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 Suze at Gray Duck Gifts!
Cheers! Xo, Calluna
Describe what you do!
Gray Duck Gifts specializes in creating highly personalized and curated gift boxes for every occasion. Each box is creatively sourced, thoughtfully designed and beautifully packaged.
We take the time to build the perfect gift box so you don’t have to. It’s gift giving at its finest: innovative, memorable and totally stress-free!
What is your idea of a dream project?
I’ve been dying to do a fun high-end outdoor adventurer theme with personalized leather travel tags, custom bandanas, fly fishing gear (the colorful fly ties are to die for!), rustic details, and so much more. There’s nothing better for a Colorado nature-loving couple!
What is your favorite part of any wedding?
I love the buildup to the wedding and working with amazing vendors in our industry who have the creativity and talent to put together these incredible events. We’re generally on site during set up and installation so we have the opportunity to see the space as it’s being transformed into the couples dream venue.
What does your morning routine look like?
Most mornings I wake up between 7-7:30. I make my to-do list the night before, but when I wake up I choose my three main goals for the day and I block out time in my day to get them done. Then I hop in the shower and take my breakfast to go. If I’m having a slow morning or I can’t pass up the sun shining outside, I’ll walk down to my favorite coffee shop, The Tokyo Premium Bakery, for a houjicha latte. Once I get to the office, I spend a few minutes chatting with the gals I share the space with, and get to work.
What are some of your favorite trends that you are seeing?
Weddings rooted in sustainability are on the rise and we are here for it. Low and no-waste packaging, reusable vessels, and consumable products are some of our favorite gift trends we’re seeing in 2020.
What advice would you give to a younger you?
Be honest and be true to who you are. Don’t worry too much about a decision you have to make, just do what feels right. Focus on one thing at a time. You can have it all, but not all at once. And if you can’t keep focus, you might not achieve anything you set out to. Say what you mean and mean what you say. And never, ever get bangs, they never turn out like you imagine.
What do you like to do when you’re away from work?
In my free time I try to unplug and recharge as much as I can and I’m happiest surrounded by friends and family. I’m an avid reader and travel enthusiast- 43 states, 26 countries, 4 continents and counting- and recently I set up my first backyard beehive!
What is your favorite cocktail, or what are you drinking tonight?
I’ve only got four requirements that a cocktail be- light, refreshing, seasonal and sweet. Any combination of clear liquor, fresh fruit puree, bubbles and a fresh herb garnish is always a hit in my book.
Follow Gray Duck Gifts on Instagram!
Photos by | Decorus Photography
Photos by | Basecamp Visual
Feature Photo by | Gray Duck Gifts
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 Kelly at Colorado Party Rentals!
Cheers! Xo, Calluna
Describe what you do!
CPR provides rentals, from tents and tabletop items, to lounges, linens, (and more!) for special events of all styles and budgets. We deliver throughout Colorado, and have recently traveled into Wyoming, Idaho, and Nebraska. 2019 saw the opening of a new branch in Sante Fe, New Mexico, as well with a mountain branch on the horizon. On top of assisting with rental needs, our diverse staff, including former wedding planners, sommeliers, and catering leads, can assist with design and event questions to ensure all your bases are covered. Looking for a special service or product? Please don’t hesitate to ask!
What is your idea of a dream project?
My dream project includes collaboration with innovative and creative vendors and a trusting client who wants to do something outside of the ‘norm’! Destination events couldn’t hurt either!
What has been your favorite wedding that you have worked, or attended?
I attended a wedding at a private home in Fort Collins owned by the bride’s family, who also owned a number of local nurseries, so the grounds were pristine and inspired! The reception was in a gorgeous tent – and no personalized detail was left untouched. While the wedding was grand, it still felt intimate and rooted – very much focused on family, tradition, and guest experience.
What does your morning routine look like?
Coffee, dog snuggles, and more coffee!
What are some of your favorite trends that you are seeing?
Texture, bringing the outside in, offbeat venues, and inclusivity.
What advice would you give to a younger you?
You don’t have to know what you want to be so young! Let yourself explore your passions. Create opportunities to grow and learn.
What makes you excited to go to work in the morning?
CPR is growing so quickly – expanding our offerings and services so the challenge of constantly bettering our processes is right up my alley! I love any opportunity to be creative and help refine a client’s vision (our expanded lounge offerings are really giving me heart eyes).
What is your favorite cocktail, or what are you drinking tonight?
A smoky old fashioned, or a glass of Beaujolais!
Follow Colorado Party Rentals on Instagram!
Here are just a few pictures of the amazing rentals CPR provides!
Photo by | Tamara Gruner Photography
Photo & Featured Photo by | Mary Meck Weddings
Photo by | Rachel Havel
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 Dana at Mannequin The Band!
Cheers! Xo, Calluna
Describe what you do!
Mannequin creates an atmosphere for celebration and dancing! With our music selections, attention to the dance floor, and band chemistry, we create a live music experience for luxury destination weddings.
