Ava + Jarid | A Dreamy Mountain Wedding Affair | Mammoth Lakes

From The Slopes To The Aisle

When you think of “mountain weddings,” does your mind fill with images of stunning vistas and crisp alpine air? Well, buckle up, because Ava and Jarid’s mountain wedding had all that and more.

Ava and Jarid first met on a ski trip organized by mutual friends, bonding over their love of the outdoors. Despite living in different cities, they made it work, surviving a long-distance relationship for three years until they finally settled in North San Diego County. But for their special day, Mammoth Lakes, where their love story began, was their clear choice.

I met Ava and Jarid at a Wedding Expo, and we instantly clicked. They searched for a wedding photographer based in Mammoth, but after seeing my work, they felt they had found the right person for the job. I loved that they wanted to celebrate their love story in a location that held such a special meaning for them.

Capturing Mountain Wedding Magic

Before their ceremony, Ava and Jarid shared a First Look at Convict Lake, down the mountain from the ski resort. The joy on Jarid’s face when he first saw Ava in her dress was priceless. “You look like a princess!” he exclaimed. On their big day, they were every bit the picture of mountain elegance with a touch of flair. Ava’s dress, from Styled by TC, showcased a clean, classic look with a vintage silhouette. Jarid, embracing his love for neon, hid bright green suspenders under the jacket of his classic suit. His vintage cufflinks, a family heirloom, added a touch of sentimental charm.

Our role in capturing this special day extended beyond still photographs to include videography. From their pre-wedding ’80s-themed dance party the day before to the ceremony, toasts, and parent dances, my team and I were there to freeze their cherished memories in time. They opted for the longest video option we offer, allowing them to relive each important moment over and over again.

A Legacy of Love: Mountain Magic & Personal Touches

For Ava and Jarid, Mammoth Lakes was not just a scenic location. It was where their love story began. The ceremony took place on the roof of McCoy Station, an actual ski-lift station halfway up Mammoth Mountain. The air was crisp, with temperatures below 30ºF and a gentle snowfall. As their wedding photographer, my face may have been numb, but my heart was filled with warmth as I witnessed them holding hands in this stunning setting. Ava and Jarid made their wedding uniquely their own. The ceremony was co-officiated by the Father of the Groom and the Mother of the Bride, symbolizing the joining of two families. Several friends were chosen to share blessings, a beautiful reminder of the love and support surrounding them. And when it came time for their vows, Ava impressed Jarid with a scroll written on parchment paper with charred edges. To honor Jarid’s Jewish heritage, they ended their ceremony with the traditional stomping of glasses.

A Table Photo Dash & A Mountain Mascot

The reception was a welcome warm haven, nestled inside a hall just below the ceremony site. Each table bore the name of a favorite campground or ski resort, a personal touch that added charm to their mountain wedding theme. They kicked things off with a fun (and efficient) Table Photo Dash, allowing them to capture a photo with each of their guests within the length of a single song. And just when you thought the night couldn’t get any more delightful, Mammoth Mountain’s lovable mascot, Wooly, joined the party, lighting up the dance floor with a burst of energy. It was the perfect end to a day filled with love, laughter, and mountain magic.

Ava and Jarid’s mountain wedding was an unforgettable fusion of elegance, laughter, and heartfelt moments, and I feel privileged to have been a part of it. Here’s to their incredible love story and the beautiful adventures that lie ahead.