Wed Magazine Fall and Winter 2015 by wedmag

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REAL WEDDINGS to inspire DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT:

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TELLURIDE $10.00 Fall / Winter 2015-2016

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High Altitude. High Fashion.

inside

Telluride 54 Experience scenic views unlike anywhere else in Colorado

CARRIAGE before

MARRIAGE 62 Why more couples are having babies before saying ‘I Do’

bring on the

DRAMA

114

Show-stopping wedding gowns that bring sexy back

in the

head

CLOUDS 128 A heavenly shoot at the Broadmoor’s Cloud Camp

departments 22 Editor’s Letter & Notes 25-28 News Dessert décor, upcoming trunk shows & more

30-42 Runway

The ultimate bridal runway guide

44 The Questionnaire

Reem Acra talks fashion and inspiration

46-47 The Lookbook 18

What to wear to winter weddings

48-50 Accessories

Statement jewelry takes center stage

52-53 Essay A bad bride’s advice Weddings 66- Real Inside the state’s chicest weddings 112

140- Tables inspired with stunning table 152 Get top design

154- Honeymoon 161 Say ‘Aloha’ to idyllic Maui 162 Well Wed

High Altitude. High Fashion.

Editor in Chief Allyson Reedy

Publisher Briar Schreiber

Art Director Courtney Mamuscia

Editorial Assistant Dana Lapinel

Marketing Assistant Valentina Auer

Photographers Studio JK, Custom Creations, Chad Chisholm, Ryan Bonneau, Dana Romanoff, Alpine Wedding, Travis Broxton, Hardy Klahold, Brinton Studios, Kate Holstein, James Moro

Copyright 2015 by Hip Elephant, LLC, All rights reserved. Wed is published twice a year. Reproduction without permission of Hip Elephant, LLC is prohibited. The information in this publication is believed to be accurate. However, Wed and Hip Elephant, LLC cannot and does not guarantee its accuracy. Wed and Hip Elephant, LLC cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods or services provided by advertisers or any other portion of this publication. Opinions expressed in the magazine and/or its advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Hip Elephant, LLC. All editorial images not specifically credited to a photographer are courtesy of the respective company and used with their permission.

wed-mag.com Facebook facebook.com/wedthemag Pinterest pinterest.com/wedthemag For advertising inquiries, please contact Briar@wed-mag.com.

FelicĂŠ bridal 3 2 0 1 e a s t 2 n d av e n u e , d e n v e r , c O | ( 3 0 3 ) 3 8 8 - 7 6 3 7 | F e l i c e B r i d a l . c O m

Editor’s Letter High Altitude. High Fashion.

t’s not often (or ever) that I begin a sentence with “Taylor Swift once said,” but here goes. Taylor Swift once said, “Every girl, every woman, has different priorities, different things that make them feel powerful or strong, or sexy, or special, or unique. It’s just so strange to think that we would all have the same triggers, the same priorities, and that we’d all have the same definitions of fun.” This perspective on individuality can be applied to style, choices and certainly weddings. Every woman, man, couple and love story is unique, and we at Wed try to celebrate those differences. Nowhere is that more apparent than in our Real Weddings section, where this issue features a glamorous urban wedding, a wild and free farm affair, our first bride-less nuptials and more, all side by side. Of course this is also true for one of our favorite subjects – fashion! Our runway report includes frilly, fairytale gowns, sultry, skin-baring silhouettes and (no, this isn’t an oxymoron) chic bridal suits. The trends this season are really all across the board, which is great news for brides-to-be – more options! Our photoshoot with the amazing Studio JK Photography, meanwhile, is all about drama. We’ve got beaded bodices, embellished mini-dresses, royal wedding-worthy trains and rock ‘n’ roll boleros. Whether the dresses match your style or not, we’re confident you’ll agree that it’s one of the most beautiful shoots we’ve run. And then there’s my favorite part of the magazine, the features section, where we get into real relationship issues and look beyond the wedding to the marriage itself. Carriage Before Marriage explores a choice that more women are making than ever before – having babies before walking down the aisle. Find out why one out of every two American moms are having a baby first and marrying later on page 62. Weddings can overwhelm with their seemingly endless choices, but that’s also what makes them so great. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase your singular relationship, style and the things most important to you to the people most important to you. Thanks, Taylor, for driving home the fact that our differences really are beautiful.

Allyson Reedy allyson@wed-mag.com

On the cover: Gown: HAYLEY PAIGE, $5,170; Ring: SARAH O., $2,100; Earrings: DUBLOS, $214

See for yourself why brides describe Little White Dress as the best bridal shop in Colorado.

P lan your visit wii us today!

Denver, Colorado â&#x20AC;˘ 303.814.8972 â&#x20AC;˘ LWDBridal.com Candice Benjamin Photography

news notes

from the wedding world

off

THE WALL After several years in the dessert industry, it occurred to Tiffany Rose Goodyear of Yours Truly Cupcake that all of her dessert displays were horizontal. Luckily, her creativity had hit the wall – literally. “In order to keep things fresh, I wanted to create displays that were eye-catching, interactive and had a wow-factor,” Goodyear says. And so the vertical dessert display was born. “We have attached everything from candy stations to macarons to shelves full of desserts like cupcakes and pie pops,” she says. These standup treats do double duty as clever reception décor, all while defying gravity. Sweet! Yours Truly Cupcake desserts; Studio JK Photography; Bella Calla Floral; Cort Furniture; Kate Spade dress

(Trunk)

Show-Offs If you have your sight set on a particular designer, mark your calendar for when these heavyweights come to town.

Galia Lahav

Sara Gabriel

Known for: Glamorous, sexy dresses with show-stopping detailing and illusion backs. Where: Little White Dress When: October 2-5, 2015 and January 22-24, 2016

Known for: Veiling and headpieces meticulously crafted from freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals. Where: Anna Bé and Blue Bridal When: October 23, 25 (Anna) and November 14 (Blue), 2015

Charlie Brear Known for: Contemporary takes on vintage glamour. Where: Little White Dress When: October 16-18, 2015

Lela Rose Known for: Juxtaposing refined elegance with modern whimsy. Where: Anna Bé When: October 23-24, 2015

Claire Pettibone Known for: Romantic, ultrafeminine silhouettes that marry a vintage feeling with modern style. Where: Little White Dress When: November 6-8, 2015

Leanne Marshall Known for: Light, flowing lines, feminine details and timeless sophistication. Where: Emma & Grace When: November 13-15, 2015

Tara LaTour Known for: Unique, ethereal gowns that are the essence of modern romanticism. Where: Anna Bé When: November 20-23, 2015

Truvelle Known for: Unconventional, modern designs made with the highest craftsmanship. Where: Emma & Grace When: November 21-22, 2015

Daalarna Known for: Romantic, sensual gowns made with alluring fabrics. Where: Emma & Grace When: December 3-15, 2015

Jenny Packham Known for: Sultry, oldHollywood dresses with luxurious beaded embellishment. Where: Little White Dress When: December 11-13, 2015 Clockwise From Left Monique Lhuillier, Galia Lahav, Liancarlo, Romona Keveza

News & Notes

Monique Lhuillier Known for: Sophisticated luxury

meets modern glamour. Where: Anna Bé When: December 18-20, 2015

Inbal Dror Known for: Exquisite masterpieces designed to fit and flatter the female form. Where: Felice Bridal When: January 8-10, 2016

Romona Keveza Couture Known for: The ultimate in couture

workmanship with unparalleled fit. Where: Felicé Bridal When: January 16-17, 2016

Berta

Kelly Faetanini

Known for: Artistic, avant garde designs with unbelievable fit. Where: Anna Bé When: January 8-10, 2016

Known for: Timeless designs with a Where: Emma & Grace When: January 15-23, 2016

Liancarlo

Hayley Paige

Known for: Classic dresses with

exquisite detailing. As designer Carlos Ramirez says, “I want people to remember how beautiful the bride was, not what a beautiful dress the bride wore.” Where: Little White Dress When: January 15-17, 2016

modern twist.

