Steamboat Wedding Day 2023

steamboat wedding day

THE PERFECT SETTING

Choose from our portfolio of venues including distinguished indoor spaces to the grandeur of a mountainside ceremony with majestic backdrops. You’ll find the ideal setting to match your style. Let our team of experts help you plan the perfect day.

patrollers Dana Antonio and Matt Hightower walk across a bridge at Perry-Mansfield. Courtesy

Jo Jaconetta and The Main Event

Celebrate with us!

Located on the Yampa River, we are your one stop wedding venue! From the rehearsal dinner, the ceremony, to the reception, we’ve got the unique space to host it all! Not to mention the best fine dining in town...call our in-house event coordinator today to schedule the wedding of your dreams in Steamboat Springs!

www.E3ChophouseSteamboat.com

970.879.7167 events@e3chophouse.com 701 Yampa Street Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

...the perfect wedding venue.

The Yampa ValleY is stunning in black & white

Haley Dyer and Willliam Beurskens share a gentle moment with their equine companion at their rural Hayden wedding. Courtesy of Markella Kyprios Photography

A busy background becomes softly subdued in black and white. Alex Swartz and Emily Jackson at La Joya Dulce.

Courtesy of Living Roots

Photography/Breanna Nielsen

Winter weddings create a sense of black and white. Bride Jessie Black’s flowers provide color to what otherwise would be black-and-white setting on the road leading to La Joya Dulce.

Courtesy of Caitlin Steuben Photograhy

Lauren Marias and Henry Konker’s black tie wedding is accented by a bouquet of fresh white garden roses and white ranunculus with artificial black roses and orchids. Lindsey Grannis of One Fine Day Productions created the bouquet Courtesy of Andy Barnhart Photography

Finn and Samie Dooley raise their hands in joy after their wedding in Strawberry Park, just north of Steamboat Springs.

Courtesy of Naomi Oates Photography

Courtesy of Kimberly Mitiska Photography

Wesley Brown twirls

Maritza Wiedel during the first look on their wedding day.

Courtesy of Markella Kyprios Photography

A sheer drapery frames the panoramic setting for the wedding of Bill Wosilius and Courtney Graham.

Courtesy of Mark Creery Photography

Kelli Meulenbelt & Michael Cronin Wedding story

Saturday, July 30, 2022

Danielle Zimmerer Photography

www.DanielleZimmererPhotography.com

Picturesque clouds decorated the bright blue skies of the Yampa Valley on the wedding day of Kelli Meulenbelt and Michael Cronin.

Welcome Party

Knowing that many of their guests were traveling from out of town, Kelli and Michael hosted a welcome gathering on Thursday evening at Los Locos, a locals-favorite taco joint at the base of Steamboat Resort. Nothing quite welcomes visitors like tacos, margaritas and mountain views. Plus, it was a short walk away from the Steamboat Grand, which is where the couple reserved a block of rooms for their wedding weekend.

Rehearsal Dinner

The bride and groom hosted an intimate rehearsal dinner Friday evening at the Periodic Table at Catamount Ranch. The one-of-a-kind restaurant offers a spacious dining area with golf course views and a themed menu that changes twice a year.

Ceremony

Jaw dropping panoramic views of the Yampa Valley created a natural backdrop while the couple said their vows on the hills of La Joya Dulce. A ranch-style wedding venue, La Joya Dulce offers iconic views of Sleeping Giant, Flat Tops Wilderness and Steamboat Resort.

Kelli’s denim jacket with fringe adds a Western touch to her lacy dress, and complements the ranch setting at La Joya Dulce.

Kelli and Michael exchange vows in front of a rustic arbor, accented with a summer floral adornment.

Florals + Decor

A light-tone, colorful floral scheme enhanced the bohemian look. The couple opted for local florist Vivian Floral Creations to create the bouquets and floral installments.

Mountainscape table numbers and gold candles added subtle touches to the rustic decor. Evergreen and pine cones decorated the dessert table, and a chairlift cake topper reinforced the Steamboat mountain wedding vibe.

Reception

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour and took in the Western surroundings in the open-air barn at La Joya Dulce. Q Live Crew BBQ food truck provided tasty appetizers for the guests before they headed into the pavilion for dinner.

The pavilion at La Joya Dulce offers a massive space for large parties. Elegant white drapery and eclectic string lights decorated the event space while guests gathered at their tables for a buffet-style dinner catered by local Dean Montgomery of Q Live Crew BBQ.

Dressed in a boho lace dress and a sleek blue suit with a bold orange tie, the bride and groom had a first look in the aspen grove at La Joya Dulce before saying their vows. Kelli added cowboy boots Western, barn-style wedding.

Following dinner, the remainder of the night was filled with dancing and connecting with their closest friends and family. A highlight of the night for the couple was when two friends put on a skit for the newlyweds, emphasizing milestones and hysterical moments that happened throughout the couple’s relationship. Laughter and happy tears filled the pavilion as the night came to a close.

