WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE
colorado western slope wedding tips & inspiration
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EDITOR’S LETTER
Western Slope 2021
digital publication editor Savannah Reynolds
graphic designer Jessica Goldy
u.s. editorial
& sales staff
COLORADO & NEW MEXICO Brit Tucker-Kline IDAHO, MONTANA & WYOMING Mackenzie Stevens UTAH Val Rasmussen
canadian editorial
grace gatto photography
UTAH SALES Hannah Wollenzien
& sales staff
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Celynn Bowman ASSISTANT Carly Cooper
COPYWRITER Lily Harris
digital team
DIGITAL EDITOR - Laura Osborn VENDOR COLLECTIVE MANAGER - Heidi Zeh SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER - Bailey Jameson STYLE EDITOR - Tasha Tagliani
operations ACCOUNTING Lynn Kieffer PUBLISHED BY RMB Media, LLC
PUBLISHER Erika Oltmann
DISTRIBUTION Disticor Magazine Distribution Services Storefronts in the U.S. & Canada or online at shop.rockymountainbride.com
contact INQUIRIES - hello@rockymountainbride.com ADVERTISING - rockymountainbride.com/advertise SUBMISSIONS - rockymountainbride.com/submissions proudly printed in the rockies
Rocky Mountain Bride Magazine is published by RMB Media, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion may be duplicated, in whole or in part, without the written consent of its publisher. We greatly appreciate those who have contributed to this publication. Contributors’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Rocky Mountain Bride. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. The publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy of information or omissions from the material provided. Rocky Mountain Bride cannot be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services rendered by the advertisers published in this magazine. We reserve the right to refuse advertising.
I’ve only called the Rocky Mountains my home for a handful of years, but I am completely smitten. My first visit to the Western Slope of Colorado was a whirlwind experience, a chance to meet all of my soon-to-be extended family, but it was not easily forgotten. From the moment I drove through the lush forest of the Grand Mesa to exploring the unique desert climate of the Colorado National Monument, I felt something special for the hidden beauty of the Western Slope. This Wedding Guide is filled to the brim with special moments shared between newlyweds at their vineyard wedding, enduring love of a couple celebrating their anniversary and classy wedding inspiration dreamt up by some of the best Western Slope wedding vendors. My hope is this Wedding Guide will provide you with inspiration and helps you fall in love with the quiet beauty of the Western Slope for your Rocky Mountain I Do’s. Happy Planning! xo
Savannah @savannah_rockymtnbride
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Table of Contents LOVE STORIES weddings
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anniversaries
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julie + derek - Grand Junction
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lindsey + dustin - Gateway
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carolina + dirk - Grand Junction
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tina + casey - Ouray
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I N S P I R AT I O N 28.
modern geometric i do’s -
Hotel Maverick
I N F O R M AT I O N 8.
western slope 101 - Seasonal weather and activities
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make it official - Where to get your license
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rehearsal dinner spots
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venue guide - Top spots to tie the knot
clockwise from the top amanda matilda photography, jason and daris, the de la castros, kimberly crist photography, kimberly crist photography
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www.cassidyandcoevents.com cassidy@cassidyandcoevents.com 602-509-5572 keeleyhaysphotography
RMB’s favorite shops, products, and services! ROCKYMOUNTAINBRIDE.COM/MARKET
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Western Slope located west of the continental divide, the western slope of colorado is home to some of the tallest peaks and best spots for outdoor adventures in any season.
jason and daris
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W E ST E R N S LO P E 1 0 1 Plan the perfect Western Slope trip with these favorite spots in the area. Planning ahead can make all of the difference for your guests and you.
SEASONAL WEATHER Summers in Western Colorado are hot and sunny with little to no precipitation. The average temperature from June to August is around 90°, which makes for a hot and dry summer wedding, so make sure to accommodate your guests with some shade. Winter in Western Colorado is very mild, with temperatures rarely falling below 20º, which makes for a relatively warm winter wedding.
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ACTIVITIES Grand Junction sits in the high desert lands of Colorado, which makes it very important for you and your out of town guests to stay hydrated! Western Colorado has an activity for guests of any and every age. Head to Powderhorn Mountain Resort in the winter for downhill skiing or downhill biking in the summer months. Visit the Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction for hiking and beautiful desert views. If you’re a fan of golf, plan a tee time at the Tiara Rado Golf Course. Only a short 20 minute drive from Grand Junction, sits Western Colorado’s wine country in Palisade. Book a wine tour and experience the quaint, small-town feeling during your wine tour of Palisade. If you’re visiting in the summer months, make sure to grab a box of their statewide-known peaches.