Known for: Effortlessly feminine

silhouettes with a touch of edginess. Where: Anna Bé When: February 5-7, 2016

Lea-Ann Belter Known for: Timeless bridal gowns for modern, professional women. Where: Felicé Bridal When: February 19-21, 2016

Matthew Christopher Known for: Modern elegance with

drama in every detail. Where: Little White Dress When: February 19-21, 2016

Watters Known for: Affordably-priced,

flattering gowns with a high level of design detail. Where: Anna Bé When: February 26-28, 2016

News & Notes

SOMETHING NEW

got you Covered The problem with renting tents for your big day is that they’re just so…blah. Enter Colorado’s Under the Sky Event Rental with their chic (yes, we just used ‘chic’ to describe a tent), luxury tents. The only company offering these distinctive, modern tents in the U.S., Under the Sky’s versatile tent options can fit more than 300 people in the atmospheric and inviting spaces. It’s a perfectly posh, perfectly customized pop-up venue for the couple who wants to take their wedding beyond blah. UnderTheSkyEventRental.com

OPENING

up the CREEK Cherry Creek North has long been a top shopping destination, and now it’s also set to become a major wedding destination with the opening of Venue 221 in early 2016. Venue 221 is an upscale, mid-century modern event center, perfect for hosting stylish weddings for up to 175 guests. To fit in with its well-polished neighbors, Venue 221 is being carefully designed by local artisans who understand the beauty and quality of midcentury era craftsmanship. Its modern décor will include warms woods, period-inspired lighting and a James Hardy handcrafted bar. Of course, this being Colorado and all, the outdoors are just as important as the stunning indoor space. With two levels of al fresco space and a heated patio, glamorous affairs get a hit of fresh air. Venue221.com Photo by Studio 10 Interior Design

TRUST US we

all

Scream 28

Photography by Lisa O’Dwyer

Take two cookies, slap a scoop of gourmet, allnatural ice cream in between them and you kind of have the best thing ever. Peteybird Uniquely Crafted Ice Cream Sandwiches are a tasty (and pretty) addition to wedding receptions, and their small size makes them easily edible, even in black tie. Favorite flavor combinations include graham cracker & maple bourbon, salted sugar & strawberry and the crazy-addictive brownie & sea salt caramel. We can’t think of a better way to cool off after burning up the dance floor. Peteybird.com

WE SPECIALIZE IN THE DRAMATIC

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stuck

ON YOU

AppliquĂŠ embellishments add texture and depth with 3-D flair.

Runway

(from left to right) Angel Sanchez Jenny Packham Marchesa Austin Scarlett Theia 31 Vera Wang

suit

YOURSELF

A chic alternative for the bride who wears the pants in the relationship.

(from left to right) Carolina Herrera Angel Sanchez Theia Houghton Naeem Khan

1500 S. Pearl Street

Denver, Colorado 80210

303.777.7515

shopmelandmad.com

Brands We Carry 360 Sweater, AG Denim, Aspen True Jewelry , Black Halo, Bloom Jewelry, Blue LIfe, Current Elliott, Ella Moss, Joie, Karina Grimaldi, L Space, Mother Denim, Parker, Rails, Rory Beca, Show me your Mumu, Splendid, Velvet, Wilt, Wonderland Sunglasses and many more. 33

in the

NUDE

Creamy neutrals were a welcome update to traditional white on Spring 2016 runways.

Runway

(from left to right) J. Mendel Anne Barge Galia Lahav Monique Lhuillier Isabelle Armstrong 35 Mira Zwillinger

sure-fire

SHEATHS

Ballgown too princess-y? Mermaid too sexpot? The body-skimming column dress might be your happy medium.

Runway

(from left to right) Amsale Charlie Brear Liancarlo Elizabeth Fillmore Temperley 37 Oscar de la Renta

thighâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

THE LIMIT

Show some leg with up-to-there slits that would make Angelina Jolie proud.

(from left to right) Mira Zwillinger Galia Lahav Mira Zwillinger Victoria Kyriakides Galia Lahav

ordinary becomes extraordinary

720 320 3449 info@undertheskyeventrental.com undertheskyeventrental.com

over exposure

Runway

From sweet sensuality to full-on underwear as outerwear, these dresses are sheer beauties.

(from left to right) Galia Lahav Houghton Reem Acra Tony Ward for Kleinfeld Verg Wang Vera Wang 41

ruffle your

FEATHERS

Light as a, well â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you know, feathers add heavy drama.

(from left to right) Kelly Faetinini Isabelle Armstrong Lela Rose Jenny Packham Carolina Herrera

Make It Memorable Cherry Creek 303.320.6012 • County Line Road 303.768.9551 www.antoineduchez.com Chelsea Garcia, Antoine du Chez Cherry Creek • Lucky Malone Photography • Bello & Blue Events Mari Ellsasser, Makeup Artist • A Design Resource • d’Anelli Bridal Special Occasion and Tuxedo

Reem Acra, famous for her ethereal bridal gowns and

impeccable European glamour, talks with us about her big break, passing down wedding dresses

& What was the first big fashion moment of your life? I have always been fascinated with fashion. When I was in college, I created a gown from my motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tablecloth and wore it to a party. A fashion editor saw me in the dress and offered to host a fashion show for me. That was the beginning.

When were you most happy? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m most happy when I am surrounded by friends and family.

What is your greatest fear? I try not to focus on fear- it can keep you from discovering.

Who are your favorite designers? I am very supportive of the younger generation of designers and am amazed at their work ethic and dedication. They will need it to succeed in this industry!

the next generation of designers.

The Questionnaire

!What’s your favorite wedding

gown of all time? I created a wedding dress for a friend who was getting married in 1997- this was the start of my bridal career. I won’t say it is my favorite wedding gown, but it certainly is the most significant.

Who is your dream celebrity to design a wedding dress for? Anyone willing to take a risk and be bold is a dream to design for.

Describe the current state of bridal fashion. I try not follow trends or fads.

Mothers passing down wedding gowns to their daughters: yay or nay? Yay, if and only if the daughter truly wants to wear the dress on her wedding day.

Where do you look when you need inspiration? I love to travel and find inspiration in my trips abroad.

What is your favorite part of attending a wedding? Watching two people join their lives together. It’s a magical sight to witness.

Princess Bride or The Wedding Singer? Princess Bride

The Rolling Stones or the Beatles? The Rolling Stones

What is your motto? Create beyond your limit.

Looks from Reem Acra 2016 Collection

What to Wear

KATE SPADE earrings

How to dress for winter weddings.

PAMELA LOVE necklace

edgy on the

TOWN

Make a daring statement.

GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI evening sandal

Altuzarra, photo by Yannis Vlamos

AMBER SCEATS hair comb

fall in love with

FLORAL

Feminine, romantic and beautiful. DECORATION OF INDEPENDENCE belt

L.K. BENNETT clutch

STUART WEITZMAN booties

Oscar de la Renta, photo by Yannis Vlamos

NARVIA earrings

make a

STATEMENT Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your day to be the center of attention. Make it count with bold, standout pieces.

6 1. HARRY WINSTON 1.4 carat diamond and platinum ring, price upon request 2. HARRY WINSTON 6.34 carat diamond and platinum bracelet, price upon request 3. HARRY WINSTON 3.15 carat diamond and platinum earrings, price upon request 4. CARTIER watch, $97,000 5. K. BRUNINI diamond and 18k yellow gold antler ring, $5,400 6. JENNY PACKHAM crystal comb, $400 7. LORIBLU bootie, $1,260

Accessories

8. IRTHLY diamond and taqua necklace, $3,175 9. BUCCELLATI .97 carat diamond band, $1,600 10. HALO & CO. headpiece, £400 11. CARTIER white gold and diamond earrings, $50,500 12. HARRY WINSTON 11.7 carat diamond and platinum necklace, price upon request 13. CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN shoes, price upon request 14. JIMMY CHOO ‘Sugar’ shoes, price upon request

i’m with

the BAND The days of simple gold bands are over. Today’s men’s styles range from blinged out to woodsy natural to industrial cool.

