From the moment Arezoo and Ben invited me into their Vail Mountain wedding weekend, I knew we were about to create something layered with culture and style. We first met at one of my Steamboat weddings in 2024. They later told me they loved my vibe.

The weekend kicked off at Chasing Rabbits, which is hands down one of my favorite creative playgrounds for a wedding welcome party. It’s moody, bold, totally immersive, and begs for editorial-style photography. The next morning at Solaris Hotel felt like stepping into the calm before the storm. Solaris has this understated luxury. These moments are where the documentary magic happens.

A Vail Mountain Wedding Ceremony & Persian Ceremony at Donovan Pavilion

If there’s one thing I love about mountain weddings, it’s that the weather keeps you humble, while also bringing the most unexpectedly beautiful moments. Arezoo and Ben planned two ceremonies for their day. We started by walking them through the rainy streets of Vail to grab a collectible Oktoberfest stein.

Afterward, we loaded our gear and bridal parties onto the gondola and headed up Vail Mountain, with the sounds of Oktoberfest from the village below. Because Colorado loves a dramatic entrance, the rain started the very moment the ceremony began. Rows of umbrellas popped open, and the whole moment became this love-soaked scene you couldn’t plan if you tried. Later that afternoon, we arrived at Donovan Pavilion for their second ceremony, a Persian ceremony honoring Arezoo’s heritage. The Persian details were stunning, and every piece carried intention.

The Vendor Team That Built the Magic

I have to give Marguarite, their planner, so much credit here. The way she transformed Donovan Pavilion into a Persian-inspired haven was unreal. She brought Arezoo’s vision to life with intention and grace, and truly, this day would not have flowed the way it did without her insane talent. She made the impossible look effortless.

When you have a wedding day with two ceremonies, weather surprises, cultural elements, multiple locations, and a packed timeline, the vendor team matters. A lot. And this team was a dream.

From Marguarite’s expert planning to the florals bursting with texture and color, to the musicians and the incredible belly dancers who lit up the reception later, it all worked because every vendor showed up with heart and excellence.

That harmony is what allows me to shift between editorial portraits, documentary coverage, cultural storytelling, and fast-paced candid moments without missing a beat. When everyone is in sync, the couple gets to be fully present. And that presence is what makes the photographs come alive.

A Reception Full of Culture and Movement

The reception at Donovan Pavilion honored both celebration and heritage. The space was alive with color. Marguarite and her team created a Persian-inspired design that felt luxurious without losing any of its cultural soul.

Arezoo and Ben are the best kind of fun; the reception wasn’t just beautiful—it moved. Quite literally. The moment the belly dancers stepped into the room, everything shifted. Photographing performances like this means staying alert and balancing that crisp editorial lighting with spontaneity. These were some of my favorite frames of the night because they held so much personality and connection.

By the time we wrapped the night, it felt like the perfect ending to a weekend that honored every layer of who they are—their families, their cultures, their joy, their adventure, and their love for the mountains. It was everything a Vail Mountain wedding should feel.

“I want you to know that every day since the wedding I told Ben that I wouldn’t recommend anyone else and would want you to be part of all our big life moments. We absolutely love you and your talents and think you’re incredible!”

Vendors

Photographer | Rylo Creative

Wedding Planning Team | Events by Marguerite

Holy Cross Event Deck | Vail Resorts

Persian Ceremony & Reception Venue | Donovan Pavilion

Catering & Staffing | Catering by Design

Videographer | Henry Hill Productions

Sofreh Aghed Table | Maison de la Fork

Florist | Alison’s Zinnia

Rentals | Event Rents

Mountaintop Ceremony Music | Trading Post Productions

Persian Ceremony & Reception Music | Golden Bell Music

HMUA | Sunshine Beauty & Bridal

Belly Dancers | Caitlin & Anna Bella Diva World Dance

Cake | Cornerstone Chocolates & Confections

Transportation | Vess Limousine

Rehearsal Dinner & Welcome Party | Chasing Rabbits

Getting Ready | Solaris Hotel