A Winter Wonderland Destination Wedding in Colorado

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Photo: Aaron Delesie
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Abby and Cliff

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Aaron Delesie

Abby spent many family vacations in Beaver Creek, Colorado, and always knew that she would get married there some day. But even though she and her future husband, Cliff, had dated since high school in Mobile, Alabama, she didn't initially peg him as the groom. Four years of long distance on-again, off-again later, they got serious. She moved back to Cliff in Mobile, and a year and a half later, he proposed.

Abby wasn't fazed by the prospect of long-distance wedding planning, and with the help of a planner, the couple pulled off a glamorous ski-lodge wedding, with bursts of metallic gold to play off Colorado's snowy landscape.

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Woodsy Stationery

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Aaron Delesie

"I've always loved stationery," said Abby. "We custom-designed every piece of our suite." Engraved invites went to guests in foil-letterpressed envelopes, and gold thread held together a pine needle–adorned "Save the Weekend" booklet.

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A Tasty Welcome

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Aaron Delesie

Chocolate-covered pretzels sweetened the welcome bags.

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Natural Beauty

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Aaron Delesie

The Colorado slopes offered a regal reception-site view.

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Maids of Honor

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Aaron Delesie

The bride's sisters, both maids of honor, wore champagne Tadashi Shoji dresses. Abby carried a lily of the valley bouquet. Underneath the bride's snow-white cape was a one-of-a-kind hybrid gown: Vera Wang on top and Monique Lhuillier below.

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The Boutonnieres

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Aaron Delesie

Eucalyptus and tallow berries united on the groomsmen's lapels.

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A Snowy Surprise

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Aaron Delesie

The groom sported a cheeky pair of socks underneath his suit.

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The Chapel

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Aaron Delesie

Cliff converted to Judiasm, Abby's faith, after the pair got engaged, and they were married in the Chapel at Beaver Creek in a traditional Jewish ceremony.

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Traditional Touches

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Aaron Delesie

The huppa, a Jewish ceremonial structure that represents the home, incorporated the same fringed fabric that Abby's parents wed beneath in 1980.

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The Ketubah

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Aaron Delesie

A pine-branch motif spruced up the ketubah, the traditional Jewish wedding contract.

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Melting Point

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Aaron Delesie

Servers distributed s'more kits on the slopes.

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At the Table

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Aaron Delesie

Each place setting at the reception included a napkin embroidered with the couple's new monogram. The pair's 130 guests dined on elk medallions, braised Brussels sprouts, and smoky cheddar grits, nods to both the woodsy setting and the duo's Southern roots.

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Live Entertainment

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Aaron Delesie

During a toast, accordionists serenaded the couple.

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Thoughtful Tokens

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Aaron Delesie

The bride's mom stuffed favor bags with almond dragees, a symbol of good luck.

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The Getaway

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Aaron Delesie

After the festivities, the newlyweds traveled by snowcat to a spectacular chalet high up on the mountain, nestled in the slopes.

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Sources

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Aaron Delesie

Photography: Aaron Delesie

Locations: The Chapel at Beaver Creek; Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa

Event Production and Design: Lisa Vorce

Flowers and Decor: R. Jack Balthazar Wedding

Stationery: Wiley Valentine

Calligraphy: PenGraphics

Rentals: Alpine Party Rentals

Bride's Gown: Vera Wang and Monique Lhuillier

Seamstress: Christal Hall for Something New Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses: Tadashi Shoji

Groom's Dinner Jacket: Samuelsohn

Officiants: Rabbi Steven Silberman; Cantor Judy Greenfeld

Reception Paper: Papel Paper & Press

Music: Ceremony, Bill Parish Productions; reception DJ, Ian Gotler of Red Shoe LA

Dance Floor: Barker Decor Service

Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen

Hair and Makeup: Allegria Spa

Bride's Accessories: The Fur Salon at Saks Fifth Avenue cape; Miu Miu shoes

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