3 4

6 5

1. JOHN ANTENCIO 18k white and yellow gold band, $2,700 2. FURRER JACOT 18k yellow gold textured diamond band, $2.020 3. SARAH O. black and tungsten band, $227 4. SIMON G. 18k white and rose gold band, $2,640 5. DANHOV platnium band, $4,720 6. SARAH O. black diamond band, price upon request 7. CARLEX white gold and diamond band, price upon request 8. LASHBROOK flat steel band, $795 9. PRIME PRISTINE titanium and wood grain inlay band, price upon request

8 9

Bad Bride’s Advice Allyson Reedy didn’t want a wedding. She realized too late that she should have.

he week of my wedding, all I did was cry and throw up. It wasn’t the commitment that had me a bundle of vomiting nerves – my husband and I had legally married nine months earlier – it was the wedding itself. I’ve never much liked the spotlight. In high school I (unsuccessfully) bribed my guidance counselor with baked goods to let me skip the Public Speaking graduation requirement. For as long as I can remember, I’ve worn a uniform of inconspicuous basics in an attempt to not stand out. And I’ve been known to throw back a drink or six if I’m going to be in a situation that requires me to talk to new people. (Which, coincidentally enough, is how I met my husband. Thank you, Bacardi 151!) So you see my dilemma. The girl in the white dress is kind of the star on her wedding day, and I was uncomfortable with that much attention. Having everyone stare at me as I walked down the aisle was a moment I dreaded my entire life, not dreamed of. I begged my husband to not make us have a wedding. Couldn’t our elopement be it? The wedding would just be expensive and time-consuming, I reasoned. Love is all we need! Love conquers all! And other cliché bullshit. To him, the ceremony and celebration with our nearest and dearest meant something. He wanted the formality to mark this momentous occasion. I wanted to avoid feeling awkward for a few hours. His argument won. The compromise was a destination wedding – fewer people and I got a vacation out of the deal. I thought I could handle that. Planning from afar, in a locale famously known for being on ‘island time,’ was hard, though, and just added to my anxiety. What if the dinner is horrible? I worried. What if the cake doesn’t make it there in time? Or arrives too early and melts in the sun? What if the weather is bad and everyone who flew all that way has a horrible time? What if there’s a hurricane and we all die? Yes, it really did occur to me that by having a wedding I’d be potentially murdering my friends and family, and yes, I agree that I’m more than just a tad neurotic.

Photograph by James Moro

“It wasn’t the best day of my life, but that was my own fault.” After several tear-filled meltdowns and a few trips to the bathroom to throw up, my wedding day came. And guess what? It wasn’t horrible. It also wasn’t the best day of my life, like so many brides describe their days, but that was my own fault. Looking back I clearly see that I did it all wrong, and if given the chance to do it again, I’d change my crappy attitude. First, I’d shift my perspective. A wedding is about the couple, yes, but it’s more about the marriage and the people and support it takes to make a successful one. Instead of looking at it as a party at which I was the star, I should have seen our wedding as a gathering of our community to support us through our years. They say it takes a village to raise a child, but it also takes one to create a fulfilling, lasting marriage. By shifting the focus from me to all of our guests, I could have relaxed and enjoyed myself a whole lot more. Next, I’d force myself to realize that every detail doesn’t need to be perfect. Heck, who would care if I didn’t even have details? Would anyone really notice if the flowers on the table didn’t exactly match those in my bouquet? Or if the hanging orchids on the altar weren’t quite as lush as I intended? Repeat after me: Place settings are not worthy of your tears. Now that I understand that the day is about so much more than me, and that the little things are just that – little things, the final thing I’d change is how I experienced the day itself. If not for our wedding album, I couldn’t tell you how my husband looked, or what my mom wore or how many guys were playing the steel drums as we walked back up the aisle to “Stuck with You.” More importantly, I numbed myself so much because of my fear of the attention that I don’t remember how good it must have felt to have that first kiss, look and dance. I wish I could do that day over, just so I could experience the joy that every bride should feel on her wedding day. I hate that my inner critic and neurosis cost me that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Actually, I’m rather pissed at myself. While I often lament how much attention is spent on the wedding day rather than on the marriage, I now know that the day is worthy of attention too. The formality and ceremony that my husband insisted upon – of saying those vows in front of and connecting with our friends and family via our lifetime commitment to each other – are big things in a person’s life. Maybe the biggest. If you’re going to cry, cry; but please, don’t throw up.

INSIDE

Telluride Invite your guests to experience scenic views unlike any other

destination in Colorado. Welcome to Telluride. Photograph by Ryan Bonneau 55

AS THE EDITOR OF WED, I SEE A LOT OF beautiful wedding locations. Many of these are in the mountains, with Vail and Aspen, especially, hosting their fair share of stunning soirees. But I think the most scenic, postcard-worthy wedding pictures I see are from events taking place in the tiny town of Telluride. “Without a doubt, what draws people to Telluride are the unrivaled views,” says Wendy Jacobs Hampton, event planner and owner of Soiree Telluride. Tucked away in the idyllic San Juans, Telluride isn’t exactly a secret – high profile couples like Lauren Bush and David Lauren chose it for their 2011 nuptials, and Tom Cruise famously called it home – but it is a wonder that a town of 2,300 residents is capable of putting on the most glamorous, luxurious parties in the state.

San Sophia Overlook

IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME While the town has a few wedding venues (more on those later), many of the grandest affairs are built from scratch, says Jacobs Hampton. “I’m doing a lot of building venues,” she says. “We can build a beautiful, over-the-top wedding.” Jacobs Hampton scouts private land for flat pieces of property with jaw-dropping views and then works with land owners to hold events on the property. “Flat property is difficult to find in the mountains, as you can imagine, so it’s like gold to us when we find landowners willing to rent us their property,” she says. Once she finds a killer piece of land, Jacobs Hampton works with vendors (local whenever possible) to bring in everything from generated power to every last ice cube. She primarily uses Viking Rental for her builds, and Telluridebased New Leaf Design and Gardenstore for floral and décor. She did a lot of building when designing the Bush/Lauren wedding, a lavish affair for 200 guests that took place on Ralph and Ricky Lauren’s private ranch close to Telluride. “The Lauren and Bush families were truly lovely to work with through the planning and production of the event. It was a life-changing opportunity that exceeded all expectations. From building a chapel out of teepee canvas and aspen poles, to timing horse-drawn carriages, it was a flawless unforgettable wedding weekend,” Jacobs Hampton says.

EXISTING VENUES For couples not looking to start from scratch, the town has some venues capable of hosting luxurious affairs. Jacobs Hampton’s favorite is the New Sheridan, a 26-room boutique hotel right in the heart of downtown Telluride. Although the hotel originally opened in the late 1800s, it’s loaded up with modern indulgences like beautifully-outfitted rooms, a gourmet restaurant and a rooftop bar. Wedding options range from cozy to grandiose. The American Room is an intimate, Victorian-decorated space that holds 35 for a seated dinner. The Chop House Restaurant,

A haven of understated elegance. Escape to leisure and adventure amid the magnificent San Juan Mountains in Telluride, Colorado. Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge, ideally located in Mountain Village, offers much more than a Telluride ski resort experience - it provides luxury living in the heart of one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most sought-after destinations. Our Telluride wedding venue location, luxurious accommodations, and unparalleled service make the Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge the perfect place for you and your guests to stay during your wedding or other special event in Telluride.

57 567 Mountain Villiage Blvd. Telluride, CO | www.fairmont.com/klammer-lodge-telluride | 970.728.3318

Wine Bar and Parlor areas can be rented out for larger receptions (150 for cocktail reception; 85 for seated dinner). The Historic Bar is another option, and its original 1895 furnishings and mahogany bar are sure to get people talking. The Peaks Resort & Spa is another luxurious resort in town. With Colorado’s largest spa, indoor/outdoor pool with waterslide, skiin/ski-out access and usage of the 18-hole Telluride Golf Club course, there is no shortage of things to do. In addition to its 168 guest rooms and suites, The Peaks also offers rustic-chic private cabins and condos for rent. Because the resort is so big, there are a variety of wedding venues that can accommodate anything from small ceremonies for 20 to big blowouts for 500 guests. Their newest venue is the Crystal Room, which has a more modern feel thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows and flagstone floors. Just outside the Crystal Room is the Mt. Wilson Terrace, one of the best ceremony spots in town because of the amazing views. The Telluride Ski Resort is another great spot for scenic wedding sites. Its Gorrono Ranch, perched high on the mountain above the Mountain Village core, hosts ceremonies and receptions for up to 200 guests. “It has a really cool, Colorado vibe,” Jacobs Hampton says. Featuring multiple outdoor decks, a main lodge and historic cabins, the Ranch is quite possibly the area’s best choice for a readyto-go outdoor venue. The superb on-site restaurant (they’ll work with couples to completely customize your menu) is just a bonus. Also from Telluride Ski Resort, San Sophia Overlook claims one of the most incredible panoramas in the Rockies. The 360-degree views are accessed by an almost equally scenic gondola ride up the mountain to the ceremony site. The mountain-top wedding site boasts a grassy amphitheater that can seat up to 250 guests. Although San

Sophia can’t accommodate large-scale receptions (cocktail receptions only), the Resort has other venues and restaurants where you can get the party started.

WHERE TO STAY In a town as tiny as Telluride, finding lodging for all of the guests can be just as critical as picking a venue. In the Mountain Village, Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge offers the premium residences, amenities and service that you’d expect from a Fairmont property. Each two- or three-bedroom residence houses custom handcrafted furnishings, fully-equipped kitchens and dual master baths. The only thing that may be able to steal your attention away from the stunning alpine setting at the Lodge is its retreat-worthy, European-style spa. The specialty massages, revitalizing body wraps and exotic skin treatments are sure to get you glowing and relaxed for the big day. Also in the Mountain Village, Lumière is a boutique property with 11 rooms and 18 residences. While it has large, beautiful rooms, a comfortable bar and the ski-in/ski-out experience you want come winter, what really makes Lumière stand out is its unparalleled service. Everyone on staff knows your name, which makes your stay feel very personal – less like a hotel and more like visiting friends. Another friendly hotel, the Hotel Columbia is locally owned and operated, with 21 top-notch accommodations ranging from studiostyle guest rooms to a three-bedroom penthouse suite. Just off Main Street, the Columbia has spacious, amenity-filled rooms and one of the best restaurants in Telluride, COSMOpolitan.

Top: Gorrono Ranch Bottom: Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge

W hether you are planning an intimate gathering or grand affair, we have breathtaking

mountain vistas and extraordinary service to exceed your expectations. The Telluride Ski & Golf Resort boasts spectacular views and venues in the most beautiful place you’ll ever say “I do.”

Top to Bottom: Ryan Bonneau Telluride Tourism Bureau The Hotel Madeline Gorrono Ranch Golden Ledge Property, Chowen Photography

Inside

The Hotel Madeline is currently undergoing “game-changing” renovations that will debut in late 2015. New features include the Grand Porte Cochere and pool deck, 3,000 square-foot club room exclusively for guests and residence owners, salon and re-imagined bar and restaurant. These are in addition to the property’s alreadyamazing rooms, yoga studio and Colorado outpost of the NYC fave, Dylan’s Candy Bar.

FOOD Besides where to host and where to stay, what to eat is probably the next most important decision. For catered receptions, Jacobs Hampton’s go-to is The Butcher & Baker Café, which has mastered everything from fritters to foie gras. The Café, which has a storefront downtown, also makes lovely wedding cakes. For rehearsal dinners, many couples choose the New Sheridan Hotel’s Chop House Restaurant, a classic steak house with western game and an expertly curated wine list. For something al fresco, Telluride Ski Resort’s Gorrono Ranch can be rented out for picturesque, mountain-style dining. Although the pictures – wedding and otherwise – that I see of Telluride are always spectacular, nothing beats the experience of visiting the charming town firsthand. The scenery is breathtaking, the people friendly and the vibe relaxed. There may be no better place to say I Do.

Top: Golden Ledge Property, Chowen Photography Bottom: Gorrono Ranch

T H E D E TA I L S VENUES

LODGING

EVENT DESIGN

BUILD/DECOR

New Sheridan NewSheridan.com

Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge Fairmont.com/Klammer-Lodge-Telluride

Soiree Tellurdide TellurideSoiree.com

Viking Rental VikingRentals.biz

Lumiere LumiereTelluride.com

RESTAURANTS/ CATERING

The Peaks Resort & Spa ThePeaksResort.com Telluride Ski Resort: Gorrono Ranch and San Sophia Overlook TellurideSkiResort.com

Hotel Columbia ColumbiaTelluride.com

The Butcher & Baker Cafe ButcherAndBakerCafe.com

Hotel Madeline MadelineTelluride.com

Chop House Restaurant NewSheridan.com/ Chop-House-Restaurant-Telluride.com

New Leaf Design NewLeafTelluride.com Gardenstore GardenstoreHome.com

CARRIAGE before

Marriage Why are more couples than ever before choosing to have babies before walking down the aisle? Allyson Reedy explores the trend.

“It’s more common for people to not get married but still be committed and want to start a family.”

hat do Mila Kunis, Jessica Simpson, Angelina Jolie and Scarlett Johansson all have in common? Besides being enviably hot and talented, these ladies also chose to have babies before getting married, thus turning that whole First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage rhyme upside down. And they’re not alone. One in two American moms are having a baby first and marrying later, if at all. In fact, the median age of a woman’s first birth – 25.7 – is younger than the average age of a first marriage – 26.5. The trend is called “The Great Crossover.” This refers to the point in the early 90s when the average age of first marriage exceeded the average age of first birth. Most of the crossover at that time was in lower educated women, but middle American women (those with high school degrees and some college education) crossed over in 2000. A telling statistic: in 1970 just 12% of births to middle American women in their twenties were to unmarried moms; by 2010 it had ballooned to 58%. While college-educated women are still largely marrying before having children, more and more are deciding that they don’t necessarily need a ring on it before getting pregnant. So why the shift? For one, it’s just practical. With a historic high in the marrying age, many women feel their biological clocks ticking and don’t want to waste any time. Julie Bowlen felt that way when she met her husband, Matt, while climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. She was 35 at the time and he was 40. After a very long distance courtship (she lived in Denver while he was based out of Australia), Matt proposed on Julie’s 37th birthday. “Knowing that we wanted to have a family of our own, time was becoming a serious consideration in planning things,” Julie says. Trying to coordinate a destination wedding with school holidays (Matt has two boys from a previous marriage) was challenging. Instead of rushing, they decided to try to start a family first, with the hopes that Julie would get pregnant quickly and have the baby in the fall before their spring wedding. They got lucky, and their daughter Stella was born in September 2012, seven months before their April 2013 wedding.

More and more are deciding that they don’t necessarily need a ring on it before getting pregnant. Although this kind of situation may have been viewed as scandalous to earlier generations, people are thinking differently about marriage these days. Two-thirds of Americans believe that the point of being married is personal fulfillment – not child rearing. It’s not a rejection of marriage, but rather of the idea that marriage is only about raising children. “People these days are more accepting of unconventional decisions regarding having kids and weddings,” Julie says. “It’s more common for people to not get married but still be committed and want to start a family. Most people understood that with age and travel logistics, we were doing what was right for us.” A study called Knot Yet: The Benefits and Costs of Delayed Marriage in America explores why the baby before marriage trend really picked up steam around 2000. One major finding was the slower path to adulthood. Everything is being delayed; from completing college to getting a real-world job to marrying and having kids, this generation is taking its time. Today’s young adults view marriage more as a capstone than a cornerstone, meaning that it’s something they want after they’ve got their careers settled, as opposed to before.

“It’s not hard to understand this mindset, especially given that many of today’s young adults are children of divorce and express worry about divorce themselves; they view marriage as something that should not be undertaken without a suitable exit strategy,” the report says. “If 30 is the new 20, today’s unmarried twentysomething moms are the new teen mothers.” Another reason? It’s the economy, stupid. The 21st century hasn’t exactly been a boon to anyone’s pocketbooks, and with real wages not keeping up with inflation, marriage may seem financially out of the question for some couples. To put it bluntly, many partners are putting their hard-earned paychecks toward teething rings instead of engagement rings. Regardless of economics, careers, marital philosophies and ticking clocks, it really all comes down to commitment. A screaming baby at 2 a.m. isn’t going to care whether or not you’ve filed a marriage license, and creating that life together is a bond that’s stronger than any ring.

P U KE A M D N A IR A H R ST A CK RO

(303) 996-8070 | www.akstudiodenver.com 65 4340 East Kentucky Avenue #346 | Glendale, CO

BRANDY WES 2014

May 31st

Real Weddings

Brandy Bonomo & Wes Schultz May 31, 2014 | Longmont Photographed by Hardy Klahold Photography

BRANDY BONOMO WAS THROWING A SHINDIG for a friend when she was talked into having Wes Schultz play at the house party. Besides getting great entertainment (Wes is a member of the band The Lumineers), Brandy also found love. “We were friends for about two years before I finally succumbed to the massive crush I’d developed on him,” says Brandy, founder and CEO of Adventure Nannies. Following a proposal in France, the two set out to plan their wedding. But, unlike most couples, Brandy and Wes didn’t have a set theme or vision in mind. Instead, they gave complete creative freedom to the talented vendors they selected to be a part of their big day. One thing they did plan – that the wedding be outdoors and natural. After floods destroyed their original location, they happily settled on the Pastures of Plenty farm next door. Event planner Kerri Butler with A Touch of Bliss led the wedding design efforts, which Brandy describes as happy, colorful and eclectic.

