sara + jed

Let us tell you, this bride and groom have it all figured it out – they know how to plan a gorgeous and intimate wedding that so eloquently told their love story, and amazingly {and most importantly} they understand what life is all about – love. And the crazy, unpredictable and beautiful ride that love takes us on. Enjoy a peak into Sara and Jed’s love story today, thanks to amazing photography by IN Photography.

INphotography-jsorelle

In her own words, Sara tells us about her magical day…Beyond wanting to give our guests a true taste of Colorado – a mission that’s impossible to not accomplish at Spruce Mountain Ranch – as well as an opportunity to learn a bit more about our love story, our vision for the day was that we really wanted everyone to be completely present, sit back and enjoy a truly beautiful and romantic evening… to not have to lift a finger.  So we kept that in mind with every decision we made.  I know when I’ve been to weddings, it isn’t just a beautiful day for the couple getting married, it’s also a reminder to Jed and I that love, in all its forms, is really what this whole ride is all about.  I wanted everyone to walk away from the night experiencing that too.  So we worked extra hard to make sure that we had all the details dialed in.  From no tip jars at the bars so guests didn’t have to worry about carrying cash (we made sure to take care of the bartenders on our own), romantic candlelight absolutely everywhere (I think I asked the florist to add more candles to our order about four times), amenity baskets in the bathrooms that held everything from hair ties to Advil and eye drops (an inexpensive addition), to a cooler of water that I asked the shuttle driver to have available for everyone on the way home (no one likes a hangover), we wanted to create the best opportunity possible for everyone to take a moment to stop and not worry about anything, but enjoy themselves and celebrate whatever way love was manifesting in their life at that moment.

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

 One of my favorite moments would probably have to be hearing the vows that Jed had prepared for our ceremony.  They were so beautiful, poetic, incredibly deep, and funny.. I had no idea that he was able to write like that!  I also loved the few minutes right before our Planner came in and said “okay, it’s time!”  We had our favorite songs turned up in the bridal cottage and my bridesmaids, nieces and I started spontaneously dancing!  It was our own ‘pre-game’ pump up session!  And then there was my Sister’s Matron of Honor speech sung to the tune of Taylor Swift’s Love Story.. amazing!  

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

 Jed and I are both avid mountain bikers.  Mountain biking together was actually our very first date!  So we really wanted to incorporate bikes into our wedding, but I wanted to make sure that our use of them was still classy and tasteful.  The place card display idea came out of a decoration that my parents created for our Engagement Party {image inspiration here}.  Stay tuned TOMORROW because we have the DIY details on how to re-create the Red Cruiser Bike Escort Card Display. 

INphotography-cruiser bike escort card table

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

 The table numbers were another way that we decided to incorporate our passion for biking in to the day.  We’ve biked on a lot of trails together and have taken many a photo among all these trails, so we named the tables after some of the trails we have ridden.  The front was kept clean with the table name and number and the back afforded a fun story and photo of us on that trail.  Jed and I spent A LOT of time writing up the story for each of those tables that explained where the trail was located, why we loved it, or some fun memory made while riding that trail.    

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorellewedding

Additional fave details were glow sticks on the dance floor, and late night surprise of lemoncello icees served in mini glass milk bottles.  People went NUTS for the glow sticks and were making jump ropes, suspenders, and who knows what else out of them.  They were a LOT of fun! 

INphotography-jsorelle

INphotography-jsorelle

VENDOR LOVE
Location: Spruce Mountain Ranch
Coordinator: Sara Viera Events
Photographer: IN Photography
Florist: Bella Lu Floral
Caterer: Catering by Design
DJ: Jammin’ DJs
Videographer: Wild Vision

{images via IN Photography. click here for more beautiful images.}

Gold Wedding Inspiration

gold rush_jeffandjewelsphotography

When we saw the Whiskey Barrels from this Gold Rush photo shoot, we fell in love. We are whiskey girls at heart, and we love rustic event decor…but when we saw the insane talent and details behind this shoot by La Boheme Events, we just knew we had to share.

