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Come meet the author of Green Bride Guide, Kate Harrison. Spring show only. www.greenbrideguide.com
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contents
in every issue 03 From the editor 06 The big picture
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37 Advertiser index 38 High Country Wedding Marketplace 40 Last dance
departments
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10 Planning MUCH TO DO BEFORE “I DO”
Planning your wedding should be an enjoyable journey
13 Design THE POWER OF THE FLOWER
Select and design the perfect palette of petals
18 Fresh Ideas A BIT DIFFERENT
Ideas on how to make your special day just that – yours.
22 Cupcakes AN ELEGANT ALTERNATIVE
Simple sugar sprinkles to edible flower designs
27 A High Country Affair
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Three real weddings from around the state that are sure to inspire
32 Pick Your Paradise A comprehensive selection of unique venues to make your matrimonial most memorable
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Getting married in 2012? Enter High Country Wedding Magazine’s contest to win a prize package of wedding services valued up to $2,000. Prizes will be awarded for brides-to-be in Aspen, Summit County and Vail Valley. Go online to register by March 31, 2012. www.aspentimes.com/ matrimonialmadness Summit and Grand County: Facebook.com/highcountrywedding www.vaildaily.com/matrimonialmadness
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ON THE COVER PHOTO BY ROBIN JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY
TOP TO BOTTOM: JASON CONNOLLY, WHITNEY DEAL, KAREN SKELLY, COURTESY OF DEVIL’S THUMB RANCH
features
Don’t let tradition be boring
from the editor
In full disclosure, I’m a single guy. One could see this as a limiting factor in editing a magazine about weddings. But to be honest, I have attended quite a few matrimonial ceremonies through the years, and not having been the star of one myself, I have a pretty good idea of what separates the great weddings from the ordinary ones. So as we crafted this year’s story ideas, we aimed at one word — tradition — and blew it apart. Instead, we asked ourselves, “What could folks do in the mountains to make their wedding truly unique?” Nobody wants a one-size fits all wedding (unless you’re in Vegas and time is a factor, and last time we checked, it’s a long way down from here to Sin City). Knowing this, I gathered a few friends here who have been married, and who no one would call “traditional,” and asked them to outline their best wedding ideas. You can find their tips inside. Also inside, you can learn about the newest fad in weddings — ditching the cake. We asked a cupcake artist to write about her art, and tell us why cupcakes are new symbols for love and unity. Plus, no matter what they symbolize, cupcakes add one more way to make a wedding authentic to the personalities getting hitched. Finally, we wish any of our engaged readers who are planning their weddings the best of luck, and to enjoy making all these decisions about how to make your wedding day special. Whatever you decide, we just have one piece of advice — take at least one risk. It will make it fun, unique and memorable for everyone in attendance — including the bride and groom.
Ryan Slabaugh EDITOR
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MAGAZINE
2012 PUBLISHED ANNUALLY BY COLORADO MOUNTAIN NEWS MEDIA
EDITOR Ryan Slabaugh rslabaugh@aspentimes.com SALES DIRECTOR Gunilla Asher gasher@cmnm.org PUBLICATION DESIGNER Carrie Calvin ccalvin@cmnm.org ASSOCIATE DESIGNERS Louie Atencio Alithea Doyle Afton Groepper Malisa Samsel CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gunilla Asher, Reid Armstrong, Tracy Dvorak, Marie Hale, Brendan Harrington Io Hayden Ashton Hewitt, Kendra Jones Caddie Nath, Wren Wertin CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kay Beaton, Jason Connolly, Kelley Cox Jason Grubb, Whitney Deal, Michele DeVries Paige Elizabeth, Peter Holcombe Robin Johnson, Jamie Pierzchala, Robin Proctor, Karen Skelly, Ellie Snow, Studio JK Photography Rachel Terry, Shane Macomber Kimberly Gavin, Brooke Bailey Thomas SALES Grand Junction Linda Findley, lfindley@cmnm.org Roaring Fork Valley Aspen: Gunilla Asher, gasher@cmnm.org Glenwood Springs: Jenna Weatherred jweatherred@cmnm.org Summit County / Grand County Summit: Lisa Haevers@summitdaily.com Vail Valley Cathy Ethington, cethington@vaildaily.com DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Bob Lombardi blombardi@cmnm.org PRINTING & PRE-PRESS Publication Printers, Denver, CO COLORADO MOUNTAIN NEWS MEDIA 200 Lindbergh Drive | Gypsum, CO 81637 Mailing address: P.O. Box 15001 Gypsum, CO 81637 p. (970) 328.6333 f. (970) 328.6409
Located in Riverwalk, Edwards | 970.949.1979 | www.lastcoursedesserts.com
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Copyright Š 2011 Colorado Mountain News Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission
Robin Proctor Photography
www.pettitphotography.com
Michael Rawlings Photography
Kagd IWVV[`Y HS[^ With towering arched beam ceilings, etched glass windows, creekside fire pit, breathtaking scenery and flexible indoor and outdoor function space, it’s easy to see why Donovan Pavilion is one of Vail’s most sought after wedding venues. Host up to 200 guests inside, with 100 guests comfortably accommodated on the outdoor terrace. Contact the professional staff today.
