Denver Life Weddings Spring/Summer 2015

sUNNY AND SANDY HONEYMOON HOT SPOTS spring/summer 2015

delectable

Confections a work of art in every slice T

PLUS Bridal looks from head to toe T

5 real couples say “I do” T

dlmweddings.com PLEASE DISPLAY UNTIL 09.15.15

$6.95

Warm weather venues T

sage ADVICE FROM BRIDES WHO HAVE BEEN THERE T

Your Day. Our Pleasure.

Complimentary one night stay on your wedding night, includes in-room amenities and breakfast • Inclusive wedding packages Menus crafted by our exceptional culinary team • Special hotel rates for your wedding guests • ARA Spa offering Wedding day packages • Roof-top pool, jacuzzis and fire pits • Complimentary valet and self-parking 1,500 sq. ft. outdoor ceremony terrace • 5,000 sq. ft. ballroom

Wedding packages at a variety of price points. Call 720.946.4200 for complete details.

Must be at least 21 to enter the casino. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. Š2015 Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.

WIN a 5-day dream honeymoon to Aruba! who you’ll meet

Use code BBA10 for $10 off registration!

Bridal Affair A BOUTIQUE

Not your typical bridal event, A Boutique Bridal Affair is the perfect date night for you and your fiancé, making it easy and fun to plan your upcoming nuptials together.

REASONS TO SAVE THE DATE

THURSDAY 5:30—8:30 p.m.

• And so much more!

MAY 14

th

THE CABLE CENTER, UNIVERSITY OF DENVER

FELICIA MARTI PHOTOGRAPHY

• Gentlemen can visit the Groom’s Lounge, where they’ll enjoy a complimentary whiskey tasting, cigars, bow-tie tying tips and more.

• Get pampered: This is more than a bridal show...it’s a spa day! Local beauty experts will give hairstyle demonstrations, makeup tutorials, manicures and even massages.

Who knew planning your wedding could be so relaxing?

2015

• Every couple in attendance will be entered to win a five-day dream honeymoon to Aruba, airfare included!

Presented by For a complete list of vendors and to purchase your tickets, visit dlmweddings.com.

dlmweddings.com

contents

spring/summer 2015

75

lookbook

Exude style, from relaxed casual to dramatic chic, with beauty tips and fashion trends for the perfect look..

85

real weddings

"ETTIA" BY MAGGIE SOTTERO

Five couples share their stories of love, from how they met to their trips down the aisle..

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Win your dream honeymoon

ARUBA: ONE HAPPY ISLAND Beaches. Sunshine. Romance.

Escape to Aruba and enjoy refreshing trade winds, diverse activities, flavorful cuisine and breathtaking views.

Enter to win!

Say “I do� to a five-day Aruba fairy tale honeymoon at a signature property on the One happy island. Includes round-trip airfare for two.

Visit dlmweddings.com to enter.

Winner will be chosen on August 21, 2015. Subject to availability. Blackout dates apply. Tax and gratuity not included. See complete terms and conditions at dlmweddings.com

in every issue spring/summer 2015

12 Bridal buzz plan 16 Summer outdoor venues 22 Meet three top photographers 28 Upcoming bridal shows 30 H ow to choose your planner

personalize 34 Color your wedding amazing 35 Fun & games 36 Choose local details and decor 38 Classic black & white details 42 Advice: I wish someone had told me...

44 Nontraditional registries 46 Dancing with DJ Drake 48 Thank you gifts for the wedding party dish 52 Rehearsal dinner spaces 54 Groom's guide to flawless champagne popping 58 Cake creations

escape 64 Fleeing to far-flung Fiji 68 The romance of Riviera Maya 70 Adventure in Death Valley 72 Don't forget the details

on the cover:

Visit dlmweddings.com for comprehensive coverage of additional real weddings, honeymoons, local inspiration, bridal tips, food trends, unique ideas and Colorado-based content to take your wedding to the next level.

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annette slade photography

Photographer: Annette Slade Photography Rachael Teufel of Intricate Icings (intricateicings.com) designed this pretty pastry adorned with hand-crafted sugar peonies and painted floral accents that captures the essence of spring; the pink ombre ruffles add a touch of whimsy.

E nchantedd

WEDDINGS

Experience contemporary New Mexican elegance and award-winning cuisine coupled with Four Seasons’ legendary service to make every detail just right. With intimate indoor and outdoor space and majestic mountain views, Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe is the perfect spot to make all your wedding dreams come true.

CALL OUR WEDDING SPECIALIST at 505.946.5700 fourseasons.com/santafe/weddings

Publisher/CEO Shawn C. Miller Editor-in-Chief Kristin N. Miller Managing Editor Dana R. Butler Associate Editor Kaleigh Lawson BEAUTY Editor Gina Comminello Contributing Writers Susan B. Barnes, Ali Harrison, Alex Hopkins, Kimberly Lord Stewart, Deborah Walden Ossi Creative Director Tom Visocchi graphic designers Leigh Arthur, Elizabeth Ludwig Contributing Photographers Ali V. Photographer, Autumn Twilight Photography, Liz Barifield, James Eastman, Paige Eden Photography, Ben Eng Photography, Sarah Hill Photography, Jason + Gina, Hardy Klahold Photography, Amanda Kopp Images, Chris Loring Photography, Kelli Lyn Photography, Miller Photographics, Chris McLaughlin, Chris Robb, Joni Schrantz, Selah Photography, Annette Slade Photography, Steve Stanton Photography, Studio JK, Doug Treiber Photography, Van Buren Photography, Angie Wilson Photography Public Relations & Events Manager Laura Meixell Public Relations & Events intern Marni Caicedo Account Executive Joelle Miller We would love to hear from you! Send us comments, questions, letters to the editor or submissions for consideration.

Mail to: Denver Life Weddings, 8 Inverness Drive East, Suite 100, Englewood, CO 80112 | Fax to: 303.840.5553 Email to: advertise@dlmweddings.com | editorial@dlmweddings.com Phone us: 303.840.5550 Check out: dlmweddings.com Published by

Denver Life Weddings is published twice a year by Elevation Media Group, Inc. Publisher assumes no responsibility for loss or damage of unsolicited materials.

Copyright 2015, Elevation Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in signed articles do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in Denver Life Weddings is accurate and complete, no liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions.

Denver Life Weddings provides information in articles such as phone numbers, times, prices, etc. as a service to our readers. All information has been researched and checked for accuracy at press time. We are not responsible for any changes or variances in information following publication.

Denver Life Weddings is printed on 20% recycled paper using only soy-based inks. Our printer meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) standards and is a member of the Forest Stewardship Council.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

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ENZOANI JAMES CLIFFORD JUSTIN ALEXANDER LAZARO LILLIAN WEST MADISON JAMES MAGGIE SOTTERO PRONOVIAS SIMONE CARVALLI SOTTERO&MIDGLEY VICTOR HARPER AND MORE...

Visit us at our new location: from this . .

4151 east county line road . d r a w r o f centennial, colorado 80122 day 720.493.9454 thebridalcollection.com

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From the Editor

eddings commemorate one of the most important milestones in your life. They are a heady mixture of a sincere and serious commitment, a time-honored and often formal ceremony, a chance to share your deepest happiness with friends and family, all mixed in with an excuse to throw a phenomenal party.

Denver Life Weddings wishes you a wonderful wedding day, and to that end, we have put together an issue that shares some great ideas, some fun suggestions, and some sage advice.

Inside you’ll find a list of some of the most beautiful outdoor venues around the state, and you’ll get to know several top-notch photographers, planners, and an outstanding DJ—all of whom bring their particular expertise to helping you ask the right questions in order to select the ideal person for each of your wedding needs.

We also asked a bevy of former brides what they would have done differently—you may learn a lot from their wise and occasionally humorous responses.

One recommendation we received was to choose a theme and let it dictate the details. On these pages, we have outlined a couple of fun options, complete with ideas for decorations, party favors, and much more. And it’s important not to forget those closest to you as you head into this potentially massive undertaking: your bridesmaids and groomsmen. We have some out-of-the-box gift ideas for your attendants. Speaking of gifts, a couple’s choices when it comes to their gift registry have exploded, from carefully curated local boutiques offering personal services to some new and nontraditional websites that might better meet your needs as a couple in the 21st century.

We haven’t forgotten the food. We look at some rehearsal dinner spaces that might not be on your radar, and learn how to open champagne like a pro. Of course, we can’t neglect the cake. At bakeries such as Das Meyer Fine Pastry Chalet (who created the filigreed masterpiece you see here) and Intricate Icings, you can order a tiered wonder that reflects your personality and will wow your guests.

We also have a fashion lookbook filled with jaw-dropping dresses and hair and makeup tips from our beauty professionals. And we get five real Colorado couples to tell us their tales of romance.

And finally, when all is said and done, the newlyweds traditionally travel somewhere wonderful for some well-earned time alone. In this issue, we focus on the sand between our toes as we jet off to Riviera Maya, Mexico; Fiji; and the perhaps improbably named Death Valley, California.

So get planning, and remember to enjoy the process, enjoy the day, and enjoy each other.

annette slade photography

Dana R. Butler Managing Editor

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W hether you are planning an intimate gathering or grand affair, we have breathtaking

mountain vistas and extraordinary service to exceed your expectations. The Telluride Ski & Golf Resort boasts spectacular views and venues in the most beautiful place you’ll ever say “I do.”

Contact us for information: 970.728.7446 | TellurideSkiResort.com/weddings

buzz L B R I DA

’ top picks Our editors ts for produc & trends

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Your wedding unplugged If you are horrified by the thought of a wedding populated by guests checking email or playing Candy Crush or wake up to nightmares of taking your first steps down the aisle surrounded not by a sea of smiling faces, but rather a sea of small black rectangles recording video, you have a couple of options.

The first step to an unplugged wedding is a nicely worded note on your invitations along the lines of “We hope you will enjoy our ceremony and reception, so we ask that you please refrain from taking photos or video and spend the day having fun!” Not enough? Take a cue from a growing number of restaurants and provide a phone check at the door.

Traveling in Asia is both profession and passion for the people behind Asia Transpacific Journeys, and they use their knowledge and enthusiasm to craft detailed custom honeymoons to destinations throughout the continent. Why try to navigate Bangkok on your own when you can be enjoying the sights and sounds of the northern province of Chiang Rai from your room at the luxurious Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp? Trade in the crowds of Phnom Penh for Cambodia’s pristine and remote Koh Rong Archipelago. Trips are built around a couple’s interests: sightseeing, cooking, snorkeling, yoga, kayaking.

This Denver business brings nearly 30 years of experience planning (and taking) trips to countries from Australia to Vietnam, and they use it all to make your honeymoon effortless. asiatranspacific.com

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photo Courtesy of Asia Transpacific Journeys; power cord, istock

Carefully Curated Excursions

Music Makes the People Come Together

wedding photo, DOUG TREIBER PHOTOGRAPHY

If you are exploring the concept of making your own wedding day playlists, don’t be daunted by the thought of having to buy all your own songs and give up your iPod or tablet for the day. Denver residents Mary and Matthew Camacho have created Mixteka, an easy solution for your sound situation. For $149, you get your music, an account via which your guests can make recommendations (and you can veto when necessary), recorded announcements, and a plug-and-play device that is shipped to you the week of the wedding (with a prepaid return envelope) to make it all happen.

The idea for Mixteka was sparked at Mary’s wedding; it was the ’90s, and a DIY custom playlist meant a programmable 200-disc CD player.

After recently recounting the story of how someone dropped the player and spilled the carefully ordered music all over the floor, Mary realized that technology has caught up to the concept: “Devices had finally gotten

to the point where a fully automated product with all the benefits and expertise of a really good DJ could be combined with a web and mobile app that would let people have a great personalized experience, start to finish, for way less than the cost of a typical DJ,” she says.

“When a couple signs up, we encourage

them to ask for suggestions from friends right away—and then we guide them to our DJ-created music plans if they want. They are a great starting point, so couples are not overwhelmed by the idea of picking all of their songs.

They can find a genre or theme that is close to what they want and then personalize it by

taking songs out that they don’t like and adding songs in from our huge catalog,” she says. “They can use Mixteka as a replacement for the DJ, or they can use it to fill in if they are hiring a live band for some parts of the reception. Custom sections can be added for the pre-ceremony or the cocktail hour. We remind people about the cake cutting, the bouquet and garter toss, and the special parent dance … Mixteka wants to make it easy and let the couple deal with it at their convenience.” $149, mixteka.com

The Big Ask Your girls will respond with an enthusiastic “Yes” after opening a cute “Will You Be My Bridesmaid?” gift set from Sugarfina. These sweet treats include gummy bears infused with a touch of French Champagne in flavors of brut and rosé, aqua and pearly white candy-coated chocolates, and juicy champagne bubbles gumdrops. Of course, there are options for your maid or matron of honor as well, and they will ship with your personalized request. $25, sugarfina.com 13

dlmweddings.com T spring/summer 2015

plan Get started by narrowing down the big decisions.

BEN ENG

venues T photography T bridal shows T planners

MEET THE PROS Beginning on page 22, local photographers share their best advice for memorable images. spring/summer 2015 T dlmweddings.com

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888 . 884 .2424

www. je we le rs mutual.c om / in sur e

Underwritten by Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company, Neenah, WI. Coverage and pricing are subject to underwriting review and approval, and to policy terms and conditions.

plan

venues

Featured Venue

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch Get married amid the mountain splendor of Beaver Creek.