With the help of transportation from The Bustache, the after-party continued unofficially at Double Diamonds before guests returned to the Steamboat Grand.

Sunday Brunch

To say their farewells to family and out-of-town guests, the Cronins hosted one last hoorah on Sunday morning at the Yampa River Icehouse. The newest addition to Yampa Street, the Yampa River Icehouse serves Texas-style barbeque and has upfront views of the Yampa River.

Vendors:

Venue: La Joya Dulce

Wedding Planner/Day-of Coordinator: Nikki Knoebel

Photographer: Danielle Zimmerer

Florist: Vivian Floral Creations

Hair: Liana Torres

Makeup: Angela Gayle (Life Essentials Day Spa)

Caterer: Dean Montgomery (Q Live Crew BBQ)

Cake: Kim Gardner (Cakes by Kim)

Bar Services: Beer – B&K Distributing

Band/DJ: Eric Hovey – DJ (Hovey Entertainment), Pat Waters (acoustic during ceremony)

Rehearsal Dinner: Periodic Table

After Party: Unofficially at Double Diamonds

Welcome Party: Los Locos

Sunday Brunch: Yampa River Icehouse

Lodging: Steamboat Grand

Transportation: The Bustache

China/Glassware: Colorado Event Rentals

perfect magical setting...

The wedding cake frosting details mountains and alpine trees.

Nine Questions for a Father/Son Photo Team

Walker and Son Photography is a Steamboat Springs-based photography team comprised of father/son duo Carl and Brandon Walker, who specialize in weddings and engagements as well as portrait, wildlife, landscape and commercial photography. This pair has been creating memories for clients since 2017. Carl and Brandon discuss their journey into the world of photography, what sets them apart from other wedding photographers and what ultimately drives them to continue picking up a camera each day.

Carl and Brandon Walker of Walker and Son Photography

Lydia and Chaille Brindley take in an autumn sunset from a perch above Old Town on Buffalo Pass.

| PHOTOGRAPHY BY WALKER AND SON PHOTOGRAPHY

The natural light silhouttes the bride’s golden hair and dress at a private venue on Circle Bar 8 Ranch, as Erin Darby married Jared Kennedy.

Steamboat Wedding Day: Can you tell me a little about yourself and how you both got started in photography?

Carl: I got started in photography when I was in seventh grade. The idea of capturing pictures always amazed and challenged me. Growing up on National Geographic magazines always kept that wonder alive for me.

Brandon: After my dad got his first full-frame camera, I picked up his old one and started to take photos with that. I was in sixth grade. My dad taught me how to use the camera and told me to only use manual mode which really accelerated my photography skills.

SWD: What is your earliest memory of taking photos?

Carl: When I was on a Washington D.C. trip with my middle school, I took rolls and rolls of pictures at the National Air and Space Museum. I still have them in an album in my house to this day.

Brandon: My earliest memory was the first time I ever held a camera. It was an old Sony digital camera about the size of a deck of cards. My parents sent me on a one-week camping trip in sixth grade and I asked if I could take the camera, so my dad taught me the basics of it and let me take it. I remember being out in the woods getting photos of the aspen trees.

SWD: What inspired you two to combine as a team and get into wedding photography?

Carl: For my 20th anniversary, my wife bought me a full-frame professional camera and said, “You are really good at this, you should sell your pictures.” A few years later, after some photo work for friends, Brandon had become quite a budding photographer just by picking up my old cameras. He wanted to earn money for college and for flight training. I told him we could start a photo business together and use half the money for his flight training and half we would put back into the business. We’ve been doing this together for five years now.

SWD: How would you describe your photography style?

Carl & Brandon: We aim to give our couples stylistic, modern or ultra-classy photos — ones that they will actually want to go back to and look at year after year. Generally, we spend a day with the bride and groom apart from the wedding day, solely focused on the two of them in locations with interesting settings and poses. We usually coordinate this with the “test day” of hair and makeup prior to the wedding. Many couples have never been part of a professional photo shoot, so guiding them through the process and making them

feel not just comfortable, but bold, is part of what we deliver. When there is no pressure of guests, ceremony and relatives, it becomes much more than a photo session; it’s more of a memorable outing for the couple. We give the couple a few of these pictures prior to the wedding. It really helps boost their confidence about just how good they look. It also helps them relax on the wedding day as they know they have already captured amazing images, giving them one less thing to worry about.

SWD: How would you describe your working style? Do you prefer to blend into the background to capture candid moments or do you like to be more visible and take charge to choreograph images?

Carl: For the pre-wedding photo shoot with just the couple, we are solely focused on a beautiful, choreographed image, which we confidently guide them through. Then during the wedding, we set one of us on getting more typical pictures of the wedding party while the other one of us works in the background looking for candid and unexpected moments we can capture. Some couples want us out and about and some want us to blend into the background – we can do both.

SWD: How do you help people feel comfortable in front of the camera?