Details behind the shoot told by amazing photographer Jewels, of Jeff and JewelsWhen Bridget from La Boheme Events and I met for the first time, it was obvious that we were meant to be together. Her idea of doing a “GOLD RUSH” themed Styled Shoot made my mind explode! We brainstormed with big eyes, giggles, and a cohesive vision that we knew we just HAD to make happen. Industrial yet rustic, vintage yet glam, and “Colorado”, but unique (“Rustic/Vintage” is all the rage ’round these parts).

We planned for months. Finding the perfect venue proved to be the most challenging aspect, but finally did with 2127 Larimer in Denver. Once we had that, all the other elements just fell into place. Every vendor was fabulous to work with and executed our vision perfectly!

The shoot was not without challenges. The main one being that we had to postpone the “outdoor portrait” part due to the fact that it snowed the entire day…the ENTIRE day. Despite this major obstacle, we were able to do those photos not long after. Another hurdle was over-came when the two models we had lined up decided to bail the night before the shoot. But again, the stars aligned and we were able to get “Jenna” & “Noah”, professionals who had no problem pretending to be Husband & Wife (Hannah Kimball & Caleb Gardner).

As the Photographer, it was important to me that the photos told a story – the story of Jenna & Noah, traveling cross-country by train, “Pikes Peak Or Bust”. Their chapel wedding – intimate and romantic. It was important to us that all of the details were accurate, if not totally authentic, and they HAD to be perfect!

gold rush_jeffandjewels

gold rush_jeffandjewels

gold rush photo shoot_jeffandjewels

gold rush_jeffandjewels

gold rush_jeffandjewels

gold rush_jeffandjewels

gold rush_jeffandjewels

gold rush_jeffandjewels

gold rush_jeffandjewels

gold rush_jeffandjewels

gold rush_jeffandjewels

gold rush_jeffandjewels

gold rush photo shoot_jeffandjewels

gold rush photo shoot_jeffandjewels

gold rush photo shoot_jeffandjewels

gold rush photo shoot_jeffandjewels

gold rush photo shoot_jeffandjewels

gold rush photo shoot_jeffandjewels

gold rush photo shoot_jeffandjewels

gold rush photo shoot_jeffandjewels

gold rush photo shoot_jeffandjewels

gold rush photo shoot_jeffandjewels

DETAILS

We loved the dress, a Waters & Waters, and the fabric made us think of an antique handkerchief. The western style suit complimented it perfectly. The model’s gold jewelry fancied up as only a first-class ladies’ would.

Plum Sage went all out with the flowers including chamomile, lavender, subtle sprays of wheat, deep red roses, and some spray painted thistles! The handle of the bouquet was perfectly wrapped in twine and lace.

The details of the table were just as stunning. A reclaimed wood beam ran the length of the table and held the many vessels that were the centerpiece – gold mercury glass, wooden boxes, and gold and glass candle holders. My favorite part was the rock candy in the champagne!

The Alter was built around draped muslin with dried flower bouquets, a cow skull, wagon wheel, whiskey barrel, and gold bars. The ceremony benches were made by Bridget’s husband (La Boheme Events), just for the shoot (thanks Jason).

Gold mica and gold “nuggets” adorned the aisle.

Thanks to Chairished Vintage Rentals, we had this fantastic wooden arch to hang things from for the Sweets table and Late Night Snack set ups.

Goodies from Leaf & Crumb Bakery included 2 kinds of cake pops: milk chocolate and peanut butter, dipped in chocolate, and vanilla bean and fresh strawberry dipped in white chocolate & gold sugar; mini apple strusel pies; vanilla and rooibos mini scones with vanilla glaze; 2 kinds of french macaroons: traditional with mild chocolate granache and butterscotch with marshmallow buttercream; milk chocolate whiskey mousse with Chantilly cream shooters; chamomile & thyme caramel; a 3 tiered Earl Grey cake with white chocolate Earl Grey swiss buttercream; and a pumpkin chai cake with cinnamon cream cheese filling covered in GOLD!

