Like a lot of destination wedding couples, Taylor and Lauren are originally from different states and so, no matter the location, a wedding was going to require travel for guests. Once the couple decided on a wedding away, there was really only one destination they considered: Beaver Creek, Colorado. The quaint mountain town is like a second home to the bride and she always envisioned a summer wedding there. The couple has great taste, because beautiful Beaver Creek is a popular destination in the summertime.

“Saturdays in July are very popular, so it took a bit of work to schedule the chapel and reception venue for a desirable date,” says the bride. “We almost were not able to have both, but thankfully another couple needed to change dates, so we were able to get both venues.” Luckily, the couple had good fortune and was able to book The Chapel at Beaver Creek for their ceremony and Beano’s Cabin for their reception.

When asked about planning their destination wedding, the couple looks back on the process fondly. “It was wonderful because both families worked very closely during the 11 months of planning,” says Lauren. “Once we settled on doing a destination wedding, the whole vision for the wedding fell into place. It also allowed us to limit our guest list…it made the entire experience very intimate and special.”

While their families played a key role in the couple executing their W-Day vision, the couple can’t say enough good things about their wedding planner. “We used a wedding planner and could not have pulled it off without her and her team,” says the couple. “Kelly Karli Weddings & Events is based in Edwards, Colorado, which is roughly 15 minutes from Beaver Creek. They knew all the best vendors from Vail Valley and Denver, so finding vendors was shockingly easy.

“There were no problems with coordination. [Because] our wedding planner is based in the area, she handled any day-to-day tasks and we made a couple trips there over the year to consult with the cake designer, makeup artist and hair stylist.” Due to the couple making the decision to have a destination wedding, focusing on a style and never looking back, everything came together beautifully come W-Day. When thinking back on their entire wedding experience, Lauren and Taylor have no doubts and no regrets.

“The alternative option was [a wedding in my] hometown, which would have equated to a much larger wedding,” says Lauren. “We were able to focus our money on creating the most unique experience possible for a smaller amount of guests. It [also] would not have been as unique. We utilized an entire weekend for wedding activities including a wine and cheese social, rehearsal dinner, cocktail reception, ceremony and wedding reception. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

After looking through the couple’s wedding photos, it’s clear that their vision was a strong one. When asked what advice they would give other couples currently planning their destination wedding, Lauren and Taylor didn’t hesitate:

“Hire a local wedding planner. It is invaluable to have someone at the destination who knows all the vendors and to take care of items that must be handled in person. Also, make sure everyone involved understands your vision. From the moment we decided to get married in Beaver Creek, the vision for the whole wedding became very clear. It would have been more difficult if anyone had attempted to alter that vision, but our wedding planner and vendors were excited about our vision and helped create the perfect wedding weekend.”

Vendors: Photographer: Sara Hasstedt, Wedding Planner: Kelly Karli Weddings & Events, Ceremony/Reception Site: The Chapel at Beaver Creek/Beano’s Cabin, Florist: Plum Sage Flowers, Stationery: Kay’s Hallmark in Fort Worth, Texas & Four 13 Designs in Eagle, Colorado, Cake: Cornerstone Chocolates & Confections, Hair: Kacee Picot, Makeup: Michele Mckamie with Blush & Brush, Gown Designer: Marchesa, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Men’s Wearhouse, Bridesmaids/Groomsmens’ Clothing Designer: Jenny Yoo/Men’s Wearhouse, Videographer: Larisa Graham, Event Design: Pink Monkey Solutions