What is your idea of a dream project?
We have been to Cabo San Lucas and even as far as Hong Kong to create amazing parties for a charity galas, destination weddings, and corporate events. As much as we love to travel, nothing compares to a mountaintop party in our very own beautiful Colorado. Our dream projects always involve a beautiful stage and a crowd who knows how to party!
What has been your favorite wedding that you have worked, or attended?
We did the most amazing wedding in Steamboat Springs with Calluna in 2018 for Ali and Paul. The couple was so down to earth and fun, and Calluna’s overall management and design set us up to create the most unforgettable dance party!
What does your morning routine look like?
What’s a routine? Just kidding. I am married to an entrepreneur and world traveler, we have a four year old firecracker of a daughter, and I perform in different cities and states every weekend. I oversee all the bookings, artistic direction and marketing for Mannequin as well as (in more recent news) producing other live entertainment acts as well. With all that said, every morning looks a little different.
What are some of your favorite trends that you are seeing?
I love seeing when couples choose to use the band for the whole evening. Having us invite everyone into the reception room with upbeat music, providing a classy dinner performance with background music for your guests, then going right into the nonstop dance portion of the evening. In addition to using the band for the whole evening, investing in a beautiful stage with flowers and facade is a trend we are totally in to!
What advice would you give to a younger you?
Take more risks! Growing up as a performer and singer, I found myself putting my talent and career in the hands of someone else (director, manager, agent, etc). I was intimidated to do what I truly wanted: own a live entertainment company and embrace my entrepreneurial gifting. I love encouraging younger female singers to be bold and not shy away from male dominated industries and create the career they want.
What makes you excited to go to work in the morning?
Knowing that we are creating the most amazing live music experience for a crowd who is ready to party. For every performance, we provide the opportunity to forget your days troubles and focus on love and celebration. It is so important to remember we need let go and dance so hard our feet hurt the next day. Everything that goes into providing that experience (bookings, set lists, vocal warmups, marketing) is unto creating that environment for celebration.
What is your favorite cocktail, or what are you drinking tonight?
Tito’s Vodka or top shelf Tequila with lime (I’m a Texas girl). As for tonight? We’ll most likely pop open a bottle of champagne as we have some exciting news coming your way soon!
Follow Mannequin The Band on Instagram!
Here are a few pictures by Alp & Isle from Annie & Jared’s wedding earlier this year!
Feature Photo by Adonye Jaja
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 Heather at Sugar Pine Catering! Sugar Pine Catering’s presentation of their food is always beautiful and they provide delicious food of the highest quality with impeccable industrialized service. “We source the freshest ingredients whenever possible that come from sustainable and organic Colorado farms. All of our menu offerings are proudly made from scratch.”
Cheers! Xo, Calluna
Describe what you do!
I am ultimately responsible for ensuring every event goes off flawlessly. I love what I do so much that I don’t ever have to work a day in my life! It’s the people I get to work with every day. From our clients to our customers, each one of them brings something special to every event. I truly enjoy working in an industry and for a company that is so team driven. Everyone brings their own unique set of strengths and talents to the table and because of that, each event is brilliantly and creatively driven.
What is your idea of a dream project?
I work on my dream project every day. Between the variety of venues I work with and the variations of the same venue used for completely different events, I love the uniqueness of my work—no event is ever the same. From working on a small, intimate wedding to a large fundraiser, every event takes the same amount of care and dedication to get that “wow” factor that I love to be a part of. If we’re talking specific projects, I do love weddings. I think it’s humbling and awesome to be such a huge part of someone’s most important day. It’s incredibly special!
What has been your favorite wedding that you have worked, or attended?
It is hard to narrow down a favorite as they are all incredible and special in their own way. If I must pick one, I’d have to say a recent wedding at The St. Vrain Wedding and Event Venue. It never ceases to amaze how vendors in this industry merge together to create something amazing—especially this wedding! Yes, the venue, coordination, décor, food and service were great, but it was something else that made this wedding stand out. In reflection, it was simple—love in its rawest form. It’s difficult to articulate, but what we witnessed that day was an abundance of tears [of joy], laughter, gratitude and true, unfiltered bliss. You knew, without question, what you were witnessing was a couple who were each other’s favorite. Their favorite pair of eyes to look into. Their favorite name to see appear on their phones. Their favorite way to spend an afternoon. Their favorite everything!
What does your morning routine look like?
I wake up anywhere from 6:00 to 6:30 a.m. I turn on 9news and have a cup or two of coffee along with some yogurt and granola or oatmeal and berries. After that, I will either go on a run or workout at the Bar Method in Boulder. Then the fun begins with the possibility of surprise. No matter the work you do, I believe there should be the possibility of surprise. If that’s not happening, I recommend looking for another job or career. Or at least ask yourself, “Am I open and ready to be surprised by new challenges and opportunities?” Each day, I want to say, “Wow…I didn’t see coming!” Safety, boredom and complacency are my enemies.
What are some of your favorite trends that you are seeing?
