An Intimate, Laid-Back Wedding at Sapphire Point in Breckenridge, Colorado

Gabrielle Shamsabadi (29 and a clinical nurse educator and RN) and Joseph Ingalsbe (32 and an investment consultant) knew they had something pretty special, when on their first date they hit on all the topics typically avoided in a relationship’s early days, like religion and politics. That refreshing first conversation blossomed into a three-year-long relationship and a walk down the aisle. Joseph proposed to Gabrielle on a summer afternoon after they reached the peak of their hike, their dog Sydney at their sides. When it came to planning their wedding, highlighting the landscape of their beautiful home state of Colorado was a must. An outdoor ceremony at Sapphire Point offered just that, the peaks of Breckenridge and the surrounding lush, green valley forming the backdrop for the intimate affair. To play up the natural setting and the fall season, Gabrielle and Joseph chose a color palette rich in dark purple, red, yellow and orange, introducing splashes of the jewel toned hues to the ceremony aisle, alter and their wedding party’s attire. Keeping things low-key, the couple opted to make many of the wedding’s details themselves, as well as sourcing decorative touches from their families and Etsy. For the reception, the couple and their guests headed to Alpine Villa, a luxury Tuscan-style mansion at the foothills of the Breckenridge Mountains. Gabrielle and Joseph rented out the entire villa for the weekend, so they would be able to spend quality time with their closes family and friends. The newlyweds and their guests enjoyed appetizers, drinks and a sit-down dinner, followed by a relaxing evening filled with dancing, music and fireside conversations. “We are a very laid-back couple and are happy going with the flow,” says Gabrielle. “We didn't have anything planned for the reception or much after the wedding. We wanted everyone to enjoy themselves and not have to worry about driving to a hotel. The house we stayed at was amazing and everyone had a great time there.”