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his majestic property features the iconic luxury that is synonymous with the Ritz-Carlton name and the charisma of a Vail Valley mountain lodge. It can accommodate wedding affairs from the engagement party through to the post-nuptials brunch. There are spaces to fit the coziest occasions and elaborate festivities 250-strong.

Ceremonies are regularly scheduled on the

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600-square-foot Smith Terrace, which is perfect for small groups of less than 35, and for groups of up to 10 times that size, the Mountainside Terrace is a fit. Another option is the Skier Bridge Lawn, free of winter’s snow and—as with the property’s other venues—offering stunning views.

The resort’s world-class kitchen staff, headed by executive sous chef Ben Christopher, will create

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delicious bites, from savory hors d’oeuvres to a dessert bar and a show-stopping cake. “This summer I will be pushing the rustic mountain feel to our menus,” says Christopher. “Refined comfort food will be the front-runner in many of our culinary offerings. I also enjoy learning what foods our guests grew up on to create unique experiences customized to them.” ritzcarlton.com

liz barifield

DANA R . BUTLER

CosmetiC dentistry of Colorado l downtown l d owntown d enver d entist.com

303.298.14 1 4

Photo by El Velo Photography

smile!

plan

venues

Summer Spaces

A warm weather wedding requires a stunning venue.

h

Da n a R . B u t l e r

ere in Colorado, we are blessed with sun-drenched days and a beautiful balance of warm and cool temperatures as the day fades into evening. Even the threat of an afternoon shower rarely ruins outdoor wedding plans.

We’ve assembled some of the prettiest ceremony and reception options both in and around the city.

BLANC For an urban experience with unexpected rustic charm, blanc offers space in the Ballpark district that is a little bit sun-baked and a little bit country in the center of the city with shade trees and a barn. blancdenver.com

Museum of contemporary art The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, situated in funky LoDo, hosts wedding receptions in its rooftop cafe with a wraparound deck and 360° city views. Rental includes access to the museum’s current exhibitions. mcadenver.org

DON’T MISS... and Broadway to open this spring at 12th The ART Hotel, slated iling windows, a -ce r-to floo has t, m distric in the heart of the museu class collection rldwo king city views, and a garden terrace with stri m of, well, art. thearthotel.co

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plan

venues

evergreen lake house

broadmoor, paige eden photography

Perched on the shores of its namesake body of water, the Evergreen Lake House offers charming log cabin rusticity, and the deck can accommodate 100 chairs or a standing ceremony. evergreenrecreation.com

Denver Center for the Performing Arts

broadmoor The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs is a 3,000-acre estate filled with picturesque wedding spots both intimate and expansive. The resort also features award-winning dining options, spa services, and golf courses. broadmoor.com

Butterfly Pavilion At the Butterfly Pavilion, you can get married in a verdant rainforest, next to a babbling brook, or against a backdrop of blooming flowers. Some exhibit access is included and more can be requested. For a dramatic touch, add a butterfly release to your ceremony. butterflies.org 19

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venues

MOUNT VERNON COUNTRY CLUB The Mount Vernon Country Club has a huge deck that will grant your guests one of the most breathtaking views in the area, encompassing both the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the skyline of the city. mountvernoncc.com

balistreri vineyards Balistreri Vineyards produces a variety of notable wines just north of downtown; the facility features a tasting room and wine cellar for smaller gatherings and a lush lawn and garden just outside the ballroom. balistrerivineyards.com

War Memorial Rose Garden

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war memorial rose garden The War Memorial Rose Garden, part of the South Suburban Parks District, features the historic Sterne Fountain and an enchanting gazebo. The roses begin to bloom in June. ssprd.org/war-memorial-rose-garden

ENDLESS

one destination

All photos by Nathan Bilow, except winter wedding photo by Sweet Tea Studios

possibilities

BEAUTIFUL YEAR-ROUND VENUES MEMORABLE ACTIVITIES LUXURY LODGING SPECIALIZED CATERING

1.855.420.9259 skicb.com/weddings

Modern. Sophisticated.

Unforgettable.

The Cable Center’s contemporary architecture and three-story glass hall provide the perfect setting for a unique and memorable wedding day. The Center features lush gardens and an outdoor amphitheater for your ceremony or cocktail hour, along with a grand and spacious reception space for up to 300 guests. Showcase memorable moments as a couple on our high tech video tower.

www.cablecenterevents.org/weddings 720.502.7500 2000 Buchtel Blvd., Denver, CO 80210

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photography

Depth of Field

Colorado photographers are experts at using the light and braving the elements, all to capture the moments that make your memories.

By A l e x Hop k i n s

Angie wilson Angie Wilson Photography Based in Boulder, Angie Wilson has always been an art lover and received her master’s in art history. Wilson’s love for photography began with a casual purchase of her first camera while pregnant with her son. A year later, Wilson had started her own business.

Shooting weddings both small and large, Wilson uses her creative eye to capture intimate moments and create a tangible keepsake for brides, grooms, and their families and friends. angiewilsonphotography.com

What types of weddings do you shoot? I would say they’re all over the place. I do some really large weddings with 400 guests or more and then lots of weddings where there are 50 guests. We’ve shot laid-back farm weddings and more traditional weddings.

Describe your photography style. Although my photos look unposed, sometimes there’s a little bit of involvement from us trying to get a shot. I work in more of a modern branch of photography that is more photojournalistic and editorial.

What do you find most gratifying about your work? Being able to produce something for my clients that I know is a lasting element of their wedding day.

The cake gets eaten, the dress goes in the closet, and all the guests go home. I love being able to produce something for them that lasts so long and that hopefully someday their children and grandchildren will be able to look at.

Do you have any interesting stories? There was one December wedding; the bride was from Florida. They had chosen the Ritz-Carlton as their venue in Beaver Creek because of its location right against the

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mountains, and the couple was very determined to have an outdoor ceremony. It turned out that a major cold front came through, and the temperatures that day were in the negatives. They went ahead and had the outdoor ceremony at sunset, and the temperature was probably no warmer than –10 degrees. It was definitely the most extreme weather I’ve ever experienced for a wedding ceremony.

What distinguishes your work? I think everybody has his or her own unique style that looks a little bit different. Every photographer’s personality gets reflected n the photos because the photographer can control the mood. I try to be more fun and open and get people to relax and be themselves—I think that gets reflected in my photos.

What advice would you give couples choosing a photographer? Picking a photographer whose work they really love is key because if they love the photographer’s work, then they’re not going to have to worry, and the photographer can do what he or she does best. Also, they have to meet the photographer in person to make sure that they connect—the photographer is usually the one person who’s at their side most of the day.

C

REATING MEMORIES & MOMENTS T H A T A R E U N I Q U E LY Y O U R S

WEDDING PLANNING AND EVENT DESIGN

w w w . t e llur ideu n v eiled . c o m

The Destination For All Your Bridal Wishes

HAIR ✴ SKIN ✴ NAILS ✴ MAKEUP ✴ TANNING ✴ LASHES

75 South Madison Street, Suite 100 303-322-4902

TheLookSalonDenver.com

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BEN ENG Ben Eng Photography Born in New York, Ben Eng moved to Colorado Springs as a kid, attended college in Durango, and now lives full time in Telluride. In his free time, he embraces the active Colorado lifestyle, snowboarding and mountain biking. His photography reflects his own daily routine as he shoots mostly outdoor weddings. Eng’s photos are each unique and tasteful as he avoids the common clichés of the typical wedding photo stereotype. benengphotography.com

photography

What types of weddings do you shoot? Mostly medium to large weddings. I haven’t shot any themed weddings, but almost every one I have ever shot has been outdoors in the mountains.

Describe your photography style. I prefer to work in a hands-off photojournalistic style most of the wedding day, but that’s not practical for the creative portrait session with the bride and groom or the family photos. Also, I prefer to work with natural light, but that’s not always possible, depending on the weather and lighting in the venue. I’m really good with off-camera lighting and use a variety of remote flashes and portable studio strobes.

What distinguishes your work? I try to avoid anything cliché or corny like making hearts with hands, groomsmen holding up the bride, and dips.

What do you find most gratifying about your work? I create images for people that are personal and have meaning. In most other areas of professional

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photography, the end use of your images is to market stuff and feed the endless cycle of consumption.

Can the bride and groom request shots they want? Yes, of course—as long as it’s not a standard list of “must haves” cut directly out of a bridal magazine or a Pinterest board that I’m expected to exactly duplicate.

I prefer to work with my clients directly on this.

What advice would you give couples choosing a photographer? Keep in mind your photos are going to be one of the few tangible things you have left after the wedding. Don’t skimp on the photography budget by hiring hobbyists. You’re going to be spending a lot of time with the photographer, so it’s important that your personalities mesh. Also, when you do narrow down your choice, do an engagement shoot with your photographer. Most people do not spend a lot of time in front of a camera, so it can be an awkward experience. An engagement shoot can help you get familiar with how your photographer works and make you more relaxed on the wedding day.

I DO, Done.

Limited 2015 Preferred Dates Still Available!

Contact our wedding specialist, Ivette Navarro at 720-406-7396 or at inavarro@stjulien.com

900 WALNUT STREET | BOULDER, CO 80302 720.406.9696 | WWW.STJULIEN.COM

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jackie zoeller Selah Photography Alongside her husband, Jackie Zoeller of Selah Photography aspires to catch each couple’s unique personality in her work. She sees her photos as long-lasting fine-art pieces to treasure over time, so capturing the most emotional moments is Zoeller’s priority. Zoeller has studied art for more than 20 years and has degrees in photography and psychology, contributing to her ability to discover each personality-defining moment during a wedding. selahphotography.org

photography

How did you first become interested in photography? I majored in studio art. When I got to the photography section, I just really fell in love with it. From there, a bunch of people started to ask me to take their wedding photos, and everything just kind of blossomed from there. Then, I went to the Art Institute in Colorado, and I learned that wedding photography could be unique and meaningful and that I could still be an artist doing that type of work.

What types of weddings do you shoot? I typically do nontraditional weddings that are really personality focused. I specialize in photojournalism and more fine-art photography. Ideally, the photos will look like an art piece instead of a typical wedding photo.

What do you find most gratifying about your work? When I’m able to give people meaningful artwork that is really special and purposeful. They’re not just purchasing a piece of art, but an heirloom for generations.

Do you have any interesting shoot stories?

A bride and I once hitchhiked to her wedding. The bridal party and I were on our way to take photos before the wedding. After taking a few wrong turns,

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we realized our driver didn’t know where he was going. The maid of honor, bride, and I decided to start walking. After being turned down for rides several times, even with the bride telling people she was late for her wedding, a kind Rockies fan picked us up.

What distinguishes your work? The authenticity of the images. My eye is unique in my ability to be able to capture the moments that are really emotional. I also have an artistic eye for things, aesthetically.

Can the bride and groom request shots they want? I don’t recommend that as much. It’s based upon interaction, and when people give me a list, it can be a little bit more challenging as far as the big picture. I do ask them about really specific things— asking if they want a photo of their shoes or if their grandmother gave them a bracelet that they want to make sure we photograph. We absolutely get those.

What advice would you give to couples choosing a photographer? There are so many photographers, so continue to look until you find someone you really love. I think photography is as unique as music. Don’t feel limited by options, but know that there are many. Make sure that you connect with your photographer.

trust your ph ot ogra ph e r to fall in love with y ou r we ddi n g ... then

fall in love a ga i n & a ga i n ...

jennifer m koskinen 970.708.2065

joyful

w ww. merri ttd esi gnpho to.c om

fine art wedding photography

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bridal shows

VISION IN WHITE Styles from Galia Lahav

Denver Bridal Events

Touch, taste, and try before you buy at these upcoming shows.

May 15–17

June 5 to 7

July 18

October 4

Thomas Knoell Designs Trunk Show

Berta Bridal Trunk Show

Fitness on the Rocks

Wedding Street Market

Anna Bé

Red Rocks

The Atrium Denver

Emma & Grace Bridal Studio

Once the perfect wedding dress has been found, it’s time to accessorize. This trunk show features ethereal couture headpieces, jewelry, decorative combs and hair jewels, tiaras, belts, and more.

Berta Bridal, a highly soughtafter wedding gown designer, will showcase elegant dresses in Denver for the summer bride.

Each gown boasts delicate lines, alluring style, and some sexy skin-baring looks.

When all eyes are on you for the big day, you most definitely want to look your best. Fitness on the Rocks will help Colorado brides be their healthiest and happiest for their wedding. After a day of core work, Zumba, yoga, and more, brides will be ready to sprint down the aisle.

anna-be.com

emmaandgracebridal.com June 19 June 5–7

The Biggest Bachelorette Party

Galia Lahav Trunk Show

The Crimson Room

Little White Dress Bridal Shop

Denver Life Weddings is proud to announce our involvement with this sensational show featuring Lahav’s “Tales of the Jazz Age” collection as well as top picks from collections past. These renowned gowns can only be found in 12 stores in the United States, adding that exclusive touch to your signature look.

fitnessontherockscolorado.com August 5

The Big Fake Wedding

Calling all enthusiastic bridesto-be: This bridal show will treat guests to a fashion show, a live DJ, signature martinis, and lots of fun giveaways. Don’t miss the Champagne bar, and plan to stay late with your girlfriends to dance the night away at the Crimson Room.

Noah’s Event Venue

This unconventional “wedding show” allows soon-to-be brides and grooms to actually emulate the wedding experience, allowing attendees to visualize their wedding plans in action. Vendors do more than display services; they show attendees what they can do. Let this fake wedding inspire the real deal.

theweddingconnectioninc.com

lwdbridal.com

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Stroll these aisles for inspiration from handmade and vintage items to “pre-loved” and other unique options that will help make your day truly unlike anyone else’s. weddingstreetmarket.com November 8

Hotel Boulderado Wedding Show Hotel Boulderado

Join the Hotel Boulderado to experience firsthand what it’s like to be a Boulderado Bride!