970-477-3699 | donovanpavilion.com | pavilion@vailgov.com HIGH COUNTRY
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the big picture
high country wedding album
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thank you to our photographers: 01 03 JASON CONNOLLY www.jasonconnollyphotography.com
02 PAIGE ELIZABETH www.paigeelizabeth.net
04 JAMEE PIERZCHALA www.jameephotography.com
05 BROOKE BAILEY THOMAS www.brookeheatherphotographer.com
06 KAREN SKELLY www.karenskellyphoto.com
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07 STELLAR PHOTO www.stellar-photo.com
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12 05 07 BROOKE BAILEY THOMAS www.brookeheatherphotographer.com
06 08 10 12 ROBIN PROCTOR www.robinproctorphotography.com
09 STELLAR PHOTO www.stellar-photo.com
11 KELLEY COX kcox@postindependent.com
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the big picture
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planning
much to do, before “I do” Planning your wedding is a fun journey best shared with family and friends BY BRENDAN HARRINGTON
Let’s face it: Planning your wedding day can be completely overwhelming. Unless you elope to a beach in Costa Rica, you have countless details to tend to between now and the big day and it’s hard to know where to begin. But your wedding isn’t supposed to be stressful. It’s supposed to be fun, enchanting, a oncein-a-lifetime experience that goes off without a hitch. All too often, the onus falls on you, the bride, to create the vision, coordinate the vendors, plan the guest list, send out invitations, order the cake, choose the music, schedule the spa, engrave the rings … you get the picture. The key to relieving the pressure and enjoying the process lies in planning ahead, organizing a timeline and staying focused on each task at hand to create an event that will last forever in cherished memories. Here, in broad strokes, we offer ideas to simplify the process, stay on track and actually enjoy the journey to your dreamy destination wedding in the Colorado High Country.
Save the Date It goes without saying that the first step is choosing the date and venue. The two go hand in hand as you envision the ultimate day. Do you want to wed in a church or outdoors on a mountaintop? Do you want an intimate occasion at a secluded lodge? Or do you seek a grand affair with sweeping summer vistas and hundreds of guests? Whatever you choose, leave yourself plenty of time to plan. Your budget is the other immediate consideration, as it will affect every choice you make from here on out. If you are able to clarify a precise dollar amount, then you can divide that among the various aspects and vendors to establish how much you want to spend, where. Next, we suggest building a timeline with the major elements mapped out in order of importance. As you create this timeline, the sneaky little details will begin to emerge and find a place within your planning agenda. So, as you begin to choose an officiant, the details of the ceremony will come to the surface, such as writing vows, selecting readings, and the other
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personal touches want to include.
you
Choose the Vendors You’ll want to book your various vendors early in the process. Consider: These people are professionals who participate in dozens of weddings each year. They can be a tremendous help in finalizing the smaller details. Make your list of needs and then begin to interview vendors in each category one at a time. Photographers tend to book out very far in advance, so that is a great place to start. Do your research, narrow down the possibilities, interview the best candidates and then reserve them for your day. Then, you’ll have a professional resource on your side who can help with any questions that arise in the coming months. This is the time to consider a professional wedding planner. Hiring an experienced coordinator can ease the burden tremendously as they know exactly what has to happen and when. A planner will keep you on course with invitations, programs, dining and seating arrangements, entertainment, and all the other details that can bog you down. Furthermore, on the day of your wedding, a coordinator will keep the event flowing smoothly so that you don’t need to worry about a thing. A good wedding planner can make all the difference when it comes to planning and executing your special day.
there’s an app for that … Bridal Binder is an extremely thorough and user-friendly smartphone application that helps you track exactly what you need to do when. Designed by professional wedding planner Meg Stepanek, of Gemini Event Planning in Eagle, Bridal Binder creates a personal agenda and to-do list, allowing you to keep every bit of info together in one place ... your pocket. www.bridalbinder.com
your day, your way In planning the big day, look for unique ways to put your own personal stamp on your wedding. It’s an opportunity to express your personality — as individuals and as a couple together. “I always start at the basics,” says Meg Stepanek of Gemini Event Planning in Eagle. “These are two people bringing their lives together. I go back to their roots and look at what made them who they are today.” She then finds clever ways to incorporate their backgrounds into the wedding, such as a fun gift bag for guests. If your first date was a Red Sox game, put a Sox cap in the bag. If you grew up at the beach, inscribe seashells with a special message from the day. Calling in elements from your past is an easy and affordable way to add some character. “Also, the paperie can be very expressive,” says Stepanek. “If you love to ski, design save the date cards that look like a lift ticket. Find a theme that expresses your personality and carry it throughout.” Details such as this can make a significant statement, according to Stepanek. “I had one bride whose family was from Italy. Her grandmother made Limoncello and put them in small bottles that they used for escort cards at the reception,” she recalls. “Some of these things that could become monotonous present a real opportunity. Turn them into something unique that shows your style.” “Of course, the simple fact that they’re getting married in the mountains says a lot about a couple, too,” Stepanek continues. “So we look for ways to create an experience outside of the norm, for guests to really experience Colorado.” By hosting an outdoor barbecue at the Lazy J Ranch, or taking a sleigh ride to an intimate cabin dinner, you will provide a memorable experience that goes far beyond the wedding, Stepanek says. Holding a mountaintop ceremony or incorporating a gondola ride, even taking your guests rafting will make it a weekend to remember. “This is the beginning of a couple’s adventure together,” she says. “Guests should share in that and, more than a wedding, it can be a great vacation … an adventure.” Find Stepanek online at www.geminieventplanning.com.
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planning Make it Yours After you have the larger pieces of the puzzle in place, the fun can really begin. Your wedding day is a chance to truly express your personality and style. Every detail should reflect who you are and how you’ve always dreamed your wedding to be. If you want your dog to be in the ceremony, your bridesmaids to wear pink paisley and your first dance to be hip hop, then make it so. This is your
Whether it is borrowed or blue, your wedding dress should be uniquely you. day and you should have it your way. And let’s not forget the wedding dress. Choosing your bridal gown is a special time in your life; a time to share with family and friends. Whether it is borrowed or blue, your wedding dress should be uniquely you. Look to incorporate your own unique ideas and personal touches throughout the affair. Don’t let others dissuade you from your style — flaunt it with aplomb! •
tune it up! CHOOSING THE RIGHT MUSIC
for your wedding is an entirely personal matter. Do you want the vibrant energy of a live band or the flexibility and personal touch of a DJ? There are a few factors to consider when planning the music. “Today, it’s DJ vs. iPod, really,” says Courtney Hampton of Hampton Entertainment in Breckenridge. A DJ herself, Hampton explains that more people are trying to create playlists and manage their own music, which is not necessarily a good idea. She explains how trying to control the music yourself can lead to lapses in the entertainment,
awkward silences, or the wrong songs playing that wrong times. “It’s not just music, it’s entertainment,” she says. “If there’s no entertainment, then it’s just a really expensive dinner party.” While live music has an indisputable energy, DJs offer more than just music, Hampton believes. “A DJ also coordinates the day, leads the party and works with all the other vendors to ensure everything goes right,” she says. Leading the party is an important ingredient, and a DJ can reflect — and control — the energy in the room as needed. More so, she points out,
a DJ today has immediate access to unlimited music on the Internet, so she can respond to a song request within seconds to catch any spontaneous moment that pops up. More than entertainment, even, Hampton brings a personal touch to weddings. For example, she’ll ask questions of the bride and groom privately and then introduce the first dance by weaving tales of their past together, such as how the couple met. “The crowd will cry, cheer, scream … they’re so into it,” she says. “And then everyone’s gathered and focused on the first dance.”
