and the nearby Gore Creek that look good in the summer and winter.  We found the space was open and allowed for a diverse setup.  The space should fit almost any size wedding but certainly can cater to the average to larger sized weddings.

Erica with Erica Sarell Weddings was excellent and really is a great fit for a bold and playful couple.  Helping you plan your destination mountain weddings end to end is her specialty.  What we loved was she was personal, knowledgable, a good communicator, and helped pull the day together.  Taste 5 Catering delivered excellent h’ordevours and plated meals in both taste and presentation.  There is a fresh craft to the food and definitely someone to consider for Vail area caterers.

Here are our weddings at Donovan Pavilion.