The afternoon will feature complimentary gourmet food and wine tastings, an exhibitor showcase of local vendors, and raffle drawings for incredible prizes! boulderado.com

bachelorette parties

bridal showers

the big day prep

nails, waxing and blowouts

30 3 - 6 9 3- 3 5 3 3 | p o l i s h e d s t y l e b a r . c o m

q Hand-Decorated Sugar Cookies & Cake Pops

Weddings Corporate Events Parties

TELLURIDE

Beauty makeup techniques to add professional polish for your wedding day VIEW OUR PHOTO GALLERY AT:

AlpenglowBeauty.com too pretty to eat

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The Planner’s Perspective Trends and tips for the big day B y D eborah Walden O ssi

“ a

ll you need is love” may ring true for relationships, but most couples need a little more to pull off a perfect wedding. With so many unpredictable factors, from weather to strong family personalities, navigating the planning process can be intimidating to say the least. So, who better to turn to for advice than some of Denver’s seasoned and in-demand wedding planners? With years of experience, they are experts on all things wedding, from invitations to the hottest color trends.

Color and Style

Local Fare

the trend for metallics plays well with the rich colors and natural palettes that will dominate this wedding season.

Colorado pride goes hand in hand with a national trend to play up local offerings in wedding festivities. Brown says, “So many of my couples say they really want to share Colorado with their guests through the wedding.” Cielle Amundson of Storytellers Events International says wedding gift bags are a great way to treat guests to some homegrown products. She also has an idea for taking local brews beyond the open bar.

“I’ve seen people put craft beer in the hotel rooms ready for guests. I’ve also seen couples place it on the tables for guests at the reception.” Gardner says, “Definitely utilize local food. I’m a big fan of asking your caterer for local options, like bison or fresh trout.” Brown has one other tip for couples who want to shine a spotlight on the Centennial State: “Plan hikes leading up to the wedding or share your favorite scenic drives.”

personal connection. The most important part of this process is that they are engaged that they have fun. You do not want to walk into this day having the slightest bit of concern or worry with your planner.” Brown says a couple should look for a planner whose portfolio matches their own personal style.

She also believes that personality is key. “I think it’s important for the couple to really feel like they are heard and understood from that initial consultation about their hopes, their styles, and even the things that are stressful about this process. It needs to be someone they can really trust and someone who can be a real friend and an advocate during what can be a really stressful time.”

Matchmaking

A Neutral Party

One of the most important relationships in any wedding is the one between the planner and the happy couple, and finding the right personality match can feel like a difficult task. Marlin says, “I feel that most of the time a couple will know within the first five minutes of meeting a planner. They have to have a spring/summer 2015 T dlmweddings.com

Most planners agree that their role as a buffer for the bride is an essential one.

Brides who opt out of using a planner for the process may be left open to lastminute drama between family members or vendors. Gardner explains, “In all 30

ROUND MENU, STUDIO JK; TABLETOP, SARAH HILL PHOTOGRAPHY

Trends come and go, but rustic chic is here to stay for Colorado brides. Ann Marlin of Cloud 9 Weddings and Papers says that this look continues to evolve: “It’s more of an upscale rustic, rather than a really ranchy rustic. We’re doing a lot of rustic chic weddings with rose gold.” Sara Brown of Sara Brown Weddings agrees that rose gold is going to be big in 2015.

She says the trend for metallics plays well with the rich colors and natural palettes that will dominate this wedding season.

Adrienne Gardner, owner of The Gardner Effect Event Planning, agrees that darker colors and deep reds will begin to supplant last year’s love of pastels.

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planners

1, steve stanton photography; 2, chris loring photography; 3, van buren photography; 4, selah photography

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1 IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU 1: On-trend metallics—as well as a touch of retro style—can shine in the wedding party’s attire as well as the decor. 2: Rustic chic gives guests a taste of Colorado.

3: Sometimes, the classics—such as chandeliers and white tablecloths—are the perfect fit. 4: Never be afraid to interact with your surroundings; after all, you picked your venue because you loved it.

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4 honesty, weddings are easy. Families are tough. You have a lot of personalities going on. A great thing about the wedding planner is that we are are a third party.

It doesn’t bother us. It’s important for a bride to be completely candid about potential problems, so we can make everybody as happy as possible.” Gardner suggests couples who do not have the budget for a full planner can benefit from a day-of coordinator. “They can free themselves up and enjoy the day.”

from the stodgy, formal ceremonies of the past. As this trend grows hotter, local planners have found ways to weave a couple’s personality into their special day.

Marlin says, “I’m seeing more and more brides who are putting a lot more thought into their invitations. The invitation is there to invoke excitement, and it is a sign of what guests will experience at the wedding. We’re seeing a lot more unique detail in the paper product area.” Amundson emphasizes that the wedding day is all about the couple—not about what tradition or fashion dictates. “There’s no right way to do your wedding. It’s your wedding. There’s not a wedding god who is going to come down and smite you because you got red flowers.”

Getting Personal The past few years have seen a rise in personalized, unique weddings that depart

{ Plan for Perfection } Cloud 9 Weddings and Papers cloud9bliss.com

The Gardner Effect Event Planning gardnereffect.com

Sara Brown Weddings sarabrownweddings.net

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Storytellers Events International storytellersevents.com dlmweddings.com T spring/summer 2015

Š2012 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All rights reserved. Westin is the registered trademark of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.

personalize Your wedding should reflect your personality. locals only T fun & games T vibrant color T black & white

THINK GLOBALLY, DRINK LOCALLY On page 34, you will find local companies with great wedding ideas.

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Pops of Color

Why be stuck with one signature color when you can embrace them all?

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ed, blue, and yellow can be blended into the seemingly infinite combinations of shade and hue that surround us. Color symbolizes joy, passion, exuberance, and fun.

Don’t let the Colorado sunshine get the best of your guests with these perfect paper parasols that come in six bright colors (oh yes, and white). $14, depending on quantity, davidsbridal.com.

When it comes to parting gifts for your guests, the colors of the macarons from Dana’s Bakery are as vivid as the uniquely American flavors, such as peanut butter and jelly, red velvet, creamsicle, birthday cake, and cotton candy. $30 as pictured, $5 box of two, danasbakery.com

Paint your nails with the very on-trend “Blue Lagoon” from Hard Candy. This deep crème looks good alone or makes the ideal canvas for finger flowers or bling. $4, hardcandy.com

Carry the brightness and cheer over to your gift registry with kitchen must-haves such as this Le Creuset 5½ quart Dutch oven in Flame. $300, lecreuset.com

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Decorate your tables with Jonathan Adler’s Pop candles, which come in a rainbow of richly colored glass and an equally varied range of delicious scents.

Tomato (red) smells like a mixture of rhubarb, tomato leaves, and basil. Sea salt (dark blue) includes traces of lime and hyacinth, and watercress (light blue) is redolent of the aforementioned leafy plant plus cucumber and mint. $38, jonathanadler.com

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Enjoy Yourself

Never Forget: A Wedding Should Be Fun.

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he best weddings are a conglomeration of many of life’s greatest joys: food, drinks, old friends, new friends, good conversation, bad dancing. Add to the mix a range of diversions for both young and old, and you will have created a most memorable day.

Emblazon these maze-containing Puzzler Pens with your names and wedding date for mind-bending favors that your guests will love. From $0.65, qualitylogoproducts.com

Update the time-honored tradition of throwing stuff at the happy couple as they make their exit with push pop confetti. And it’s eco-friendly: The confetti itself is water-soluble, and the push-pop holders are food-safe and can be reused for frozen desserts. 3 for $25, discounts for bulk orders, brika.com Every visit to the bar is an adventure with the Mixology Dice. Each die in the set represents a cocktail component: spirits, sugars, liqueurs, citrus, fruit, herbs, spices, and bitters.

Roll them for new and inspired concoctions. $38, foodiedice.com

MIXOLOGY DICE ©chris robb

Take advantage of the summer weather and get everyone involved with outdoor games such as Giant Dominoes. $60, tosso.com

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Local Focus

A wealth of Colorado-made products can grace your event.

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ur state is filled with designers, craftsmen, and creators that make it easy to show local pride on your special day.

Of course, you can make people happy with Colorado lamb and beer from New Belgium or Oskar Blues. Here are some ways to take it even further.

What better way to celebrate your love story than by sending your guests home with a taste of Chocolove, which is made in Boulder. Each wrapper opens to a decadent treat and a classic love poem. $17 for 12 minibars, chocolove.com Exploit the bounty of the sun-splashed Roaring Fork Valley by using plump Palisade peaches as place card or escort card holders. highcountryorchards.com

Teatulia’s organic, single-garden teas make for a versatile beverage. By itself, the herbal ginger, for example, is a delicious, nonalcoholic choice, and Tea Cocktails offers 75 tasty recipes for some more adult options. $20, teatulia.com For a special tabletop touch, Rosy Rings botanica glass candles are all produced by hand in Denver and use recycled glass. The neutral colors will go with any decor, and the scents feature creative combinations, such as apricot and rose. $32, rosyrings.com

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Your Story Starts Here.

www.perfectmountainwedding.com

personalize

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Formal Elegance

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From the white dress to the black tuxedo, elegance and tradition can dictate your wedding style. lack and white, the anti-colors if you will, evoke tradition, drama, grace, and sophistication. Stark in their purity, these classy shades are just right for a grown-up affair that goes late into the night.

How better to update your status than with a hand-cut and hand-embroidered banner, that adds a touch of whimsy to your event. $75, brika.com

A chic toast to the bride and groom is made even more special when followed by the clink of these black glass champagne saucers from Martinka Crystal’s Midnight Sky collection (which features flutes for the bubbly as well). $75, martinkacrystal.com The sand ceremony is a modern metaphor, representing the blending of two lives as well as the maintaining of each person’s individual personality.

And unlike the unity candle, a shadow box or glass vessel makes for a refined and long-lasting keepsake. $68, davidsbridal.com The Spring 2015 polish collection from manicure maven Deborah Lippmann, Whisper, features four tranquil shades, including a sheer bisque, a delicate champagne, the palest pink, and “Misty Morning,” a blue-gray crème. $18, deborahlippmann.com

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What you need to know to make the most of your wedding advice T registries T music T gifts

RETAIL REGISTRIES On page 44, discover some of the city’s intriguing boutiques, such as Hazel & Dewey, for your registry. spring/summer 2015 T dlmweddings.com

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best advice

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Brides Uncensored We polled former brides, asking them,

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“What do you wish someone had told you before you planned your wedding?”

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Z Don’t go generic; personalize as much as possible.

Z Take an honest assessment of your workload, free time, and priorities, and then decide if a wedding planner or coordinator is right for you.

Z If you want a scrapbook, start keeping mementos throughout the entire planning process: sample menus, photos of the dress prior to purchase, a napkin from the rehearsal dinner restaurant, etc.

Z Shop for everything with a fully charged cell phone so you can compare and reflect later.

Z Worrying about little stuff is pointless. Our caterer nearly had us convinced that the chairs at our reception venue were too ugly to use, so we should rent chairs or covers. Well, nobody even noticed the chairs, including us.

Z Be very, very organized and keep meticulous files.

Z A quote is just a quote; it doesn’t obligate you to a vendor. I don’t recommend requesting quotes from a dozen caterers, but don’t say yes if your tasting was full of flavorless hors d’oeuvres or overcooked steak.

Z Just because you attended seven of your sorority sisters’ weddings the year after college doesn’t mean you have to invite them all to yours five years later.

Z You’re not a bad bride if you don’t care about wedding details, and you cannot meet everyone’s expectations. Your guests won’t remember how your napkins are folded, if the processional music was on repeat, or the late-night snack was served too early.

ZB uy versus rent items that you can resell or give away: special serving ware, even tablecloths, napkins, decorations, etc. These make nice gifts for people who helped with the wedding or with whom you would like to share a special memento.

Z I f there is any chance of cooler weather and your wedding and/or reception will be in a tent or an old barn, pay to rent a heater.

Z Create a wedding schedule that allows you to manage greetings and conversation. Schedule a welcome reception for out-oftown friends and relatives. Take your photos before the ceremony, so you don’t miss a chunk of the reception. And consider planning a brunch or luncheon for the day after the wedding.

Z Ignore any foolishness coming from your in-laws (or your own relatives). My mother-in-law alone had 100 guests; my family had 40 altogether. Say no when you need to say no.

Z Set the tone with your venue and select a theme to dictate your food, decor, and fashion choices; the cohesiveness will fall into place.

ZM ake a specific appointment for makeup as well as hair. I did not, and on the day of my wedding, the woman who said she would do mine had called in sick!

ZH ave a receiving line. We spent so much time going from table to table to greet everyone that there was almost no time to dance, drink, and hang out with our friends.

Z Know that there may be wedding crashers. When the caterer told me we had six extra people, I was totally surprised. I thanked them for coming and said how happy I was they were there. (I didn’t know them; they were uninvited guests of guests.)

Z S eize the moment, so the whole thing doesn’t seem like an enormous blur...

The Dress

Research dress designers and styles before shopping, so you’ll recognize those you may gravitate toward.

Limit your dress shopping entourage to a few trusted friends or family members; everyone will have an opinion.

Stand your ground on the bridesmaid dresses. There were only three women in my wedding, and two of them loved the dress so much that they both wore it again. I almost bought one for myself. My sister-in-law wanted to wear a sexier, more expensive dress. I’m so glad I said no even when she huffed like a teenager.