Find Hampton Entertainment at www.hampton-entertainment.com.
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design
the power of the flower
ROBIN PROCTOR PHOTOGRAPHY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON G
How to select and design your own perfect petals BY BRENDAN HARRINGTON
Flowers are fleeting. They blossom, beautify and fade. However, the impression they make at your wedding is indelible. They create atmosphere, and serve to make your wedding ... your wedding. ¶ “Besides the wedding dress, the flowers are what bring the magic and beauty to a wedding,” says Susan Rapson, owner of A Secret Garden in Vail. “They are a very personal expression.” Rapson has been designing wedding arrangements from her shop in the heart of Vail Village for 15 years, so we turned to her for advice on how to choose and design the perfect palette of petals for your High Country affair. »
“Besides the wedding dress, the flowers are what bring the magic and beauty to a wedding. They are a very personal expression.” HIGH COUNTRY
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design Color In designing flower arrangements for a wedding, Rapson begins with the overall color scheme and works to match or complement it. “A lot depends on the color of the bridesmaid dresses,” she says.
Season It seems obvious, but is often overlooked: You want fresh flowers that are in season to grace your affair. “If a bride says, ‘I love peonies,’ and it’s May or June, great! If it’s autumn, we go to a hydrangea or garden rose,” Rapson explains.
th Us. Come Hibernate Wi d. un Ro ar Ye en Op
Venue Design your floral arrangements in concert with the wedding venue, Rapson recommends. If there are very high ceilings, for example, then the arrangements should be tall and linear.
Personality
Budget WWW.GATEWAYINN.COM 970.627.2400
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Budget is usually a concern when planning your wedding, and there are ways to create wonderful arrangements no matter how much you’ve allotted to the flowers. When it comes to prioritizing where you spend your floral budget, Rapson says to make an impression first. “The bridal bouquet has to be spectacular.” Next
ROBIN PROCTOR PHOTOGRAPHY
Rapson stresses the importance of designing flowers to match a bride’s style and vision. For example, destination brides to the Rockies often envision a rustic affair, which would imply more wildflower varieties. “We plan flowers around what they’re looking for,” she explains. “Birch bark containers, sunflowers, delphiniums … they give a rustic look.”
An Aisle off the Beaten Path
Weddings at Winter Park Resort
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A destination wedding surrounded by the magnificent Rocky Mountains. At Winter Park Resort, a ceremony set amidst this breathtaking backdrop serves as proof that there really is such a feeling as
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F irst Sight.
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Jason Connolly Photography 970 409 8812
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STUDIO JK PHOTOGRAPHY & KAY BEATON PHOTOGRAPHY
come the table centerpieces, she says. “People will be sitting in front of them for a long time. They’ll notice them.”
Unique Applications Beyond bridal arrangements and centerpieces, there are many unique ways to tie flowers into the design of your wedding. Cake flowers add an artistic and colorful touch, as do personal flowers for different people involved in the wedding. For example, Rapson will design boutonnieres with herbs, berries and copper wire; or even add fruits and vegetables to decorative arrangements for texture. Find A Secret Garden online at www.secretgardenvail.com
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A slice of heaven at Devil’s Thumb GRAND COUNTY’S “ANGELIC” SPOT FOR A ROCKY MOUNTAIN DESTINATION WEDDING By Charles Agar A “destination wedding” may conjure visions of white sand beaches in Mexico or a quiet New England inn, but one rural ranch in Colorado is attracting couples from far and wide for all-inclusive, upscale weddings in a stunning Rocky Mountain hideaway. Devil’s Thumb Ranch, (90 minutes from Denver) sits on some 5,000 acres of broad, open valley rimmed with a panorama of snowcapped Continental Divide peaks. The ranch features upscale amenities and plays backdrop to open air wedding ceremonies and events throughout the year. But despite the devilish name, the site is peaceful and an idyllic spot for a wedding, something that owners Bob and Suzanne Fanch realized immediately when they first came to the valley. “Devil’s Thumb Ranch has a true wilderness and ranch feel, which allows people to enjoy the beauty of its natural setting as well as wonderful recreational amenities,” Bob Fanch said of his property. “You don’t have to leave,” said a Devil’s Thumb wedding planner, adding, “And you won’t want to.” The outdoor wedding area takes advantage of Mother Nature’s stunning backdrop, a setting sure to frame any wedding portrait in splendor, and the second-floor Broad Axe Barn reception area opens with double-height doors over a liver-shaped pool and looks over the same scenery. The Broad Axe Barn is an open expanse of some 2,900 square-feet and can accommodate
as many as 150 seated guests. The rough-hewn timbers and 25-foot vaulted ceilings create a sense of awe, and just one step through the high barn doors carries guests to a sprawling 2,200-square-foot deck that is perfect for a ceremony and reception. Adjacent to the barn is the Timber House, with a nearly 360-degree view of the valley from a cozy glassed-in space. The Timber House seats 40 and is ideal for smaller events. Catering service is part of any package at Devil’s Thumb, and planners offer a roster of creative menus — many with local game such as Colorado lamb or trout — and food and beverage staff can cater to any special need, including unique wine vintages from their wine cellar. The reception area can accommodate a full band or DJ, and guest can even play their own iPod through a sound system and have guests dancing into the night.
ple’s suite” for pre-wedding pampering, as well as opportunities to hike, go horseback riding or cross-country ski under the looming ridge of the Continental Divide. Organizers, who say word of mouth is drawing interest from all across the US, are booked on most summer weekends and busy yearround. They recommend booking far in advance. For more information or to make reservations for your wedding or event, contact Devil’s Thumb Ranch at www.devilsthumbranch.com or by phone at (970) 726-7001.