Relish Catering & Events did such a great job on the food that they had to prep the Late Night Snacks in a different room, so that we wouldn’t eat them all before they were photographed! They made us Mac & Cheese in the cutest little cast iron skillet you’ve ever seen; tomato bisque shooters with a grilled tilagio- prosciutto panini; truffle fries, and delicious kettle corn served in paper bags.

The “General Store” bar backdrop was the combination of a piece made by Bridget’s husband Jason, and an old door set up on some whiskey barrels. Page & Mason Invitations even made the most adorable beer and whiskey bottle labels! We even had Goldschlager shots egging you on with a “Pikes Peak or Bust” mantra.

We are absolutely THRILLED to share GOLD RUSH with you and hope you love it as much as we do…

VENDOR LOVE & DETAILS

Photography: Jeff & Jewels Photography
Photo Shoot Stylist and Planner: La Boheme Events 
Venue: 2127 Larimer
Catering: Relish Catering and Events 
Florist: Plum Sage
Bakery: Leaf and Crumb
Rentals: Colorado Party Rentals
Dress: d’Anelli Bridal
Suit: Alter Occasions
Printed Details: Page & Mason
Vintage Rentals: Chairished Vintage Rentals
Designer: Peggy Cox, cainrocks@msn.com
Hair and Make-up: Jeff & Jewels Photography

{thanks for images Jeff & Jewels Photography}

Rustic and Romantic Rehearsal Dinner in Aspen

Do y’all watch Parenthood? I just love it. As a parent, I can relate to almost every storyline in some way. This gorgeous Aspen Rehearsal, photographed by the lovely and talented Laura Murray, reminds me of Camille and Zeke’s backyard with the family gathered under the hanging lights and the long family-style table. I want to have a big family like that and entertain in a setting like that. This Rehearsal Dinner, set in the most gorgeous Aspen barn setting {holden marolt}, just looks organic, happy and pretty. Everyone in it looks genuinely happy…and their stomachs do too by the looks of the delicious food on the menu that evening.

Bluebird Aspen Shoot_lauramurrayphotography

Bluebird Aspen Shoot_lauramurrayphotography

Bluebird Aspen Shoot_lauramurrayphotography

Bluebird Aspen Shoot_lauramurrayphotography

Bluebird Aspen Shoot_lauramurrayphotography

Bluebird Aspen Shoot_lauramurrayphotography

Bluebird Aspen Shoot_lauramurrayphotography

Bluebird Aspen Shoot008

Bluebird Aspen Shoot_lauramurrayphotography

Bluebird Aspen Shoot_lauramurrayphotography

Bluebird Aspen Shoot_lauramurrayphotography

Bluebird Aspen Shoot_lauramurrayphotography

Bluebird Aspen Shoot_lauramurrayphotography

Bluebird Aspen Shoot_lauramurrayphotography

Bluebird Aspen Shoot_lauramurrayphotography

Bluebird Aspen Shoot_lauramurrayphotography

Bluebird Aspen Shoot_lauramurrayphotography

Bluebird Aspen Shoot_lauramurrayphotography

Bluebird Aspen Shoot_lauramurrayphotography

Bluebird Aspen Shoot_lauramurrayphotography

VENDOR LOVE
Design/Coordination: bluebird productions 
Photography: Laura Murray Photography
Catering: pan and fork supper club 
Linen: la tavola
Calligraphy: victoria hoke lane
Rentals: premier party rentals
Specialty Vendors: eclectic hive
Florals: carolyn’s flowers
Mixologist: E-Rock Harris
Venue: holden marolt
Film Processing: photo impact imaging

{images via Laura Murray Photography}

erin + andy

Laura Murray Photography, an incredibly talented photographer based in Colorado, played two big roles in this stunning wedding. Not only was she the bride’s sister and maid of honor, she was also one of the photographers {2nd photographer was talented Sara Hasstedt} responsible for capturing the beauty and emotion of the day. Job well done Laura. The setting is breathtaking, the details are lovely and the bride and groom radiate with pure joy. Thanks for sharing this charming mountain wedding with us Laura Murray.