It looks great on all three of them and gave the wedding party and the pictures a really cohesive look.

Choose the dress you are comfortable in. If your fiancé says he imagines you in a curve-hugging, strapless gown, but you’re in love with an A-line, lace-sleeved dress, you’ll both be happier with what makes you feel your best.

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TIPS FOR MAKING MEMORIES Do not skimp on a photographer even if you don’t think it’s important now. Do not rely on an amateur or your guests to supply your wedding photos.

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Make sure the photographer has people skills as well as artistic/technical skills.

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Have a portrait taken of yourself right before the wedding with your veil on.

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Have the wedding videotaped.

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Let us suggest the perfect setting for the photo you’re destined to cherish.

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Let us turn our ballroom into a grove of gardenias.

Let us design a menu to meet your exacting tastes and to delight all others.

Let us move mountains to bring your wedding dreams to life.

To plan your wedding and learn more about our legendary service, call The Ritz-Carlton, Denver at 303-312-3800 or visit ritzcarlton.com/denver.

©2014 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC

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registries

Real Registries

Three local stores offer carefully curated bridal gift options.

DA N A R . B U T L E R

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reating a bridal registry is one of the first steps a couple takes toward building their new life together. Historically, the newly engaged selected their preferred patterns of china and silver in preparation for a lifetime of formal dinner parties, not to mention outfitting their new house with everything from tea towels to toasters. These days, couples are more likely to enter marriage—whether they share a home ahead of time or not—with the basics in place. The registry instead becomes a place to select special-occasion items, treasured heirlooms for generations to come, and generally fun stuff. Opting for a registry at a local shop that shares your design sensibilities is a perfect way to narrow your choices.

Hazel & Dewey’s handpicked selection of contemporary kitchenware and curios includes designs from both local and global craftsmen. Building your registry here is a great way to express your personal style and find timeless tabletop items that you will love a year or 10 years down the road.

Staffers at Hazel & Dewey can’t wait to show you their wares for the kitchen and home. They will walk you through the collection and help you assess your needs and wants. Once your registry is assembled, they put it up on the website for you to share with friends and family near and far.

Your guests can purchase gifts (or one of their epic gift certificates) from the website, in person, or over the phone. Hazel & Dewey will then package your gifts and ensure they reach you in style.

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Compleat Lifestyles is Colorado’s oldest independent kitchen and

home goods store, a one-stop shop for dinnerware, cooking and prep gadgets, and appliances plus high-end pieces, such as Juliska glassware and Michael Aram frames. Also, the store’s unique “give back” model shows off Compleat Lifestyles’ socially conscious side. They carry a large selection of local and fair trade products in addition to making annual donations to partner charities and causes. As an added bonus, the store offers each couple a credit of 10% of their registry purchases for use in the store.

The bridal registry consultants at Compleat Lifestyles have been with the store for many years and are extremely knowledgeable about the inventory and table settings, in particular, which they can help customize to each couple’s particular tastes.

The Lark is something of a hidden treasure, tucked away off the beaten path in the Denver Country Club area. It’s been there for 44 years and remains a relaxed and unhurried shopping experience. Owner Jill Livran regularly changes up her inventory to meet any soon-to-wed couple’s needs and desires.

The Lark has a strong sense of tradition, and in addition to lines such as Simon Pearce’s elegant handcrafted glass and Le Cadeaux melamine ware for outdoor entertaining, couples can register for home decor, such as lamps, pillows, and artwork. Each registry includes an online portal for brides and grooms to send to invited guests, and they manage wrapping and shipping.

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registries

And Now For Something Completely Different

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If picking out teacups is not your, well, cup of tea, there are some other ways in which your families and friends can share their love and joy at your impending marriage.

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Honeyfund.com With honeyfund, you can register for a trip to China instead of a set of china. Big-ticket items, like airfare, are broken up into affordable chunks, and guests can also purchase individual experiences, such as tours, meals, spa days, or Champagne from room service.

Cardavenue.com Gift cards represent a multitude of possibilities. With Card Avenue, you choose the stores and restaurants you love, and your guests can buy in whatever denomination they choose.

Registry Rebellion Once known as (and still to be found at) knotaregistry.com, Registry Rebellion allows couples to register for experiences, such as skydiving or archery classes, as well as dinners at favorite restaurants and Rockies tickets.

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Idofoundation.org The mantra of this wedding-focused nonprofit is “celebrate generously.”

In addition to a bevy of socially conscious suggestions on ways to go green, you can select the charities of your choice, and friends and family can donate rather than buy.

Downpaymentdreams.com Rather than filling your house with things, register for the house itself with Down Payment Dreams. You create a personal page that tells your guests about yourselves and your dreams, and they can help construct your mortgage fund.

5 6 1. Dinnerware at Hazel & Dewey 2. Juliska’s Amalia martini glass from Compleat Lifestyles 3. The Beatriz Ball Diana punch bowl from Compleat Lifestyles 4. Hazel & Dewey’s extensive book selection 5. Lamps and more at The Lark 6. Le Cadeaux Benidorm melamine dishware from The Lark

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music

A Mix Made in Heaven

A great wedding DJ is a must-have to ensure a high-energy reception.

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By A l e x Hop k i n s

people requested what I thought was one of the silliest songs, but I came to wedding without entertainment is like a cookie without the sugar— find that it was one of the family’s inside jokes.” For a personalized reception bland and unimpressive. It’s important to get your guests out of their soundtrack, look for a DJ who accepts the music preferences of the crowd, chairs to celebrate the bride and groom with an unforgettable evening. regardless of genre.

And one crucially important ingredient on the wedding entertainment menu As for the most important question a couple can ask a is the music. potential DJ, Dawson says it is “When can we sit down and Drake Dawson, a professional emcee in the Denver area, dj drake dawson talk?—once you talk to somebody for 15 minutes, you get a good offered his best advice on choosing a DJ. “A couple should look facebook.com/djdrake1 feel for who they are.” It is the best way to understand how a DJ for someone who is professional, flexible, comfortable on the will interact with a crowd during the reception. microphone, able to give direction, organized, and always open to learning new Above all, when it comes to the expense, Dawson emphasizes the difference things,” Dawson says. Although some DJs may have perfected their craft, he a quality DJ can make. “Understand the importance of a DJ, his services, and adds, they may not embody punctuality or professionalism. “A well-rounded DJ his equipment,” he says. “If you compare the cost for everything else to the is key.” contribution the DJ makes to the wedding, it make sense. A wonderful DJ will Dawson also stresses that a DJ must be able to swallow his or her pride. “You make for an even better day.” have to be able to take requests from people,” he says. “More than a few times, spring/summer 2015 T dlmweddings.com

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The Silverthorne Pavilion

Affordable Mountain Elegance Photo Credit: Elevate Photography

Nestled in the heart of Summit County and at the foot of the Gore Range, the Silverthorne Pavilion is an affordable, yet stylish venue that will provide a serene mountain setting.

For more information or to set up a site tour, please contact 970.262.7390

400 Blue River Parkway, Silverthorne, Colorado| 970.262.7390 | silverthorne.org

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gifts

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Attendant Circumstances

How to say “Thank You” to your bridesmaids and groomsmen

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hey are your closest and most well-loved friends, your dearest and kindest relatives (or soon-to-be relatives). They stand up for you, get you to the altar, plan your parties, wrangle your families, and solve your problems. Show your appreciation with something special.

{ For the Ladies }

1. Lollia bubble bath from Denver company Margot Elena come in seven delectable scents with tantalizing names, such as “At Last” (rice flower and magnolia) and “In Love” (apple blossom and rose). Choose the perfect fit for each of the women in your party, such as “Wander,” with night-blooming jasmine and cypress, or “Calm” with hyacinth and vetiver. $34–$40, at Wild Flowers, wildflowershome.com 2. Neal’s Yard Remedies’ traditionally made organic aromatherapy candles are designed to uplift (orange, grapefruit, mint), calm (rose and geranium), or balance (bergamot and patchouli), which we can all use post-wedding. $44, nealsyardremedies.com 3. Pacifica perfumes encompass global fragrances that are fruity and floral, spicy and woody—Persian rose, Mexican cocoa, Brazilian mango grapefruit, Malibu lemon blossom—all with ingredients that are natural and eco-friendly. $12–$22, pacificabeauty.com 4. Rituals gift sets are a wonderful way to commemorate your wedding ceremony with bath and body products that evoke traditional rites, such as the 5,000-year-old Indian Ayurvedic system of healing, the hammam or Turkish bath, and Japanese cherry blossom– and rice milk–infused relaxation. $25, us.rituals.com 5. Gumball Poodle socks are quirky and fun and inspired by vintage Americana. (Note: Not recommended for wear with the actual bridesmaid’s dress.) $10.50, gumballpoodle.com for stores spring/summer 2015 T dlmweddings.com

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BITTERS KIT photo by james eastman

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{ For the Gentlemen } 1. Blue Mark eau de parfum, Jack Black’s latest signature scent, takes its cues from the making of fine, handcrafted Scotch, blending the masculine essence of watermint, bergamot, ginger, and thyme. $70, getjackblack.com 2. sea stones are for those who know it doesn’t have to be a waste of top-shelf liquor to drink it on the rocks. These granite disks keep your Lagavulin or Patron Platinum at the ideal stone-cold sipping temp without watering them down or adding impurities. $37.40, sea-stones.com 3. Easy & Oskey Make-Your-Own-Bitters kits live at the intersection of two top trends: The craft cocktail craze meets DIY in flavors such as grapefruit, cherry vanilla, and habanero. $45, easyandoskey.com 4. Happy Socks make for a joyful day when you start by dressing your groomsmen in happiness from their tush to their toes with fun sets of spotted socks and matching boxer briefs. $32, happysocks.com 5. Urban Samurai products will bring out any guy’s inner warrior with ingredients such as basil, ginseng, and Tiger Grass. Who says you can’t compare shaving to the intricate swordplay of the ancient Shogun? $10–$29, us.rituals.com

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Limited editions, Custom handmade designs and GIA certified diamonds 2703 E 3rd Ave, Denver, CO 80206 â&#x20AC;˘ gnatjewelers.com â&#x20AC;˘ (303) 355-5050

dish

Sips and sweets for the perfect party

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rehearsal dinners T champagne T cake

CAKES THAT POP On page 58, the cake, whether regal or whimsical, is a centerpiece of your wedding fare.

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rehearsal dinner

Top Spots for Rehearsal Dinners Places to meet, greet, and eat before the big day

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t’s easy to get caught up and think of the wedding alone as the big day, but the rehearsal dinner can be just as important. It’s the kickoff of sorts for a two-day celebration. The rehearsal dinner is the icebreaker, often the first time both families and the wedding party are all in one place

B y k i m b e r ly lo r d s t e wa r t

to get to know one another. It can be a little nerveracking to have all that genealogy in one room. It could go smoothly, or it could take a wrong turn, which is why finding just the right setting is imperative for helping everyone relax and have a little fun before the wedding.

We’ve selected some rehearsal dinner venues that you may not have considered. Each one has a unique vibe and will help smooth over some of those awkward moments that are inevitable when all the people who love you are all in the same room.

Beatrice and Woodsley Vibe: Romantic, dreamy, wistful Why: This intimate restaurant is designed around a fictitious couple from the 1800s: Beatrice, a woman who knows the finer things in life as the daughter of a French winemaker who moved to California to open a vineyard, and Woodsley, a burly Cooper who falls in love with the winemaker’s daughter.

What to Expect: At the threshold, you will see why this restaurant evokes pure romance and an ethereal setting. Aspen trunks are scattered throughout as if they grew there naturally. Soft yellow lighting gives the appearance of muted sunlight. For small groups, you can reserve a table upstairs, and the wine cellar is available for groups of 30. The menu features creative French cuisine, alpine fare, and seasonal vegetarian dishes. beatriceandwoodsley.com

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Crave Vibe: Big city, modern, centrally located Why: The location, at 14th and Champa, is perfect for rehearsal dinners when guests are staying in the heart of Denver.

What to Expect: Crave has recently expanded its space and menu. Crave has three rooms available: the restaurant and two rooms in the next-door Spire building, which can accommodate 40–150 guests depending on the type of service. Crave and the Spire’s midcentury modern– inspired decor is ideal for a couple that wants to evoke a cool and minimalist feel.

Crave is known for desserts, so start there and work backward when planning a menu. The savory side of the menu is brimming with appetizers, such as bacon-wrapped dates with plum balsamic reduction and ahi tuna ceviche. cravedenver.com

Acorn

Punch Bowl Social Vibe: Eclectic, fun, casual Why: Punch Bowl Social is like an all-ages funhouse with games, gastropub fare, wine, beer, and cocktails.

“Punch Bowl is a great place for a wide range of guests.” says GM Matt Boutwell. “I found this out fully when I got married and had a lot of family in town and was not sure what to do with everyone since we live in an apartment. Grandparents to grandkids had a good time. And when not everyone gets along (like my family), Punch Bowl Social allows for as much space as possible to do your own thing in an accommodating venue.”

What to Expect: If you are looking for a rehearsal dinner space to let off some steam, this is the place.

How about a cornhole competition between families with personalized bean bags with the couple’s initials.