Accommodation is in a recently completed lodge of 52 upscale rooms or in a handful of elegant, rustic cabins dotting the sprawling property. The ranch also boasts a new healing spa, with a lavish “cou-
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fresh ideas
12 cool new wedding ideas BY GUNILLA ASHER AND ASHTON HEWITT
When I say weddings, and ask you to close your eyes what do see? I see a white dress, flowers, pretty cake and a lovely, happy couple. Well, that is the idea… and a very traditional one. Traditional is good and actually very in right now, but even some traditions need to be modernized and funked up a bit. Here are a few great ideas on how to make your special day just that – yours. And a bit different…
1
Unique cake toppers
Two birds – resembling love birds
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PAIGE ELIZABETH
Clay topper that resembles the bride and groom
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fresh ideas
Save the date You can make save the dates that look like a concert ticket or even a one day lift pass of a local mountain in your area.
3 PHOTO BOOTH Wedding photographers are one thing and the cameras at every table are another, but what about have a photo booth for guests to jump into with props to take goofy pictures together? 4 CREATE AN ORIGINAL DANCE This can be for your first dance or as you walk as a couple back down the aisle. It has become a YouTube phenomenon.
OHDARLINGPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
5 CREATE YOUR OWN BRAND My friends created a brand with both of their initials in it. At the rehearsal dinner we were all advised to bring something to brand. Everything from jeans, boots to bags were branded by their family and friends.
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fresh ideas
Opt out of a full bar, offer guests a beer and wine selection with personalized labels with the couple’s name and date on it. A keepsake for them and for you. In addition, offer 3-4 signature cocktails that are special to the couple. If he is from Tennessee, choose a bourbon and offer a few cocktails made with that. Offer other options that play on where she is from – or where they met. Spin them to represent the couple and things that are associated with them.
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7 UNIQUE TABLE NAMES Name tables after local mountains, rivers and events. Even choose sports teams if that is important to the couple – be creative. It adds a personal touch rather than table numbers. 8 GUEST BOOKS At my niece’s wedding instead of a guest book she had river stones and a sharpie pen. Each guest would write on a stone and place it in a glass vase. It is a focal point in their home now and they can always be reminded of the day and the event. 9 PERSONALIZED WEBSITES AND ELECTRONIC INVITES Create a website for the wedding. Include tabs to display pictures of the couple from different stages of their lives, tell the story of how they met and the actual engagement. Also include specific details – registry information, travel and lodging details and things to do while at the wedding location. You can also opt for an electronic invitation to the events – you can get a RSVP right then and there – fast and easy .
ELLIE SNOW & BROOKE BAILEY THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY
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Personalized wine/beer labels
Colorado Artisan Gift Co. Welcome Bags
Favors
Gift Baskets
Treat your guests to a taste of Colorado
10
Instead of Rice or Bird Seed
Bundles Colorado Artisan Gift Co.
11 DIY – DO IT YOURSELF Save some money and add some very personal touches. Instead of elaborate floral centerpieces, use photos of the couple throughout different stages of their relationship as centerpieces. Print the pictures from a nice color printer and get a variety of framing options from craft shops and personalize each one. 12 ECO-FRIENDLY Choose materials that are recycled; recycled paper is the rage now and economical these days. Use props from outside; pieces of cut wood that can hold a placecard on the table, rocks, pebbles or sand can be arranged in vases. Just look around outside, there are endless options for natural touches. These can be very budget-friendly too! Opt for an outside venue that is complete with decorations – just a few additional touches will make it perfect with the beauty of the outdoors.
Aspen, Colorado e: bundlesgiftco@gmail.com t: 970.404.0800 w: www.bundlesgiftco.com
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Wedding wands with personalized string and bells for the wedding guest to wave as the couple exits
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cupcakes
wedding cupcakes MARIE HALE, CAKES AND CUFFS
Cupcakes have been ‘taking the cake’, as an alternative to a wedding cake in recent years. Professional bakeries have been offering more and more elaborate custom cupcake displays, and the he option of providing guests with beautiful, individual little cakes has become very appealing to wedding parties. What began as a trendy, lower cost alternative is becoming a favored and elegant option to more and more brides and grooms. While the wedding cake has been the iconic, traditional staple of a wedding, the benefits in both taste and aesthetic of a cupcake presentation are many. Visually, the effect of a couple hundred individually decorated cakes presented in varying wrappers and decorated to the theme of the wedding is stunning. Displays range from towers in varying shapes, sizes and material to a spread of tiered plated cakes presented as a truly and unique visual design. Offering cupcakes in varied flavors, and often in varied sizes, allows guests to choose their preference in both cake and frosting combination, and often in decoration as well. Decoration of the cakes has evolved well beyond the simple sugar sprinkles to molded chocolate or edible flower designs to compliment all manners of themes, whether it be traditional and elegant or specifically themed to a beach or a mountain, or anything between or beyond. Presentation is everything. Cupcakes allow for a varied and inspired flexibility, such as hanging displays or the incorporation of whimsical props or pictures or other elements to add even charm and magic to the Perfect day. Nothing is lost in elegance, and in fact, much more personalization (and indeed, exclamation) can be gained.
