Happy Thanksgiving to our clients, vendors, friends, and community! We are incredibly appreciative and honored for your love, support, partnership, and trust over the years!
We happily embrace the holiday as an opportunity to create space to gather with loved ones, to nourish our bodies with good food and drink, to rest, to set intentions for the coming chapters, and reflect on everything that helped us arrive to this moment.
This year our team took a moment of purposeful pause to reflect on the year behind us and share what we are wholeheartedly grateful for. We hope you join us in celebration this season and we wish you a very happy Thanksgiving from our family at Calluna Events to yours!
Photographer | Alp & Isle
Heather Dwight
“It’s that time of year when we pause and reflect on where we’ve been in our annual Thanksgiving blog post. I am so honored and humbled to be writing about gratitude once again. We are so fortunate to do what we do and create what we create for our clients alongside this wonderful wedding community. We are wrapping up our 19th season in business! I am ever-so inspired by the Calluna Community – our clients who choose Calluna, the creative partners and venues we are fortunate to work so closely with and who continually entrust their clients with us. I continue to be grateful to be able to go to work each day and do something I love and am passionate about. I am particularly grateful for our clients from this year. Witnessing your weddings is a great honor! Once again, this year brought some incredible weddings and visions, where we were able to collaborate and be creative in ways we never have. I am grateful for our clients’ trust in us and our ability to constantly grow and expand our offerings.
I am always in awe of and humbled by our team. They are the heart and soul of Calluna, my right hands, who work tirelessly and who have such positive enthusiasm for our couples. At the end of our second full season post COVID, I reflect back on what we navigated and the persistence and grit of our team. Wedding planning is sometimes a thankless job, a job behind the scenes and the cog that makes the entire wheel of the wedding turn. Our team makes our couples vision come to life and their wedding dreams happen. And their work allows me to expand Calluna in exciting projects. I consider them all friends and love the impact they’ve had on my life and my business.
I’m also so grateful for travel – it’s one of my greatest joys in life – to travel to inspiring places and experience new things – this past year I was fortunate to travel to Greece, Morocco, weddings across Colorado and Wyoming as well as Missouri, and took several road trips with my family in the southwest of Colorado and Utah.
I am forever grateful for the love and support of my family and my friends, especially my husband, Brandon, our daughter Maggie and son Grey. I’m grateful for where we live in Colorado – for fresh air, sunshine, being outside in the mountains. I’m grateful for my health and any time I can ride my bike or do a little yoga.”
Photographer | Ashley Sawtelle
Melanie Robertz
“It’s my very favorite season – a season for pause, reflection, celebration, and (hopefully!) a little bit of rest. As we mark the festive conclusion of this calendar year, delighted to share a sprinkling of what brings me joy, thanks and a full heart in a seemingly unending list of gratitude.
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to do what I love with the people of love; in helping create moments of joyous celebration that will be remembered for generations to come. I’m grateful to spend my days surrounded in the company of strong, creative, interesting people – colleagues, clients, vendors, entrepreneurs, (many of which are female founded and operated!) – who continue to inspire me to be the best version of myself each day. I’m immeasurably grateful for my health and the health and well-being of those around me, something we know not to take lightly in today’s time. I’m grateful for the everyday joys that come with being a new puppy parent (read: a very full camera roll), to watching my dear friends and family embark on big chapters (weddings! homes! jobs! babies!), to small moments of levity and laughter that go along with a life well-lived. We don’t know what’s to come, but we’ve gotten this far and that’s cause for celebration. Clinking my glass in spirit to all of you – Happy Thanksgiving and holiday season!”
Photographer | Alp & Isle
Lindsay Hayden
“Wow – it’s hard to believe that it’s already time to write this post again, the year has just flown by!
2022 has been one of the best years of my life and this year, I am most grateful for my husband (EEK! Still love saying that)! This year Ken and I got married in our favorite places in the world and pledged to spend the rest of our lives together. Planning your own wedding in the midst of planning weddings for all the amazing Calluna Couples was no small feat and I truly could not have pulled off the wedding of our dreams without his support! He might not have been picking out linens or negotiating a catering contract but I couldn’t have made it through this season without him.
