Planning a wedding from across the country is always a challenge, but Dana and Derek’s Blue Mountain Ski Resort wedding was so impeccably pulled together, that no one could’ve guessed they were planning from afar. These two are so relaxed and genuine in their excitement to be married that every moment of the day was a joy.
While getting ready at a nearby Airbnb, which gave off perfect ski resort vibes, Dana and her girls had a great time pulling together their own flowers with a bit of bouquet design to start the morning. Once all of their florals were set up, Danny got into her delicate lace gown with the help of her mother and maid of honor. Posing for a few final moments before heading to Blue Mountain Ski Resort, Dana was a vision.
At the same time, Derek and his guys were already over at Blue Mountain Ski Resort getting ready for the wedding. What better backdrop for guys getting ready than the bar! The crew hung outside on the outdoor patio playing corn hole, toasting beers, and having a generally relaxed start to the day. Once Derek was fully dressed in his navy suit, it was time to get the picture started.
Anytime a couple opts not to have a first look but wants to maximize their cocktail hour time for either portraits or enjoying time with guests, we always recommend doing as many of the smaller group portraits such as wedding party beforehand. So the team took Dana and her girls out separately from Derek and his guys to get these wedding party portraits photographed before guests began to arrive for their ceremony.
As Dana was hiding away in the bridal suite and Derek and the guys continued to relax, we stepped down to capture the beautiful mountain views of a Blue Mountain Ski Resort wedding ceremony. One of the biggest draws for this gorgeous venue is definitely the ceremony location. At the top of a small ridge overlooking the mountains beyond, you cannot beat the backdrop for a ceremony at Blue Mountain, especially in the autumn. Dana and Derek’s October ceremony was on a gloriously warm sun-drenched October afternoon, Blue Mountain was shown in its greatest light.
As guests started to arrive, they were serenaded by live acoustic music played by a pair of guitarists. Before long, it was time for the ceremony to begin. Derek walked up the aisle confidently smiling as he got into place to await Dana’s arrival. It’s always funny to hear brides talk about how nervous they are about that walk, but with an impressive grand entrance like they have at Blue Mountain Ski Resort, Dana was truly on showcase. The ceremony itself was short and sweet officiated by a friend. Once the rings were exchanged and these two took their first kiss as husband and wife, we were able to start exploring the grounds with their friends and family for portrait time.
After a few quick group photos at the scenic overlook, we released the wedding party members and the family to go enjoy the cocktail hour. While everyone else was getting a head start on snacks and drinks, Dana and Derek gave us their attention so we could take some truly gorgeous portraits of these two. With the autumn leaves in full glory and a topaz blue sky overhead, Dana and Derek laughed, danced, and giggled their way through the portrait session. Before we knew it, cocktail hour was winding down and it was time to get these two into the party.
The main ballroom at Blue Mountain Ski Resort with its beautiful, rustic wood-slatted ceilings, and chandeliers dangling all over has one of our favorite views. The warmth from the glowing lights and the autumn sun enveloped the entire room and the centerpieces, created by the wedding party earlier that day, brought a vibrant “springiness” to the space.
The party opened up with Dana and Derek’s first dance together, to Billy Joel’s “She’s Got a Way,” and continued on with parent dances to more classic rock songs. These two are toasted by their honors and family before a delicious meal was served to everyone. As guests were finishing their dinner, these two slipped away to the overlook just in time for sunset and the purple-orange sky served as an amazing backdrop for the second portrait session. When we returned to the reception, Dana and Derek cut the cake and kicked off an amazing dance set full of joyful frolicking and tons of great memories in the making!
This Blue Mountain Ski Resort Wedding was created by:
Photographer: Ashley Gerrity Photography | Getting Ready: | Reception Venue: Blue Mountain Ski Resort | Entertainment: The Move Makers | Stationery: The Knot | Bride’s Shoes: Bella Belle | Wedding Rings: Blue Nile Manly Bands | Make up: Makeup by Roxy