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WHEN DANE I GOT ENGAGED SEPTEMBER, 2010 we knew we wanted to do something non-traditional for our wedding. We decided the best way to start our new lives together was with a big trip rather than a big wedding. We worked with a local Travel Agent to find the trip that would be just right for us. In Colorado the bride and groom are able ab to marry themselves and on October 5th, 2011 we were married at the courthouse in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. ma Getting married at the courthouse was a very easy process Ge that took just about 15-20 minutes from start to finish. We were able to apply for our marriage license and get married at the same time with no appointment necessary. That night we shared dinner with close friends and family before leaving on a Mediterranean Cruise the next day. Our cruise left from Barcelona Spain and over 7 days we visited Toulon, Nice and Villefranche France; Florence, Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri Italy. We enjoyed experiencing new things together and making memories that will last a lifetime. Instead of a Wedding Album Dane and I will put together a book with pictures from our day at the courthouse and our trip. We both decided we would not have done things any other way and choosing a trip over a large wedding was the perfect thing for us. ---Kendra Jones Bottom Left: Dane on the ship in France Bot Bottom Right: Me having wine in Florence Bot
KELLEY COX PHOTOGRAPHY
Surrounded by Perfection
why settle for ordinary when you can choose the extraordinary 2929 golden eagle road, silverthorne, co | 970.262.3636 | www.ravenatthreepeaks.com HIGH COUNTRY
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I do, I do Your Grand County Wedding BY CATHLEEN CALKINS If it’s an inspired mountain setting, a traditional look and feel, or a beautiful backdrop you’re looking for, then Winter Park’s Iron Horse Resort and Granby’s Inn at SilverCreek are the ideal venues to begin planning your big day. “Whether it’s a formal affair or casual nuptials, our event space options will help you draw inspiration for your wedding,” says Stephanie Thompson, sales and marketing manager with The Alderwood Group, the management company for Iron Horse Resort and the Inn at SilverCreek. “Because I represent two very distinct event spaces and resort properties, I can help you attain that perfect and memorable celebration.” Looking to find a location that matches you and your fiancée’s sense of style and adventure? Iron Horse Resort, perfectly situated in the pines at the base of Winter Park Resort, is the ideal spot for that very personal
door/outdoor pool. “Your guests will have options and will remember your affair for years to come,” Thompson adds. Leaning toward a more traditional reception with space and facilities to accommodate all of your guests, regardless of age? Spacious and comfortable Inn at SilverCreek offers conventional ballroom space in a family-friendly setting. “Not only does the Inn’s event space provide enough room for everyone on your guest list, the Inn is close to family-centric attractions and offers an open and safe
‘Whether it’s a formal affair or casual nuptials, our event space options will help you draw inspiration for your wedding’ and elegant wedding. “We can accommodate intimate gatherings inside and out,” says Thompson. Tie the knot and celebrate your commitment on Iron Horse’s picturesque grounds with soaring pines and peaks as a backdrop and the resort’s 4,500 square feet of flexible space. On site condominium-style accommodations make it easy for your guests to relax and enjoy your day. Iron Horse is conveniently located with ski-in/ski-out access to Winter Park Resort and close to downtown dining and shopping. On-site amenities include a bar and grill, fitness center and an in-
environment on-site,” notes Thompson. Inn rooms feature the usual hotel-style option along with studio and loft units that include a full kitchen. For family and friends who want to incorporate a relaxing getaway with your wedding, the Inn’s dining options (restaurant and a bar and grill) and amenities deliver. “The Inn offers the type of facilities you would expect at a full-service resort,” adds Thompson, including a restaurant and bar and grill, fitness center, indoor and outdoor hot tubs and pool, racquet ball and tennis courts, game room, hair salon, convenience
store, and a seasonal snowsports retail operation with rentals. With two venues, plenty of indoor and outdoor options, Stephanie Thompson should be the first person you contact. “As an experienced event planner, I understand the importance of seamlessly blending location, venue, and your expectations so that when it’s time for your big day it is the one you’ve dreamed about,” says Thompson. To learn more, visit www.IronHorse-Resort.com and www.InnatSilverCreek.com, or via email at sthompson@alderwoodcolorado.com and (970) 726-2802.
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$ 0DWFK 0DGH LQ 9DLO The most comfortable and complete wedding venue in Vail on 20 scenic acres bordering the White River National Forest. • Over 9,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor wedding, reception and banquet space with expansive views of the surrounding mountains • Affordable on-site lodging with fully-equipped kitchens, deck or patio and fireplace • Full service, on-site catering by the Alpine Tavern’s experienced and creative chefs • Customized menus for receptions, rehearsal dinners, bridal luncheons and wedding brunches • Free on-site parking • Platinum Service award winner It’s the perfect match. Your wedding in the Vail you love, celebrated at Vail Racquet Club and the Alpine Tavern.