To my friends and family – those who showed up and supported us over the last year of planning and celebrating. From engagement parties to bachelorette weekends (and so many matching theme outfits!) and bridal showers – 0ur wedding day wouldn’t have been the same without them! Coming in from all over the country to Aspen, Colorado was no easy feat and it was truly so humbling to look out and see all our loved ones in the same place. I often tell my couples that there are so few times in your life that all your people are in the same place together and to live that experience first hand was truly something that I’ll never forget.
And to our vendor partners – the support and creativity you brought to this season but especially to my wedding weekend is something that I’ll never truly be able to thank you all for. I feel so thankful and blessed to work alongside such creatives in this industry who dedicate everything they have to their couples and to be on the receiving end of that creativity and dedication was so special.
All in all – it was such a special year filled with so much love! It’s hard to imagine that 2023 will be able to top this year but the best is yet to come.”
Photographer | Vanessa Tierney
Jenna Frum
“At the beginning of this year, I set my intention to embody what I call the ’empowered manifester’ – someone who is fearless in following their heart. I had an inkling this would be the year of growth + change and it sure was! I moved from California to Colorado to pursue my dream career and reunite with my boyfriend Troy of five years after two years of long distance, we welcomed home our sweet Marigold who’s our fluffy golden retriever puppy ~ adding to our furry family with our two kitties Leo + Roo, I joined the Calluna Crew when wedding season began and have been loving it ever since, I have found ways to foster deep connection with my family despite the distance between us, and I just became an Auntie a couple weeks ago!
Change inspires growth and I’m incredibly grateful that I fiercely followed my heart when these opportunities arose, acknowledging the fear of the unknown while simultaneously finding centeredness around my aspirations and taking the leap of faith. As I embarked on this new chapter of my life, I’ve been so fortunate to have my loved ones by my side and am sending them so much love and gratitude for their unwavering support + encouragement through it all. I’m so grateful to be part of the Calluna Crew, a team of women who constantly inspire me as they pour their hearts into everything they do. Thank you for showing this California girl what Colorado is all about! I’m grateful for Troy who’s been there for me every step of the way ~ you have always inspired me to speak my truth, embrace my authenticity, and let my free spirit run wild! I’m grateful for our wonderful group of friendors we have here in Colorado and beyond ~ as planners with creative visions it’s entirely special to see it all come to life and we truly wouldn’t be able to do it without you!
My heart is also incredibly grateful for all the in between moments in life, the small things such as laughing so hard my dimples start to hurt, our furry friends Marigold, Leo, + Roo finding and choosing friendship with one another with all the purrs, cuddles, and kisses nose to snout ~ what a beautiful sign from nature of loving + kindness! ~ the golden yellow trees filling the slopes during the fall, butterflies that flutter toward me are like kisses from my angels in heaven, I could go on for days celebrating what fills my heart with joy and gratitude but I’ll save some for next year’s reflection! Sending all my love and gratitude to you on this Thanksgiving! Wishing you a lovely celebration full of joy!”
Photographer | Meredith Diamond
Kristen Kennedy
“This year I’m grateful for:
And of course my Calluna Crew. Love love love learning from this team of amazing ladies.”
Photographer | Rebecca Haley Photography
Gina Yeon
“Suffice it to say, there have been some monumental joys this year: getting engaged (!!!), building a home with my fiance, and celebrating love. Both in the form of our couples and weddings with Calluna, and also the smaller everyday celebrations of love with friends and family. While it’s so easy to focus on the big joys – the ones that come to the mind first when thinking about what I’m most grateful for, the tiny treasures also come to the surface when I think about why I am grateful for that thing.
I’ve been keeping a journal (sporadically), where I write down the top 3 things I am thankful for that day. While the big and consistent ones have been my health, my relationships, and more recently, a house to call our home, the tiny treasures that I also am grateful for no matter how silly also allows me to reflect on how much I have to be thankful for. Some of the entries: coffee, fresh flowers, seeing Enzo get the zoomies, the sun on an incredibly cold day in January, visiting a berry farm and picking all of the fruit, a magical sunset, clean socks, finding $5 dollars in a zipped pocket in an old purse, etc.
