Chloe and Max broke from tradition with their Vail wedding, merging alpine scenery with nightlife while crafting a DIY event that prioritized their personal values over convention. Their dress code, funky formal, sent a clear message: guests were encouraged to express themselves through color and self-assurance rather than conforming to formal expectations. Chloe said, “We liked seeing our wedding as a chance to show people who we are as a couple, and that was more important than to stick to the status quo.”
The day opened with a first look, then a gondola ascent up Vail Mountain for portraits framed by forests and ridges.
Their joyful kiss, arms raised, was captured before descending to The Barn Minturn for the ceremony. Dinner consisted of tacos, a practical choice after a morning spent outdoors. Decor remained minimal, emphasizing natural elements and handcrafted details. Moss-covered mounds served as centerpieces, each adorned with tiny animal figurines, while wooden table numbers and custom welcome signs were handmade by friends. Flowers played a secondary role: a few arrangements, a bouquet, and boutonnieres sufficed, given the valley’s inherent beauty. Every element showed their unconventional vision. Max designed Chloe’s engagement ring and refinished his own wedding band. Chloe stitched her veil with a friend’s assistance, while another friend added custom embellishments to her dress.
Even their dog, Billie, became part of the celebration, her portrait appeared in the program, on guest temporary tattoos, and as a stamp marking entry to the reception. A mutual friend, Jamie, who also serves as a Dungeons & Dragons dungeon master, officiated the ceremony. The couple’s vows highlighted their commitment to maintaining independence within marriage. Their sisters recited poems by Rupi Kaur and Mary Oliver, reinforcing their appreciation for humor and the beauty of ordinary moments. The ceremony concluded with bubbles guiding guests to the afterparty at Chasing Rabbits, a nightclub they had visited before.
The venue’s Rabbit Hole space, featuring arcade games, art deco styling, and a disco ball, aligned perfectly with their lively energy. Their first dance to Something Holy by Alice Phoebe Lou was followed by ABBA, as guests filled the dance floor. Chloe later swapped her dress for decorated Crocs to continue dancing. The wedding’s split between an outdoor ceremony and a nightclub celebration mirrored the couple’s love for both nature and social energy. After a weekend spent dancing and catching up with everyone, they spent 36 hours alone on the Fancy Pass/Missouri Lakes trail, a hike Chloe had completed years earlier, just before meeting Max.