www.vailracquetclub.com 800-428-4840 groups@vailracquetclub.com
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www.alpinetavernvail.com 970-476-7888 alpinetavernvail@gmail.com
weddings
A high country affair Three real weddings to elicit inspiration
INPHOTOGRAPHY
The greatest inspirations for creating your perfect day often come from seeing others’ perfect days. Perhaps it’s a table setting that strikes you; a wedding gown or hairstyle. Maybe it’s the photography or even the venue you’d like to emulate. ¶ Here, courtesy of Emily Campbell at Bella Design and Planning, we present three real High Country weddings from 2010, each with personal flair and style. ¶ Let the daydreaming begin… Find Bella Design & Planning online at www.gobella.com
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high country affair
Autumn Bliss Ellie Berry and Nick Sarrow-Wait Saddle Ridge, Beaver Creek September 25, 2010 PHOTOGRAPHY BY INPHOTOGRAPHY WWW.INPHOTOGRAPHY.NET
Wedding Vendors WEDDING PLANNING AND DESIGN:
Bella Design & Planning STATIONARY: Meredith Kurosko at Regas NY CALLIGRAPHER: Love Jenna CAKE: Sugar FLORALS: Bloom MUSIC: Whitewater Ramble HAIR AND MAKEUP: Inga Cox BRIDAL DRESS: Amsale BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Calypso
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Good As Gold Mindy Evangelisti and Joel Bolt Copper Mountain Resort June 19, 2010 PHOTOGRAPHY BY STUDIO JK PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.STUDIOJK.COM
Wedding Vendors WEDDING PLANNING AND DESIGN:
Bella Design & Planning STATIONARY: Squeeze Designz CAKE: Kelley Kakes LIGHTING & DRAPERY: Pink Monkey FLORALS: Bloom MUSIC: Bravo String Quartet and Great Time DJ HAIR: Amanda Haley, Roots MAKEUP: Joy Petty, Blush BRIDAL DRESS: Priscilla’s of Boston BRIDESMAID DRESSES: David’s Bridal
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high country affair
Wedding Vendors WEDDING PLANNING AND DESIGN:
Bella Design & Planning STATIONARY: Bella Figura & Squeeze Designz CAKE: Ned Archibald LIGHTING: Colorado Tents and Events FLORALS: Creations by Christine MUSIC: Quartetto Denver and Great Time DJ HAIR: Amanda Haley, Roots MAKEUP: Joy Petty, Blush BRIDAL DRESS: Priscilla’s of Boston BRIDESMAID DRESS: the bridesmaids all wore dresses of their choosing
Western Wonder Katie Croft and Scott Goldberg Keystone Ranch August 20, 2010. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON G WWW.JASON-G.COM
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Camp Sunlight Melanie Davis and Andrew Baumert Sunlight Mountain Ski Resort September 17, 2011 PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAREN SKELLY WWW.KARENSKELLYPHOTO.COM
Wedding Vendors WEDDING DESIGN: All the camping decorations, favors, and invitations were made by Melanie DAY OF WEDDING PLANNER: Camp Director Kathy Yost STATIONARY: Paperwise.com CAKE: Killer Cakes, Glenwood FLORALS: Flowers by Staci, Glenwood MUSIC: Bad Willie THEME: Camping HAIR: Sanctuary Spa, Glenwood BRIDAL DRESS: Milanoo.com BRIDESMAID DRESS: Sears
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pick your paradise From Grand County to the Grand Valley, the Colorado High Country offers magnificent matrimonial venues
Have you always dreamed of a quaint wedding surrounded by close family alongside a mountain stream? Or are you the grandiose type, with hundreds of friends perched on a patio enjoying expansive views of faraway peaks? Whatever your vision of paradise may be, you’ll find it in the Colorado Rockies. ¶ Here, we present a handful of our favorite High Country venues to whet your wedding day whistle. »
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Donovan Pavilion
Vail Valley By Wren Wertin
The Chapel at Beaver Creek
DONOVAN PAVILION
A stone and timber mountain lodge, Donovan Pavilion sits on 50 acres of park and open space. Tucked into the mountainside, the spacious 5,200-square-foot building can accommodate 250 guests inside, as well as another 100 guests on the patio overlooking Gore Creek. On-site kitchen, large bathrooms, audio-visual equipment, tables, outdoor amenities and plenty of parking are included in the Pavilion rental. Vail • www.donovanpavilion.com (970) 477-3699
COURTESY DEVIL’S THUMB RANCH & SHANE MACOMBER PHOTOGRAPHY
THE CHAPEL AT BEAVER CREEK
Built as a joint effort of all its member congregations, the Chapel at Beaver Creek is nestled at the base of Beaver Creek, right on the creek within a grove of balsam trees. The stone building is the embodiment of simple elegance. The main sanctuary seats 200 people with an additional 50 in the balcony. The chapel can be booked by going through any of the member congregations, which include those in the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Jewish traditions. Beaver Creek • www.beavercreekchapel.com (970) 471-3117 GAME CREEK RESTAURANT
Renowned for its stunning view high above Vail, Game Creek Restaurant features a fusion of an American-French style of cooking with seasonal ingredients, complemented by an extensive wine list and superior service. The lodge has an Old-World feel, and the large deck is a favorite spot for couples. The restaurant can ac-
commodate 120 seated guests on the main level and 60 seated guests on the bistro level. Vail Mountain • www.Vail.com (866) 231-VAIL LARKSPUR RESTAURANT
Larkspur’s warm ambiance, congenial service and award-winning American cuisine has created memorable events for more than a decade. With a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces available, the restaurant has hosted weddings for as few as two people and as many as 200. Voted Best Large Party Venue 2010 in the Vail Daily’s Readers’ Choice poll. Vail • www.Larkspurvail.com (970) 754-8048
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paradise The Timber Hearth at Cordillera
ONE SKI HILL PLACE
One Ski Hill Place, at the base of Peak 8, offers a selection of venues from spacious vaultedceiling ballrooms able to accommodate up to 350 guests to elegant smaller settings perfect for more intimate gatherings. With an open stone patio set against a magnificent mountain backdrop for an outdoor ceremony or photos, this is Breckenridge’s newest luxury wedding venue. One Ski Hill Place offers catering and bar services, a dance floor and guest parking for a number of events leading up to and including the big day. Breckenridge • www.oneskihill.rockresorts.com/weddings (800) 332-0424 SILVERTHORNE PAVILION
The Silverthorne Pavilion offers an open, inviting location for weddings of any size, with elegant decor, hardwood floors and handcrafted chandeliers in a quiet mountain setting. The Pavilion provides indoor and outdoor venues, off-premise catering and valet parking for up to 300 guests and is an affordable alternative to resort venues. Silverthorne • www.silverthorne.org (970) 262-7396 SOLITUDE STATION
Part of The Club at Cordillera, The Timber Hearth sits on 7,000 acres with views of the club’s spectacular golf courses and of the Gore Range. Most events accommodate 80-200 guests. The restaurant, which serves above-and-beyond American cuisine, has a Western ambiance with a romantic flair. There is also an outdoor ceremony location on site as well as a patio perfect for cocktail receptions before heading inside for dinner. In the winter season, enjoy the option of horse-drawn sleigh rides provided by Bearcat Stables. Edwards • www.cordillera-vail.com (970) 926-4622
Summit County By Caddie Nath KEYSTONE RANCH
This beautiful lakeside lodge provides an intimate rustic location for weddings. Summer ceremonies can be held on the lawn with
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Larkspur Restaurant
Roaring Fork Valley By Io Hayden THE ASPENALT LODGE
sweeping views of the Ten Mile Range and Swan Mountain. Winter weddings are held in front of the log structure’s grand stone fireplace. The Keystone ranch can host parties of up to 180 people in the summer and 120 people in the winter. Keystone • www.keystoneresort.com (877) 625-1541
At first glance the Aspenalt is a midpoint motel in the Roaring Fork Valley. Walk ‘round back though, and it is suddenly a very friendly riverside venue. Unanticipated privacy allows your gathering to enjoy itself in or out of doors almost simultaneously. Both the native and the out-of-town-bride fortunate enough to stumble upon the Aspenalt will be gratified by its proximity to area attractions and plethora of included amenities including the riverside hot tub. Basalt • www.aspenalt.com (970) 927-3971
SHANE MACOMBER PHOTOGRAPHY
THE TIMBER HEARTH AT CORDILLERA
Take the American Eagle chairlift up to the unique mountaintop Solitude Station and say your vows at 11,200 feet while you’re surrounded by breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. Then follow the ceremony with a memorable reception at the elegant Grand Lodge at Copper overlooking the golf course. Solitude Station can comfortably accommodate up to 250 people, and the bride and groom will each receive a complimentary Copper season pass. Copper Mountain • www.coppercolorado.com (970) 471-2632
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Are you a family-oriented bride trying to find the perfect multigenerational spot to celebrate your wedding? Steeping in minerals and history at the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool and Lodge is a treat for the arthritic and adept alike. Its waterslide is not just for kiddies; snow need not interrupt your 104-degree soak. Fun combines
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with convenience in this casual, well-appointed resort property. The lodge has the capability to host festivities for up to 35. Adjacent, the Spa of the Rockies which opened just three years ago, offers youth-restoring treatments to lucky guests in the original 1890 bathhouse. Glenwood Springs www.hotspringspool.com www.spaoftherockies.com (970) 945-3324
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THE SKY HOTEL
Dream, plan and luxuriate while looking up at The Sky. Its Aspen Mountain Room becomes a venue suitable for any presidential party or your reception of up to 150. The snowflake sconces shine light on to guests who spill into an outdoor living room complete with warm waterfall. Drop your stress and temperature to Thirty-Nine Degrees as you contemplate details of being wed in Aspen’s ultra-attentive and only boutique hotel. “It’s about the individuality of the couple; we are not a ‘cookie cutter’ catering service,” says Helen Roche, catering manager. Aspen • www.theskyhotel.com (970) 429-7803
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PETER HOLCOMBE PHOTOGRAPHY
If you would only ever get a vacation because you are getting married, and the formal touches look more like a formal nightmare, wake up and high tail it to Avalanche Ranch. Rent the Dog House “cabin No. 4,” for your fiancé until he says “I do.” If you are even more inclined to travel, step onto Route 66, (No. 14). You will be able to use all of these cabins and their quaint names to house your outdoor enthusiasts who can indulge in everything from trout fishing to cross country skiing. Elope or host an entire family in rustic luxury. Brides, BYOB (bring your own boy), and marry his way. Redstone • www.avalancheranch.com (970) 963-2846
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We met a man who had driven from Denver with his daughter for a closer look at the Flying Dog Ranch’s facility rental. On our way out, we knew they would have to appreciate the irrepressible wildflowers and potted blooms that graced its lovely finished barn. Lively line dancing would be suited here, as would the more traditional wedding dances. Plentiful indoor space opens to a garden, pastoral, mountain setting for 250. “Our facility allows people to enjoy the formal, while the rustic is outside the door,” notes owner Lydia McKintyre. Carbondale • www.flyingdogranch.com (970) 309-5256
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For the bride who craves that extra bit of chivalry, the venues of The Aspen Historical Society will delight. Do you need a city block or more than two acres for the event? Choose what would have been the home of Jerome Wheeler or the former Holden/Marolt Ranch. Be prepared to bring a tent under which you are free to host the fashionable, welcome barbecue or Sunday brunch. Alternatively, let the Society return you and your guests to the era of lawn games and croquet. Full circle mountain views lend themselves well to modern photography, while indoor pictures with a sepia feel are also popular. Aspen • www.aspenhistory.org (970) 925-3721 ext.107
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paradise
Devil’s Thumb Ranch
Grand County By Reid Armstrong
The Grand Lake Lodge
Long recognized as an outstanding wedding destination, the Grand Lake Lodge offers an exclusive outdoor covered mountainside terrace. This venue showcases the Lodge’s premier view of Colorado’s largest natural lake, the Continental Divide and Rocky Mountain National Park. Just steps away, the lovely Nuptial Knoll located on a secluded bluff overlooking Grand Lake is a superb wedding ceremony site, featuring an astonishing backdrop for wedding photographs. This incredible view has awed hundreds of couples.