Carl: I grew up with three brothers and sisters in a home that my mom ran a daycare out of. So, at any given time, there were about 10-15 kids running around my house. I got used to being open with kids, making them laugh and making new ones comfortable in our home. It took a careful blend of giving them enough space while also watching for opportunities to build trust and interact with them. Amazingly, this technique works just as well with adults as kids. A good mix of laughter and professionalism helps bring out the genuine smiles we all look for as photographers.

SWD: What are some things brides, grooms and family members can do to help ensure the smoothest working relationship with their wedding photographer?

Carl & Brandon: The best advice we give to our couples is to have the wedding they want, not the one that others expect them to have. This is super important if you don’t have a wedding planner. Know what you want, and be kind but bold in telling your family and friends how they can help you achieve that dream. This includes telling your photographer what you want. Some photographers have a very set way of working, which is great if that way matches what you want. Others, like us, adapt to your needs, but knowing those needs and desires is key and must be communicated very clearly so we can get the images you want.

SWD: What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

Carl & Brandon: Creativity. Photography is first and foremost a passion of ours that brings us joy. We take pictures because we want to, not because we have to. We took tens of thousands of pictures for three decades without ever charging for it. Once we turned it into a business, we wanted to make sure that we held onto that same passion. To keep the creativity flowing, we carefully monitor how many clients we accept through each season, leaving plenty of time for exploring the parts of photography that we still want to learn more about or experiment with.

SWD: Do you have any words of wisdom for potential newlyweds thinking of planning a wedding in Steamboat?

Carl & Brandon: Don’t let the wedding define you. If you catch yourself spending more time wedding planning than enjoying each other’s company, going on dates, holding hands on long walks, then take a step back from the wedding preparations and remember why you are getting married in the first place. An average wedding with a great relationship will last ages, while a grand wedding with a poor relationship will likely not. If you can manage both, excellent. If you only have time to make one great, make it your relationship.

For more information, visit www.walkerandsonphotography.com.

Erin Darby and Jared Kennedy have a solitary moment seated on a bench beside a private lake on Circle Bar 8 Ranch.

Getting to Steamboat

• The drive from Denver International Airport takes about 3 1/2 hours.

• Yampa Valley Regional Airport, 25 miles from Steamboat, offers direct flights during ski season to 16 locations across the country on six major airlines. Summer service is growing rapidly, too.

• Shuttle services run daily from DIA, or go by limo, car service or rental car.

• Bus service within the city is free. Lodges offer shuttles, and taxis are available.

ZACH TAYLOR

The Yampa Valley is inviting year-round, with much to offer outdoor enthusiasts.

Destination Steamboat: Turn Your Wedding into a Vacation for All

Steamboat Springs is a beautiful place that many hold dear to their hearts, so it’s no surprise that couples choose this Colorado mountain town for their wedding location. Whether they are planning a destination wedding in the Rocky Mountains or they are Steamboat locals hosting a wedding in their hometown, why not have family, friends and out-of-town guests make a vacation out of it?

Steamboat is a sought-after vacation destination, mainly because the town offers year-round activities. Regardless of the season, you and your guests can enjoy a variety of events and outings while visiting the Yampa Valley.

At Steamboat Resort, fun is readily at hand. If the wedding is in the winter, plan a day to hit the slopes with the wedding party and experience the renowned powder firsthand. Or take the family on a

Adventure through aspens mountain biking on a single track trail or ride the Yampa River Core Trail.

NOAH WETZEL

BEN DUKE

relaxing gondola ride to see some of the best views of the valley. In the warmer months, the resort offers numerous trails – for all skill levels – for hiking and mountain biking. Venture downtown, where Lincoln Avenue is packed with shops, art galleries and restaurants. Walk under the twinkling lights along Yampa Street or take a bike ride or winter stroll on the Yampa River Core Trail. This 7.5-mile paved greenway runs along the Yampa River and through the heart of Steamboat Springs. There are various attractions along the trail like wildlife lookouts, the Yampa River Botanic Park and numerous spots to put-in for fishing, tubing or kayaking.

Cross over the Yampa River on Fifth Street, where you will find the legendary Howelsen Hill, the city-owned ski area that overlooks Old Town. Go sledding and tubing with the family or take advantage of their “Ski-Free Sundays” in the winter. During summer, Howelsen Hill is home to popular events like the Steamboat Springs Free Summer Concert Series and the Steamboat Pro Rodeo; both would be great events for the wedding party and family members.

For wedding guests who are outdoor enthusiasts, head to Fish Creek Falls or Rabbit Ears Pass for a hike in the aspens. Those who

Take a short hike to the Fish Creek Falls overlook or a day hike in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness among the wildflowers.

NOAH WETZEL

LARRY PIERCE

prefer rest and relaxation can visit Strawberry Park Hot Springs for some truly secluded serenity, or enjoy a soak in the mineral pools locally at the Old Town Hot Springs.

Regardless of the season, encourage your guests to spend a few extra days in the Yampa Valley and turn your Steamboat wedding into a vacation of their own.