This year, I am so grateful for both the big joys and the smaller ones that fill up our day to day lives. Wishing everyone all of the joys – both big and small as they celebrate Thanksgiving this year!”
Kira Reed
“This year I am so thankful for being able to have the wedding of our dreams. We were married this September in Laguna Beach, CA. It was truly the best day of our lives and I am still riding high from it. We were surrounded by our family and friends and the outpouring of love was like nothing I have ever experienced. I felt such immense gratitude for those who traveled both near and far to be with us on our special day. I am thankful for the health of our family which allowed them all to be there and I look forward to celebrating Thanksgiving all together this year as a married couple!”
Photographer | Katrina Jayne
Taylor Sicko
“This year I am most grateful for friendship. After moving to a state where I knew virtually no one, I feel so grateful to have gradually found the people that make Colorado feel like home.”
Photographer | Alp & Isle
A few Thanksgiving reflections over the year!
What do you get when you get two high school sweethearts, families who are best friends, friends who have walked through all chapters of life together – one of the most fun, loving and heartfelt wedding celebrations that we’ve had the pleasure of being a part of.
When Jessica + Alex first came to us at Calluna they had a vision of a chic, classic and traditional Colorado wedding nestled in the mountain of Boulder, right up the hill from where Alex popped the question!
Greystone Castle served as the perfect backdrop for their August I Do’s! With a perfectly pitched Sperry Tent on the front lawn and the sprawling mountain views from the ceremony site, Jessica & Alex welcome friends and family from across the world (some as far as Dubai and Lebanon).
The floral team at The Perfect Petal accent the tent and the farm tables with shades of white, green, and blush accent by classic gold and glass elements to make for a stunning tablescape. Once the summer Colorado rain stopped, a stunning rainbow appeared as guests noshed on appetizers and drank two classic signature cocktails – appropriately named “The Big” and “The Carrie” as a nod to the couple’s home in New York City.
When it was time for the couple’s grand entrance – they were led into the tent by a Lebanese Zaffa Fusion band, a nod to the bride’s heritage and we have never seen anything like it. The guests surrounded the couple and the band on the dance floor and we felt so lucky to witness such an incredible cultural tradition. After guests finally made their way to their seats – the culinary team at Greystone Castle, led by Jacqueline Malcom-Peck served guests a 5-star dinner under the stars!
After an evening followed by heartfelt (and hilarious!) toasts, sentimental dances it was time to kick off the dance-party with our friends from The Get Down! The dance floor was packed all night! To end the evening, at the bride’s request, Shake Shack delivered late night burgers and fries!
We wish Jessica & Alex so many years of happiness!
Featured on Rocky Mountain Bride
Vendor Credits:
Wedding Planning | Calluna Events
Venue | Greystone Castle Boulder
Photography | Cat Galletti
Videography | Reagan Lynn Films
Ceremony Musicians | Trading Post Productions
Floral Designer | The Perfect Petal
Tenting | Sperry Tents Colorado
Rentals | Colorado Party Rentals
Specialty Rentals | Hazel Grove Rentals
Specialty Linens | Nuage Designs
Invitations + Paper Goods | Line Avenue Calligraphy
Wedding DJ | The Get Down
Lebanese Dabke Music | Fusion Zaffa
Make-Up | Mooi Studio
Hair | Hayley Styles Hair
Photo Booth | Bamboo Booth
Restroom Trailers | Royal Restrooms
Transportation | Hermes Worldwide
Late Night Snack | Shake Shack
Bridal Gown | Maria Farbinni from L’Fay Bridal
Groom Suit | Ralph Lauren
Bridesmaid Dresses | Jenny Yoo NYC
Today we’d love for you to get to know Francesca! Francesca DeOrio is a native New Yorker who has worked in the hospitality industry for over a decade. Her background in hospitality management, restaurant operations and events coordination has honed her ability to multi-task her way through just about any project. Francesca and Calluna owner, Heather Dwight, first worked together when they collaborated on an event at The Kitchen Next Door. At the time, Francesca was the general manager and events planner. It was immediately evident that events managed by Francesca balanced good humor and positive thinking with innate problem-solving skills and a thorough eye for detail. Her extensive experience at The Kitchen restaurant group combined with her passionate enthusiasm for event and wedding planning makes Francesca a perfect addition to the Calluna Events team.
