Words by Jessie AllenPhotos courtesy of Chris J. Evans
When mutual friends invited Annie and Daniel to the San Francisco Symphony’s opening night gala, they probably didn’t know they were setting the stage for a love story of fairytale proportions.
“We were seated next to each other during dinner and hit it off right away,” Annie says. “Our first date was the weekend after and we’ve been together ever since.”
Once Daniel popped the question, the couple began the process of planning a wedding just as elegant as the way they met. A destination wedding fit the bill perfectly.
“We wanted the chance to celebrate somewhere special with friends and family after the long period of quarantine,” the couple says. “Although there was a risk of postponement in selecting our date, we decided to take the risk so that we could all have something exciting to look forward to.”
When it came to choosing the ideal location for “I do’s,” the couple began searching all over the U.S. for venues with breathtaking views. Beyond its luxurious interior and unique setting at the base of Aspen Mountain, The Little Nell offers couples the opportunity of saying their vows mountaintop with (arguably) the best view in Aspen as a backdrop.
“We love mountains and greenery, and the ceremony deck photos from previous weddings took our breath away,” the bride says.
After locking down a date with The Little Nell’s wedding and events team, the couple’s next move: find a full-service planner who could guide them through the entire process. Enter Jennifer Pletcher, owner of Gemini Event Planning!
“Jennifer was the first planner we chatted with,” the couple says. “We knew right away she was the perfect fit for us. She has extensive experience planning weddings in Colorado and found the best vendors based on the elements of the wedding that were most important to us.”
Having a stellar planner, Annie and Daniel were able to communicate their vision for the special day and know everything would be handled with precision. However, the couple did take on a little project of their own: gathering framed childhood photos as well as recent snaps of the two for guests to peruse at the reception.
When wedding time finally arrived, Annie and Daniel’s main concern was ensuring everyone important to them could be in attendance.
“Luckily, in the midst of many canceled and delayed flights, all of our guests arrived without issues,” the couple says. “Some guests drove from other cities, and encountered interesting weather (hail storm followed by sunshine) on the way, but that is the normal climate for the region. These experiences made for interesting conversation!”
On the day of the wedding, a bit of mountain rain and fog hung around the top of Aspen mountain, but that did not hinder Annie and Daniel’s excitement of becoming Mr and Mrs at last! In fact, after toasts and speeches in the clubhouse, the fog lifted. Everyone flooded outside to take in the view which drew Annie and Daniel to this location in the first place. The reveal of a vista almost too beautiful to believe created a sense of awe and wonder which only elevated the feeling that a new chapter had just begun.
“It made for the most romantic, magical atmosphere and beautiful photos,” Annie says. “We wouldn’t change a thing!”
Vendors: Photographer: Chris J. Evans; Wedding Planner: Jennifer Pletcher of Gemini Event Planning; Ceremony Site: Aspen Wedding Deck at The Little Nell; Reception Site: ASPENX Mountain Club; Florist: Aspen Branch; Cake: The Little Nell; Hair & Makeup: GR Hair and Makeup; Gown Designer: Ari Villoso; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Hive and Colony; Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie
