This past weekend we had the pleasure of watching Emily + Michael’s wedding unfold in complete perfection. It turned out even better than we had envisioned. Their wedding was one of those show-stopping, jaw-dropping, too good to be true, “can we relive that wedding again?” type of weddings! We know, that may seem a little extreme, BUT it truly was that and much much more! Everything from all of the decor elements to the couple themselves was truly a treat to work with and to see come together!
Let’s start off with the decor items. It was the collaboration of a lifetime! To put it simply, it was a #dreamteam effort that came together seamlessly to bring the vision to life. We had the amazing Jill with Eclectic Hive, Stephanie with Lalé Florals, Gretchen with Yonder Floral & Decor House, and Meagan with Whimsy Design Studio working closely together and each bringing amazing items to the table that completed the look we were striving for!
The ceremony took place on the front lawn of The Manor House overlooking the breathtaking Colorado landscape. It was a sweet ceremony between Emily + Michael, and our first wedding to incorporate sign language since our wonderful groom and some of his friends and family are deaf. It was a truly special moment watching Emily + Michael say their forever vows by signing them to each other!
After the ceremony the cocktail hour took place. Guest were greeted by a bouncy castle, yes – you heard that right. A bouncy castle! To compliment the bouncy castle, there were an array of amazing seating vignettes, a life size Connect Four, a giant Jenga set, and four large air star lights set out on the lawn behind The Manor house – which overlooks both Red Rocks Amphitheater and downtown Denver.
As cocktail hour concluded, we parted the garland-lined curtains to unveil the gorgeous reception area! Guests found their seats by looking at the custom made acrylic disc escort cards created by Whimsy Design Studio. They made their way into a room that was dripping in greenery, and gorgeous florals, with hints of gold and adorned by candlelight. Before guests had a chance to sit down, Emily + Michael shared their first dance with Soul School singing a cover to Prince’s song 1999! And of course, Emily + Michael so sweetly encouraged all their family and friends to come up and dance with them during it!
As guests found their way to their seats, they were greeted with a three course decadent meal which included a dual entree of fried chicken and waffles and steak topped with bacon bits. Yum! The guests were able to satisfy their sweet tooth with a choice of Fruity Pebbles cake or chocolate malt cake made by Katy with Sugar Breck!
The rest of the evening was spent with the guests enjoying the sound of Soul School and the perfect temperatures outside where guests took full advantage of all the seating vignettes! It was a night to remember and one that we will surely cherish forever!
We can’t hardly wait to see all the pretty captured by Ali from Ali Vagnini Weddings, but until then enjoy some snaps that were captured during the day with our iPhones! xx, Calluna
:: Vendor Love::
Ceremony + Reception Venue: The Manor House | Catering: A Perfect Bite | Cake: Sugar Breck | Floral: Lalê Florals | Ceremony + Cocktail Musicians: Beth Wilburger | Photographer: Ali Vagnini Weddings | Photo Booth: Magbooth | Videographer: Forget Me Knot | Band: Soul School | Transportation Service: Presidential Worldwide + Foothills Limo | Officiant: Mark Hagerman | Rentals: All Well, Nüage Designs, Charming Chairs, + Yonder House | Decor: Eclectic Hive | Signage: Whimsy Design Studio | Lighting: Fastlane Productions | Hair Stylist: Andy Mendoza | Make Up Artist: Alchemy Face Bar | Paper Goods: Smokeproof Press | Bouncy Castle: Blaster Bouncer | Wedding Dress: Felice – Leanne
We were over the moon to share some sneak peek photos from Jessica + James’ showstopping Aspen wedding earlier this year.
Lucky for us, we now have the pleasure of sharing all the photos from that magical day! Everything from the rich blue hues throughout the entire wedding to the marvelous bride in her jaw dropping Amsale dress had our hearts aflutter. Simply put, this wedding was the perfect wedding fairytale with a modern twist, and we felt oh so lucky to be a part of such a beautiful day! If you have not had enough of Jessica + James, head over to our portfolio to see more! xx, Calluna
:: Vendor Love::
Photography: Matt Speck | Venue: Aspen Art Museum | Floral + Styling: Prema | Catering: Epicure | Band: Swing je t’aime | DJ: Starkey Productions | Calligraphy: Manzanita | Gold flatware + blue cut glasses: Yonder | Custom napkins: Peartree Rentals | Wedding Dress: Amsale
We just wanted to take a moment to reflect on a beautiful past wedding this weekend. We had the privilege of assisting with Cord + Kelly’s magical celebration this past weekend – although they were certainly the brain of all elements, including the bonfire ritual ceremony. We love this couple and can proudly say this was our first gay wedding of the year!
Thank to you all of the fabulous vendors who brought this special wedding to life – Alison Vagnini of Alison Vagnini Photography for capturing the moments (including the one here), Eclectic Hive and Perfect Petal for bringing the look to life, and Linda Hampsten for nourishing us all with the finest food and drink we have had in a very long time. And, thank you to the State of Colorado for letting everyone love whom they choose – this couple is made for each other. Next step, same-sex marriage!
We are feeling very grateful! For more photos from this wedding, please check out of Facebook page here.
xx, Calluna Events
Thanks to Jason+Gina Wedding Photographers for sharing these lovely pictures from our end of June wedding with Kelsie & Xyrus.
Kelsie + Xyrus met for the first time in Benson Science Classroom #185 on the campus of the University of Colorado Boulder. So of course it made sense to set up their “first look” in the same very classroom where they met for their late June Colorado wedding! Xyrus waited patiently and Kelsie surprised him, taking them back in history to their first meeting. Stay tuned for more photos of this lovely couple! Special thanks to Jason + Gina Photography for capturing the day so well!
Thank you to all our vendors from the day! St. Julien Hotel, KHodge Films, Pink Monkey Solutions, European Flower Shop, Tee & Cakes, DJ Jahsonic, Mile High Pedi-cabs, All Events Rentals, The Face Lab, Andres Mendoza, Splendor for your Guests, CU Campus (various people), Foothills Limo, The Envelope Please.
We have a lot of favorites, but our Top 10 Colorado Mountain Wedding Venues for 2013 are favorites for a reason. Some of the most stunning venues in the world are located just a hop, skip, and jump away from us here in Boulder, Colorado. As Colorado-based wedding planners, we wanted to share our absolute favorite Colorado mountain wedding venues with you for the upcoming wedding season:
1. Beano’s Cabin, Beaver Creek, CO
Amazing cuisine, well-chosen wines, impeccable service, and a unique transportation option to the restaurant have made Beano’s Cabin a favorite destination for years. In the winter, the only way to get up to Beano’s Cabin is by an open air sleigh ride (boo hoo). See one of our fabulous Beano’s weddings here. Beano’s is also perfect for rehearsal dinners,birthday parties, and anything else worth celebrating!
2. Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa, Tabernash, CO
Ahhh, Devil’s Thumb Ranch weddings are a thing of beauty. Devil’s Thumb Ranch is a highly regarded and environmentally friendly year-round Ranch resort and spa offering rustically upscale accommodations, fine dining and an array of winter and summer outdoor and wilderness recreation activities. Since 1938, guests have enjoyed the restorative and relaxing features of the Ranch for their quick get aways, vacations, corporate retreats, family reunions and weddings. 5,000 acres of pure beauty at the foot of the Continental Divide.
3. Beaver Creek Wedding Deck + Vail Wedding Deck , Beaver Creek, CO + Vail, CO
Mother Nature provides a stunning backdrop for unique Beaver Creek + Vail weddings at these perfectly rustic, yet elegant wedding decks overlooking the Gore Range. Large parties, intimate ceremonies, and adventurous couples find these decks to be the perfect place for their “I Do’s”. Our very own Jolene (and her husband Chad) were the first couple to hold their outdoor ceremony at Beaver Creek’s wedding deck. See stunning fall photos here.
4. Crooked Willow Farm, Larkspur, CO
Crooked Willow Farms The Venue is conveniently located 30 minutes South of Denver and delivers an exceptional experience! A Bridal suite specifically designed to accommodate all bridal party needs can be found steps from the ceremony. A dedicated grooms’ area delivers expected and unexpected amenities! Host your ceremony inside or outside, dance the night away under the market lights and stars in the Courtyard or enjoy the elegance of the Ballroom. Lola’s Loft, the upper level of the1920’s barn, is an ideal area for a post reception party! So many ways to customize your celebration, you design it and Calluna Events can bring it to life. The perfection combination of luxury and authenticity.
5. Della Terra Mountain Chateau, Estes Park, CO
Breathtakingly suspended in the Rocky Mountains, Della Terra provides a majestic mountain experience. Della Terra is located above Estes Park at the Fall River entrance to the Colorado Rocky Mountain National Park. The Chateau rests at the top of the wooded acreage, surrounded by untouched nature, overlooking the southern valley and the western continental divide across a sea of pines, tucked below granite cliffs. This is a place where natural beauty and romantic design come together to create the perfect secluded mountain venue for your wedding ceremony and reception. Della Terra hosts one wedding at a time to ensure an exclusive, intimate experience. See one of our favorite Calluna Events mountain wedding here.
6. Spruce Mountain Ranch, Larkspur, CO
What could be a more fitting location to host your momentous wedding occasion than the historic, and sophisticated Spruce Mountain? Spruce Mountain Ranch is a privately owned, beautifully landscaped, 400 acre property, which is all yours for your wedding day. Spruce Mountain offers an impressive collection of wedding ceremony and reception locations expressing true Colorado style, with magnificent hand-crafted detail, state of the art modern conveniences, as well as indoor/outdoor capabilities, sure to enchant your memories forever.
7. Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch, Bachelor Gulch, CO
Just one look at this awe-inspiring log cabin, and you are sold. This luxury Beaver Creek hotel in the Vail Valley pairs dynamic wedding venues with impeccable service and attention to detail. With the majestic Beaver Creek Mountains and spectacular Vail Valley creating a picturesque scene, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is the ideal location for destination weddings. Offering both indoor and outdoor reception and ceremony venues, including a mountainside Beaver Creek Chapel, this is a one-of-a-kind wedding location. See our spectacular wedding here.
8. Four Seasons Vail, Vail, CO
Brand new to the colorado mountain wedding venue scene, the Four Seasons, Vail is already a contemporary landmark luxury hotel graced with European flair. Outside, peaked roofs draw their inspiration from the Gore mountain range, while inside, a light-filled ambience beckons. The mountain is steps away and the options for ceremonies and receptions within the Four Season are many. Whether you envision understated elegance or the ultimate in sophistication, the Four Season ensures every detail will be carefully orchestrated to ensure a flawless experience.
9. Pine Creek Cookhouse, Aspen, CO
Located 11 miles outside Aspen at the base of the Elk Mountain range the Ashcroft Ski Touring cross-country area has over 35 km of groomed trails. At the heart of the area, the Pine Creek Cookhouse is the premier Aspen wedding venue for foodies and adventure-seeking couples. Originally built in 1971 and destroyed by fire in April 2003, the Pine Creek Cookhouse—spectacularly re-created as an authentic log cabin of native Colorado logs— once again delights diners with unique mountain gourmet cuisine. Guests leave their cars behind at the historic Ghost Town of Ashcroft to cross country ski, snowshoe, or ride the horse drawn sleigh to the Cookhouse. One of Calluna’s good friends and favorite authentic wedding of 2012 can be seen here.
10. Westin Riverfront Resort + Spa, Avon, CO
Located at the heart of the Vail Valley, the Westin Riverfront has been honored by Condé Nast Traveler as the #1 Western Resort for 2012. Additionally, it boasts direct access to Beaver Creek skiing, golf, year round activities, a gourmet signature modern restaurant, Cima, and our favorite 27,000-square foot rejuvenating Spa Anjali. This is not your typical hotel and is the place to experience total renewal. Calluna is proud to showcase this wedding at the Westin’s unique restaurant, Cima (then Avondale).
Thanks to our very creative + innovative friends at By Design Event Decor in Denver for creating our new favorite ceremony seating, these hand-crafted antique white wedding pews. Add these pews to any location for a stunning, one-of-kind rustic, yet elegant look. Available mid-April, put your request in NOW for these unique pieces… they will book up quickly! For more information, please contact our friend Dan Smith at By Design Event Decor at dan@bydesigneventdecor.com and follow them on Facebook here.