Soak in the hot springs or fly fish on the Yampa River.

NOAH WETZEL

NOAH WETZEL

Florals & Decor for Every Season in the Yampa Valley

As you begin to plan your wedding in Steamboat Springs, there are a few things to consider when deciding which season is best for your big day. Are you wanting a vibrant green valley as a backdrop to your wedding in the late spring and summer months or a skithemed ceremony at the top of Steamboat Resort? Maybe you’re seeking the natural beauty that fall colors bring, or a chic, winter-white wedding. Here are some seasonal suggestions for florals and decor for your Steamboat wedding day.

Emily Jackson holds a bouquet of peonies, which bloom from April to June, making them a popular choice for spring weddings. Courtesy of Living Roots Photography/Breanna Nielsen

SPRING

The weather can be unpredictable during spring in Steamboat. Chilly temps and snow storms have been known to linger in the valley into April and May. And while you might see an occasional snowstorm in the early parts of June, this is the month when the valley typically begins to warm up, the trees pop with bright green and the foliage returns to life.

Spring is the peak season for a lot of flowers – peonies, lilacs and daffodils, to name a few – which makes for a great time of year to walk down the aisle. With a budding landscape as a backdrop, a spring color scheme will highlight the sense of renewal that the season brings.

SUMMER

There’s nothing quite like summertime in the Rocky Mountains. Come July and August, the sun is shining, the days are long, the town is bustling with summer activities and wedding season is in full swing in Steamboat. With breathtaking sunsets, warm weather and wildflowers in full bloom, it’s no surprise that summer is the busiest time of year to say your vows.

Complement your wedding theme with summertime decor like lush greenery and natural, whimsical blooms. Create a boho vibe with light colors and dreamy string lights. Or match the rustic theme with Western wear at your ranch-style wedding.

FALL

Fall is undoubtedly a naturally beautiful time of the year, especially in the Yampa Valley. Electric colors encompass the entire valley, putting on a brilliant display on your wedding day. Combine fall harvest colors with late-bloom florals like anise or sunset hyssop, sunflowers or goldenrod.

When considering your fall wedding colors and decor, think of the seasonal foliage, pumpkins, squashes and gourds. Whether it’s a traditional, rustic or chic wedding, these rich hues work well with any wedding theme.

In the shadow of Steamboat’s Rabbit Ears Pass, Wild Hare creates garden-style floral designs that bring equal parts style and surprise. Together, we’ll get inventive with your venue, accentuate its distinctive features and sprinkle in ah-ha elements for a one-of-a-kind wedding. Your family, friends and guests will walk in and feel your whimsical love story!

Kari Geha Photography

HOLLYANN BRUNS OWNER/LEAD DESIGNER 970.213.5668 WILDHAR EFLORALCO.COM

One Oak Photography

WINTER

If you choose to have your wedding in the winter, plan for a magical time in Steamboat. A bright white blanket of snow will create a stunning backdrop for wedding day photos. Despite the colder weather, many florals thrive during the winter. Amaryllis, ranunculus and amaranthus are popular winter blooms. The rich, jewel tones of winter florals make for a stylish wedding color palette.

A winter wedding provides quite the romantic atmosphere with cozy fires, warm candles and twinkling lights. Incorporate a winter environment by adding pine cones and evergreen branches into your decor. Add a festive feel to the celebration with warm drinks and fur muffs.

SHUTTERSTOCK

Aurum Food & Wine’s outdoor patio, located along the Yampa River in downtown Steamboat, provides views of historic Howelsen Hill.

Top Eight Venues for Welcome Parties and Rehearsal Dinners

Treat your guests to an unforgettable celebration at one of the finest venues in Steamboat Springs.

8th Street Steakhouse

8th Street’s convenient downtown location and Western atmosphere fit the bill for anyone hosting a Steamboat wedding. Entertain parties of up to 150 guests, and give them the opportunity to grill their own prime-grade steaks to perfection.

Aurum Food & Wine

Meet and greet guests alongside the Yampa River, while taking in views of historic Howelsen Hill, the longest continually operating ski area west of the Mississippi. Seasonal new-American cuisine, cocktails and wine combine with a relaxed atmosphere to successfully kick off festivities. Wedding parties may be hosted in a private room, depending on the size of the group.

Besamé

This Latin fusion restaurant serves dishes from Cuba, Argentina, Portugal and Spain, transporting your guests across the globe and setting a romantic mood for everyone with whom you’re sharing your wedding weekend.

E3 Chophouse

Combine a luxurious setting with classic American dining, right next to the Yampa River. Guests will love the ranch-to-table dining, which perfectly showcases Routt County agriculture.

Ore House at the Pine Grove

The timeless, rustic atmosphere of the Ore House sets the perfect tone for a wedding in the authentic West. Dine on prime rib in this barn-style building that has stood the test of time, dating back to 1889.