“Our wedding was so insanely beautiful thanks to all of our talented vendors and wedding planner.” “Our wedding was so insanely beautiful thanks to all of our talented vendors and wedding planner,” she says. “Giving the artists creative freedom was the best decision we could have made.” From the friends who made Brandy and Wes’s attire, to Lana’s Shop’s invitations, to the rehearsal dinner food (“The best food any of us had ever eaten!”) catered by friend Christopher Mangless of Three Five Five, it was truly a community affair. And, because the couple stayed out of the planning process, their wedding day décor was a surprise to them as well as their guests. “I loved that we got to see it all for the first time along with the guests,” the bride says. “The flowers we had were the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.” The couple had an unplugged wedding, which meant that everyone checked their cellphones and cameras before going in. Although it was a bit awkward for some at first, everyone appreciated being able to enjoy the moments as they happened, and guests said they made many more connections with other guests because of it. No surprise, one of the highlights of their day was the music. Erica Brown surprised the couple with a song just after they walked down the aisle, and

Real Weddings Langhorne Slim sang “Past Lives” at their Boulder Theater after party reception. “Gives me chills just thinking about it. We’ll never forget those moments,” Brandy says. After the wedding, the outdoorsy couple headed to Arizona, New Mexico and Utah for a honeymoon of camping and hiking in the southwest. “I couldn’t feel luckier to spend the rest of my life with such a wonderful man,” Brandy says. – Allyson Reedy

“I couldn’t feel luckier to spend the rest of my life with such a wonderful man.”

SARAH DAMON 2014

October 11th

Real Weddings

Sarah Peay & Damon Judd October 11, 2014 | Avon Photographed by Custom Creations, Chad Chisholm

SARAH PEAY KNEW OF DAMON JUDD IN HIGH SCHOOL, but the two never met until going out for drinks with mutual friends years later. That first night of talking led to a date, which eventually led to a romantic proposal on a sail boat in Puerto Rico. “It was wonderful and totally unexpected,” Sarah says of the proposal. “He was stressed the whole week that I would find the ring, but I was so preoccupied (with work) that I wasn’t expecting him to propose.” Since both Sarah and Damon were raised in Colorado, they knew they wanted to have the wedding in the mountains. Sarah had visited the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch several times, including for a wedding, and she loved the property.

“He was stressed the whole week that I would find the ring, but I was so preoccupied that I wasn’t expecting him to propose.” 73

“Our goal with a mountain wedding was to have all of our friends and family all together in one place.”

“It is one of my favorite places in almost every season,” she says. “Our goal with a mountain wedding was to have all of our friends and family all together in one place. The Ritz allowed us to do that, and so many of our friends met each other before the wedding while they were in the grotto or taking hikes near the hotel.” The theme of the wedding was mountain chic, which translated to elegant décor while incorporating the mountains and outdoors into decorations. They made their own escort cards out of trees from their property in Winter Park and playfully included an inside joke wherever they could – moose. The former owner of their mountain home had moose decorations everywhere, and it became tradition that whenever people visited the house, that they’d send more moose items. Moose remain the dominant theme of the mountain home, and Newberry Brothers created

Real Weddings

two giant moss moose to greet guests at the hotel, rehearsal dinner and wedding in honor of the couple’s unofficial mascot. The most memorable part of the wedding day for Sarah was having Damon’s father perform the ceremony. “He knows us both so well. It was wonderful to have him reciting the words we wrote about each other, and he gave us an incredible, heartfelt ceremony,” she says. At the reception, held in the hotel’s ballroom filled with purple flowers, candles and glass bulbs, the couple introduced the wedding party themselves, which gave them the opportunity to make it more personal. Then the band kicked off a night of dancing and celebration.

Since the couple were both in the middle of a busy time at work during their October wedding, they put their real honeymoon on hold and instead did a quick mini-moon to Punta Mita, Mexico for a few days. In the following spring they were able to get more time, and they used it to the fullest touring Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. “It was amazing to be out of pocket for three weeks,” Sarah says. – Allyson Reedy

Real Weddings

TIFFANY PETER 2014

August 16th

Real Weddings

Tiffany Tello & Peter Moore August 16, 2014 | Denver Photographed by Brinton Studios

TIFFANY TELLO AND PETER MOORE MET ON THE first day of medical school and quickly learned that they had more in common than their aspirations of becoming doctors. Both share a love of skiing, and their first date was to the annual screening of Warren Miller’s ski movie. “We were inseparable from then on,” Tiffany says. After matching into their residency programs in San Francisco, the couple packed their bags and headed to Spain and Greece for a month-long adventure. Mid-way through the trip, they arrived in Barcelona, where Peter had planned a romantic proposal at the center of a labyrinth in the Jardin de Laberint D’Horta, a garden dedicated to love. Tiffany said yes, and they celebrated by sailing through the Ionian Islands in Greece.

“It was simple yet elegant with incredible natural beauty.” 79

Because it reminded them of the Barcelona garden where they got engaged, they chose the Denver Botanic Gardens for their August wedding. They wed, fittingly, in the Romantic Gardens, a lush, stunning outdoor setting. “It was simple yet elegant with incredible natural beauty,” Tiffany says. They extended the garden theme to their invitations, which featured a hand painted watercolor flower. The color palette of peaches and greens came from Tiffany’s bouquet, which featured peach garden roses and a variety of succulents. “We have succulents scattered around our home and thought their resilience and longevity were perfect to integrate into our wedding,” she says.

“I was so touched by the speeches. I will never forget them.” Heather Allen with Table 6 Productions created an ethereal reception setting, highlighting the natural beauty of the Gardens. It was a beautiful setting for the party, which included memorable speeches by Tiffany’s two matrons of honor, the best man, one of the groomsmen and both of their fathers. “I was so incredibly touched,” Tiffany says of the speeches. “I will never forget them.” Their officiant, a close family friend, also gave them memorable words in the form of a poem, which the couple has framed. The date itself had special significance as well – it was the day that Tiffany’s parents were married 30 years prior. After the wedding, friends and family received tulip bulbs as favors, a nod to both the couple’s Dutch heritage and the garden setting. “Our family and friends have been texting and emailing photos of their blooming tulips, which has been incredible!” Tiffany says.

Getting back to that mutual love of skiing, Tiffany and Peter skipped the beach for their honeymoon and instead took an unforgettable ski trip to Japan. “It was the most amazing trip of my life,” Tiffany says. – Allyson Reedy

DESTA ROB 2014

June 14th

Real Weddings

Desta Asfaw & Rob Folena June 14, 2014 | Denver Photographed by Travis Broxton of Broxton Art

DESTA ASFAW AND ROB FOLENA MET DURING the tail end of their college career. The two were both studying at the University of Colorado at Boulder and met in a Business Law class. “Our professor was the best – Desta and I managed to talk all throughout class without getting into trouble. Needless to say, I wasn’t paying much attention to the details of the law,” says Rob. It was fortunate Rob wasn’t paying attention because those distracting conversations gave him the perfect excuse to get to know Desta better. Rob needed some help with studying, and Desta (who is now an attorney) was just the right tutor. “One day, Desta was alone studying in Norlin library and I knew this was my chance,” says Rob. “I went over to her table to ask for help. From that moment, I saw something special in Desta that I had never seen in anyone. She was approachable, beautiful, and she made me laugh. But more importantly, I could be myself around her.”

“I planned the proposal at our happiest of places – together, at the apartment we shared near downtown Denver.”

Rob was head over heels for Desta, and Desta felt the same when she accepted his romantic proposal. Picture coming home from a long day at work and being greeted by champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, scattered rose petals, hundreds of candles and, of course, Rob standing in a black tailored suit holding that very special ring. “Surprising Desta is no easy task. I knew that if I had planned a trip or asked her too many questions, she would be skeptical and would know I was up to something. With that said, I planned the proposal at our happiest of places – together, at the apartment we shared near downtown Denver,” Rob says.

