Melissa & Ryan | Destination Wedding | Breckenridge, Colorado | Marisa Claire Photography

August 2nd, 2024

Couples, Destination, Wedding Photos

Getting Ready Location: Marriott Grand Mountain Valley Lodge

Dress: Selby Rae Diamond Ava

Groom’s Suit: Milbern Clothing

Ceremony: Frisco Adventure Park (Overlook)

Dinner: Sauce on the Maggie

From Minnesota Plans to Mountain Vows: A Breckenridge Destination Wedding

What started as plans for a big wedding back home in Minnesota slowly transformed into something far more intimate and ultimately, far more them. Instead of a large guest list and familiar venues, this couple chose to pack their bags, gather their closest people, and say their vows surrounded by the Colorado mountains. Breckenridge delivered the perfect backdrop. Blue skies, warm sunshine, and that crisp mountain air set the tone for a day that felt intentional, relaxed, and deeply personal from start to finish.

The morning began quietly, with the couple getting ready separately and soaking in those last moments before seeing each other as bride and groom. One of the most meaningful parts of the day happened before they ever stepped outside: their first look, tucked away in their room. It was private, emotional, and unhurried. Ryan helped Melissa with her final touches and sharing a few deep breaths together - a calm, grounding pause before the celebration began. From there, the day unfolded like a Colorado dream. We headed to Sapphire Point Overlook, where the sweeping mountain views and sparkling water created a jaw - dropping setting for portraits. With some of the public close by, Melissa & Ryan were able to stay present and allow the tunnel vision to focus solely on what mattered the most - each other. Following the couple portraits, we took the scenic route to the family portrait location and then to the ceremony location where they were surrounded by laughter and happy tears. The ceremony took place at Frisco Adventure Park, surrounded by nature and the people meant the most. It was heartfelt and genuine, filled with personal vows and the kind of emotion that comes when everyone present truly knows the couple. Choosing a destination wedding allowed the day to feel less like a production and more like a shared experience. The love flowed easily and as the ceremony began, there was no rushing, no distractions, just time together in a place that felt special to them.

As the sun dipped lower, the celebration moved downtown to Sauce on the Maggie in Breckenridge. Guests were welcomed into an intimate space glowing with candlelight and framed by stunning mountain views. Dinner felt like a cozy gathering rather than a formal reception. Good food, great conversation, and that warm, just-married glow filling the room. Then came the dancing. Shoes kicked off, music turned up, and the night ended exactly how it should. Surrounded by close friends, laughter echoing through the room, and the sense that this day was everything it needed to be.

This wedding was a beautiful reminder that sometimes changing the plan leads to something even better. By trading a big Minnesota wedding for a destination celebration in the mountains, this couple created a day that felt true, intentional, and unforgettable. Proof that love, when paired with the right place and the right people, doesn’t need anything extra - it’s already enough.

Words From Melissa & Ryan

“Working with Marisa was amazing and truly one of the best decisions we made for our wedding! She made my husband and I feel so comfortable and confident in front of the camera, which does not come naturally to us. Both our engagement session and wedding day felt easy and genuinely fun thanks to her guidance and ability to make everything feel natural!

She went beyond just being our photographer and offered so much helpful advice and reassurance throughout the entire process, which was huge in helping us navigate the “non-traditional” style of wedding we had. Marissa even traveled to Colorado for our wedding, and having her there felt like being around a friend you trust (and our own personal hype woman). It made the whole day feel seamless and stress-free! We’re so grateful for our experience and would absolutely recommend her!”