Elevated Mountain Elegance at Camp Hale, Colorado

Captured beautifully by Magnolia Rouge Vendor AMANDA BERUBE, Catherine and Alex’s wedding at CAMP HALE in Vail, Colorado, was the perfect balance of emotion, energy, and elegance. With planning by GEMINI EVENT PLANNING & DESIGN, the day unfolded against the most spectacular mountain backdrop — an alpine haven that reflected the couple’s adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors. Every detail was infused with meaning, laughter, and the joy of being surrounded by the people who mean the most.

Catherine and Alex always knew they wanted to marry in the mountains. The sweeping views, open skies, and tranquil setting of CAMP HALE made it an easy choice. “Just look at a photo of it — no words are needed,” Catherine said. Their vision was simple yet intentional: a timeless celebration that felt like the best party of their lives. The design centred on crisp white florals and lush greenery to complement, not compete with, the surrounding scenery.

The day began with relaxed anticipation as Catherine and her bridesmaids prepared in the property’s main house, mimosas and music setting the tone for a morning full of laughter. Nearby, Alex and his groomsmen embraced a bit of adventure, taking to the property’s archery range before suiting up in their cabins. The easy, joyful pace perfectly reflected the couple’s down-to-earth personalities.

Wanting to soak up as much of the celebration as possible, Catherine and Alex chose to see each other before the ceremony. Their first look was intimate and heartfelt — a quiet pause before the festivities that allowed them to be fully present for the evening ahead. The result: candid, emotional photographs that captured the essence of their connection and excitement.

ANTHIA DESIGN brought Catherine’s floral vision to life with a design of full white blooms, cascading greenery, and soft, natural textures. Two asymmetrical columns framed the altar, while the aisle was lined with white flowers for a garden-inspired effect. Inside the tent, greenery trailed from every corner, with tea lights suspended from above, creating a warm, fairy-tale glow. Even the llamas — yes, llamas — at cocktail hour wore delicate greenery collars, delighting guests and adding a touch of whimsy.

Catherine’s TOM SEBASTIEN A-line gown featured a 3D floral design with a corset-style bodice, small beaded straps, and a slit in the skirt. Her second outfit for the after party was a short version of the dress paired with custom high-top Converse adorned with their wedding date and “Just Married.” Alex wore a custom black tuxedo with coordinates of Tower 12 stitched inside, and the bridal party’s sage green and black attire complemented the natural mountain palette beautifully.

Every detail of Catherine and Alex’s stationery, designed by WILD SAGE PAPER CO., tied beautifully into their modern mountain aesthetic. With a palette of black, white, and green, the pieces — from invitations and signage to table numbers and a sleek seating chart — reflected the natural tones of Camp Hale’s surroundings. A shot wall invited guests to “Take a shot, and take a seat,” featuring custom shot glasses adorned with the couple’s logo, while a mirrored welcome sign playfully read, “The mountains are calling. Go grab a drink. XO Cat and Alex.” In place of a traditional guest book, the couple’s love of snowboarding inspired a custom wooden snowboard that guests signed — a creative keepsake perfectly suited to their adventurous spirits.

Set on the “lily pad” in the middle of Camp Hale’s lake, the ceremony was short, sweet, and personal. Catherine walked down the aisle with her father, preceded by Alex’s “beer boys” — friends carrying buckets of Coors Banquet for guests as AC/DC’s Thunderstruck played. The couple exchanged personal vows, officiated by Alex’s uncle, in front of the sweeping mountain landscape. It was joyful, heartfelt, and perfectly them.

As guests toasted with their favorite drinks, two llamas wandered through the cocktail hour carrying yeti coolers filled with beer — a playful nod to the couple’s love of fun and the outdoors. Guests enjoyed lawn games, live music, and a custom shot ski made by Alex’s dad — one of many personal touches that kept everyone laughing and mingling beneath the mountain sun.

When the tent opened for dinner, guests entered a magical scene of candlelight, greenery, and joyful chatter. GEMINI EVENT PLANNING & DESIGN ensured every moment flowed seamlessly, allowing Catherine and Alex to simply enjoy their night. A live band played 2000s alternative rock — a nostalgic soundtrack that kept the dance floor full — and the energy carried into the after party, where a DJ and saxophonist took over.

The couple’s signature drinks, a guava bourbon smash and a Hugo spritz, reflected their personalities, and late-night guests were treated to Taco Bell–inspired bean and cheese burritos — a crowd favorite.

Amid all the laughter and dancing, Catherine and Alex wove in heartfelt tributes to Catherine’s late mother, who passed away two and a half years before their wedding. They chose her 65th birthday as their wedding date — a beautiful way to honor her presence. Catherine carried part of her mother’s veil around her bouquet and wore a necklace made from her engagement ring, ensuring she was close throughout the day.

From llamas and laughter to the record-breaking bar tab, this was a wedding that truly celebrated love and life in equal measure. AMANDA BERUBE’S photographs captured not only the breathtaking scenery but also the deep emotion and infectious joy that filled the day.

Catherine and Alex’s CAMP HALE wedding was more than a mountain celebration — it was a heartfelt reflection of two people who wanted to honor love, family, and the beauty of simply being together in a place that felt like magic.