xo, Calluna
Photography | James and Schulze
What do you do to relax after a wedding is over?
Glass of wine and an Epson Salt Bath 😉
What is your favorite part of the planning process?
Floral Mock Up/Consult — its always when the vision truly comes alive!
What is your favorite reception song?
Can’t Stop The Feeling by Justin Timberlake
Favorite flower?
Ouuu … peonies and dahlia
One trend you are over seeing?
Rustic Chic …..
Photography (feature image) | Ashley Sawtelle
Our team has had some amazing weddings this fall, and we are thrilled to share highlights from one of our favorites. Thank you to our sweet couples and creative partners for working with us!
Xo,
Calluna
Cristina + John
This collaboration is one I’ll never forget, one in which our couple trusted us implicitly to understand their vision and then gave their creative team full and complete freedom to create. We are so very honored to know Cristina and John and to have witnessed their marriage ceremony. It’s hard to show in a single photo or with words the beautiful experience their wedding was.
Their prayer circle was one of our favorite design ideas to date and we were honored that Cristina and John trusted us with it. The design intention was this…when Cristina and John came to us looking for a venue they originally wanted to get married in nature, surrounded by trees.
They’ve traveled extensively in South Africa, Brazil and John has Irish heritage so being surrounded by nature for their ceremony was important to them. John proposed to Cristina on a trip to Africa in a prayer circle so I wanted to blend the trees, nature and the prayer circle and create a sacred space for them to share their vows. I knew without a doubt that the Eclectic Hive team would be able to help bring this vision to life and they of course captured the vision and took it to the next level! Jill from the Hive personally drove to Santa Fe to purchase the large entry door and the carved wood ceremony back drop.
Forty trees and bushes as well as carved wood and moss panels were brought in to delineate the circle itself. Bare Root Floral took the space to the next level with gorgeous, lush, white florals that transformed the space even more! The four directions were honored. Crystals from their travels were placed at the altar.
White lions and blue butterflies, important animals to them, were incorporated into the decor. They wanted it to feel intimate, sacred, magical, and honor elements they hold dear to their hearts. John blessed the space by burning sage and with ritual.
When I walked Cristina into the space, she stopped at the end of the aisle and hesitated. I’ve never seen a bride have such an inward and profound reaction to a space we’ve created. It was beautiful to witness! With tears in her eyes and a grateful heart she said the space felt blessed and sacred and so special.
All the other elements of the day were so thoughtful and intentional. From the stationery by Jolie + Co to the South African wine tasting bar, there were elements throughout the wedding that really spoke to who they are as a couple.
Vendor Love
Photography team | James and Schulze
Florals | Bare Root Flora
Decor + incredible ceremony circle | Eclectic Hive Event Design
Wedding gown | BERTA from Anna Be
Hair | Andres Mendoza
Makeup | Jessica Shinyeda
Table decor | Yonder Floral + Decor House
Rentals | Event Rents
Venue | Lone Hawk Farm
Stationery + day paper goods | Jolie & Co.
Catering | Blackbelly
Cinematography team | Velare
Cake | Shamane’s Bake Shoppe
Wedding musicians | Mark Diamond
After party band | Rocky Mountain Grateful Dead Revue
After party desserts | Kim and Jake’s
Karen + Jeff had such a fun, welcoming vision for their wedding weekend and we absolutely loved being a part of the planning! Their venue was Brush Creek Ranch in Southwest Wyoming and it’s been a dream of ours for some time to work with them on a wedding. Set on 30,000 pristine private acres in the heart of the Platte River Valley and it offers guests the opportunity to experience the grandeur and adventure of the American West in sophisticated style. This luxury dude ranch provides an authentic taste of the best of the West where no detail is overlooked, the service was exceptional and guests are treated to the best wedding weekend!