“She was approachable, beautiful, and she made me laugh. But more importantly, I could be myself around her.” 86

They kept the downtown Denver theme going, planning to hold their wedding and reception at the Four Seasons right in the heart of the city. “We wanted something elegant and something conveniently located for our family and friends,” says Rob. “We also wanted top-notch service during the planning process and the day of the event. We both work long hours and needed a venue that would make this process easier. The Four Seasons is simply the best at what they do.” With elegance in place, they also wanted a theme that felt clean and classic. This meant they stuck with décor that included lots of white, gold, silver and touches of greenery for accent. Desta walked down the baby’s breath- and green moss-lined aisle carrying a bouquet adorned with family heirloom jewelry, including a bracelet from a cousin who could not make the trip from Ethiopia. When the ceremony was finished, the music got started and the dance floor was full. At one point in the night there were even traditional Ethiopian dancers who took center stage, with guests joining in on the fun as well. But in case anyone

needed a break, there was the perfect lounge area tucked away across the ballroom, with walls of green hedges and beautiful lighting. After the celebrating, dancing and laughing ended, Desta and Rob escaped to one of the most romantic places in the world - Italy. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dana Lapinel

Real Weddings

CAMILLA ADAM 2014

August 23rd

Real Weddings

Camilla Zohn & Adam Cohen August 23, 2014 | Aspen Photographed by Kate Holstein

SET THE SCENE AT THE LONDON WEST Hollywood. Camilla Zohn eyes Adam Cohen from across the pool, an introduction was made, a great conversation ensued and – as they say – the rest is history. “He seemed interested, but wouldn’t ask me out, so I did,” says Camilla. “Turns out he thought I was married, as I wore a diamond band on my RIGHT finger! I warned all my single girlfriends after that – don’t wear any rings on your ring finger!” Despite the initial confusion, they ended up having their special first date at The Vampire Lounge in Beverly Hills – which was also where Adam proposed.

“It ended up being so much more intimate than we could have imagined or planned.”

“He brought over some champagne and a ring!” says Camilla. Planning the wedding was easy, considering the newlyweds live in Aspen, which happens to be one of the top wedding destinations with world-class venue and vendor options. Adam had worked for The Little Nell for several years and knew the ins and outs of the property, making it the perfect place for their wedding.

Camilla says, “He always wanted to get married at the Aspen Mountain Club - no argument from me!” With the location picked and a beautiful rustic elegance theme in place thanks to the event designer and bride’s best friend Erika Vass and event planner Jane Floyd, it was time for the big day. But before boarding the gondola to say ‘I do’ Adam had another surprise for Camilla. “I was able to open a jewelry box from Betteridge Jewelers, containing pearls and diamond earrings, in the privacy of my hotel room with no one around,” says Camilla. “Included were three letters for the past, present and future.” 92

After the memorable gift, the couple set off to the ceremony to officially become man and wife. The original plan was to have the ceremony outside on the wedding deck, but because of Colorado’s crazy weather (including a snow shower in August), the ceremony was moved inside. “It ended up being so much more intimate than we could have imagined or planned,” says Camilla. What they did plan for was incorporating some special family traditions into their wedding. “We used my great grandfather’s Tallit as the Chuppah and his great grandmother’s Kiddush cup,” says Camilla. After the wedding, the newlyweds opted for a different sort of honeymoon. “We had just bought a house and wanted a baby instead,” Camilla says. “Now we have a two month old baby boy named Aiden!” – Dana Lapinel

WEDDINGS WITH FLAIR FOR STYLISH BRIDES & DISTINCTIVE GROOMS Celebrating 16 years of weddings all over the world.

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ROB GARRETT 2015

July 25th

Real Weddings

Rob Kerchner & Garrett Zoeller July 25, 2015 | Telluride Photographed by Dana Romanoff

ROB KERCHNER AND GARRETT ZOELLER’S first date may have included a black eye and a lot of nervousness, but it also involved an immediate connection and attraction. “My first impression was that Garrett looked like one of those toothpaste models from TV. He had a smile that you could see from the moon!” Rob says. The couple’s connection grew stronger, and on Rob’s birthday, while they vacationed in Sanibel Island, Florida, Garrett proposed on the beach at sunset. The whole thing – including their limo ride, champagne and Rob’s tearful acceptance – was recorded on Garrett’s Google Glass. Although Rob and Garrett are based out of New York City, they both share a love of Colorado. “We always envisioned ourselves getting married outdoors on the top of a mountain,” Rob says.

“We simply couldn’t have imagined getting married anywhere else!”

“We always envisioned ourselves getting married outdoors on the top of a mountain.” They saw a photo online of Telluride’s San Sophia Overlook, and four days later they hopped on a plane to check it out in person. As they landed in Telluride, they were taken aback by the beauty of the snow-capped San Juan Mountains. “Within two hours of landing, we committed to the site,” Rob says. “We simply couldn’t have imagined getting married anywhere else!” For their wedding weekend, they

bought out the Lumière Hotel so guests could meet and get to know each other better. Everyone was impressed by the levels of luxury and service of the hotel. Having all of their friends and family in one place really contributed to the intimacy of the weekend, which included a welcome reception and postwedding brunch. The welcome reception was held at Telluride’s iconic restaurant, Allred’s. The ‘Summer in the Forest’ theme included ferns, moss, berries and bark paper napkins. For the ceremony on San Sophia Overlook, the design theme was less is more, really allowing the stunning beauty that surrounded them to shine

through. Minimal and casual, the focus was certainly on both the couple and nature. “Both of us agree that hearing our vows for the first time was the most meaningful experience,” Rob says of the ceremony. And even though the couple wrote their vows independently of each other, they ended up promising each other the exact same thing, in the exact same order. After the ceremony they moved the party over to Gorrono Ranch, which was decorated with wine barrels, Russian sage and summer greens. The property includes two cabins, one of which was used for a Colorado bourbon bar and the other as an oxygen bar. Between the cabins was a fire pit with adjacent s’mores station. The couple stayed on in Telluride the week after their wedding for a relaxing vacation, but they plan on having an official honeymoon in New Zealand in the fall. “In keeping with the theme of our wedding, we wanted to do something adventurous in a place known for its scenic beauty,” Rob says. – Allyson Reedy

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THE BEGINNING OF YOUR

FOREVER

Some things are meant to be. The Broadmoor creates the experience of a lifetime for you to say “I do”. A setting meant for a destination wedding experience that will provide the most spectacular memories for you and your guests. A breathtaking backdrop, that will be talked about for years to come. Begin the rest of your life with us here at The Broadmoor.

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GRETCHEN DAVE 2014

May 10th

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Real Weddings

Gretchen Snyder & David Pleshaw May 10, 2014 | Denver Photographed by Studio JK Photography

NEWLY SINGLE GRETCHEN SNYDER WAS getting hit on by all the wrong guys, but a friend’s intervention changed all that. He urged her to take the power into her own hands and approach a guy who interested her, instead of the other way around. When she saw David Pleshaw skateboarding in Vail, she decided to give it a try. “I went straight up to him and asked him to buy me a drink,” Gretchen says. “Our eyes met and our fates were sealed.” It was only fitting that this mountain-loving Colorado couple got engaged on the state’s highest point, the top of Mt. Elbert. After camping out the night before, the two headed up for Gretchen’s first 14er. At the top, Dave got down on one knee and proposed while a fellow hiker recorded the entire thing. “It was pure magic!” Gretchen says. They chose the iconic Denver hotel the Brown Palace to host their wedding and reception. The Grand Ballroom was the ideal spot for their punk rock posh themed wedding. “We couldn’t have asked for a better place to get married than the Brown Palace Hotel. It was the perfect combination of a classy and historic hotel with a rock ‘n roll lavish feel that we love,” Gretchen says.

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“The thing that made our wedding so special was the love surrounding us that day.” The bride rocked silver, sparkly Vans with her over-the-top Vera Wang dress, and the groom also wore Vans with a Vera Wang suit. After saying ‘I Do,’ Gretchen skateboarded out on a ‘Just Married’ skateboard that a friend made for her. Besides the punk touches, Gretchen incorporated tradition in the form of her grandmother’s prayer book that three generations of women have carried. She tied the book into her bouquet so she’d have it with her as she walked down the aisle. Event planner Ann Marlin with Cloud 9 Weddings & Papers helped Gretchen achieve her vision for décor and design. They used a color palette of white, gray and yellow to blend classic neutrals with a bright pop of color. “Based on her style, we designed the overall feel of the wedding to be elegant with a contemporary spin on it,” Ann says.