Punch Bowl will help set up games so everyone—no matter their talents—can participate. For instance, in bowling bingo, the card has spots that are covered based on result of a throw: strike, three pins, split pick-up, gutter ball, etc. Cards are assigned to a team or a lane, which allows everyone to contribute even if they are terrible bowlers. Punch Bowl also has karaoke rooms with props, so guests can dress up and rock it out. They will also set up recording or photos in the karaoke room to capture the moment when grandpa reveals his inner rock star. punchbowlsocial.com

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Vibe: Urban, hip, gourmet Why: Acorn is tucked into The Source, an artisan food market in Denver’s River North District. With graffiti art as the backdrop and a private dining space in the loft, called the Bird’s Nest, this is the perfect place for families who appreciate good food and want to experience Denver’s food scene.

“For rehearsal dinners, Acorn’s Bird’s Nest is such a unique urban backdrop,” says Sarah Iverson, the events coordinator for Acorn. “It’s edgy yet refined with exceptional wood-fired cuisine and thoughtfully crafted cocktails.”

What to Expect: Acorn’s Bird’s Nest can accommodate up to 40 people for a rehearsal dinner. The menu is a gourmand’s delight with shared plates, such as Wagyu beef tartare with truffle cheese and watermelon radish, or soft grits with creamy burrata and tender tomato-braised meatballs. Larger entrees can be designed for sharing family style. Acorn is also known for an apothecary of cocktails and mocktails that are stunningly complex and wonderfully balanced.

So consider greeting guests with a cocktail made exclusively for the wedding couple to take away the jitters as people arrive. denveracorn.com

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champagne

The Groom’s Guide to Opening Champagne Interview with Madam Champagne, Madeleine De Jean B y k i mb e r ly lo r d s t e wa r t

paid dearly within the bottle. Keep trying to bend the cork, and finally, it will just sigh out … letting only a few hundred bubbles escape. Triumph!

KLS: What about pouring?

MDJ: Pour slowly with small servings into several glasses, and then return to add another ounce to each glass. Never fill champagne glasses beyond the halfway point. A nose poised over an overfull glass of champagne will only get wet trying to take in the aromas.

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coil. Hold on to the cork with a hand over the cloth, pry the four prongs from the indentations on the cork where the wire is embedded. Now the cork is ready to be removed.

Change the bottle from your left to your right hand, keeping hold of that cork the whole time. With the cloth over the cork, place your right palm on top of the cork and begin to turn the cork. Once you feel the cork come out, press hard against it almost as if you were trying to keep it inside the bottle. Press down hard, and try to bend the cork. You will not be able to bend it, but try very hard.

In doing so, you are, in effect, slowing down the expeditious escape of the cork. By preventing the cork’s escape, you keep the majority of the 60 million bubbles that took months to create and for which you have

offers some effervescent advice on how to properly open and serve champagne.

KLS: Popping open champagne is intimidating. How do you open champagne?

MDJ: Opening champagne is deceptive. Champagne bottles are filled with six atmospheres of pressure, which is equivalent to six fathoms deep in the ocean or 60 million bubbles waiting to be released into your glasses. That means there is a lot of pressure behind every cork.

Most champagne bottles have a clearly marked tab in black. Remove the foil and place a linen cloth (not paper) over the cork. Hold it with your left hand while you count to six, turning the wire to unleash the

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Madeleine de Jean is author of a champagne thriller, The Night Julius Caesar Invented Champagne, and Bouter En Avant! Full Speed Ahead with Julia Child. madeleinedejean.com/books.html

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eddings and champagne belong together.

Teary-eyed fathers stumble through heart-felt toasts. Friends and family clink their glasses together, filling the room with a celebratory ringing.

And beautiful brides peer over delicate coupe glasses and into the eyes of their new husbands.

It’s a wonderfully civilized way to start a life together—unless you are the groom who has to open the champagne bottle.

It’s a high-pressure job (in more ways than one) to get the bottle open without a spray of bubbles raining down on the guests (and no, it should not shower the room). In this interview, Madeleine de Jean, a Denver-based champagne expert known as “Madam Champagne,”

KLS: The clinking of champagne glasses, to mimic church bells, has a long history at weddings.

Can you tell us about a tradition that you and your friends, Julia and Paul Child, shared when toasting to large groups?

MDJ: When there is a large assembly or a dinner party of more than six guests at table, this general raising of glasses and stretching to touch all glasses becomes more of a comic act. When Julia and Paul Child created a TV series, Dining with Julia, Paul created the “Carillons d’Ameties,” or the “Bells of Friendship” toast, from an old French tradition. It begins with the host starting the toast by clinking his or her glass with his neighbor’s glass—either to the right or left— followed by that neighbor clinking her or his glass with the next person and so on until the ringing toast is returned to the host who began it. Everyone participates.

Historic charm and modern luxury in the center of downtown Denver.

ReheaRsal DinneRs | CoRpoRate events | BRiDal lunCheons

The Perfect Place for your Perfect Wedding

(303)825-1107 1659 Wazee St. Denver, CO 80202 mccormickandschmicks.com

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cakes

Das Meyer Fine Pastry Chalet

Make a Date with the Right Baker Choosing a wedding cake that shows off your personality

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ther than the dress, the wedding cake is perhaps one of the top decisions to make for your wedding. It should be a fun experience; after all, it’s cake. But the flavor choices and design options can be a bit daunting when jumbled in with all the other decisions on your list. Wedding cake experts say there are two things to keep in mind: find a baker you are comfortable with and choose flavors and designs that reflect your personality.

When bride-to-be Elizabeth Vancura went cake shopping for her April Denver wedding, she had one desire: pick a flavor everyone likes. Instead of choosing one flavor, she chose three, a vanilla cake with a raspberry center for the base, a chocolate with chocolate ganache filling for the second tier, and a red velvet cake for the top.

“The bottom layer is the common denominator,” says Vancura. “It’s a base cake that everyone likes.” The chocolate? “We [she and her fiancé, Alex

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Read] are both passionate about chocolate,” she says. And the red velvet cake, which is more unusual, has become a recurrent dessert for special occasions throughout their engagement, so it has personal meaning. “The cake was amazing, but what sold us was how comfortable, knowledgeable, and honest cake designer Michelle Brietzke at La Momo Maes [in Longmont] was during our first meeting.”

Vancura brings up an important crumb of truth when cake shopping: You want to find someone who understands both your personality and exactly what you want—or think you want. Vancura says Brietzke spent a considerable amount of time asking just the right questions to come up with a design that suited both she and Read. Vancura, an elementary school music teacher, is a fan of art nouveau and the Czech artist Alphonse Mucha.

His commercial art from the 1930s is known for sweeping floral bouquets and ornate details.

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B y k i m berly lord ste wart

cakes

PIECE OF, WELL, YOU KNOW Intricate Icings can make a cake to suit practically any style.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: JASON + GINA, AUTUMN TWILIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY, KELLI LYN PHOTOGRAPHY, CHRIS MCLAUGHLIN

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dish On the opposite side of the design spectrum, Read is more mechanically inclined. The Navy submariner loves math and geometry, so the cake will be an octagon shape with small gears interspersed in the Mucha-inspired design.

The combination is a perfect reflection of the couple’s likes and personalities.

Getting to yes takes time, says Chef Rachel Teufel of Intricate Icings. “I typically spend an hour talking with the couple, which can be a rarity among bakers,” she says. “I watch the dynamic between the couple—the bride might be excited about an idea and the groom not so much. It’s about reading people as much as making a cake.”

Teufel recently changed her business model so she could focus more on the design and intricacy she loves to put into her cakes. She has developed a reputation in the wedding cake industry as one of the most skilled edible artists, especially for her bridal gown–inspired cakes; Intricate Icings cakes start at $2000. Even other competitor cake bakers take her design classes on Craftsy, “which can be tricky,” she says.

Teufel says there is an explosion of techniques, materials, and mediums that allows for very delicate modeling. Wafer paper, as an example, is so thin that you can almost see through it. Other materials such as gum paste and at least 40 brands of fondants mean that nearly anything is possible from bold colors to translucent designs that match the delicate lace and beading on the bride’s dress and the wedding flowers.

As for flavors, narrowing down your favorites can be a fun and tasty task. Das Meyer Fine Pastry Chalet helps make the decision a littler easier by offering a cake tasting open house every Saturday with more than 15 different cakes. “Brides and grooms can come in and try everything on their own time; no appointment is necessary,” says Dennis Meyer, the chef and owner. “Once they have tried everything, we can then narrow down their cake flavor preferences and the design,” he says.

Each couple has a unique approach to the cake; some arrive with dozens of Pinterest pins or thick binders filled with pictures. Others prefer to see what comes of the conversation.

“We went to La Momo Maes just to taste,” says Vancura. “And as we talked, the design developed organically.” Vancura found the perfect combination of classic elegance inspired by the art nouveau period with some amusing add-ins from Read. Both walked away happy, and cake should be all about happy.

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Das Meyer Fine Pastry Chalet

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edding cake experts say there are two things to keep in mind: find a baker you are comfortable with and choose flavors and designs that reflect your personality.

{ Bold Bakers } Das Meyer Fine Pastry Chalet dasmeyerpastry.com Open-house tasting on Saturdays (Feb.–Nov.) 10:30– 3:30, bride, groom, and two guests welcome

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Intricate Icings intricateicings.com

Los Momo Maes Bakery longmontbakery.com

Consultations by appointment

The bakers gives 10% of sales to local schools and nonprofits; ask for details

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escape Sun-soaked honeymoons filled with sand and/or surf

Photo Courtesy of BLUE PARALLEL

fiji T mexico T death valley

TAKE IT PERSONALLY Newlyweds are planning honeymoons that involve custom service and intimate experiences. Instead of cruising the Caribbean on a mega-ship or booking a one-size-fits-all resort, couples are choosing smaller, more personal trips, such as European river cruises and custom tours abroad. Blue Parallel, a bespoke travel boutique, plans private, custom journeys along the Adriatic Coast, taking honeymooners from Split, Croatia, through Hvar and Dubrovnik to Montenegro, with special access to private boats, artisan vineyards, historic villages, and more. blueparallel.com

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escape

fiji

Fall for Fiji

You only get one honeymoon; spend it in a private paradise.

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to the northwest island of Yasawa, home to some small villages and the Yasawa Island Resort & Spa. Yasawa is an intimate escape with 18 beachfront bures, or cottages, each festooned in native flora and bordering the Pacific Ocean.

More stunning than the nearby atolls, this island boasts privacy and lack of development. The resort offers day trips to one of 11 private beaches. Postbreakfast, guests meet their boat captains at Yasawa’s shore. Each dinghy is packed with provisions, including umbrellas, towels, chairs, and seafood lunches with each guest’s preferred fruit juices, cocktails, salads and fresh-caught lobster, prawns, crab,

he three Ps of the ideal first wedded getaway are privacy, personal service, and passion. Never again will you step from the altar and into married life, and this trip jump-starts it all. And there’s no better place to immerse yourself in respite and romance than Fiji’s lush environs. Located northeast of New Zealand, this South Pacific archipelago of more than 332 islands boasts warm marine conditions and some of the world’s best beaches.

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Nanuku auberge resort FIJI

By A l i H a r r i s o n

escape

fiji

Personal Service Life on a quiet island in the middle of the South Pacific is only improved by the Yasawa staff’s superior personal service whether you are interested in recreation, relaxation, or fine dining.

The beachfront activities center will outfit you with a variety of snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboards, or sea kayaks to explore the world-class, national-reserve coral reefs just offshore. Yasawa’s expert scuba guides accompany certified divers to nearby reefs where you are likely to encounter a sea turtle, octopus, tuna, or shark. One of Yasawa’s most iconic excursions is a visit to the Blue Lagoon caves. A short boat ride AWAY FROM IT ALL from the resort lands guests on the shore near left: Often cited as having many of the world’s best these revered caves. Led by a dedicated guide, beaches, Fiji hosts world swimmers don snorkeling gear and head inside. travelers, intrepid divers, Voices echo off the walls of the dimly lit cavern as and even film crews seeking a guide leads explorers through an underwater tropical perfection. passage. Popping out on the other side, visitors bottom left: With more than 4000 square miles of acclimate to the dark, enclosed space as they coral reef, Fiji is celebrated learn the history of these isolated caves. Truly a as the “Soft Coral Capital of unique experience, it’s worth facing any fear of the World.” being inside these small spaces.

Yasawa’s repeat guests return in part for resort’s exclusive spa package.

A one-time fee allows couples to visit the on-site Baravi Spa once a day for each night at the resort. A walk under palm trees and past lush bougainvillea blooms gets you to the thatched-roof spa, tucked away on the far end of the resort and offering a full menu of services. The quiet treatment rooms face the ocean and lull guests into bliss with the sounds and scents of the island.

Dining at the open-air restaurant is a five-star affair. Flickering candles and the setting sun illuminate each table, and Fiji-inspired cocktails transition guests into relaxed, island living. The waitstaff updates guests on each day’s freshly caught seafood offerings, which range from lobster and crab to tuna, snapper, and mahi mahi. Breakfast and lunch are equally delicious, with tropical juices, Fijian coffee and tea, and lobster omelets. Upon request, the staff will prepare a private meal in your bure, beside the infinity pool, or on the beach.

Then couples are left at their leisure for a truly intimate dining experience.

Passion Of course, a return flight to Viti Levu is inevitably in store, but the honeymoon doesn’t have to end upon your return to the mainland. From Nadi International Airport, a two-and-a-halfguests return to yasawa tanned and renewed; a feeling that hour shuttle along Fiji’s famed Coral Coast lands you in Pacific Harbor, the adventure only develops when they’ve explored such an unblemished capital of Fiji, and the Nanuku Auberge corner of the world.

Resort Fiji, which opened in March 2014.