[Photo by Otto Schulze Photographers]
A majority of guests arrived Thursday and enjoyed dinner and drinks at the Chuck Wagon. An old style saloon provided libations and games such as shuffleboard and pool. Guests wore western attire that really added to the atmosphere of fun! Never a shortage of s’mores, the property hosted numerous fire pits with all the accoutrements for s’mores. On Friday, guests had access to participate in various activities such as fly fishing, hiking, horseback riding, a ropes course, yoga and shooting guns at the gun range. There was not a single detail went unnoticed by the Brush Creek Ranch staff.
The Friday evening rehearsal dinner took place at Creekside, right along the Brush Creek. Guests were shuttled down to the river where they were greeted with a few signature cocktail options – a Moscow Mule and the choice of red or white wine. At the site, guests listened to bluegrass melodies from Masontown while they enjoyed a delicious dinner straight off of the grill and participated in activities like cattle wrangling, hatchet throwing and horseshoes.
The Saturday ceremony couldn’t have been more picturesque. The bride was stunning in a beautiful Jinza gown while the groom looked dapper in a navy suit. Karen’s bouquet from Perfect Petal was absolutely breathtaking!
The wind didn’t distract from the day and the clouds opened up just in time for the couple’s incredibly heartfelt vows. Guests then mingled at the main Lodge to enjoy libations and hors d’oeuvres at the cocktail hour.
Dinner was provided in the main lodge and guests dined on courses prepared by the incredible Brush Creek Ranch chefs. The calligraphy and paper goods provided by Whimsy Design Studio complimented the florals and table decor from The Perfect Petal.
A sparkler sendoff after the reception lead guests into the barn for some dancing and cocktails. Late night snacks of sliders, gourmet tator tots and an ice-cream bar were provided by the ranch, while tunes from Diamond Empire filled the barn.
[Photo from Otto Schulze Photographers]
Thank you so much to Karen and Jeff for having us help with your special day! You truly made the experience unforgettable! Another huge thanks goes out to Brush Creek Ranch and the amazing and attentive staff. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Enjoy these teaser photos from our iPhones and a few snaps from Otto and Steve. We are so excited to see the rest of the photos from the incredibly talented Otto Schulze and Steve Stanton!
Vendor Love: Venue: Brush Creek Ranch | Catering: Brush Creek Ranch | Photography: Otto Schulze Photography | Florals: The Perfect Petal | Paper goods and Calligraphy: Whimsy Design Studio | Wedding Dress Designer: Jinza Couture Bridal | Rehearsal Dinner Musicans: Masontown | Ceremony, Cocktail Hour and Reception Musicians: Diamond Empire | Program and Welcome Bag Inserts: The Envelope Please
Carrie + Brice tied the knot in late summer of last year. Their ceremony was held at First Presbyterian church in Boulder followed by the reception at the Boulder Theater. Their reception at Boulder Theater was one to remember! With giant marquee lights spelling out the word LOVE, a cozy dinner with friends and family to celebrate this couple coming together, all tied in with a live band at the end of the evening – we couldn’t have asked for a better way for Carrie + Brice to celebrate their love for each other! Carrie was an absolute vision on her special day and looked fabulous in her elegant wedding dress. We are over the moon to have received the real deal photos from Pamela Luedeke Photography. Take a moment to check them out and see how truly special Carrie + Brice’s wedding was! xx, Calluna
:: Vendor Love ::
Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Rembrandt Yard | Ceremony Venue: First Presbyterian Church | Reception Site: Boulder Theater | Catering: Footers Catering | Floral + Decor: A Florae | Photographer: Pamela Luedeke Photography | Band: Moses Jones Band | Videographer: All Digital Video | Officiant: Mike Holmes | Rentals: All Events | Lighting Designer: Lighting and Design by Scott | Hair Stylist + Make Up Artist: Kimberly Jenkins
It is with great excitement that we introduce you to the newest member of the Calluna Events team. We met and worked with Kaylee in her last event planning position at a Denver venue. Kaylee has a passion for the event industry, is a talented photographer, has a creative and stylish eye, as well as a background in marketing & design, all assets that make for a great event planner! We are thrilled to add Kaylee to our expanding team and look forward to incredible things to come! Keep reading to learn more!