C LAZY U RANCH
Grand Lake • www.grandlakelodge.com (970) 627-3967
Specializing in spring, fall and winter weddings, the C Lazy U Ranch creates lifetime memories. Overlooking Willow Creek Resevoir and the Continental Divide, the “Woodsie” sets picture-perfect scene. An on-site wedding coordinator works to make every aspect of a wedding flawless. Granby • www.clazyu.com (970) 887-3344
DEVIL’S THUMB RANCH
Indulge in the quintessential Rocky Mountain experience at Devil’s Thumb Ranch, where wilderness-based luxury comes with a thoughtful eye on sustainability. Enjoy 5,000 acres of scenic beauty, nature-based spa treatments and outdoor recreation options that will keep everyone entertained. Uniquely appointed guest rooms and cabins offer dream-induced options, with indoor/outdoor ceremony venues and contemporary artisan or ranch-style cuisine for Western-style magic on a couple’s special day. Tabernash • www.devilsthumbranch.com (800) 933-4339
Grand Valley By Tracy Dvorak GATEWAY CANYONS
Winter Park Resort LATIGO RANCH
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THE LODGE AT SUNSPOT
Imagine an aisle that begins with the Zephyr Express Scenic chairlift rising from the base of Winter Park Resort to The Lodge at Sunspot. Located at 10,700 ft., the lodge features a stone hearth fireplace, wrap around deck overlooking the Continental Divide and exquisite timber architecture. Each customized menu pairs local cuisine to an extensive wine list, pleasing discriminating palates. As evening fades, the starlit gondola returns to base with affordable accommodations offering postcard views of the Rocky Mountains. Winter Park Resort • www.winterparkresortweddings.com (800) 731-6906 ext. 4
THE GRAND LAKE LODGE
Couples can tie the knot on this 80-year-old ranch, next to a pond that faces an astounding view of the Continental Divide in the distance. Receptions and dances are typically held in a large social club on the ranch that also serves as a backup location during inclement weather. The social club holds about 100 people, has a
Gateway Canyons
beautiful stone fireplace, loft, main room and downstairs for dressing rooms. 17 miles northwest of Kremmling • www.latigotrails.com (800) 227-9655
Whether you dream of a casual country wedding or an intimate destination wedding, Gateway Canyons Resort offers plenty of options for that magical day. Choose from the new Palisade Event Center with the Grand Hall and Sunset Atrium, with seating for 150 guests and plenty of room for a grand reception. The Mission Bell Amphitheater provides a stunning location with a wide stage and outdoor seating, opening to a spectacular red rock canyon backdrop. And for smaller destination weddings, the Paradox
Grille is the ideal place to hold an intimate reception. The courtyard and cottonwood-shaded lawns are perfect for ceremonies and extended wedding festivities, as well. Mesa County • www.gatewaycanyons.com (970) 931-2458 AMY’S COURTYARD
In the heart of Colorado wine country, Amy’s Courtyard offers a backdrop of dramatic scenery including Mount Garfield, Grand Mesa and the Bookcliffs, complemented with a picturesque property which includes a pond, gazebo, barn, porch, lush yard and garden. Owner John Barbier says you’ll find the sunsets to be particularly memorable at this venue. Barbier, a French chef who also owns Le Rouge in downtown Grand Junction, can whip up a dining celebration ranging from casual to formal. Choose from wine dinners, buffets, plated or family-style dining and more. Amy’s Courtyard can accommodate 200 guests. Palisade • www.lerougepianobar.com. (970) 464-4959 WINE COUNTRY INN
When the owners built Wine Country Inn, they had two things in mind: wine and weddings. Exchange vows in the open outdoor Pavilion among the vines, the beautifully landscaped courtyard or the elegantly appointed Vineyard Ballroom, which seats 100 guests. The Victorian styled inn has 80 cozy guest rooms, which can accommodate friends and family for a wedding weekend. Weddings at Wine Country Inn are customizable to suit any bride and groom’s needs. Palisade • www.coloradowinecountryinn.com (970) 464-5777
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Western Riviera Lakeside Weddings On Colorado’s largest natural lake at the west entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. www.grandlakewedding.com | 970-627-3580
Quality music & entertainment since 1982. BOB ALSTER Owner 970.668.3537 www.AlsterEntertainment.com email: bobalster@gmail.com
Wedding & Event Services Specializing in elopements and budget friendly weddings.
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970-389-1600 sixpencecolorado@gmail.com www.sixpencecolorado.com
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Have your event catered or hosted at one of our ten beautiful locations in Breckenridge, Keystone, Beaver Creek or Eagle. CALL TODAY FOR MORE DETAILS
970-471-9029 OR
Cupcake & Cake Catering
Lauren Smith | Vail, CO | 970-306-6422 mountaincupcakes@gmail.com
VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.ALLEVENTSANDCATERING.COM
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last dance
into the sunset And after it all, the honeymoon… BY BRENDAN HARRINGTON
Your wedding can be all consuming. You plan for a year, sweating the small stuff and dealing with every little detail to throw the biggest party of your life. But after the wedding is over, at last, you get to relax and get away from it all with your spouse. The honeymoon is one tradition no couple should forgo. Set aside the energy to plan it, the money to pay for it and, most of all, the time to take it. Whether it’s a weekend in the woods or a beachfront resort in Fiji, the honeymoon is your chance to check out and focus on each other. It’s your first vacation as husband and wife and marks the first of many adventures together. Following a few simple guidelines will ensure you plan and enjoy the ultimate honeymoon for you. WHERE IN THE WORLD?
The toughest decision of all. Where you honeymoon depends on several factors, budget being a big one, of course. But this decision rests between you and your spouse to be. Separately, list five choices for your destination and five things that you want to do on your honeymoon. Then, compare your lists and find the common ground. In the end, your honeymoon should include activities you both enjoy in a place you both want to visit. DESIGNATE THE DOUGH
In the very beginning, when you establish the budget for your wedding, set aside a generous portion for your honeymoon. While the wedding day is very special, the honeymoon is an opportunity to do something very unique, together. Allow yourselves enough money to make it magnificent. PLAN TO PLAY
Schedule activities that you can enjoy together or individually during your grand escape. Whether it’s cliff diving in the Amazon or soaking at the spa, do something that stands out — something you don’t do at home. But here’s the catch: Don’t overbook your trip. Leave plenty of time to relax and do absolutely nothing together. Once you get back to the “real” world, you won’t have many chances to do that again.
Once you’ve decided on a trip, get it on the calendar and stick to it. Whether you make a clean break from the reception or leave a couple months after the wedding, make sure it’s on the schedule and stays there. Don’t let life’s detours distract you from this most-important time together.
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BOOK IT
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Mountaintop weddings from $75 per person. Host your wedding at Keystone and receive a free ski pass.* Visit IconicWeddings.com/Keystone or call 888.294.9797.
& # & & & % ! & ! & & ! & " & & ! "
*Restrictions apply.