Meet Danielle and Harrison, a couple with a tale as whimsical as a Colorado sunset. These two lovebirds first crossed paths at a bar in the Hamptons back in 2017 but didn’t start dating until a chance set up in 2018. As Danielle fondly recalls, “We, funnily enough, have selfies from the first night we met on a friend’s phone that surfaced about six months into dating.” Talk about a modern-day love story!

Choosing a destination wedding was a no-brainer for this couple. As Danielle explains, “We chose to do a destination wedding to make things as difficult as possible for our guests. JUST KIDDING!” In all seriousness, they settled on Colorado because it bridged the gap between their respective home states, New York and California. “Most guests had never been to the mountains,” Danielle shares, “and we loved the idea of them experiencing something new. Plus, when it’s a destination wedding, everyone has that vacation mindset, and we had four days of events.”

The couple’s love affair with the Colorado mountains began long before their engagement. Harrison grew up skiing in Vail, and they spent many summer seasons there together. So when they got engaged in October of 2021, they immediately knew they wanted to exchange vows amidst the majestic peaks. “We stumbled upon the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch,” Danielle explains, “which allowed for a tent on the grand lawn. We visited a year before in the summer and it exceeded all expectations. We knew we had made the perfect venue choice.”

The decor for their big day was nothing short of spectacular. Danielle, in particular, wanted to embrace the vibrancy of the Colorado mountains in every aspect of their wedding. “I wanted everything to feel elegant, yet organic and rustic,” she shares. The color palette was a vivid mix of yellows, peaches, fuchsias, oranges, lilacs, and hints of blue, perfectly complementing the natural surroundings.

One of the most memorable elements was the flower installation over the dance floor. Initially planned for the head table, the couple decided to move it, and Danielle couldn’t be happier with the decision. “It was so fun to dance under all the flowers and it made for great photos,” she recalls.

The ceremony was a beautiful blend of tradition and personal touches. Despite the absence of their grandparents, the couple honored them by incorporating family heirlooms into the ceremony, such as a kiddush cup from Danielle’s grandma Ruth and a gifted tallit from Harrison’s grandpa Milt.

Planning a wedding from afar had its challenges, but the couple found a supportive ally in their planner, Jennifer Pletcher. “To be honest, we were never really that stressed!” Danielle admits. “I think it was kind of an out of sight, out of mind mentality because the venue was physically far away.”

If there’s one piece of advice Danielle and Harrison want to share with other couples planning their own destination weddings, it’s this: “Set the tone of the entire weekend. If you’re having fun, your guests are having fun. And think about your guests! They traveled near and far to celebrate, so make sure there are multiple events hosted throughout the weekend.” From the welcome party on Thursday to the rehearsal dinner on Friday and the wedding on Saturday, this couple ensured their guests had an unforgettable experience from start to finish.

As Danielle and Harrison embark on their journey as husband and wife, they’ll always have the memories of their dream wedding amidst the stunning vistas of Beaver Creek to cherish.

Vendors: Photographer: Tamara Grüner; Planner: Gemini Event Planning; Venue: Ritz Carlton; Hair & Makeup: Divine Beauty Artists; Music: Mannequin Entertainment; Officiant: Rabbi Newman; Tent: Sperry Tents; Floral: The Perfect Petal; Rentals: Little Mad Events & Colorado Tents & Events; Videography: Wedding Videos Colorado; Transportation: Snowflake Limousine; Stationery: Four 13 Designs; Stylist: The Stylish Bride; Gown Designer: Reem Acra; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Alan David Custom