The Periodic Table

Create a memorable experience for everyone involved in the wedding celebration. The Periodic Table creates themes for its menu and decor based on the world’s most iconic time periods and locations, unveiling a new look each season.

Table 79 Foodbar

Enjoy an intimate locale for a welcome party or rehearsal dinner in Table 79’s softly lit surroundings. The menu is based around seasonality, so each dish is crafted with the freshest ingredients –sure to please even the pickiest foodies among your guests. Table 79 offers a private room adjacent to the main dining room, depending on the size of the group.

Truffle Pig

Treat guests to a quintessential ski town celebration, right at the base of the Steamboat Resort. Drink and dine in the open air with clear views of the slopes, or in the warm ambience of the bar area. Truffle Pig offers a variety of handcrafted cocktails to pair with each guest’s individual tastes.

Truffle Pig’s slopeside patio is an inviting space for gatherings during any season.

COURTESY OF TRUFFLE PIG

2023 Steamboat Signature Events

Looking to give wedding guests the quintessential Steamboat Springs experience? Plan the wedding with these events in mind.

Wednesday-Sunday, Feb. 8-12

Winter Carnival

110th Winter Carnival celebrates Steamboat's Western heritage and long-standing tradition of winter sports.

www.SSWSC.org

Friday-Sunday, March 3-5

WinterWonderGrass Festival

Colorado's premier winter bluegrass festival. www.WinterWonderGrass.com/Steamboat/ April 1-9

Steamboat Resort Springalicious and closing weekend

www.Steamboat.com

Sunday, June 4

Steamboat Marathon

Full and half-marathon, plus 10K. www.SteamboatMarathon.com

Fourth of July

120th Cowboys' Roundup Days

Get patriotic with special events like the Pro Rodeo and the Fourth of July Parade on Lincoln Avenue. www.SteamboatSummer.com

Friday-Monday, Sept. 1-4

Labor Day Festivities

Celebrate Labor Day and cap off your summer at the Downtown Sidewalk Sale, Farmers Market and End of Summer Jam.

www.SteamboatSummer.com

Saturday, Sept. 9

OktoberWest

A celebration of beer, food and autumn in Steamboat Springs.

www.SteamboatOktoberWest.com

Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 28-Oct. 1

Steamboat Food & Wine Festival

Culinary experience featuring curated dinners, wine tastings, seminars and demos.

www.SteamboatFoodAndWine.com

The Lighted Man lights up the evening with Roman candles.

The bull riding event at the rodeo is one of the main attractions during the Cowboys’ Roundup Days.

NOAH WETZEL

Preston Fertitta and Kaleya Moya relax on a garden bench in the Yampa River Botanic Park. Courtesy of Viridiana Wilson Photography

Tips for planning a Stress-Free Wedding

Ifyou’ve started planning your wedding, it comes as no surprise that many potential stressors could occur while getting ready for the big day. From wardrobe malfunctions and questionable weather forecasts to staying on schedule and keeping everything within your budget, it’s easy to see how anxiety can creep in. Here are some helpful tips for planning a stress-free wedding and getting one step closer to happily ever after.

Hire a wedding planner or day-of coordinator. Hiring a wedding planner or day-of coordinator can take more than half the tasks off your to-do list. Do you have a vision but need help creating the look for your big day? Let the planners use their knowledge and connections to bring your ideas to fruition. Relax on the morning of your wedding and let the professionals handle the vendors and take care of last-minute details.

Stay within your budget.

Handling the finances of a wedding can be quite a challenge, and let’s face it: weddings aren’t cheap. Your budget ultimately sets the bar when it comes time to begin the planning process. Determine nonnegotiables for the big day and start saving as early as possible.

Ask for help and delegate responsibilities.

Assign tasks to trusted family members and friends. Do you have an artistic sibling? Ask if they can help create wedding signs or other stationary and decor.

Pre-pack the essentials.

You think everything is prepared and ready to go … and then a button pops off or a dress won’t stay in place. Prepare for the worst by prepacking a “just in case” bag. Throw in everything that you might need in case of an emergency. Things like water, a mini sewing kit, Tide pens, fashion tape and scissors are a good place to start.

Stick to a schedule.

It’s important to create a realistic timeline that also has some room for error. If you have a planner or day-of coordinator, have them confirm dates and times with all of your vendors. Once a timeline is finalized, distribute copies to the wedding party and family members so that everyone can be on the same page – and on time.

RENEE VANDERWAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Solar Flare Glasswork & Design

Book a glass-blowing class with the wedding party and create wine or beer glasses.

Shop Steamboat:

Distinctive Wedding Favors

Thankguests for making the trip to the mountains with an authentically Steamboat wedding favor that will remind them not only of the wedding but also of the town in which it took place.

Check out Ohana for custom prints reminiscent of mountain weddings. Or, for a non-custom print, their “Bar UE is for Lovers,” “Steamboat Boot” and “Aspen Heart” prints show both the ski and Western sides of Steamboat.

To give guests the gift of luxury, choose a lotion, soap or bath bomb from a local brand.