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Make it official One integral piece of your wedding day is your marriage license. You can buy a marriage license in Grand Junction at the Mesa County Clerk & Recording office for $30, cash-only, and must use it within 35 days of purchase. You and your spouse-to-be must provide proper identification and proof of age.
Mesa County Clerk & Recording 200 S. Spruce St. Grand Junction, Colorado 81501 (970) 244-1679 Clerk.mesacounty.us amanda matilda photography
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LO C A L W E D D I N G I N S P I R AT I O N
Julie + Derek grand junction
Derek and Julie met over 20 years ago while they were both working at a local grocery store. Julie was married at the time with two sons. Derek was a courtesy clerk when she was a checker and she immediately thought how cute the guy bagging her groceries was - that was when they became friends. Years later, when Julie was in college and a single mom, she and Derek reconnected. Julie was juggling single parenting while being in school, so they chose not to get serious at that time. Although they never lost touch, it wasn’t until years later that they were finally in the perfect place to give their love a chance. They were married at the Two Rivers Winery and Chateau in Grand Junction with an elegantly simple wedding. Their day consisted of neutral tones with crisp, classy and delicate elements. Julie is grateful for Chelsea Cholas Wedding Planning for helping her create and plan the wedding of her dreams!
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RECEPTION HIGHLIGHTS “Two Rivers Winery is stunning, and near our home in Grand Junction. We also love wine! We looked at many places, but nothing compared to this building and backdrop.”
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-VENDORSVenue & Lodging Two Rivers Winery and Chateau | tworiverswinery.com Designer & Wedding Planner Chelsea Cholas Wedding Planning | chelseacholasweddingplanning.com Photographer Amanda Matilda Photography | amandamatildaphotography.com Caterer Cowboy and the Rose | thecowboyandtherose.com Sweets Sweet Kiwi Bakery | sweetkiwibakery.com Florist Love in a Vase | FB: loveinavase Invitations Korynne + Company | korynne.co Paper & Calligraphy Maven Pen | @mavenpen Bridal Boutique Annelise Bridal | annelisebridal.com Gown Designer Allure Bridal | allurebridals.com Bride’s Shoes Manolo Blahnik | manoloblahnik.com Bride’s Jewelry Kendra Scott | kendrascott.com Bride’s Ring Designer Thomas Hunn Jewelers | thomashunnjewelers.com Bridesmaids’ Attire Show Me Your Mumu | showmeyourmumu.com Groom’s Attire Men’s Wearhouse | menswearhouse.com Groom’s Accessories Tag Heuer | tagheuer.com Beauty Zuma Salon | zumahairstudio.com Rentals Cardinal Events | cardinaleventsgj.com Music & Entertainment Ryan Griz Entertainment | grizent.com Rehearsal Dinner Redlands Mesa Ocotillo restaurant | redlandsmesa.com Honeymoon Villa Premier Resort - Puerta Vallarta | premiereonline.com
Lindsey + Dustin g at e way
Lindsey and Dustin met on New Year’s Eve in Telluride, Colorado at the historic Steaming Bean. They kissed at midnight, and when Lindsey was walking away down Main Street, she stopped and said to herself, “I think I could kiss that boy for the rest of my life.” They’ve been together ever since, but not without trials and challenges. Lindsey became sick with a debilitating illness that could not be detected and Dustin stayed with her through it all. When the opportunity to model for a styled shoot came along, Lindsey and Dustin decided to tie the knot at the same time. Never considering a traditional wedding, this was a perfect option for them. For their real wedding, a small handful of friends came to Gateway Canyons Resort with friends, dogs, horses and some Pretty Lights tunes.
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ADVICE TO FUTURE COUPLES
“I will always remember our wedding day, a collaboration of love and passion, a small reprieve for creative minds in the midst of the crashing waves of 2020, and a small moment in the middle of chaos to say our vows into the wind of the Universe, and wind there was.”