Nanuku employs the most naturally friendly staff that an experienced traveler can encounter. You are greeted and more. After a 10- to 20-minute ride along Yasawa’s coast, guests are left with genuine hugs, a Fijian welcome ceremony, and your own villa buddy and for the afternoon to savor lunch, swim, snorkel, explore tide pools and stroll villa mama. Yes, visitors have dedicated staff members ensuring an enjoyable the sand hand-in-hand. Although the resort offers dozens of activities— experience. Your villa buddy will acquaint you with the resort, schedule onscuba diving, hand-line fishing, and more—you’ll be tempted to book a site activities, and coordinate off-site activities, such as a bike tour to a local private beach excursion every day. market, golf, fishing, waterfall hikes, rafting, zip-lining, jet skiing, or diving Back at home base, each beachfront bure offers a balance of solitude and al with sharks—one of the most exclusive, thrilling experiences the Pacific fresco living. The cottages’ outdoor showers and personal porches are within Harbor has to offer. Your villa mama exudes warmth and kindness as she yards of the ocean. Warm breezes float through the floor-to-ceiling windows, and prepares your room and shares about her lives. natural, organic Pure Fiji bath amenities reflect the native climate with coconut-, Passion infuses every aspect of this resort, from the Fiji-inspired fare and hibiscus-, and mango-scented lotions, oils, and soaps. Your bar is stocked with daily traditions to the resort activities and atmosphere. The restaurant focuses sparkling water, beer, juice, spirits, and Fiji water, of course. There may be nothing on fresh local seafood, fine imported meats, and produce from the on-site more indulgent and romantic than waking as the sun rises and quietly savoring garden. Meals may include buttermilk pancakes layered with Nanuku bananas, coffee and breakfast cookies on the bure patio as husband and wife.

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BLUE SKIES AND BLUE WATER ABOVE: Nanuku’s lush property centers around its swim-up pool, lounge areas, and restaurant. RIGHT: The floor-to-ceiling windows and bifold doors of Nanuku accommodations allow the sounds of waves to lull guests to sleep.

cinnamon, and vanilla bean ice cream drizzled with Fiji honey; grilled tuna steak with wasabi cream, black rice, and bok choy; or a Wagyu beef burger with pancetta and homemade chutney. One of the sweetest traditions at Nanuku is the goodbye dessert: a homemade chocolate cake on the last night of each couple’s stay.

Nanuku staff are also passionate about Fijian tradition. A nightly torchlighting ceremony entertains guests during cocktail hour. Daily classes teach visitors how to gather native foods and create dishes using long-established techniques. Honeymooners often bond with staff and other couples while they cook prawns, cut down and open a coconut, or sip on kava for the first time.

Nanuku’s villas and residences are perfectly conducive to a sensual stay.

Each has a media room, a garden, and an enormous master suite with luxurious linens and an expansive bathroom, open shower, and gigantic soaking tub. Private outdoor living areas look out over the ocean. From Fijian artwork to furnishings made from native woods and sea shells, the rooms evoke the feeling that you’re stranded on a deserted island with your loved one—in a good way.

Talking about the accommodations, we must note Nanuku’s Vunikau Residence. Essentially a tree house built onto a rocky outcropping above the main resort, this massive dwelling is split into three residences and one penthouse suite. Although all four accommodations have private pools, personal gardens, and ocean views, the penthouse is the epitome of luxury with almost 6,000 square feet of private space, including a master bedroom and bathroom, full kitchen, media room, wine cellar, family room, billiards spring/summer 2015 T dlmweddings.com

room, bar, guest bathroom, and dining area. A 3,200-square-foot wraparound porch offers nearly 360-degree views with an infinity pool and a hot tub jutting out over the ocean. There is no better place to soak up the sun and a tropical cocktail while watching boats pass by.

If there’s is one place that embodies passion, privacy and personal service, it’s Fiji. You will not regret spending your first foray as a married couple on this affectionate atoll.

Fiji Airways fijiairways.com Yasawa Island Resort & Spa yasawa.com Nanuku Auberge Resort Fiji nanukufiji.com 66

Nanuku Auberge resort Fiji

Penthouse

Your Electically Vintage Wedding & Home Source

Chairished Vintage Rentals chairished.com

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303-500-3822

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Romance on the Riviera

Find all-inclusive luxury on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

By K ri st i n M i l l e r

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fter months of planning, shopping, and organizing, followed by the emotional high of your wedding day, the last thing most newlyweds feel like doing is more planning and decision-making during their honeymoon.

If you desire a post-nuptials escape, on which the only decisions you’ll need to make are from a lunch menu or between fun resort activities, consider booking your grand honeymoon getaway at the ultra-luxury, all-inclusive Grand Velas Riviera Maya.

Tucked discreetly among the dense vegetation of a 205-acre protected mangrove jungle along the crystalline coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula, otherwise known as Mexico’s famed Riviera Maya, this distinguished AAA Five Diamond resort offers a secluded setting ideal for honeymooners.

Recognized by Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, USA Today, and Forbes.com, this exclusive property, located a mere 40 minutes from Cancun airport, offers a lavish, all-suite resort experience with an extensive cachet of personalized amenities, a 90,000-square-foot spa (the region’s largest), dedicated butler concierge service, and breathtaking views of the azure Caribbean Sea. When booking, choose from three lodging options, each with a distinct ambiance. The Grand Class offers adults-only, ocean-front suites; the Ambassador provides spacious family-friendly suites with ocean views; and the Zen Grand offers a Zen-like tropical setting with jungle terraces. All 491 suites are spacious and luxuriously appointed with travertine floors, fully stocked mini bars, plasma TVs, L’Occitane amenities, artisanal tequila, Nespresso machines, deep soaking tubs, marble bathrooms, and balconies. Select suites have private outdoor plunge pools.

Dining at many all-inclusive resorts is an afterthought, yet Grand Velas Riviera Maya puts this notion to shame! With eight restaurants, including five fine-dining venues, the resort’s spring/summer 2015 T dlmweddings.com

epicurean experience represents refined culinary flavors from Mexico, Europe, and Asia.

Frida offers cultured Mexican gastronomy in a contemporary and relaxing atmosphere, and Piaf is a chic demonstration of artistic French culinary techniques and specialties. Fusing the colorful flavors of Thai, Japanese, and Vietnamese cuisine, Sen Lin Restaurant presents a sophisticated Asian dining experience, and Lucca features Northern Italian cuisine of specialty seafood, gourmet meats, and homemade pastas in an elegant atmosphere.

The resort’s most illustrious dining experience, featuring haute Spanish cuisine created by world-renowned chefs, is found at the resort’s signature restaurant, Cocina de Autor by Bruno

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Oteiza and Mikel Alonso, which recently won a AAA Five Diamond Award for restaurants, the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to receive this prestigious distinction.

Although the resort’s evening dining calls for “resort casual” attire (collared shirts, no flip flops), by day, guests will find relaxed dining and enticing international cuisine at Azul and Bistro, specializing in French brasserie favorites. Both offer panoramic beach vistas and a relaxing, open-air, yet air-conditioned, environment. For a day of lounging poolside, the resort features swim-up bars for snacks and drinks, and 24-hour in-suite dining is available.

A stunning setting and magnificent dining aside, perhaps one of the most celebrated aspects

This exclusive property, located a mere 40 minutes from Cancun airport, offers a lavish, all-suite resort experience with an extensive cachet of personalized amenities, a 90,000-square-foot spa (the region’s largest), dedicated butler concierge service, and breathtaking views of the azure Caribbean Sea.”

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TO INFINITY AND BEYOND The pool at Grand Velas Riviera Maya

of the resort is the Grand Velas Spa, which stands apart for its globally inspired treatments and signature seven-step water journey. Intended to revitalize your body and mind in preparation for spa treatments, the water journey is a hydrothermal ritual that also strengthens the immune system. A personal spa valet guides you through seven water features inspired by different cultures of the world. Guests are first invigorated with hot-and-cold experience showers followed by a rest in a sauna. Then it’s off to the striking ice room with a floor-to-ceiling window and iridescent tile. Next, the chill dissipates as you relax in a circular glass tile–lined steam room with fiber-optic color therapy. Then, you apply detoxifying clay to your skin and rinse off before strolling through a polar pool and elongated whirlpool. The journey is finished with a soak in the experience pool, featuring a sensory pebble

footpath, cascade waterfalls, water bubble beds, a circular neck jet, and a bubble volcano geyser.

Afterward, guests are pampered with traditional spa treatments, including massage, body wraps, and facials. Distinctive treatments incorporate the scents and sensations of the world, including the Journey through Ancient Mexico, Mediterranean Voyage, and Memories of India. Following the wellness traditions of the Mayan culture, many of the treatments feature earthly products, such as coffee, cocoa, herbs, vanilla, mud, and honey.

In addition to indulgent spa treatments, Grand Velas offers an abundance of activities, including exploring nearby ancient Mayan ruins, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and zipline tours through the Yucatan’s vibrant jungle.

The nearby communities of Playa del Carmen and Cancun also offer exquisite shopping, dining, golfing and nightlife. However, for most newlyweds, spending a leisurely day at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, relaxing poolside or strolling along the pristine sugar-sand beach, is a wonderful way to begin a journey toward wedded harmony.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya rivieramaya.grandvelas.com Traveling to Cancun from Denver involves a roughly three-hour flight. Frontier Airlines flies direct, nonstop from DIA to Cancun International Airport.

Exploring the Area

Although the resort offers plenty of activities, here are some must-try offproperty adventures: Visit the Circus: The mind-boggling acrobatics of stellar performance artists impress crowds at Joya by Cirque du Soleil at Vidanta Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen. The performance evokes the history, culture, rhythms, and natural beauty of Mexico. cirquedusoleil.com Soak in a Cenote:

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These natural pools are believed to possess healing mineral water. Take a swim in one of these wonders or experience the unusual treatment known as Fish Therapy— tiny “doctor fish” (as they’re called by locals) snack on the dead skin from the toes, feet, and ankles and increase circulation (the very ticklish need not apply).

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Life and Death

The name may sound ominous, but time in Death Valley will breathe life into you and your marriage.

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honeymoon in Death Valley, California, involves being outdoors in wideopen spaces, away from crowds, and essentially forging your own paths—what better metaphor for the two of you facing a future of endless possibilities?

About two hours west of Las Vegas, Death Valley was first designated as a national monument in 1933, encompassing nearly two million acres. Sixtyone years later, another million-plus acres were added to the protected area, and Death Valley was named a national park in 1994, making it the largest national park in the contiguous United States.

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By su sa n b . b a rn e s

For the nearly one million yearly visitors to Death Valley, there are more than three million acres to explore, just as gold prospectors and pioneers did in the mid-1800s. After a few days of making your way along some of the 785 miles of paved roads—some days seeing no more than a handful of other cars—traversing hiking trails, climbing peaks, and descending to the lowest place in North America, you’ll be awed thinking of those who were there more than 150 years earlier.

There are plenty of natural wonders to see, including Artist’s Palette, a range of hillsides 70

seemingly awash in pastel paints; the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, which rise nearly 100 feet; and, perhaps most incredible, Darwin Falls, a year-round spring-fed waterfall. Titus Canyon is a challenging scenic drive best done by Jeep, but the views are well worth it, from peaks offering stunning views to valleys and narrows similar to those found in Utah’s Zion National Park, without the flowing water. Although it’s manmade, Scotty’s Castle is a wonder of a different ilk. The 1920s-era, Spanish-style mansion was a vacation home built by a wealthy Chicago businessman and is maintained to its original

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splendor complete with furnishings—and stories—from its heyday.

Overnight options in Death Valley include the elegant, four-diamond Furnace Creek Resort, which encompasses two hotels, an RV park, and a campground. The historic, 66-room Inn at Furnace Creek is a true oasis from

LIVING IT UP IN DEATH VALLEY The area offers breathtaking views, varied terrain, and luxury accommodations.

the rugged desert beauty that surrounds it. A spring-fed pool is perfect for cooling off after days of exploration, and the dining room will fuel you for the days ahead. The rooms are spacious and extremely comfortable.

When the sun sets over the desert and the temperatures cool down—if only a bit—millions of stars begin to twinkle overhead. With little to no light pollution, Death Valley is the world’s largest international dark sky park. There’s no need for high-power telescopes to see the galaxy’s brilliance, either; simply throw down a blanket, lay back, and watch the show above.

Death Valley National Park nps.gov/deva Furnace Creek Resort furnacecreekresort.com

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Don’t Forget ...

Your honeymoon is about making memories, but there are a number of things you need to remember before you leave town.

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re you leaving the country? Be sure you have a universal adapter for all your electronics. Unless you are camping, you’ll want to stop by the bank before your trip and make sure you are well-stocked with small bills for tipping everyone from the porter to the taxi driver, bell man, tour guides, and housekeeping. Having your every need met is no problem at an allinclusive resort, but otherwise, be armed with snacks for the plane, long sightseeing excursions, days at the beach when you don’t want to move from your spot. Here are a few more things to remember.

… Your Luggage Always know which bags are yours with these adorable tags that proudly—and romantically— announce your new status. $14, target.com

… Your stuff Be beach-ready with a cute tote from Lilly Pulitzer, perfectly sized for books, snacks, and sunscreen. $148, lillypulitzer.com

... your spf

… Your Skin

Dr. Lancer’s polish-cleanse-nourish method of skincare is based on his research into the way skin heals itself.

