Here at Calluna we are always looking for 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 want to show them off to you in our new Calluna Community Series! We will sit down with some of the fabulous vendors of Colorado and get to know about them, their business and what life is like behind the scenes. Stay tuned for more!
This week for Calluna Community we caught up with Annie at Flagstaff House Restaurant!
Cheers! Xo, Calluna
Describe what you do!
I am the event coordinator for the Flagstaff House which is a fine dining restaurant and event venue in Boulder. We are located on Flagstaff Mountain overlooking the city of Boulder and the Rockies, just a couple of miles from Pear Street. I plan everything from corporate events to weddings to everything in between! We host about 200 private events per year and I plan all the little details for our events and assist day-of with weddings as well.
What is your idea of a dream project?
My idea of a dream project would be a collaborative effort between myself and a team of skilled vendors to create the most perfect wedding. Luckily I get to live my dream project fairly often as we have such an amazing network of wedding and event professionals in the Boulder/Denver area! An event can be successful without added partners but when combining the minds of talented people it really exceeds expectations, making the event beyond perfect. I really love when I get to work with a design team to bring in new touches to our venue.
What is your favorite part of any wedding?
My favorite part of any wedding is doing a final check of our venue right before guests arrive. This is the moment when all of our hard work has finally materialized and I get to see all the details untouched before the festivities begin. That and the first kiss! I tear up every time.
What does your morning routine look like?
I am 100% a morning person and love to start my day with a routine. I make myself a matcha latte right away and read the news on the couch with my cat to start. If it’s warm enough outside I’ll go on a neighborhood jog, or if it’s a little chilly I will relax a little longer. Once I’m caffeinated I’ll head up to the Flagstaff House to get to work on emails and site tours.
What are some of your favorite trends that you are seeing?
I love seeing vibrant colors! I am excited to be seeing more color in weddings in addition to traditional muted tones. Pops in floral arrangements, color-specific signature drinks and fun tablescapes have me so excited. I also have been seeing smaller, more intimate guest lists which allow for a larger budget in food and décor which I fully stand behind.
What advice would you give to a younger you?
Life works out as it should. I unexpectedly moved to Colorado sight-unseen and it was the best thing that ever happened to me. Soon after moving I was hired at the Flagstaff House as a craigslist hire hostess, which unknowingly then put me on track for my dream career. The younger me stressed too much about creating correct paths in life, which is important to some extent, but life works out pretty well when you just let go a little.
What do you like to do when you’re away from work?
I have a hard time sitting still for too long, so I am usually filling my free time with skiing, yoga, mountain biking, or whatever activity the weather allows me to do! I am also a great financial contributor to the Boulder/Denver area restaurants because I love to go out to eat more than anything.
What is your favorite cocktail, or what are you drinking tonight?
No alcohol for me, so I love when a restaurant has a great alternative drink list. Lately I’ve been mixing up a little bit of orange juice, a lot of ginger kombucha, and a splash of cranberry juice. So tasty and helps keep my immune system in check during the winter!
Follow Flagstaff House Restaurant on Instagram!
Check out some photos from Shannon + Luke’s wedding here a couple years ago! We can’t wait to be back at Flagstaff later this year for another wedding!
Photos by | James & Schulze
Florals | The Perfect Petal
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
Vendor Love
Event Design: Eclectic Hive | Reception Venue, Catering & Cake: The St. Julien Hotel and Spa | Bride’s Dress: Rivini | Hair: Andres Mendoza | Makeup: Jessica Shinyeda | Groom’s Attire: J. Hilburn | Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: Blue Nile | Floral Design: Bare Root Flora | Paper Products: The Inviting Pear | Calligraphy: Be Sweet Ink | Rentals: Event Rent, All Events | Lighting Design: LMD Productions | Photography: Jodee Debes
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