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-VENDORSLocation Gateway Canyons Resort | gatewaycanyons.com Wedding Planner & Designer K2 Event Co. | k2eventco.com Photographer Jason and Daris | jasonanddaris.com Florist Dahlia Floral | dahliafloraldesigncolorado.com Invitations Four 13 Designs | four13designs.com Bridal Shop Annelise Bridal | annelisebridal.com Ring Designer Scott James Jewelry | scottjamesjewelry.com Groom’s Attire Men’s Wearhouse | menswearhouse.com Bolo Tie Frontera | fronteradesigns.com Hair Stylist Moxie Loft | moxieloft.com Makeup Artist Sunshine Hillbilly | sunshinehillbilly.com Rentals BBJ Linen | bbjlinen.com Horses The Wild J Ranch | thewildjranch.com Leather Jacket Maven Pen Leather Goods Crossbow Leather | crossbowleather.com Gift Box Everwood Collective | everwoodcollective.com Chairs Premier Special Events | psetelluride.com
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Carolina + Dirk grand junction
Carolina and Dirk first met at a mutual friend’s house during college where Dirk was in attendance with his girlfriend at the time. Six months later, they met again at the same friend’s house, but this time Dirk was single and the sparks flew. Dirk proposed to Carolina amongst the multicolored houses overlooking the Mediterranean coastline in Cinque Terre, Italy. From the beginning stages of wedding planning, Dirk and Carolina prioritized having a wedding that revolved around celebrating with family and friends. They were lucky enough to find a venue, the Two Rivers Winery and Chateau, that had eight suites on site, so they were able to continue their wedding party with immediate family and closest friends after the other guests left.
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ADVICE TO FUTURE COUPLES
“We loved having a smaller guest count. It’s so easy to get carried away when you’re thinking about who you should/want to invite, but the day goes by so quickly, and we were able to chat with all of our guests while still having time for the two of us.”
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-VENDORSLocation Two Rivers Winery and Chateau | tworiverswinery.com Wedding Planner & Designer Chelsea Cholas Wedding Planning | chelseacholasweddingplanning.com Photographer The DeLaCastros | thedelacastros.com Videographer Nate Taylor Films | natetaylorfilms.com Caterer & Sweets Cowboy and the Rose | cowboyandtherose.com Florist An Exquisite Design Flowers & Gifts | aflowerforyou.com Bridal Shop Little White Dress Bridal | lwdbridal.com Gown Designer Monique Lhuillier | neimanmarcus.com Bridesmaids’ Attire Adrianna Papell | adriannapapell.com Groom & Groomsmens’ Attire Men’s Wearhouse | menswearhouse.com Makeup Laura Schroeder Rentals Cardinal Events | cardinaleventsgj.com Confetis Colorado | @confetis_colorado Music & Entertainment Roaring Fork DJ | FB: Roaring Fork DJ’s
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Modern Geometric I Do’s The inspiration for this styled shoot came from the modern design of Hotel Maverik and used the colors mixed throughout the hotel. The minimal design is brought to life with pops of color in the groom’s suit and floral design by Country Elegance Florist. The mix of earthy tones of green, terracotta orange, blush and hints of dark blue bring together the bohemian style with the hotel’s modern elegance.
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M O D E R N I N S P I R AT I O N
“I was inspired by the modern design of Hotel Maverick and used the colors mixed throughout the hotel.”
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creative team planning: blossom design | blossomdesigngj.com sparked weddings and events | sparkedweddingsandevents.com photography: kimberly crist photography | kimberlycrist.com venue: hotel maverick | thehotelmaverick.com bridal shop: annelise bridal | annelisebridal.com gown designer: allure bridal | allurebridals.com bride & groom’s rings: mesa jewelers | mesajewelers.com groom’s attire: the black tux | theblacktux.com caterer: devil’s kitchen | devilskitchenrestaurant.com sweets: sweet kiwi bakery | sweetkiwibakery.com florist: country elegance florist | countryeleganceflorists.com beauty: all about looks image co. | allaboutlooksimage.com invitations: the craft house gj | thecrafthousegj.com rentals: elite events | eliteevents.biz vow books: etsy - way out west leather | wayoutwestleather.etsy.com gift boxes: everwood collective | everwoodcollective.com models: sharaya & colton
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Tina + Casey o u r ay
Love Story Tina and Casey met through a mutual friend in the summer of 2014. They bonded over live music, road trips and their favorite pie place, Emporium Pies. After a couple of years of dating and living together, they had the itch to pack up their lives and move a thousand miles away from their home in Texas to Phoenix, Arizona. Moving to a new place with only each other for support was scary, but made them realize that they were meant to spend forever together. Proposal One evening during a week-long trip wandering around Joshua Tree and Idyllwild, California, they planned on a sunset picnic in one of their favorite national parks, Joshua Tree National Park. Nestled between some huge boulders and yucca trees, they set up their camera and Casey played some music from a thoughtfully created playlist. “Swept Away” by the Avett Brothers started playing in the background and Casey mustered up the courage to get on one knee and pop the question. Followed by one of the ugliest cries that Casey has ever seen, Tina said, “yes!” and they agreed it was the weirdest yet most exciting feeling ever.
