There’s something magical about a Camp Hale wedding. Surrounded by the soaring peaks of the White River National Forest, it’s one of my favorite Vail-area venues, and for good reason. Once home to the 10th Mountain Division, Camp Hale is rich with history and mountain charm. Today, it offers one of Colorado’s most breathtaking backdrops for a wedding day full of emotion and celebration.
Getting Ready at The Hythe in Vail
Franki and Matthew began their wedding day at The Hythe in Vail, where anticipation filled the air. They exchanged heartfelt letters and, in separate rooms, each shed quiet tears reading the words they had written. It was a tender start to a day full of joy.
Camp Hale Wedding Ceremony
The day before, Franki and Matthew welcomed guests with a beautifully styled wedding welcome party in Vail. After two solid weeks of rain, the skies cleared just in time. The sun broke through, casting a golden glow over Camp Hale’s alpine meadows. Shuttles brought guests into the valley, where Isabelle Kline Design had created a stunning ceremony space adorned with soft white, blush, blue, and green florals. The bridesmaids wore light pink, while Franki stunned in a Rita Vinieris gown with detachable sleeves.
A Reception to Remember
At the reception, Matthew changed into a white dinner jacket, setting the tone for a classic and lively celebration. The dance floor, hand-painted by Elizabeth of Something Painted Events, was a showstopper. And the Denver Radio Band kept the energy high all night long, closing out the night with “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” met with cheers. On a personal note, I absolutely love an awesome band and this was the most fun, wildest party I’ve photographed.
Love and Legacy at Camp Hale
Originally from Baton Rouge, Franki and Matthew brought Southern warmth to the Colorado high country. Their welcome party at the Vail Golf Club set the tone, but nothing compared to the celebration at Camp Hale. As the night ended, Matthew turned to Franki and said, “That was the best night of my life!”
If you’re looking for a Camp Hale wedding photographer, I’d love to hear more about your plans. Reach out to me here.
*Film images photographed on Fuji 400h.
The Creative Team:
venues: camp hale & the hythe • planning and florals: isabelle kline • photographer: mary ann craddock • film lab: photovision • photo team: leah black & rachel schrepel • dress: rita vinieris via ivory bridal atelier • veil: vera wang • hair: divine beauty artists • makeup: megan evans • ring designer: patrick’s fine jewelry • bridesmaids attire: bella bridesmaids • groom’s attire: indochino • stationery: empress stationery • calligraphy: willow court calligraphy • dance floor: something painted events • band: denver radio band • catering: the lakehouse • cake: dang sweets • rentals: event rents • oxygen bar: peak oxygen • photobooth: mihi entertainment • sparklers: have a seat colorado • styling surfaces: chasing stone and mary ann craddock
If you enjoyed this Camp Hale wedding, you may also like:
Summer Vail Wildflower Wedding
Beaver Creek Autumn Micro Wedding
“Mary Ann’s pictures are truly breathtaking. I work with a lot of photographers around the world and she truly has a gift.” – Isabelle K., Wedding Planner