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Real Weddings This was especially apparent in the ceremony with its stage, lighting and sleek light boxes used for floral stands. The vibe was just what Gretchen was going for, but the real highlight for the bride was the people who filled the room. “The thing that made our wedding so special was the love surrounding us that day by all the people that have loved and been there for us, both separately and now together,” she says. For their honeymoon, the couple took time out to enjoy a breathtaking Mediterranean Cruise. They got to relax following the whirlwind of the wedding, while also taking in amazing sights. “It truly was pure bliss,” Gretchen says. – Allyson Reedy

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PEIPER JOHN 2014

September 27th

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Real Weddings

Peiper Hastings & John Kirkendoll September 27, 2014 | Telluride Photographed by Alpine Wedding Photography

THERE’S SOMETHING SO SPECIAL ABOUT the little mountain town of Telluride; love seems to spark there. That’s just what happened to Peiper Hastings and John Kirkendoll one day in 2006 during a Pilates workshop. “He was one of my first clients…and as he likes to boast, my favorite client,” says Peiper. “This was true!” Their relationship continued to grow in and out of the Pilates studio. But it wasn’t until 2010 when Peiper was leaving for graduate school in Washington, D.C. when the two shared their true feelings for each other. “John arrived at my doorstep soon after I had settled into D.C. and told me he loved me,” says Peiper. “What a surprise! The rest is history.” It was a lot of back and forth while Peiper studied for her PhD in D.C. and John lived in New Orleans. Sometimes they’d visit each other’s cities, and other times they’d go on adventures. During one such adventure they visited the Eastern Townships in Quebec. This wasn’t an entirely unusual trip considering the pair loves to skate and ski; in fact, it was the site of their first trip together. “He had been skiing slowly all afternoon, and I couldn’t figure out what was holding him back. When we stopped he bent down, initially complaining of ankle pain. I was totally surprised when he ended up on one knee on skis to propose,” says Peiper. “I’ve never skied with such a big smile on my face!”

“I felt so much love and happiness at that moment…I felt so much peace.”

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Peiper moved to New Orleans later that year and, with the couple finally together, they started planning their autumn wedding. Their venue of choice was only natural. A place where Peiper had grown up, and where she knew there would be a perfect view of the changing aspen leaves. “The ceremony was held on an overlook on my family’s property on Hastings Mesa – a place that had been named “wedding point” years ago,” says Peiper. With a wedding on the way it sparked Peiper’s dad to finish building a barn on their property – it would be the perfect place for the reception. Although Peiper was a little nervous it wouldn’t get done in time, everything came together for their memorable evening. “It was finished just in time and was truly a masterpiece,” says Peiper. “We worked with Kristen from The Garden Store, a true artist, and she highlighted the beauty of the barn’s beams while also adding warmth and elegance for a truly magical reception.”

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was totally surprised when he ended up on one knee on skis to propose.â&#x20AC;?

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Something Peiper will never forget is walking to the ceremony site with her dad and seeing John smiling down the aisle while their dog, Nama, sat in the front row. “I felt so much love and happiness at that moment…I felt so much peace,” says Peiper. For their honeymoon they picked an exotic place they had always wanted to visit – Morocco. “It was a wonderful adventure and we’d go back to this special country at the drop of a hat,” Peiper says. – Dana Lapinel

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Bring on the queen

drama,

Rustic has had its day. Comfort and casual reigned for long enough; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to bring the SEXY

back, the glamour,

the elegance. Your vows are deserving of a beautiful

formality, your day of being a show-stopper.

Photography by Studio JK Photography

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Gown: GALIA LAHAV at Little White Dress, $8,000; Ring: RTA CREATIONS, $3,300

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Facing page Gown: GALIA LAHAV at Little White Dress, $8,000 This page Gown: MARCHESA at Little White Dress, $3,500; Necklace: K SCHELL DESIGNS, $250; Garter: TWIGS & HONEY, $100

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Gown: LELA ROSE at Anna Be, $4,995

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Gown: JENNY PACKHAM at Little White Dress, $7,680; Ring: SARAH O., $1,525; Headpiece: DEBRA MORELAND, $462.50

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Gown: ANN BARGE, $3,730

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Gown: RIVINI BY RITA VINIERIS at Little White Dress, $5,980; Jacket: CHARLIE BREAR, $1,199; Hairclip: TWIGS & HONEY, $140; Ring: SARAH O., $2,100; Shoes: CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

Hair & Makeup: Kori Schell and Angie DeFrancis-Cox of AK Studio Models: Jacqueline J. and McKenna L.,, Wilhelmina Denver Location: Hudson Gardens Gowns: Available at Little White Dress Bridal Shop

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Facing page Gown: MONIQUE LHUILLIER at Anna Be, $8,400; Ring: SARAH O., $1,525; Necklace: K SCHELL DESIGNS, $250 This page Gown: NAEEM KHAN at Little White Dress, $7,995; Ring: Sarah O., $3,300

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Facing page Gown: TARA LATOUR at Anna Be top, $1,950 and skirt, $3,550; Cape: BELLA CALLA This page Skirt: WATTERS BRIDES at Anna Be, $910; Floral Top: BELLA CALLA

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Gown: HAYLEY PAIGE, $5,170; Ring: SARAH O., $2,100; Earrings: DUBLOS, $214

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Hair & Makeup: Kori Schell and Angie DeFrancis-Cox of AK Studio; Models: Mariea Goss and Liv Walker from Donna Baldwin Agency; Gowns: Available at Little White Dress Bridal Shop and Anna Be; Floral: Bella Calla

Skirt: MONIQUE LHUILLIER at Anna Be, $2,990; Jacket: MODERN TROUSSEAU, $1,210; Ring: RTA CREATIONS, $3,300; Bracelet: SARA GABRIEL, $277; Sash: SARA GABRIEL, $377

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ead CLOUDS in the

The iconic Broadmoor’s Cloud Camp hosts a dark and dreamy shoot. Photography by Custom Creations

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Photographer: Chad Chisholm; 1st Assistant: Lois Davis; 2nd Assistant: Tiffany Demas; Hair: Angie DeFrancis-Cox of AK Studio; Makeup: Kori Schell of AK Studio; Model: Lauran Renjard; All Jewelry: Hyde Park Jewelers, Cherry Creek Shopping Center; Gowns: Felice Bridal and Little White Dress; Floral & Décor: Design Works; Desserts: Broadmoor Pastry Department; Shot on site at Broadmoor Cloud Camp

Gown: ROMONA KEVEZA at Felice Bridal, $6,425; Ring: ID BY HYDE PARK, $8,600; Earrings: KWIAT, $27,200

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Gown: MARCHESA at Little White Dress, $8,995; Earrings: HYDE PARK RESERVE COLLECTION, $18,700; Rings: ID BY HYDE PARK, $5,250 & $395 (band)

Table and Decor: DESIGN WORKS

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ID by HYDE PARK diamond ring; KWIAT Starry Night Collection diamond bracelet; HYDE PARK RESERVE COLLECTION diamond drop earrings; HYDE PARK RESERVE COLLECTION diamond cluster halo ring; all available at HYDE PARK JEWELERS

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Gown: ROMONA KEVEZA at Felice Bridal, $4,540; Necklace: HYDE PARK RESERVE COLLECTION, $97,750; Ring: FOREVERMARK, $9,300; Earrings: Rosy Blue, $5,500

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Desserts: BROADMOOR PASTRY DEPARTMENT

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Gown: ROMONA KEVEZA at Felice Bridal, $6,425; Ring: ID BY HYDE PARK, $8,600; Earrings: KWIAT, $27,200; Pendant: KWIAT, $26,300

Gown: MARCHESA at Little White Dress, $8,995; Earrings: HP RESERVE, $32,800; Ring: HENRI DAUSSI, $59,575

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PICTURE PERFECT

TABLES

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thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

AMORE

Location: Seawell Grand Ballroom | Event Design: A Touch of Bliss | Florist: The Perfect Petal | Photography: Studio JK Photography

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romantic

RED

Event Design: Pink Diamond | Florist: Hana Style Designs | Chairs: Charming Chairs | Stationery: Denver 142 Design Studio | Photography: Lisa Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Dwyer Photography

in the

NAVY

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WOODLAND wedding

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glass

ACT

all that

GLITTERS

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blush CRUSH

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aspen

ROMANCE

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HOLIDAY

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Location: Winvian, Relais & Chateaux | Planner & Designer: Claire Gordon Events | Florist: Custom Floral Designs | Photography: Annandale Photography

talk of the gown. www.facebook.com/wedthemag

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J.M L

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154 Photography by: Chad Chisholm

miles away in

MAUI

Say “aloha” to an idyllic setting for a honeymoon. By Dana Lapinel

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ALOHA SHIMMERING MAUI, THE CLASSIC ISLAND destination that has been enchanting visitors for decades. With more than 120 miles of beaches that have been voted the best in the world, as well as carefully-preserved exotic local wildlife, it’s the idyllic setting for a honeymoon. On this island, nature truly works miracles on the mind, body and soul. According to legend, demigod Maui pulled the Hawaiian Islands from the sea and captured the sun atop Haleakala, the island’s highest peak. This peak provides an unsurpassed sunset that visitors never forget, and its year-round sunlight envelops the isle. Romance comes naturally here, and as the second-largest Hawaiian island with plenty to do (or not do), Maui is a haven for newlyweds.