The Goat’s Goods all-natural goat milk soaps and lotions have many benefits, including acne prevention, anti-aging properties, as well as vitamins and minerals. Ranch Organics’ signature scents and beautifully wrapped soaps or Little Moon Essentials’ aromatherapeutic mists will give your guests a way to relax post-party.

Blüml’s toffee

Ohana

Bar-UE is for Lovers

Embrace the Yampa Valley’s Western flair with leather keychains, koozies or coasters from Coleman’s Haberdashery.

To protect our pollinators while shopping locally, check out Alpine Bee Candles or Outlaw Apiaries. Alpine Bee’s travel tin candles are the perfect size for party favors, and their 5% sales donation to pollinator protection helps bees. Outlaw Apiaries sells local honey from 500 hives along the Yampa River with delicious flavors including Triple Crown Blackberry Creamed Honey and Chocolate Infused Salted Ghost Pepper Honey.

At The Homesteader on Lincoln Avenue, you can find Blüml’s artisan chocolates by Daniela, a genuine Swiss chocolatier. With chocolate assortments for every season, gift guests goodie bags of dark, white and milk chocolate wildflowers or snowflakes. For non-chocolate lovers, Daniela has both sweet and savory options like Cowgirl Bourbon Pecans, Cinnamon Vanilla Almonds or Sweet Spicy Almonds.

The Goat’s Goods cucumber melon soap

Coleman’s Haberdashery wedding party cross bags

Outlaw Apiaries honey

Eight Simple

DIY WEDDING DECORATION IDEAS

Whenit comes to wedding decor, the options are endless – especially amid the worlds of Etsy and Pinterest. Not only is DIY a great way to save some money, but making some of the decorations yourself is a great way to add a personal touch to wedding day decor.

DIY decor doesn’t have to be a daunting task, and it provides an opportunity to ask for help from members of the wedding party, family and friends. Regardless of anyone’s artistic abilities, these eight DIY wedding decor tips are an easy – and budget-friendly – way to create your desired look for the big day.

1. Make Your Own Signs

If you have the artistic skill and want to take on the task of creating your own wedding welcome sign, all you need is a piece of plywood, stain and a paint pen. Or if you’re having one custom-made, get creative in your display of the seating chart – think rustic window panes, or string some greenery and use clothespins.

2. Design Your Ceremony Program

Go a step further and create wedding programs. There are plenty of templates in the digital world that you can download and edit to match your look for the wedding day. Enhance your wedding programs with textured paper that suits your style.

3. Build a Ceremony Backdrop

Ceremony backdrops have many possibilities: traditional arches, wired floral installments, hanging greenery or a simple, natural element like mountaintop views. If the venue includes an altar or arch, add accent pieces like drapery and garlands or potted plants and greenery. If one isn’t provided, find a DIY tutorial on YouTube and make your vision come to life.

4. Set up Unique Seating for Ranch Weddings

Drape hale bales with linens to transform them into benches for guests during the ceremony.

COURTESY OF MARKELLA KYPRIOS PHOTOGRAPHY

COURTESY OF DANIELLE ZIMMERER PHOTOGRAPHY

Haley Darby and William Beurskens exchange vows at a private ranch.

5. Assemble Aisle Decor

Outline the aisle with DIY floral chair end caps, or vases with dried grasses such as pampas grass or eucalyptus. Or keep it simple with lanterns and ribbons. Add a few finishing touches like sprinkled flower petals or a vintage runner.

6. Arrange Your Own Flowers

Nontraditional brides are ditching traditional floral bouquets on their wedding day. Alternatives for DIY bouquets and boutonnieres include silk flowers, paper flowers or even wood flowers. For more sustainable options, check out “Pretty Dead Flowers” by local florist Wild Hare Co. for dried floral kits.

7. Get Creative with Centerpieces

There are hundreds of decor options when it comes to centerpieces. From floral arrangements and garlands of greenery to candles, lanterns – and even antlers – let your

creativity shine when planning your desired look for the big day. Hit the thrift shops for vintage glassware and mismatched flower vases, or spray paint wine bottles as candle holders for a more rustic look.

8. Print Your Own Menus

This is an effortless DIY task that doesn’t require a lot of skill or money. Whether you’re having a formal sitdown dinner, going more casual with buffet-style, or serving specialty cocktails for the wedding day, printing your own menus or placecards is a simple undertaking. Download a template that matches your style, buy high-quality cardstock and print away.

Dress up a wooden table with a lightweight chiffon scarf.

PHOTOGRAPH BY WILLIS WODNIK

COURTESY OF CALI FRANKOVIC PHOTOGRAPHY

Steamboat’s Latest Chic Event Space

BY CASEY HOPKINS

The property at 609 Yampa Street originally served as a home, then a pub, then a restaurant but now is an event venue called The Boathouse. The downtown Steamboat space is the latest project from Western Centers Inc., a Denver-based company, which also owns local favorite Snow Bowl Steamboat and, a few blocks away, the recently opened Boat Yard.

