An Organic Telluride Love Story With Breathtaking Views at San Sophia Lookout



[section title=”The Planning”]

[field title=”Wedding Colors”]The wedding color palette was inspired by the mountainous surroundings, beginning with a sophisticated foundation of soft white that reflected the peaks’ pristine beauty. Blush tones added romance while the gentle sage brought an organic earthiness to every detail. These delicate hues were thoughtfully anchored by rich navy accents, found in the anemone center, menu wax seals, and wedding invites. Unexpected pops of yellow in the florals mirrored the aspen trees in the fall. This carefully curated combination struck the perfect balance between refined elegance and natural beauty, creating a cohesive visual story that felt both timeless and perfectly at home in the Colorado landscape.[/field]

[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Growing up in Telluride, Jess (Bride), always pictured herself getting married on top of the ski mountain. In fact, she was so intent on it, she went ahead and secured the infamous San Sophia Overlook venue several months before her then-boyfriend even proposed.

“Our vision intertwined luxury with mountain authenticity, where sophisticated details complement rather than compete with Telluride’s majestic landscape. The design approach, with florals from Dahlia Floral Design, embraced organic, free-flowing arrangements that echo the wild beauty of the surrounding peaks, featuring elements that appear as if they were gathered from nature but thoughtfully elevated through artistic composition. The dramatic mountain backdrop remains the true showstopper. This balance of elevated yet effortless style carries through every detail, from the carefully curated tableware to the intimate lighting that mirrors the alpenglow. Playful touches bring personality to the polished atmosphere, most notably in our signature cocktail menu designed to mirror ski run difficulty ratings – from gentle “green circle” spritzers to double-black diamond craft cocktails that are not for the faint of heart. Each element works in harmony to create a celebration that feels both extraordinarily special and completely at home among the peaks.”

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[field title=”Proposal Story”] Bennett proposed in February 2021 in Telluride, Colorado, surrounded by Jess’s family. While most of the details were a secret to Jess, Bennett did draw suspicion the day-of when he had her mom suggest a nice dress for dinner and he asked if she had her nails done. A day later, they got off the gondola in Telluride and came across another surprise: Bennett had a custom ski run sign made, saying “Marry Me Jessica” that happened to be in the exact spot where they will get married next fall, on September 24, 2022. [/field]

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[section title=”The Fashion”]

[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride wore an Ines di Santo gown that embodied timeless sophistication with a daring edge. Its white satin was meticulously tailored to trace every curve, and a plunging neckline to add a touch of drama, perfectly balanced by the gown’s refined silhouette. The bride paired this with an Ines veil, where delicate floral appliqués and fine lace extended beyond the train of the gown. The ensemble was completed with classic Jimmy Choo shoes, adding that final note of luxury to a look that was both boldly contemporary and traditionally bridal.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Each bridesmaid shone in her own uniquely chosen Jenny Yoo gown, creating a harmonious blend of personal style and coordinated elegance. The maid of honor stood out beautifully in a champagne dress adorned with delicate pink and sage floral embroidery – a piece that would become the inspiration for the entire bridal party palette. The seven other bridesmaids selected styles that celebrated their individual figures, choosing from a romantic trio of champagne, soft pink, and sage green. The result was an effortlessly cohesive look, with each woman feeling confident and comfortable while the maid of honor’s dress artfully wove together the collection’s gentle hues.[/field]

[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groom wore a classic black Zegna tuxedo, perfectly tailored and finished with a Tom Ford oversized bowtie. Complementing but never competing with his look, his nine groomsmen donned navy tuxedos featuring sleek black lapels – a contemporary twist on classic eveningwear that perfectly balanced tradition with modern style. Each gentleman’s ensemble was finished with a single, dramatic anemone boutonnière, its stark white petals and dark center creating an artistic accent against the rich fabric. The coordinated yet distinct looks achieved that perfect balance – allowing the groom to stand out while maintaining a cohesive, elevated aesthetic across the wedding party that photographed beautifully against the mountain backdrop.[/field]

