Calluna Community: Cocktails with the St. Julien Hotel & Spa

Here at Calluna we are always looking for new ways to highlight and honor some of the amazing creative partners we get to work with. We feel incredibly fortunate to work with some seriously talented vendors in the industry, and we are showing them off to you in our Calluna Community Series! We are sitting down with some of the fabulous vendors of Colorado to get to know about them, their business and what life is like behind the scenes.

This week for Calluna Community, we caught up with Alisha of the St. Julien Hotel & Spa!

Cheers! Xo, Calluna

Describe what you do!

“I am the Social Catering Manager for St Julien Hotel & Spa in Boulder, Colorado. I’ve been with the property for the past six years and work with our wedding couples from start to finish; this includes initial site tours, the contracting process, negotiating room blocks, conducting menu tastings, planning meetings, final walk throughs and of course, being present on the actual day of the wedding! I also book and service social events and non-profit events for St Julien Hotel & Spa.

Located in the heart of downtown Boulder, the property features more than 16,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event facilities, with arguably the best view of Boulder’s iconic Flatirons. It’s a great destination for the family and friends of our couples, as guests find themselves just steps from both popular dining and shopping at the outdoor, pedestrian-only Pearl St. Mall, and miles of hiking and biking trails at nearby Boulder Creek and beyond.“

What is your idea of a dream project?

“My dream project is working with a couple or client who is striving to make their wedding day or event authentically and uniquely their own. I love seeing the creative process, from menu planning to incorporating personal or cultural influences. It is amazing to get to know a couple throughout the planning process, which allows us to find ways to incorporate their unique ideas, and then to have the privilege to see it all come to fruition on their big day!”

What has been your favorite wedding that you have worked, or attended?

“Well, that’s a tough one, since there are so many! One of my first weddings meant a lot to me, as it was a semi-traditional Indian wedding, and we worked directly with the bride and her mother on re-creating and perfecting their family recipes. The bride presented me with a gorgeous saree to wear for the wedding day and she even let me keep it! Another favorite was a Calluna Wedding; one of the most beautiful outdoor receptions that I have ever seen was followed by a down pour of rain before entrées were served – eek! All the vendors came together as a “power” team to provide a solution for the couple and it made for such a crazy, but fun, night! Not to mention how sweet and grateful the couple was – that always helps!”

What does your morning routine look like?

“I typically spend the morning with a cup of cold brew coffee (yes, even in the winter!) and a walk with my French bulldog, Pono. On wedding or event days, I spend the morning at a yoga class or the farmers market. From there, it’s a gorgeous commute from my home in Longmont to Boulder. I love seeing the Flatirons in the distance, and once I get to the St Julien Hotel…boom! Best view in Boulder!”

What are some of your favorite trends that you are seeing?

“Miniature dessert bars! I like that couples are opting away from the large traditional wedding cakes. We have a fabulous pastry chef at St Julien; her creations are unbelievably beautiful and creative, and the alternative setup gives the guests such a variety of tasty options. They can easily grab their beverage of choice and a mini dessert and get back to the dance floor!”

What advice would you give to a younger you?

“Be ready to always be learning! In this ever-changing industry, there will always be something new to learn. Always be kind and keep an open mind with any guest, client or vendor you might meet along the way—you never know how it might all connect in the future.”

What makes you excited to go to work in the morning?

“My favorite way to start out any wedding work week is with sending a “Happy Wedding Week!” message. I understand that the week is so stressful, as we’re often the couple’s venue, accommodations, caterer and baker, and I hope to alleviate some of the anxiety by communicating with my couples leading up to their big day. The weekend-of is so exciting, seeing the couple be reunited with their family and friends. It’s just a rewarding experience all-around!”

What is your favorite cocktail, or what are you drinking tonight?

“Craft beer! I love a piney, tropical or west coast style IPA. Colorado does not have a shortage of microbreweries, so there is always a new brew to try or brewery patio to visit with my hubby and pup!”

Follow the St. Julien on Instagram!

Check out photos from one of our very favorite weddings at the St. Julien:

Holly + Mark