Designed by local architect Adam Wright of CRAFT Architecture Studio, The Boathouse offers a prime location along the Yampa River, also overlooking the storied ski jumps of Howelsen Hill. Expansive glass doors and windows create seamless access to the outdoors so that views can be enjoyed both inside and out.

“One of the things that was important to our team was remaining community-centric – that we had one more place where

we could not only host out-of-towners, but also the many notable groups and organizations that have private functions here; that we can celebrate and be a gathering place for our community as well,” says The Boathouse Venue Director Erika Fisher. “The space being finished in a beautiful mountain chic design really speaks to what Steamboat has been and what Steamboat is today.”

And while there’s no shortage of venues in the Yampa Valley, one thing that sets The Boathouse apart is its ability to house guests.

“Given the location and what we feel to be the caliber of property, it’s a short-term rental that is very unique, being right on the river and having the views that it does,” says Corey Wagner, executive vice president of Western Centers. “The third floor continues to remain residential, the second floor we’ve converted through this

Newly-renovated, The Boathouse offers an event space for all types of celebrations.

COURTESY OF THE BOATHOUSE

construction [into a residential space], while the first floor is the event space.” Fisher says this concept also allows the individual party to keep The Boathouse as a sort of “home base,” for themselves and their invited guests.

“What I’m most excited about is the fact that it is a very modern space, and I feel like Steamboat is in a modernization era, but also has so much history surrounding it. Those who have grown up in Steamboat or grown up visiting here now have the opportunity to host a wedding or milestone event in their life while being surrounded by all that is Steamboat,” Fisher says. “The canvas that’s provided at the venue, while beautiful, is rather blank and neutral so that we can really have the type of event that any person is trying to have there.”

The Boathouse features a first-floor private event space with a river frontage deck space to extend the party outdoors, allowing up to 120 guests to enjoy the party. The second-floor residence boasts two luxurious bedrooms and two bathrooms with panoramic views from the living area, a full chef’s kitchen and an additional deck and hot tub perched above the Yampa River. Perfect for newlyweds – and mere steps from their celebration – the third-floor private suite features one bedroom and one bathroom with a secluded deck and hot tub.

Couples are encouraged to begin planning their event 12 months in advance to ensure the availability of the new venue. To contact The Boathouse, visit www.TheBoathouseSteamboat.com, email info@theboathousesteamboat.com or call 970-527-1200.

The venue offers prime views of both the ski mountain and the Yampa River.

Directory

Babysitting

Steamboat Babysitting

509-432-6312 – Jaiya, Owner

www.steamboatbabysitting.com

We provide professional, fun, reliable childcare for your wedding, large event or party. Services available on-site or in your hotel, condo or home.

Beverage Service

Mix and Shoot Beverage

303-249-0407

Events@MixandShootBeverage.com

The best in beverage catering. All-inclusive mobile bartending services. Let us do the work, you have a memory to cherish.

Cakes & Desserts

Catering

Planners

Q Live Crew BBQ

qlivecrewbbq@yahoo.com

Steamboat’s only competition award-winning BBQ and catering. Full-service BBQ trailer and onsite catering. Rehearsal dinners, weddings, festivals and large events.

Floral Design

The Glacier Lily

690 Marketplace Plaza #6 , 970-875-3728

www.theglacierlily.com

Book a private consultation to discuss customized flowers for your event. Offering a complimentary glass of Champagne for up to 3 guests.

Heavenly Days Events

603-770-5803, angie@heavenlydaysevents.com

www.heavenlydaysevents.com

Event planner, specializing in weddings and elopements. We create intimate and creative elopements and weddings in the iconic Colorado Rockies.

The Main Event

970-879-9020/ 303-570-6570

www.themaineventcolorado.com

Steamboat's premier wedding planning company for 19 years! Full-service wedding planning, event design, and day-of coordination. Specializing in destination weddings.

Wild Hare Floral Co.

Backyard Bakeries

303-903-9919

www.backyardbakeries.com

Baked delicacies to make your special day just a little bit sweeter. Inspired by Colorado’s rustic and timeless outdoors.

970-213-5668

www.wildharefloralco.com

For the wild at heart. Styling your dream day with love, care and flowers.

Photography

Morgan Ashley Cox

970-846-7815, morgan@morganashleycox.com

www.morganashleycox.com

Event coordination, styling and design. Bringing one-of-a-kind celebratory affairs to life, from beginning to end.

Steamboat Baker

970-343-9911

www.steamboatbaker.com

Steamboat Baker specializes in creating memorable desserts – our wedding cakes, cupcakes, dessert tables and favors are deliciously handcrafted and beautiful.

Walker and Son Photography

Steamboat 719-963-3983, Denver 970-846-0026

www.walkerandsonphotography.com

From the simple to the majestic, wedding and engagement photos done with passion, creativity and professionalism.