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-VENDORSLocation Ouray Photographer Kimberly Crist Photography | kimberlycrist.com
ADVICE TO FUTURE COUPLES
“Listen to each other, always communicate how you’re feeling, and know that being with one person possibly for the rest of your life isn’t easy. Challenge each other and understand there will be times you have to compromise. At the end of the day, the journey is all about having fun and loving each other unconditionally!”
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Rehearsal Dinner Spots
PÊCHE.
626 ON ROOD
Pêche. Restaurant in Palisade, Colorado is located in the heart of Colorado wine country. Plan your rehearsal dinner at this local gem for a unique culinary experience and attentive service. Matt and Ashley, Pêche. Owners, inspire their staff and choose to take their guests on a culinary adventure with their specially designed menu.
626 on Rood features delectable seasonal American dining and is home to an extensive selection of wine. Their seasonal menu features delicious eats able to accommodate any food allergies or preferences. This Grand Junction rehearsal dinner space is the perfect romantic eatery for your pre-wedding celebration.
336 Main Street, Palisade, CO | 970.464.4911 pecherestaurantcolorado.com
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626 Rood Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 970.257.7663 | toasttab.com
BIN 707 FOODBAR
THE WINERY
Bin 707 Foodbar is a rehearsal dinner spot that takes classic recipes and gives them a modern twist. They aim to please with their casual and welcoming atmosphere and source many of their items locally. Enjoy their adventurous menu with your guests for an unforgettable rehearsal dinner experience.
This iconic Grand Junction restaurant has been in the business for over 30 years. Enjoy your rehearsal dinner in this refurbished redbrick fire house for a culinary experience with foods bursting with flavor. You’ll feel right at home at The Winery thanks to their top quality products and staff.
225 N. 5th st. #105, Grand Junction, CO | 970.243.4543 bin707.com/the-kitchen
642 Main Street, Grand Junction, CO | 970.242.4100 winery-restaurant.com
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WESTERN SLOPE
Branded Rock Canyon Grande Wine River Country Vineyards Inn Willow Pond Bed & Breakfast Colterris Winery Two Rivers Winery & The Chateau Grand Junction Convention Center
Gateway Canyons Resort and Spa
Kannah Creek Brewing Co.
The Avalon Theatre
Vista View Events
western slope V E N U E S
branded rock canyon
the avalon theatre
4410 co hwy 209 de beque, colorado 970 283 1147 www.brandedrockcanyon.com
645 main street grand junction, colorado 970 263 5757 www.avalontheatregj.com
colterris winery
the wedding house at palisade
3907 north river road palisade, colorado 970 464 1150 www.colterris.com
3385 c road palisade, colorado 970 260 1134 www.theweddinghouseatpalisade.com
& spa 43200 co-141 gateway, colorado 970 931 2458 www.gatewaycanyons.com
gateway canyons resort
& chateau 2087 broadway grand junction, colorado 970 255 1471 www.tworiverswinery.com
two rivers winery
grand junction convention center
vista view events
159 main street grand junction, colorado 970 263 5700 www.grandjunctionconventioncenter.com
4611 co rd 237 rifle, colorado 970 964 3204 www.vistaviewevents.com
grande river vineyards
& breakfast 662 26 road grand junction, colorado 970 243 4958 www.grandjunctioncoloradobedandbreakfast.com
787 elberta avenue palisade, colorado 970 464 587 www.granderivervineyards.com
willow pond bed
kannah creek brewing company
wine country inn
1960 north 12th street grand junction, colorado 970 263 0111 www.kannahcreekbrewingco.com
777 grande river drive palisade, colorado 970 464 5777 www.coloradowinecountryinn.com
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plan your escape!
featured image: umaya resort and adventures, honeymoon collective resort