STAY For the most intimate honeymoon destination, look no further than Montage Kapalua Bay (from $595). The resort debuted in June 2014 and has a modern Hawaiian design that’s like staying in an exquisite home, with spacious one- to four bedroom units each including a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and neighboring islands, Lana`i and Moloka`i. Located on one of America’s favorite beaches, Kapalua Bay is a remote location away from major crowds. It’s the type of serenity one looks for when traveling to a tropical island. The 8,500 square foot lagoon pool just might be the best spot on the island for an afternoon nap. The peaceful sounds of cascading waterfalls and the grotto-like setting lull you into a meditative state. Or check out Spa Montage Kapalua Bay and their exceptional selection of spa therapies, beauty treatments and wellness offerings – all inspired by their tropical surroundings. Home to the innovative Cane & Canoe restaurant, this casual dining destination features island-inspired cuisine highlighted by locally-sourced seafood and produce. If you decide to stay in, room amenities include a full gourmet kitchen where you can experiment with ingredients supplied by the gourmet Mahana Market, or invite one of Montage’s chefs to personally prepare a fresh, gourmet feast just for you and your love.

156 Top Middle and Bottom: Montage Kapalua Bay

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Let us host your wedding surrounded by tropical ocean vistas.

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Let us build you a canopy bedecked with island flowers and glowing lights. Let us toast to your future together with aloha. Let us be the place where your fondest memories are made.

After saying ”I do”, celebrate with our Honeymoon Package and enjoy daily breakfast, a luxurious poolside cabana suite and more. For reservations, contact your travel professional, call The Ritz-Carlton at 808-669-6200 or visit ritzcarlton.com/kapalua.

*Package is subject to availability, cannot be combined with any other offers and valid until December 18, 2016. Advanced reservations are required. Daily breakfast for two is valid at the Terrace restaurant only. VIP Cabana Suite is for one day only and is based on cabana availability. Other restrictions may apply. © 2015 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

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For a luxurious retreat that involves reconnecting with the unspoiled natural beauty of Hawaii, consider Travaasa Hana (from $350), a laid-back resort tucked away in the quaint town of Hana. It’s an easy place to find a sense of peace, with fields of rolling green, tropical mountains and the turquoise sea all duking it out for best view. This boutique hotel is located at the end of the famous Road to Hana, and there is no shortage of luxury. With the option of staying in a plantation-style sea ranch cottage with high-beamed ceilings, private lanais, hot tubs and a view of the Pacific Ocean, or the low-rise style bungalows with private enclosed tropical gardens, oversized junior suites and a wet bar, you can’t make a wrong choice. Regardless of the style suite, all visitors are spoiled at the wellness spa, which provides massages, healing rituals and beauty treatments done with organic products. Also, indulge your taste buds with authentic Hawaiian dining with a focus on inseason, locally-sourced ingredients. As for activities, the resort is just a seven-minute walk from the Hana Cultural Center and Museum, and a nine-minute walk from Hana Beach Park. The Four Seasons has an undeniable reputation as a worldwide luxury resort with excellent amenities and service. The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea (from $499) maintains this reputation, and is essentially a Hawaiian palace. One of their best offerings is the Complete Suite Experience. If you stay in the Resort’s lavish Oceanfront or Residential Suites, you’ll receive a package of luxury services including a daily gourmet breakfast buffet, daily laundry service, a private assistant and a private chef’s dinner at a venue of the guest’s choice. Venue options range from a romantic oceanfront view under the setting sun, or amongst a hidden tropical garden with lush plants and aromatic plumeria trees. With the largest luxury resort guest rooms and suites on the island, and located right on Maui’s southwest coast, there is no shortage of white-sand beaches, waving palm trees and year-round sunny days that one daydreams about. If lounging in paradise isn’t enough, the Four Seasons has ocean-view golf, seaside couples massages, excellent snorkeling and the opportunity to watch whales play in the winter months.

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Not surprisingly, the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua (from $399) is also a top destination to which to escape on the island of Maui. Imagine 54 acres of pristine beauty, including some of the island’s best hiking trails through lush forests with killer ocean views. And after hiking in the golden sun, nothing feels better than kicking back in a luxe poolside cabana, a gardento-glass cocktail in hand, with one of the best views of the Pacific. Considered a gourmand’s paradise because of the six enticing on-site restaurants, each spot has a distinct atmosphere and unique cuisine that will make the dining one of the most memorable parts of your trip. Besides rejuvenating your taste buds, the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua will help restore your body and spirit as well. The resort maintains the sacred Honokahua Preservation Site, a burial site where ancestor spirits lovingly watch over the land and its people. Of course there’s also the 17,500 square foot spa with authentic treatments and therapies based on native Hawaiian healing traditions. You’ll never want to leave.

Top and Middle: Travaasa Hana; Bottom: Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

Your fairy tale begins in a place called paradise.

Panoramic ocean views and lush gardens present the perfect canvas for your wedding memories, where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re making your first promise or renewing your last one. (808) 662-6620

montagekapaluabay.com

K A PA L U A B AY | B E V E R LY H I L L S | D E E R VA L L E Y | L A G U N A B E A C H PA L M E T T O B L U F F

| L O S C A B O S (Opening Late 2017)

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DO Most of the resorts offer a plethora of activities – snorkeling, yoga, windsurfing and good old fashioned beach time. Even with all you could ever need conveniently in one spot, don’t be afraid to branch out and explore the well-preserved nature of the island. Pay homage to the volcanoes that created this beautiful island fit for legends, and make a stop at Haleakala National Park, which in Hawaiian means ‘house of the sun.’ It’s otherworldly, with steamy fog and evidence of past eruptions from millenniums ago. It’s also home to the highest peak, where you’ll find the most memorable sunsets and sunrises that you have ever seen. Regardless of where your honeymoon adventure takes you, just remember it’s an adventure. Trust your gut and scratch the itineraries. As long as you stay in the moment, you’ll preserve memories that will last your lifetime.

Clockwise from Top Left: Four Seasons Resort Maui; Four Seasons Resort Maui; Ritz-Carlton Kapalua; Ritz-Carlton Kapalua

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Well Wed

Sherri Rob Driver

May 3rd

1975

HERE AT WED, WE BELIEVE IN CELEBRATING our new brides and grooms, but also honoring the relationships that have stood the test of time (and children, job changes and the myriad trials life throws at us). Sherri and Rob Driver are one of those longlasting couples; forty years ago they held their ceremony at Littleton United Methodist Church and reception at Sherri’s parents’ backyard. “The reception was filled with family and friends, and we knew we wouldn’t see many of them again for a long time, since Rob was soon to receive a commission as an officer in the U.S. Navy,” Sherri says. “We had such a good time at the party and stayed so long that Grandpa Driver finally suggested that we leave so guests could throw rice, wish us well and see us off on our new life together.” As for what it takes to make a relationship last for the long haul, Rob’s best advice is that “in the long run, most things are not worth arguing about – so don’t.” Sherri advises couples to make time together as a couple, no matter what. “During our busiest years and on our leanest budget, all we could manage was to put the kids to bed early and spend a quiet evening togetherat home.” Cheers!

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Two one PhoTograPhy

“We do” We have the perfect space for your wedding, whether a downtown event or rustic chic affair.

eLeVaTe PhoTograPhy

KoKoro PhoTograPhy

BrInTon STUDIoS

Extraordinary sites with breathtaking backdrops Award-winning catering Indoor and outdoor sites tailored for an intimate affair, a lavish event and anything in between York

Book todAy! Street: 720-865-3551 | Chatfield farmS: 720-865-4339 www.botanicgardens.org

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Top photo: Dawn Sparks Photography. Below: Studio JK Photography and GracieBelle Photography.

YOU’VE WRITTEN YOUR LOVE STORY. LET US DIRECT IT. As professionals who work in the realm of the imagination, we never plan the same event twice. Our team of on-site designers, event managers, and technical specialists know how to take your vision of your big day and create something you’ve never imagined. Let us direct your awardwinning event.

DENVERCENTER.ORG | 303.572.4466 SEAWELL GRAND BALLROOM | DIRECTORS ROOM