It’s important for a caterer to not only know how to cook delicious food but also how to present it. That said, I’ve always believed you eat with your eyes. With social sharing, the camera now eats first. I want our clients and their guests to be amazed, taking pictures of every detail at their event. From the food to the décor and service, it should all be perfect—picture perfect!
With countless food trends out there, we stay true to our mission and vision by providing local and sustainable food coupled with impeccable, individualized service. The food shouldn’t just be a meal but, instead, should be an experience.
Also, we are particularly pleased to see people are more aware than ever of their impact on the earth, especially when it comes to their eating habits. In a recent article published by the James Beard Foundation, 40 percent of the food produced in the U.S. gets thrown away in a nation where one in six people go hungry. In that light, it has become imperative in the catering industry to truly understand this statistic in order to reduce excess food and human-made waste. We take great pride in properly estimating how much food is required to completely satisfy the total guest list without too much surplus. When there are leftovers, we encourage our clients to box up the food and take it home.
What advice would you give to a younger you?
Life goes by quickly. Most everything you worry about never happens. Dream more, worry less, and enjoy every day as if it were your last. Most importantly, remember you’re never too busy for fun!
What makes you excited to go to work in the morning?
The challenge—wondering how I’m going to pull something off. The best work I’ve ever done; I’ve never tried to do before. When a client asks me if I can do something, saying yes is the easy part. However, saying yes to something I’m not sure I’m talented or creative enough to do? Well, that’s something completely different. I’ve accepted those challenges I had no idea I could accomplish, and that’s something I wake up hoping to be challenged with every day.
What is your favorite cocktail, or what are you drinking tonight?
Call me old fashioned, but it has to be a Classic Old Fashioned!
Follow Sugar Pine Catering on Instagram!
Here are a few pictures from Christin + Bob’s wedding at Milston Well Farm of Sugar Pine Catering’s delicious passed appetizers!
Feature Photo Vendor Love:
Catering | Sugar Pine Catering
Rentals | Colorado Party Rentals
Florals | ReRoot Gardens
Featured photo | Calluna Events
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 Nate at Nate Shepard Photo! Nate’s passion for photography started in Asia, where he grew up! Since moving to Colorado, his photo opportunities expanded into the mountains and beyond.
“We live in a beautiful world with beautiful people, so my job is made easy for me.” – Nate Shepard
Cheers! Xo, Calluna
Describe what you do!
I am a wedding photographer for adventurous and intimate couples! Half my job is hiking in the mountains with couples and shooting their raw and genuine selves and capturing their love for each other. My work involves finding beautiful and unique locations, planning and working with other vendors, and building a new relationship with couples I’ve never met before.
What is your idea of a dream project?
I love travel! I grew up in Asia and my family and I were always on the go, so I tell people I grew up on a plane! My dream shoot would be an intimate wedding in a remote and gorgeous part of the world. This could be in Patagonia, Jordan, New Zealand, the Faroe Islands… I’ve got a long list of locations I’d love to explore with adventurous couples!
What has been your favorite wedding that you have worked, or attended?
My favorite wedding was last summer – Nate and Emily Flack’s wedding! It wasn’t the location or food that stood out to me… but rather the JOY that radiated that day. From crying with each other at the ceremony and endless cheers and laughter on the outdoor dance floor, the wedding was just fun. Emily and Nate treated me like a guest and friend and we just had the best time ever.
What does your morning routine look like?
I wake up at 5:30 in the morning, roll out on the side of my bed and spend some time in prayer. I follow that up with reading the Bible and other devotional books. I’ve found this to be a relaxing start to the morning and gives me a chance to mentally be reminded that I have a brand new day to work hard, love others, and bring glory to God who has blessed me in every way. I then take the dog for a run or go to the gym depending on the day. I do intermittent fasting so I typically skip breakfast and get right to work and learning new skills!
What are some of your favorite trends that you are seeing?
Hmmmm! I don’t know if it’s a trend, but I love any and all weddings that incorporate nature and elegant simplicity! I’m more drawn to a dance floor in the forest with lanterns strung overhead than to a fancy ballroom. In terms of a stylistic trend, I absolutely love all floral work, but the floral designs that draw my attention most incorporate nontraditional or exotic pieces. I’ve been so impressed with what brides and designers come up with!
What advice would you give to a younger you?
Don’t compare yourself to other photographers out there that are killing it! You can learn from them — don’t let comparison discourage you.
What makes you excited to go to work in the morning?
It is an honor to capture the joys at a weddingI I am grateful to have the opportunity to spread warmth and enthusiasm, as I really see wedding photography as such a special part of a couple’s relationship. Down the road, marriage can be tough and I want my photos to remind them of the joyful commitment they made to one other and remind them that they are in it for the journey – to love and build each other up!
What is your favorite cocktail, or what are you drinking tonight?
Oooooo how about some mango kombucha! 🙂
Follow Nate on Instagram and check out more of his work here!
Check out some beautiful photos of Liz + Chris’s wedding by Nate!