This handy vacation-ready kit is ideal for both the new Mr. and Mrs., and will mitigate the effects of days under the sun. $195, lancerskincare.com

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The MD Solar Sciences mineral sunscreen stick gives you SPF 40 protection from naturally derived ingredients without the chance of goo leaking in your suitcase—the solid stick is even carry-on friendly. $18, mdsolarsciences.com

… Your Four-legged Friends Paradise 4 Paws is a top-notch doggie (and kitty) resort, located right at DIA. Services include nightly tuck-in service and playtime in the pool. From $45/night, paradise4pawsdenver. com

…Your Sleep Cycle No Jet Lag Tablets are a homeopathic remedy that uses arnica, daisy, and wild chamomile to the tiredness and disorientation after long flights and drastic time changes. $12, nojetlag.com

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The Perfect Complement for Your Colorado Wedding

www.telluridetruďŹ&#x20AC;le.com 866-543-0108

accessories

photo credit

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Two Unforgettable Venues FLOwERS COuRTESy OF ABLOOM

LOLA ELISE

APRIL O’HARE PHOTOGRAPHy

APRIL O’HARE PHOTOGRAPHy

Have an elegant wedding in our world-renowned

Set the scene against the foothills of the

gardens, nestled in the heart of the city.

Rocky Mountains.

• E xtraordinary sites featuring tropical plants, exotic blooms and water displays

• Historical farm with rustic barn and charming open air chapel

• Award-winning catering

• Natural outdoor setting

• I ndoor and outdoor sites tailored for an intimate affair, a lavish event and anything in between

• I ndoor and outdoor spaces aglow with twinkling lights

DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS

DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS AT CHATFIELD

1007 York Street

8500 West Deer Creek Canyon Road

Denver, CO 80206

Littleton, CO 80128

To start planning your wedding, email Private.Events@BotanicGardens.org or call 720-865-3551. www.botanicgardens.org

The Lookbook

Four bridal styles to elevate your look beachy/boho T

swank sophisticate T

Hollywood glamour T

daytime delight T

From the Marchesa-Notte Resort 2015 collection

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The Lookbook

Lovers & Dreamers

Whether your walk to the altar is sand-strewn or not, these beach-appropriate Boho looks will reflect your free spirit and low-key attitude.

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1. From Ti Adora by Alvina Valenta, jlmcouture.com 2. From the Marchesa-Notte Resort 2015 collection, marchesa.com 3. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ioliteâ&#x20AC;? by Carol Hannah, carol-hannah.com 4. Pearl and crystal sandal, davidsbridal.com

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The Lookbook

Makeup

Hair

“Boho brides are typically getting married on the beach or outdoors and opt for a more natural yet pretty makeup look,” says Gina Comminello. “I have chosen a natural skin tone shadow as a lid wash followed by a soft forest green eyeliner for a pop of color. Foundation is a custom-blended tinted moisturizer for a perfect match and works very well in warm or humid weather.

Cheeks are kissed with a touch of peach cream blush, and lips are glazed with a soft shimmer gloss with a pink and gold undertone.”

“The Bohemian chic look is great for an outdoor wedding,” says Courtney Blalock. “This look is for a bride who is comfortable with a more naturallooking hairstyle instead of the formal updo. Braids are becoming a trendy fashionable style for weddings. Having a bit of bling paired with soft braids is a great contrast for your special day.”

style

Halo by Bel Aire Bridal; drop necklace by Ti Adoro Jewelry; both from The Bridal Collection, thebridalcollection.com PHOTOgraphy Paul Miller, MillerPhotographics.com STYLING: Gina Comminello MAKEUP: Gina Comminello, THE LOOK Hair Salon & Beauty Boutique, TheLookSalonDenver.com, using B.YOU! Custom Cosmetics HAIR: Courtney Blalock, THE LOOK Hair Salon & Beauty Boutique, TheLookSalonDenver.com MODEL: Haley Sutcliffe, Donna Baldwin Agency, donnabaldwin.com

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The Lookbook

Daring Darling

Feel free to flit amongst your guests with swank and sophisticated style.

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5 1. From the Marchesa Resort 2015 collection, marchesa.com 2. Pearl bauble & spike minaudière, davidsbridal.com 3. Strapless lace sheath tea length dress from the Galina Signature Collection exclusively at David’s Bridal, davidsbridal.com 4. “Jade” by Maggie Sottero, maggiesottero.com 5. By Alvina Valenta, jlmcouture.com

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The Lookbook

Makeup

“For this Hollywood glam look, I kept the liner heavy with a classic nude lid,” says Jackie Andrade. “I applied our eyebrow balm for a beautiful clean statement and a stay-in-place brow and added a fuchsia lip color to finish off this look.”

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Hair

“My inspiration for this look is Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” says Erin Ferris. “It’s a classic and looks great with the tiara! I made the focal point the profile. I loved being able to see the tiara as well as the fold on the chignon and the vintage debutante vibe.”

style

Tiara by Bel Aire Bridal, earrings and necklace exclusively from The Bridal Collection, all from The Bridal Collection, thebridalcollection.com

m y inspiration for this look is Bre akfast at tiffan y’s.” — erin ferris

PHOTOgraphy Paul Miller, MillerPhotographics.com STYLING: Gina Comminello MAKEUP: Jackie Andrade, THE LOOK Hair Salon & Beauty Boutique, TheLookSalonDenver.com, using B.YOU! Custom Cosmetics HAIR: Erin Ferris, Tonto Salon, TontoSalon.com MODEL: Danielle Aten, Donna Baldwin Agency, donnabaldwin.com

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The Lookbook

The Allure of Old Hollywood

Lights, camera, action! What better way to signal the beginning of the glittering spectacle that is your wedding day.

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1. “Katharina” from the Tales of the Jazz Age collection by Galia Lahav, galialahav.com 2. By Alvina Valenta, jlmcouture.com 3. High-heel sandal with crystal T-strap, davidsbridal.com 4. “Ettia” by Maggie Sottero, maggiesottero.com

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The Lookbook

Makeup

“The color pallet I selected for this evening look offers a glamorous and soft finish,” says Jackie Andrade. “I focused on a strong cobalt blue liner to accent this bride’s beautiful eyes. I have also applied a deep burgundy lipstick in ‘Just Bitten’ for this sophisticated evening wedding.”

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Hair

“My inspiration was inspired by 1940s Hollywood glamour,” says Nicole Davis. “The soft waves and fine detail will only enhance her beauty and bring focus to her face. This style is versatile from soft and romantic to sculpted and edgy.”

style

Rio de Janeiro collar by Veil Trends; earrings exclusively from The Bridal Collection; both from The Bridal Collection, thebridalcollection.com

this st yle is versatile from soft and romantic to sculpted and edgy.”

— NICOLE DAVIS

PHOTOgraphy Paul Miller, MillerPhotographics.com STYLING: Gina Comminello makeup: Jackie Andrade, THE LOOK Hair Salon & Beauty Boutique, TheLookSalonDenver.com, using B.YOU! Custom Cosmetics HAIR: Nicole Davis, THE LOOK Hair Salon & Beauty Boutique, TheLookSalonDenver.com MODEL: Katie Long, Donna Baldwin Agency, donnabaldwin.com

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The Lookbook

Daytime Drama

Whether your wedding is accompanied by a sunny mid-morning brunch or afternoon tea, these looks are a perfect fit.

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5 1. Strapless tea length drop waist lace gown, davidsbridal.com 2. From the Marchesa Resort 2015 collection, marchesa.com 3. Lace peep toe pump, davidsbridal.com 4. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kyaniteâ&#x20AC;? by Carol Hannah, carol-hannah.com 5. From Ti Adora by Alvina Valenta, jlmcouture.com

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The Lookbook

Makeup

Hair

“Makeup for an afternoon wedding is all about beautiful, glowing skin,” says Gina Comminello. “I have applied our illuminator to this bride’s cheekbones as this will uplift her cheekbones and give off a gorgeous glow. Natural-looking faux lashes give a soft elegance to her eyes. I used a waterproof gel lip liner in a coral color as her lipstick, followed with a clear lip gloss, so her lips look camera-ready yet natural outdoors.”

“The focal point for this afternoon wedding is to create a style that is simple and chic, which, I believe, gives a graceful and timeless elegance to her look,” says Tonya Behn.

style

Gold pendant by Ti Adoro Jewelry; wisteria birdcage veil by Toni Federici; earrings exclusively from The Bridal Collection; all from The Bridal Collection, thebridalcollection.com

PHOTOgraphy Paul Miller, MillerPhotographics.com STYLING: Gina Comminello makeup: Gina Comminello, THE LOOK Hair Salon & Beauty Boutique, TheLookSalonDenver.com, using B.YOU! Custom Cosmetics HAIR: Tonya Behn, THE LOOK Hair Salon & Beauty Boutique, TheLookSalonDenver.com MODEL: Marlo Vernon, Donna Baldwin Agency, donnabaldwin.com

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We capture your special moments moment.

www.creationize.com â&#x20AC;˘ 303.249.4112

real weddings

HARDY KLAHOLD PHOTOGRAPHY

Read the details of Raquel and Robertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s romantic adventure on page 94.

Be Our Guest at Five Colorado Weddings.

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real weddings

Ashley & Ryan Lawrence

This intimate wedding affair was both wet and wonderful.

B y K aleigh L aw s o n

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A LITTLE RAIN MUST FALL The wet weather on the wedding day was taken as a sign of good luck by the happy couple.

dinner served on long tables. The tables were adorned with gold and pink hues matching the bridesmaid attire. It was a both chic and comfortable affair. Instead of a traditional cake,

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Ashley and Ryan treated their guests to Little Man Ice Cream.

“Our wedding day,” says Ashley, “was the most perfect, dreamy blur.”

ALI V. PHOTOGRAPER

Neither a drizzly proposal nor a rainy wedding could dampen the spirits of Ashley and Ryan. In fact, they embraced the weather as a sign of good luck. Like a movie meet-cute, Ashley and Ryan crossed paths out at a bar with friends; they exchanged glances from across the room, and thus began their love story. “We made plans to get sushi a few days later, and as they say, the rest is history,” says Ashley. What started as a playful chat turned into dinner and developed even further. Five years later, while on a rainy hike in Utah, Ryan dropped down to one knee in front of a waterfall and popped the question.

Making decisions about their wedding came relatively easy to the couple in love, who knew exactly what they were looking for and decided to forego a planner. “We envisioned the people we love around us, under the stars, flushed with wine, passing gorgeous dishes to friends new and old,” says Ashley. “We opted out of a planner, and although it was a lot of work, knowing my husband and I had a hand in every decision made me feel relaxed and confident.”

Ashley and Ryan learned about their wedding venue by chance through friends of friends and fell in love with the Lyons Farmette and the small mountain town atmosphere for their summer alfresco wedding. “The farm was set in the sweetest town in the foothills and featured beautiful gardens, a gorgeous fallen tree that would act as the altar, and goats and chickens to greet our guests,” says Ashley.

A cozy little Airstream trailer not only provided a backdrop for memorable pictures, but offered a space where Ashley and her bridesmaids could hang out before the wedding and an intimate space for Ashley and Ryan to take a little time for themselves after they had said their vows. Ashley remembers “cozying up in the on-site Airstream before the ceremony, waiting for the rain to stop while sipping champagne and giggling with my girls. Then, after the ceremony, Ryan and I were able to share a few precious moments alone in that same Airstream, swapping stories from the day and reveling in what just happened,” she says.

“The day went by so fast, but that is a moment I will never forget.”

The ceremony was everything that the bride and groom imagined. They had a family-style

real weddings

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Our wedding day,” says Ashley, “was the most perfect, dreamy blur.”

FAR AFIELD The wedding party at the Lyons Farmette

Resources Venue: Lyons Farmette lyonsfarmette.com Catering: Eat Private Chef & Catering icookyoueat.com Bartending: Garnish Mobile Craft Bartending garnishbartending.com Photographer: Ali V. Photographer alisonvagnini.com

ALI V. PHOTOGRAPHER

Flowers: Fiori Flowers fioriboulder.com Dress: Emma & Grace Bridal Studio emmaandgracebridal.com

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e envisioned the people we love around us, W under the stars, flushed with wine, passing gorgeous dishes to friends new and old.”

PERFECT PLACE SETTINGS Drinks and dinner made the joyful occasion complete with friends and family.

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Ice Cream: Little Man Ice Cream littlemanicecream.com

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Caitlin & Sam Clough

An art gallery offers a blank canvas to put this fun couple’s personalities on display.

people attending both the Rockies game and Oktoberfest.

The bus came to a complete standstill in close proximity to the stadium. “One of my bridesmaids got off the bus looking for a pedicab to take me to the station,” says Caitlin.

Without any luck, walking seemed like the better option to avoid being even later and missing their photo session.

“My photographer, maid of honor, and I decided to just walk. We ended up walking four or five blocks,” says Caitlin. Soon, a good Samaritan offered to drive them the rest of the way. “Seeing Caitlin come down the street in a random person’s car because the bus could not find the spot for the first look is something I will not forget,” says Sam. The rest of their evening went on without a problem.

ALL ABOARD Caitlin and Sam took their first-look photos at Union Station.

The reception radiated details that were important to the couple.

“We wanted it to reflect us,” says Caitlin.