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[section title=”The Details”]

[field title=”Food & Drink”]The evening took place at Allred’s restaurant, known for their extraordinary cuisine. Menu: FOR THE TABLE: Blue Grouse Breads, Sweet & Soy Fried Cauliflower. SALAD: Beet Salad with local goat cheese, roasted beets, pomegranate seeds, quinoa and champagne vinaigrette. Served with a demi-tasse of Butternut Squash Soup. ENTRÉE (choice of): Angus Beef Tenderloin, yukon mashed potatoes, broccolini and bordelaise sauce; Chilean Seabass, smashed crispy new potatoes, chive beurre blanc, poached lobster claw, herb-roasted patty pan squash and blistered cherry tomatoes; Wild Mushroom Risotto, aged italian rice, chanterelle & porcini mushrooms, aged grana Padano, lemon confit & shaved black truffle; LATE NIGHT SNACK: Chicken Finger & French Fry Cones. [/field]

[field title=”Florals & Decor”]We loved working to make the stunning vision Jess had come to life. Through soft neutrals and subtle greens, her florals felt elevated, yet complimentary to the gorgeous mountain setting.[/field]

[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The wedding cake, crafted by Kelly Gray Cakes, combined elegance with indulgence across its three tiers. Each level had exquisite sugar-crafted anemones that perfectly echoed the fresh blooms found throughout the celebration’s floral design. Inside, guests discovered two divine flavors – classic red velvet, the bride’s favorite, and decadent chocolate layered with fresh raspberry jam. While the cake stood as an artistic centerpiece of the dessert offerings, the groom insisted on an ice cream sundae bar, ensuring every guest found their perfect ending to the evening.[/field]

[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]

[field title=”Special Detail #1″]In a moment that perfectly captured both heritage and heart, the bride’s 87-year-old grandfather stepped into the role of officiant, bringing a lifetime of love and wisdom to the ceremony. His own extraordinary marriage of 65 years stood as a testament to lasting love, making his words particularly poignant as he joined the couple in matrimony. Drawing from his years as a distinguished lawyer, he commanded the mountaintop ceremony with natural grace, weaving humor and heartfelt moments that had our guests alternating between laughter and tears. Rather than traditional religious elements, he offered something far more meaningful – a deeply personal ceremony anchored in family bonds and real-world wisdom. [/field]

[field title=”Special Detail #2″]In an unforgettable display of talent and tenderness, the groom returned to his collegiate a cappella roots to lead a performance of Billy Joel’s “And So It Goes” during the ceremony. The moment became even more special when a groomsman’s cancellation led to the groom’s younger sister stepping in, mastering both the arrangement and conducting duties in a remarkable two days. There, against the backdrop of mountain peaks, four voices wove together in perfect harmony: the groom, two of his former college groupmates, and his sister, and brought the bride and many of the guests to tears.[/field]

[field title=”Special Detail #3″]As guests found their seats at the reception, each place featured a handwritten note, penned in gold and deep blue ink on organic cream-colored cardstock, mirroring the wedding invitations themselves. Every message was uniquely crafted for its recipient, reflecting on cherished memories, expressing gratitude for miles traveled, and sharing the joy in having them present on this special day. The quiet moments as guests found and read their notes – many with misty eyes and warm smiles – became one of the most treasured memories of our celebration. [/field]

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Photography: Lisa Marie Wright Photography | Cinematography: Jason and Daris | Event Design: Telluride Unveiled | Event Planning: Telluride Unveiled | Floral Design: Dahlia Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Ines Di Santo | Cake: Kelly Gray Cakes | Ceremony Venue: Telluride Ski Resort | Reception Venue: Telluride Ski Resort | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Telluride Ski Resort | Groom's Attire: Zegna | Groom's Attire: Tom Ford | Beauty: Dallas Sainsbury | Beauty: Emily Brafford | Photography - Assistance: Catherine Ann Curtis