Big Green’s 10th Annual Glamour Garden Ball: Mardi Garden in Aspen
Some events are simply made to be photographed—and this year’s Mardi Garden may be the most visually stimulating celebration we have ever covered.
Mardi Garden was the 2026 theme for Big Green’s annual Glamour Garden Ball, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. It was also a meaningful milestone for our team: we have had the privilege of photographing the event every year since it began. Watching it grow over the past decade—and documenting the people, creativity and generosity behind it—has been an incredible experience and a highlight of our work as an Aspen event photographer.
Founded by Kimbal Musk, Big Green works to create healthier, more resilient communities through food. The Glamour Garden Ball brings supporters together to celebrate that mission while raising critical funds for the organization’s work. This year’s event raised more than $2 million—an extraordinary result and a powerful reflection of the generosity in the room.
A Weekend of Celebration
The festivities began with an intimate VIP reception the night before the gala. To respect the private residence it was held at, photographs from that gathering are not being shared.
The following evening, guests arrived dressed for the Mardi Garden theme in brilliant shades of purple, green and gold. Sequins, feathers, elaborate hats, Mardi Gras beads and colorful formalwear transformed the Aspen setting into a celebration worthy of New Orleans.
The outdoor cocktail reception offered no shortage of memorable moments. Guests mingled against the mountain backdrop before a lively second line band brought the unmistakable sound and energy of Mardi Gras to the party. Brass instruments, drums and dancing turned the reception into a parade and set the tone for everything that followed.
Dinner, Entertainment and an Inspiring Live Auction
Inside, the Mardi Gras theme continued on a grand scale. Sweeping fabric in saturated jewel tones filled the ceiling, while vibrant linens, gold chairs, dramatic lighting, florals and strands of beads brought every table to life. The entire room was layered with color, texture and thoughtful details.
Following dinner and the evening’s program, guests enthusiastically participated in a live auction benefiting Big Green. The raised paddles, joyful reactions and generous bidding made the impact of the evening tangible. By the end of the celebration, more than $2 million had been raised in support of the organization.
Nicholas Petricca of Walk the Moon delivered a high-energy live performance that had the room completely engaged. His performance carried the celebration from the formal program into the final chapter of the night.
An After-Party to Remember
The festivities continued with an after-party led by a live DJ. Immersive lighting, saturated color and a packed dance floor created an entirely new atmosphere while keeping the Mardi Gras spirit going. Guests danced late into the evening, and Nicholas Petricca returned to join the DJ for another unforgettable musical moment.
This blog post may contain more photographs than any we have shared before—and once you see the images, you will understand why. From the imaginative attire and sweeping décor to the second line parade, live entertainment and movement on the dance floor, Mardi Garden was overflowing with moments worth preserving.
After ten years of photographing Big Green’s Glamour Garden Ball, we remain grateful to the organization for trusting us to document its story. Congratulations to Big Green, its supporters and everyone who helped make the 10th-anniversary Mardi Garden such a spectacular success.
Planning a fundraising gala of your own? Elevate Business Photography provides professional fundraiser and nonprofit event photography in Aspen, throughout Colorado and across the country. Explore our Aspen event photography, or contact us to discuss documenting the atmosphere, meaningful connections and mission behind your next event.