Kaylee Maresh came to Calluna Events with an extensive background in the Event, Marketing and Design industry. A native of South Dakota, her love for the wedding industry first blossomed when she interned for Jenna Walker and Katie Thurmes of Jenna Walker Photographers. In an effort to satisfy her love for events, she later took on a position with a Denver-based Event Production company and assisted with events such as the Park City Food & Wine Classic, Steamboat Wine Festival, and the Taste of Fort Collins. After graduating from South Dakota State University, she moved to Denver and continued in the festival world and then transitioned in the venue world.
What wedding trends are you loving?
I’m a huge fan of incorporating elements into the day that help narrate the Bride and Groom’s story. It’s all in the details! Did you first flirt over burgers and fries at the neighborhood pub? Add some gourmet sliders and frites to your cocktail hour menu. It’s a subtle way to share a sweet love tale.
I also love how more brides are opting for the long, family style tables. They provide an intimate, cozy atmosphere that allows guests to get together as if they were having dinner with their closets friends.
What do you do in your spare time?
I’m a creative person by nature so I look for things that entertain that side of me. I’m a blogger, a photographer, and a foodie. I am a cofounder and contributor of The Collaboration Blog – a lifestyle blog that details the musings of four friends with a love for adventure, celebrations, and style.
What’s next on your bucket list?
This may sound a little crazy, but I plan on swimming with sharks. They terrify me! My girlfriends and I plan a bucket list trip for each other’s birthday each year. Two years ago we bungee jumped in LA. Last year we stayed in a treehouse in Seattle (Treehouse Masters, anyone?). This year, it’s my turn – so shark diving here we come. I’m all about testing my personal limits.
What advice do you have for someone interested in getting into the event industry?
I encourage those interested in the industry to take on an internship. It’s a lot of hard work, and an internship is a good way to test your abilities and drive for the industry. Also, be kind to everyone you meet. The event industry is a very small world, and you can really make strides by the relationships you develop. I met Heather when I was working at a venue in Denver and I couldn’t be more grateful for the relationship.
Keep up with Kaylee on her Instagram!
Read about Kaylee here on our staff page!
Every year, we sit down to write our end of year recap and we can’t imagine it could be better than the last recap but it always is. We are grateful for the work we are able to do each and every day for our clients and with the incredibly talented wedding & event community in Colorado. We are continually inspired, challenged, and motivated to do incredible things and be the best we can be!
Once again we are thrilled to say we have more events on the books than ever before going into the New Year, and a couple weddings booked for 2017 even. We also have some exciting things planned for 2016! We can’t wait to share! 2015 marked our 12th year in business and we are humbled and ever so grateful that we continue to be a part of the wonderful world of events.
2015 was an exciting year for Calluna Events and we are honored to share our incredible highlights with you!
Our Work:
The Applause:
Calluna Events in the wedding world:
Enjoy some highlights from this year!
| James Christianson Photography |
| Laura Murray Photography, James Christianson Photography |
| Jennifer Ballard Photography |
| Tess Pace Photography, Dawn Sparks Photography |
| Rebecca Caridad from Manzanita |
| Steve Stanton Photography |
| Laura Murray Photography |
| Emily Sacco Photography |
| James Christianson Photography |
| Tess Pace Photography |
| Matthew Speck Photography |
| Jason and Gina Photographers |
| Dawn Sparks Photography |
| Matthew Speck Photography |
| Kmulhern Photography |
| Calluna Events’ iPhone Photos |
| Feature Photo: Emily Sacco Photography |