Pink Diamond Events

970-692-1645, weddings@apinkdiamondevent.com

www.apinkdiamondevent.com

Pink Diamond Events offers boutique style wedding planning and is the local resource to make your Colorado destination wedding come to life.

Portable Restrooms / Trash Service

Twin Enviro Services

970-879-6985

www.twinenviro.com

VIP port-o-John, trash service and sustainable waste options. Allow us to take care of you during your special occasion.

Rehearsal Dinners

8th Street Steakhouse

50 Eighth St., Downtown, 970-879-3131

www.8thstreetsteakhouse.com

Fun and unique rehearsal dinner venue perfect for this special occasion. Up to 150 people and able to fit any budget. This spot is not to be missed!

Sassquatch Party Rentals

970-896-9399

www.sassquatchpartyrentals.com

Make your next event a hit with our fun inflatable party equipment for all ages. We deliver the fun to you.

Specialty Items

The Boathouse

609 Yampa St., 970-527-1200

www.theboathousesteamboat.com

Colorado’s premier mountain wedding venue is located alongside the Yampa River in downtown Steamboat surrounded by panoramic views.

E3 Chophouse

970-879-7167

www.e3chophousesteamboat.com

Celebrate with us! Located on the Yampa River, we are your one-stop wedding venue.

Rentals & Tents

Colorado Event Rentals

970-871-6786

www.coloradoeventrentals.com

Steamboat’s premier local wedding rental company since 2008, offering tents, lighting installations, chairs, tables, linens, china, flatware and glassware.

JRsDesignsDen

Facebook @JRsDesignsDen

www.jrsdesignsdenver.com

One-of-a-kind ski and snowboard furniture, wine/ liquor racks, games, shot-skis and more. Created here in Steamboat. Custom orders available.

Transportation Steamboat Express

970-879-2800

www.thesteamboatexpress.com

Airport shuttle service. Platinum ride services. Trailhead shuttle. Wedding and event transportation. Charter service/wine tours. Late-night shuttle.

Venues

Bella Vista

970-879-4449

www.bellavistasteamboat.com

Perched 1,000 feet above the valley floor, Bella Vista is a place to call home for an unforgettable wedding weekend experience.

Colorado Mountain College

970-870-4444, www.coloradomtn.edu/campuses/ steamboat-springs/meeting-rooms

Located above downtown Steamboat with beautiful views of the Yampa Valley. It’s the perfect spot to hold your wedding and reception.

Day Off Ranch

970-457-0611

www.dayoffranch.com

Events and accommodations featuring panoramic views of the Rocky Mountain Western Slope, forty miles west of Steamboat Springs.

Glen Eden Resort

970-879-3907

www.glenedenresort.com

Glen Eden Resort is the ideal place, where nature provides an incomparable setting with onsite catering and comfy accommodations.

La Joya Dulce

970-879-7021

www.lajoyadulce.com

Dedicated to making your experience as incredible as our views. Rolling hills, secluded glens and valley vistas for miles.

Jace Romick Gallery

970.819.9384, 837 Lincoln Ave. www.jaceromickgallery.com

Open-plan, two-level art gallery in the heart of downtown Steamboat. Unique setting with western charm, natural lighting and furnishings.

Strings Music Pavilion

970-879-5056, ext. 111

www.stringsmusicfestival.com/pavilion

Beautiful indoor reception venue (up to 500 seats) and outdoor park located on the mountain in Steamboat Springs. Limited availability June-September.

Lucky 8 Ranch

970-846-3682

www.lucky8ranchco.com

Provides a unique outdoor wedding venue with endless panoramic views, rolling hills, vast hay meadows and Trout Creek.

Special Thanks Ski

Town Media would like to thank all of our the 2023 Steamboat Wedding Day featured photographers. Their stunning photography captures the beautiful settings in and around Steamboat Springs.

Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp.

970-871-5162

www.steamboat.com/weddings

Breathtaking views of mountains in the summer or sparkling snow-covered terrain in the winter. Many venue and lodging options to choose from for the perfect setting.

Markella Kyprios

Photography

www.markellakyprios.com

Living Roots Photography

www.livingrootsphotography.com

Kimberly Mitiska

Photography

www.kmitiskaphotography.com

Andy Barnhart Photography

www.andybarnhart.com

Mark Creery Photography

www.markcreeryphotography.com

Natural Light Images

www.naturallightimages.net

Yampa River Botanic Park

970-846-5172

www.yampariverbotanicpark.org

A perfect setting for your wedding among the flowers, ponds, trees and natural beauty of Steamboat’s Yampa River Botanic Park.

Caitlin Steuben Photogrpahy

www.caitlinsteuben.com

Walker and Son Photography

www.walkerandsonphotography.com

Viridiana Wilson Photography

www.viridianawilson.com

Danielle Zimmerer

Photography

www.daniellezimmererphotography.com

Naomi Oates Photography

Instagram @naomioates_

Photo by Caitlin Steuben / www.CaitlinSteuben.com

Katherine Simmons & Brian Khzouz • 6/25/2022