Photo: Megan W Photography
When Anna Owen, 28, and Eric Hollingsworth, 32, met in 2009 at a dueling piano bar in Nashville, Tennessee, neither realized less than four years later they would be on their way to becoming husband and wife. On May 4, 2013, Eric woke Anna up early to paint his townhouse — an effort to make his bachelorette pad more couple-friendly. "He asked me to grab a paint brush from a toolbox in the master bedroom, and I opened the box and the ring was there with a note," Anna recalls. "I turned around and Eric was on one knee."
When planning their December 13, 2014 nuptials, Beaver Creek, Colorado quickly became the obvious choice. During their first year of dating, the pair vacationed to the snowy town for the first time as a couple. "We fell in love with the mountains and began falling in love with one another," Anna says. "We got engaged and decided we wanted a destination wedding that would be both magical for our guests and sentimental to us. Beaver Creek was the perfect location."
Keep reading to see their wintry Colorado wedding at SaddleRidge, photographed by
Megan W Photography.
Photo: Megan W Photography
Anna walked down the aisle in a lace wedding dress designed by Maggie Sottero. She selected a strapless white gown with pewter and blush undertones, but ultimately worked with the designer to add a custom three-quarter sleeve lace bolero. "When I put the dress on for the first time, I felt so beautiful in it," Anna remembers. "I had no desire to try any dresses on after I tried on 'the one.'" To keep warm in the chilly Colorado air, the bride also purchased a tan vintage fur from a local furrier.
Photo: Megan W Photography
The bride accessorized her look with vintage diamond earrings that were a gift from her groom and Jimmy Choo pumps. She selected a lush, textural bouquet comprised of white peonies, garden roses, hydrangea, ranunculus, and gold roses, and accents of seasonal greenery.
Photo: Megan W Photography
Anna's maid of honor wore a blush-colored dress from Watters while her five bridesmaids donned black dresses from Rent the Runway. Each important lady wore a gray fur that the bride sourced from Etsy. Bridesmaids carried similar, smaller bouquets with hints of champagne as a contrast to their dresses.
Photo: Megan W Photography
Eric wore a black suit from Jos. A Banks and a blush rose boutonniere. To complete his look, he added custom engraved locket cufflinks that were a gift from his wife. Each held a photo of his late aunt and grandmother was a way to honor them during the day.
Anna's father walked her down a candle-lit aisle to the sounds of "Ave Maria" performed by a three string quartet.
Photo: Megan W Photography
The bride's uncle performed their traditional ceremony. While they chose not to write their own vows, they did feel strongly about incorporating a special reading called "Blessing of the Hands."
Photo: Megan W Photography
Following the ceremony guests moved to a romantic-yet-rustic reception space filled with glowing candlelight.
Tables were decorated with greenery runners that were accented with garden roses and plenty of mercury glass votive candles. At each place setting guests found a miniature pinecone and sprig of fresh greenery. After the reception, Anna and Eric's friends and family were gifted similar glass pinecone ornaments with a handwritten note from the bride and groom.
Instead of creating a signature cocktail, the bride and groom set up a hot toddy bar, complete with spiked hot chocolate, coffee, and cider that guests could prepare themselves. Each custom cup sleeve was decorated with the couple's new monogram.
Photo: Megan W Photography
After a formal three-course dinner of cream potato soup, cornmeal crusted trout, buffalo steak, and chicken, guests enjoyed slices of the couple's three-tiered chocolate-and-vanilla wedding cake.
Photo: Megan W Photography
As a nod to how they first met, the couple hired dueling piano performers for the evening's entertainment, which kept guests dancing all evening long.
Photo: Megan W Photography
Anna and Eric's wedding day ending on the perfect note as snow began to softly fall just as guests left the reception. "It was a magical ending to a perfect night," the bride says. "We had a great time and our guests walked away from the weekend with some amazing memories."
Ceremony & Reception Site: SaddleRidge || Wedding Coordination: Kelly Karli Weddings and Events || Officiant: Wayne Owen (Bride's Uncle) || Bride's Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero || Veil: Allure Bridals || Jewelry & Engagement Ring: Genesis Diamonds || Shoes: Jimmy Choo || Hair: Hayley Styles || Makeup: Makeup by Heather Baker || Maid of Honor's Dress: Watters || Bridesmaids' Dresses: Rent the Runway || Groom's Attire: Jos. A. Bank || Wedding Bands: Tacori || Florist: Cori Cook Floral Design || Invitations: Pepperite || Ceremony Music: Lea and Kari Matison || Reception Music: Dueling Pianos Roadshow || Catering: SaddleRidge || Cake: Cornerstone Chocolates and Confections || Rentals: Alpine Party Rentals || Favors: Peppermint Pony || Transportation: Colorado Mountain Express || Videographer: Larisa Graham || Photographer: Megan W Photography
Can't get enough of the wintry details at this couple's wedding? Then watch another bride and groom tie the knot in a winter-inspired bash in the video below.