Lifestyle/Travel/Fashion Blog Shoot with Melanie - Vail Village

Melanie contacted me recently about shooting for her blog, Something Dashing, with the directive of capturing the essence of Vail Village and The Sebastian Hotel while she was staying in town.  Of course I was excited to help her grab some images around our little resort, especially with her precious pup Mia.

We started out at the hotel, taking in the gorgeous decor in the lobby before heading out to do a walk around some of  Vail's better and lesser known landmarks.  The beauty of The Sebastian is that everything is in close walking distance.  We were able to shoot at The International Bridge, Gondola 1, Golden Peak and Gorsuch before ending our session at The Covered Bridge.  

It was Mia's first time in the snow.  It doesn't take much imagination to figure out how excited a husky pup would be to see the snow!  She was ecstatic to say the least.

Here are a few photos from our session.

Visit the website to see more Vail Photography

Vail Engagement Photos - Lucas and Leslie

My last post featured photos from Lucas' wedding proposal to Leslie.  He was so organized that he booked engagement photos for the following morning in Vail Village.  

We started at the Covered Bridge early in the morning, to be met by a small blizzard.  Not a big blustery mess, but just a small amount of snowfall that was perfect for some romantic engagement photos.  We took photos throughout the village, along the Gore Creek, in front of Golden Peak, Gondola 1 and an aspen grove at the base of the mountain.  

Here are a few of my favorite photos from their session.

Engagement photos in Vail Village along the Gore Creek

Engagement photos in Vail Village at the base of Golden Peak

Engagement Photos at the Covered Bridge, Vail Village

Engagement Photos at the Covered Bridge, Vail Village

Engagement Photos at the Covered Bridge, Vail Village

Engagement photos at the base of Vail Mountain beside Gondola 1

Engagement photos in Vail Village

Engagement photos in Vail Village

Visit the website to see more Vail Engagement Photos.

Vail Wedding Proposal - Lucas and Leslie

Wedding proposals take a lot of preparation.  Most of the time, I've never met the clients before, so there's a lot of texting regarding what you'll be wearing so that we can recognize each other.  I generally pretend to be a tourist taking photos, which is the route we decided to go when Lucas asked me to shoot his proposal to Leslie.  He had sent me a message saying that he'd be wearing grey pants and a blue ski jacket.  Just as they were scheduled to arrive, a couple turned up and the man was wearing grey pants and a blue ski jacket.  I was pointing my camera at him, taking photos and trying to catch his eye.  The poor man was staring at me with a look that said 'crazy lady, stop taking photos of me and my girlfriend!'.

5 minutes later, the CORRECT couple turned up and I was able to capture the proposal as planned.  To make sure the background was clear for the photos, I had spoken with 2 gentlemen that were in front of the fire pit and explained to them that I was about to shoot a wedding proposal right where they were standing and would they mind moving.  They were happy to oblige and ended up filming the proposal on their phone and sending it to Lucas and Leslie afterwards.  

Everything went so well and the following morning we headed out into Vail Village to take their engagement photos.  More to come on that shortly...

Visit the website to see more Vail Wedding Proposals.

Beaver Creek Family Photos - Hopper Family

When I headed to Beaver Creek to take photos for the Hopper Family, the skies were clear and bright.  We'd been told that a storm was supposed to hit the valley that morning, but 5 hours later, it was still no where in sight.   I took a walk to scout out locations and found a perfect spot with mountain views at the base of a ski run.  The family headed out to meet me there, just as the non-existent storm rolled in, ruining my mountain views!  Thankfully, the Hopper family were excited for some stormy photos before we headed inside to the warmth for a few more pics.  

I always talk about how much I like red as an accent color in the snow.  Check out Lulu the dogs scarf!  Love the accessorizing! 

Head to the website to see more Beaver Creek Family Photos.

Vacation Dates for White Starfish Photography - Heading Home!

I'm shutting up shop for a few weeks to head back to New Zealand with my kiddos.  After a long cold winter, it's time for us to thaw out and catch up with our beloved whanau and friends.  

I'll be out of the office from Feb 14-Mar 6, but still checking emails.  There may be a slight delay in replies due to the time difference, but I'll get back to all inquiries ASAP.

See you in March for spring skiing!

Four Seasons Vail Wedding - Lindsay and Chad

Elopement season is in full swing!  I think the last four weddings I've shot have been elopements.  I'd love to see some official statistics to see if this happening all over the country as well.  

I love shooting elopements.  It's such an intimate experience and it's always an honor that a couple would allow you to be there for such a special moment.  Lindsay and Chad's recent elopement at The Four Seasons Vail was no exception.  

I joined Lindsay as she was finishing up her make up and getting dressed.  I then took off to meet Chad for a few pre-ceremony photos before heading back to be with Lindsay before the pool side ceremony began, against the grand outdoor fire place.  

Following the ceremony we walked into the village to capture some photos in front of some iconic Vail landmarks.  Luckily Lindsay had brought a pashmina that perfectly matched Chad's suit to keep her warm as the sun was setting.

Congratulations to the happy couple.  What a way to start 2017!

Visit the website to see more Vail Wedding Photos.

Vail Village Family Photos - Bogaert Family

Leg injuries are unfortunately a common occurrence in Vail.  In fact, we're known as having some of the best ortho surgeons in the country.  My son broke his arm last year and when I took him in for his appointments, the walls were covered in thank you letters from celebrities who have come to Vail for their surgeries and recovery.  

I've never had a shoot with a patient that was in recovery before, so my session with the Bogaert Family was a first.  Fortunately, there are lots of great locations that are wheelchair accessible.  Even better, we have heated sidewalks all throughout Vail Village, so you'll never see snow buildup on the streets.

The family were visiting from the Dominican Republic and it gave me a great opportunity to pick their brains traveling there.  Now I can't wait to visit!

Here are a few of my favorites from their mini session.

Visit the website to see more Vail Family Photos.