One of their friends When Caitlin and Sam became engaged in the summer of played the piano, the table numbers were art prints of meaningful 2013, they knew they wanted to declare their vows at a venue that gave locations, they had a choreographed first dance to Denver band The them the room to express their personalities as well as everything they Lumineers’ “Flowers in Your Hair,” and they opted for Little Man Ice love about Colorado. Both have a love of the state that they wanted to share Cream instead of cake. with all of their out-of-town guests. The Space Gallery The color scheme was a palate of blush shades combined was the best of both worlds, a blank slate where they with shimmering golds. “The speeches were really great, and could have the freedom to create their dream wedding the dancing was so much fun,” says Sam. With all of the within the city they adore. Plus, says Caitlin, “I always celebration and excitement of their marriage, the couple wanted to get married in an art gallery.” The wedding made note to take in their surroundings during the night. “A ceremony was held in the outdoor sculpture garden, lot of my friends and coworkers told me that the day just flies and the reception took place indoors among the art with by, and it is really easy to get lost,” says Caitlin, “They advised more than 150 guests in attendance. me to look around the room and take in all of the hard work Before the festivities, the couple had plans to do that I’ve done and the people who are around me. That was a their first-look photos with Union Station providing a pretty overwhelming moment.” unique backdrop for their pictures. Already running a The night came to a close with the couple surrounded bit late on time, Caitlin and her bridesmaids boarded by family and friends on the dance floor swaying to “We their bus to be transported, but a wrong turn further Can’t Stop” by Miley Cyrus. “I totally started crying,” says delayed their arrival. On a normal day, this might not Caitlin. have been a problem, but downtown was teeming with

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SELAH PHOTOGRAPHY

By Kale i gh L aw so n

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“

y friends and coworkers M told me that the day just flies by, and it is really easy to get lost,” says Caitlin.”

Resources Planner: Pink Paisley Events pinkpaisleyevents.com Venue: The Space Gallery spacegallery.org PHOTOGRAPHER: SELAH PHOTOGRAPHY selahphotography.org Caterer: Bistro Boys Catering bistroboyscatering.com Dessert: Little Man Ice Cream littlemanicecream.com Dress: Monique Lhuillier from Anna Bé anna-be.com

CANDID MOMENTS Images of the day were both traditional and fun.

Menswear: Suit Supply us.suitsupply.com Hair: Jade Darrough jadedbeauty.com Makeup: Raquel at Beauty Mark raquelatbeautymark.com Florist: Swank Stems swankstems.com Rentals: Event Rents eventrents.net DJ: A Music Plus amusicplus.com

SELAH PHOTOGRAPHY

Jewelry: Ooh Ahh Jewelers oohaahjewelry.com

IN ALL SERIOUSNESS The wedding party had fun at Union Station before the big event.

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First Look Venue: Union Station unionstationindenver.com

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Calla & Albert Manjarrez

Long-distance planning leads to a picturesque Colorado wedding.

B y K aleig h L aw son

“

he most memorable part was T seeing Albert when I was walking down the aisle and seeing him start to tear up,” says Calla.

ceremony decor and the backdrop of the mansion. The flowers, the gazebo with the chandelier hanging from the ceiling…” says Albert.

The bridesmaids wore mint green dresses and carried bouquets of calla lilies. Accents of shimmering gold were included throughout, from the ceremony to the reception. “The most memorable part was seeing Albert when I was walking down the aisle and seeing him start to tear up,” says Calla. The ceremony went on without a hitch “The rain held out for the whole ceremony, which was great,” says Albert.

The reception was filled with laughter. The tables were adorned in a variety of white flowers and shades of green and gold. “For our wedding song, we danced to was Elvis’ ‘I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You’—the Ingrid Michaelson version of it,” says Albert.

Overall, it was an effortless blend of two families and groups of friends celebrating together. “It all just worked out perfectly,” says Albert. When the night came to a close, the couple was sent off with fiery sparklers.

From a romantic proposal near the canals of Venice with Calla’s family among the onlookers to a Colorado wedding planned from out of state, Calla and Albert had the wedding of their dreams. The couple’s journey began when they met through a mutual friend in their current hometown in Arizona. After two years of dating, Albert popped the question during a family getaway to Italy.

The beautiful Highlands Ranch Mansion was the setting for their memorable day. The ceremony took place on the front lawn with the mansion providing an elegant backdrop. “I love the way my vision came to life,” says Calla. Planning their wedding from Arizona required the couple instill total trust in their planner. They were not able to see many of the details in person and relied on emails and video chats to make their final decisions. “For me to actually see it all come to life at the reception was breathtaking,” says Calla. The gold details and white hydrangeas offered a stunning complement to the mansion’s exterior. “My favorite part was the

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AMANDA KOPP IMAGES

A SPARKLING SENDOFF The Highlands Ranch Mansion provided the perfect backdrop to Calla and Albert’s nuptials.

real weddings

Resources Venue: Highlands Ranch Mansion highlandsranchmansion.com Planner: Touch of Bliss touchofblissevents.com Photography: Amanda Kopp Images amandakopp.com Videography: Forget Me Not Media fmnmedia.com CHANDELIERS AND FLOWERS White hydrangeas were accented by touches of gold at the reception.

Decor: Artistry Events & Design artistryeventsanddesign.com Florist: Flowers Forever Design flowersforeverdesign.com Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: 5 Star Talent and Entertainment 5staracts.com Catering: Three Tomatoes Catering threetomatoes.com Bakery: Kelley Kakes kelleykakes.com Rentals: Colorado Party Rentals cpartyrentals.com

AMANDA KOPP IMAGES

“

For me to actually see it all come to life at the reception was breathtaking,” says Calla. The gold details and white hydrangeas offered a stunning complement to the mansion’s exterior.

“My favorite part was the ceremony decor and the backdrop of the mansion. The flowers, the gazebo with the chandelier hanging from the ceiling…” says Albert.

Reception DJ: DJ RIPM ripmentertainment.com

A NAMESAKE BOUQUET Calla lilies dotted the bride’s bouquet; the cake was a 24-karat confection.

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Dress: Lazaro from Kleinfeld, New York kleinfeldbridal.com

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Jalpa Sheth & Tim Grisham

Beautiful Telluride provided a dramatic backdrop for a stunning traditional Indian wedding.

B y Ka l e i g h Law son

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Tim Grisham and Jalpa Sheth’s love story reads like a fairy tale. “It never occurred to either of us, but it was right under our noses,” says Tim.

THE FAR EAST MEETS THE OLD WEST Jalpa and Tim were married in Telluride in a ceremony that honored her Indian family’s traditions.

“The unveiling of a bride in an Indian wedding is a little more dramatic than a traditional Catholic wedding,” says Tim. “They put this sheet [called the antarpat] in between the groom and the rest of the room. There is such a level of anticipation. When they lifted the sheet and I got to see her for the first time, I definitely shed a tear. She hadn’t looked more beautiful to me at any point since I had known her than in that moment.”

After wardrobe changes, Jalpa and Tim were ready to dine and dance at the reception. The

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cuisine was an important part of the event.

“In the Indian tradition, the only thing that people remember is the food,” says Tim. “It was really important to Jalpa’s family, who are traditional vegetarian.” They say the food at Allred’s turned out to be incredible. The reception was indeed a joyful celebration with their friends and families. And today, nearly two years after their magical day in Telluride, Jalpa and Tim are welcoming a baby boy into their family.

JONI SCHRANTZ

From a friendship between colleagues to mountain I dos, Tim Grisham and Jalpa Sheth’s love story reads like a fairy tale. “It never occurred to either of us, but it was right under our noses,” says Tim. As time passed, they realized they had feelings for each other and fell in love during many adventures together in the mountains with friends.

Tim planned a romantic proposal during a Thanksgiving weekend in Aspen over drinks, complete with secretly flying Jalpa’s sister and brother-in-law in to celebrate. The plans took a detour when Jalpa became ill. Sensing Tim’s eagerness, Jalpa powered through and accompanied him out that evening, when he dropped to one knee and popped the question.

However, instead of toasting to their proposal with a glass of wine, they sipped hot tea.

Choosing Telluride as their wedding destination was an easy decision. “One of the first places that really wowed Jalpa was Telluride,” says Tim. The couple knew they wanted to share the beauty of the mountain town with all of their friends and family who came from out of state.

The wedding was a traditional Indian celebration, which included henna tattoos and pre-wedding sangeet festivities. “It was pretty difficult to do a traditional Indian wedding in such a small town,” says Jalpa. “I did have a planner help out.” A Colorado tradition— afternoon rain showers in late July—brought the planned outdoor wedding inside, but it did nothing to dampen the spirits of the bride and groom. Thanks to the assistance of the planner, they didn’t have to worry about the details. “I knew that the chances for rain were high, so pretty much having an outdoor wedding was going to be a bonus, “says Jalpa. “I really just wanted to get married.”

The wedding was an ideal mix of the rustic mountain setting with many aspects of a traditional Indian wedding. There was a mandap—the structure under which the ceremony took place—made with branches and traditional colors, and the groom arrived on horseback as part of the baraat, the groom’s procession.

real weddings

Resources Back-Up Ceremony Venue: The Crystal Room at The Peaks thepeaksresort.com Planner: Telluride Unveiled tellurideunveiled.com Officiant: Padmakar D. Gangatirkar

“

he unveiling of a bride in an Indian T wedding is a little more dramatic than a traditional Catholic wedding,” says Tim. “They put this sheet [called the antarpat] in between the groom and the rest of the room. There is such a level of anticipation.”

Photographer: Joni Schrantz jonischrantz.com

A FEAST FOR THE AGES Allred’s created a mountaintop vegetarian meal followed by cupcakes from the Golden Crumb.

DJ: Fitz Lauder leforceentertainment.com/ fitz-lauder Reception Venue: Allred’s Restaurant tellurideskiresort.com Videographer: K Hodge Films khodgefilms.com Sangeet Venue: Telluride Conference Center tellurideconference.com Henna: Hummingbird Henna Design hummingbirdhenna.com Florals: Gardenstore gardenstorehome.com

JONI SCHRANTZ

Cupcakes: The Golden Crumb thegoldencrumb.com

RAVISHING IN RED In Indian tradition, the color red symbolizes new life as well as love and passion.

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Mandap: Enchanté Celebrations enchantecelebrations.com

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Raquel Isley & Robert Linnane

An Irish romance culminated in a rustic equine-oriented wedding.

B y K al e igh L aw s o n

“

We both love going on horse rides together, so we thought it would be nice to go down the aisle on our horses and include them,” says Raquel.

rides together, so we thought it would be nice to go down the aisle on our horses and include them,” says Raquel.

The horses were adorned with vivid pink and orange flower garlands draping their necks and matching decorated bridles. The vibrant colors also adorned the reception, with tables frosted in pinks, greens, and oranges from the vases to the napkins. After sunset, the venue glowed with these same dramatic hues.

Because family is very important to both the bride and groom, many aspects of the wedding production involved their close relatives. “The most important thing for us was that it was a family event,” says Raquel. Raquel suffers from gluten and dairy allergies, so Robert’s sister and Raquel baked a gluten- and dairy-free cake. Decadent truffles were made by Raquel’s cousin.

“Robert’s oldest brother Conor Linnane was the officiant and that made the wedding even more special to us. Because he knew us, he did a great job of making it humorous and fun. It just made everything that much more memorable,” says Raquel.

It was their passion for horses that fueled the inspiration and theme of Raquel and Robert’s idyllic outdoor wedding. Their love –story began several years ago when Raquel was studying abroad near Ballyvaughan, Ireland, where, by chance, she met her husband Robert. “The first time that I met him was in the grocery store,” says Raquel. Thus began a long-distance love affair until Robert made the move across the ocean and popped the question on (where else?) a horseback ride. “I came home from work, and we went on a ride, and we went down to the lake, and I got down on one knee,” says Robert.

Raquel and Robert own three of their own horses, and they knew they wanted the beautiful animals to play a significant role in their wedding.

Raquel and Robert decided to say their vows at the Lazy H Ranch, located in Larkspur. “We planned our wedding in a short amount of time. The ranch had a lot of availability and let us bring our horses,” says Raquel. Their horses were included in the ceremony the most thrilling way: the couple rode the horses down the aisle to the alter. “We both love going on horse

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HARDY KLAHOLD PHOTOGRAPHY

A LOVE OF HORSES Both the bride and groom love riding, so they decided it would be fitting to include their horses in their wedding.

real weddings

Resources Planner: Mark Christopher Weddings & Events markchristopherweddings.com Photographer: Hardy Klahold Photography hardyklaholdphotography.com Caterer: All Love Catering all-lovecatering.com

“The most important thing for us was that it was a family event,” says Raquel

Alcohol & Beverage Service: Peak Beverage peakbev.com Florist: Bella Calla bellacalla.com Lighting and DJ: Hovey Entertainment hoveyentertainment.com Photo Booth: The Original Traveling Photo Booth thetravelingphotobooth.com Hair: Cuttn’ It Loose cuttnitloose.com Rentals: Event Rents eventrents.net

HARDY KLAHOLD PHOTOGRAPHY

Umbrellas: Splendor For Your Guests splendorforyourguests.com Transportation: A Five Star Limousine afivestarlimo.com

RUSTIC ROMANCE The colors of the flowers by Bella Calla echoed the vivid shades of the sunset later in the evening.

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Videographer: Colin Spencer Productions colinspencerproductions.com

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happily ever after

â&#x20AC;&#x153;And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.â&#x20AC;?

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J o h n L e n n o n a n d Pa u l M ac c a r t n e y

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do â&#x20AC;&#x153; â&#x20AC;?

committed to your smile

Vow to be different.

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Fairytale weddings donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always have to look like they are out of a storybook. Four Seasons can take any dream, from the sublime to the outrageous, and bring it to life like never before. Your wedding is once-in-a lifetime. We vow to turn your imagination into reality and showcase why you fell in love. Why resemble anything done before? For more information about our two majestic ballrooms, breathtaking rooftop terrace, expansive views of the city and truly intuitive service, visit www.fourseasons.com/denver/weddings or call 303.389.3133.