I think the first thing you need to know about Tori and Matt is that, when they hired me to document their Vail Golf Club wedding, they did so by sending me a GIF. Specifically, a Pokemon GIF with Ash throwing a Pokemon ball saying “I CHOOSE YOU!”

THIS IS HOW YOU KNOW YOU’RE TARGETING YOUR IDEAL CLIENTS PEOPLE. “Clearly,” I thought to myself as I responded with an emotional Pikachu GIF, “Tori and Matt are amazing and their wedding day will be equally so.”

I was not wrong.

Though Tori and Matt’s Vail Golf club wedding was also a winter one, it couldn’t have been more different than our last wedding adventure in the Rockies with Sarah and Eric. While also totally rad, instead of a blizzard we had calm skies and (relatively) warm temps. That’s Colorado for you. But whatever her mood, she’s always stunning. And Tori’s vintage 1920’s style gown was the perfect compliment.

A big shoutout to Tori and Matt’s planner, Laura of L Elizabeth Events, for helping to make their first look and their whole day a giant success. She took the time to show me the spots around the venue that could accommodate a first look. And this one behind the club was perfect.

Tori and Matt told me from the beginning that they weren’t big fans of being in front of the camera and definitely preferred more candid photos to overly posed and traditional styles. Since that’s how I prefer to shoot anyway, it was an easy approach to take! The fact that they themselves are so natural together and joyful in each other’s company didn’t make my job too hard either.

Take a peep at Tori’s super cool ring!!! I see a ton of engagement rings in my line of work and, while I love super traditional big ol’ diamonds (my own is a round cut solitaire) it’s always exciting to see something I haven’t seen before! Keep scrolling to see a close up of Tori’s unique engagement ring!

Hellooooooo pretty ladies! I love the cream pashminas paired with these navy bridesmaid dresses! The perfect winter vibe.

Okay, aside from the bridesmaids being an awesome crew, I also have to applaud Matt’s groomsmen! They were SUCH GOOD SPORTS! Always ready to do whatever needed doing to ensure a wonderful day for the couple. Including holding the bouquets. And they look so good doing it!

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While it may not look it at first glance, this photo was actually a really important one for Matt and his crew. They’ve all been together since high school and have taken this photo (known as the “holding Forrest photo” for the awesome guy in the middle) traditionally at all the events where they’ve gathered together. Photos like these are exactly the reason we DON’T limit ourselves to documenting only elopements or adventure weddings (though we definitely love those too). We think these moments are worth documenting too! The Vail Golf Club has such a great ceremony/reception space! All the mountain views with none of the cold wind.

Tori and Matt’s ceremony was my favorite kind. Honest, emotional, and SO FUNNY. Their officiant had everyone laughing, including the couple. And of course they made each other rolling with their personal vows. My personal favorite moment was when Matt, pointing out that their relationship has a firm foundation on a shared love of food, said “even when I’m old, I’ll still love food” so they will always have that in common, no matter what else may change.

The Vail Golf and Nordic clubhouse ceremony was only the beginning. Afterward cocktail hour started with Tori and Matt’s custom signature cocktails (Tori’s Whisk-me Away was the winner for the popular vote and my own personal taste test).

The laughs and tears continued with some truly phenomenal toasts by Tori’s dad Mark, her MOH/sister Vanessa, and the best man Forrest (you might remember him as the guy being held up by all the other guys earlier in the day).

Now we’re going to take a beat here just to say LOOK AT TORI’S HAIR. It’s gorgeous. These pearls have a personal meaning for Tori and Rachelle Reese did a truly fantastic job of incorporating them into the hairstyle she created for her.

No cake for Tori and Matt, which you might think would be a disappointment for this cake obsessed photographer. But HOW could I be anything less than absolutely delighted by a WHISKEY MOUSSE? Yes please! The Vail Golf Club provided all the food and desserts and it was all a very big win from what my tastebuds could tell.

I think the dancing might be the part of the day Tori and Matt looked forward to the most. They couldn’t wait to pull everyone out on the floor with them. And their guests did not disappoint.

Congratulations Tori and Matt! Thank you so much for adventuring to Colorado and including me in your Vail Golf Club wedding! May you enjoy a lifetime together filled with love, laughter, and lots and lots of food!

Photography: Folly Photography

Venue: Vail Golf and Nordic Clubhouse⁠⠀
Planner: L Elizabeth Weddings and Events
DJ: DJ D’Amico
HMU: Hair and Makeup by Rachelle Reese
Bride Attire: Morilee by Madeline Gardner
Florals: Taylor’s Touch