VENDOR LOVE
Photography: Laura Murray Photography and Sara Hasstedt
Wedding Coordinator: pink champagne events
Floral Design: lauryl lane
Dress: Claire Pettibone ’Constance’ from little white dress
Bowties: Made by bride
Hairpiece: tessa kim
Makeup: nicole soukup
Hair: salon rua
Venue: t lazy 7 ranch, Aspen CO
Photobooth – magbooth
Umbrella Rentals: splendor for your guests
Catering: hickory house
Invitations: flourish letterpress

shannon + jay

We’ve wanted to feature this beautiful wedding for more than a year now. So, today we are thrilled to feature this Vail, Colorado winter wonderland wedding. Last year, the mountains didn’t get a lot snow…the snow gods waited until Jay and Shannon gathered with their friends and family in January 2012 to say I do to let the snow fly. And fly it did – it dumped snow – which made for the perfect backdrop to this bride and grooms fairytale day.

This wedding is near and dear to my heart because Jay and Shannon and good family friends of ours, and Jameson {my son} was a ring bearer. Jay, the groom, has been my hubby’s bestie since they were 3! I first met Jay in high school, spent time with him on weekends when I visited my husband at college, and he stood by Tommy as his best man at our wedding {best best man speech, btw}. I love Jay. When I first met Shannon, I knew I wanted Jay to marry her…and I wanted to be her friend. Such a kind, fun, genuine, sincere and outgoing woman. I’m happy they found each other.

From the gorgeous bride, Shannon…I am not one of those girls who has known forever what their wedding day would be like, but it turned out to be exactly what I wanted. The only thing I knew going into the planning process was that I was wearing boots {cowgirl of course} and I wanted a winter wedding! We kept the theme very simple, wintery, and elegant, and tried to include as many “Colorado” touches as we could.

Jay and I both wore boots to the wedding and the reception. I am a huge boot fan, so my custom Liberty and Co. boots with my new initials will be a forever-loved item in my closet and a special reminder of our wedding day. I picked an all lace dress by Alvina Valenta because it was wintery and romantic, and also had somewhat of a country/rustic look to me. My fur shoulder wrap was a life-saver, as my wish for a “white wedding” did come true and it started snowing about an hour before the ceremony and didn’t stop until Sunday! My girls wore full-length Amsale dresses in chocolate brown with boots. They looked so gorgeous. And the boys equally as handsome in tuxes and for some, boots as well.

For the flowers we chose white flowers with natural accents of pods, twigs, and greenery, and of course lots of candlelight to give the room a warm glow. My favorite part about the flowers were the pheasant feathers that we included in my bouquet, the boutonnieres and the centerpieces. My dad and Jay are big bird hunters, so their contribution to the flowers was finding me some beautiful feathers to have our florist incorporate. A nice way to make the men feel involved. 🙂

We used all local vendors to support the Vail area, and they were all fantastic! My caterer is a rock star. Our menu reflected our Colorado roots and love for great cuisine. We served a split plate of Colorado trout and beef tenderloin with fresh veggies and risotto.

Nothing beats Willie Nelson for a first dance, someone who we really felt was a perfect artist to represent both of our styles of music. Jay loves to play this game where he asks the five musicians you would see live and Willie was one of mine, so years ago he surprised me with tickets. We took weeks of dance lessons to master our first dance as a married couple and the funniest thing in the world to me is that Jay drew our dance out on a post it note about a week before the wedding so he wouldn’t forget it. So darling.

For the favors we wanted to do something that wasn’t just chocolates or midnight snacks. I love to cook and so I visited my favorite spice shop in Denver, Savory, and had them put together spice packets that were the perfect mix to include in Jay’s favorite burger recipe. We included the recipe for “Juicy Jay Burgers” with the spice packets as a thank you to guests for being a special “ingredient” in our day.

The best part of our wedding was that we were surrounded by our incredible friends and family. It’s amazing to me to look at the friends we have made along the way, the friends we have had since we were two, and the family that has supported us the whole time, and know that they were there for each moment and by our sides for our wedding. Our friends and family are simply the best, and we are so incredibly blessed to have such love and support.


VENDOR LOVE
Photographer: M Todd Thiele Photography
MakeUp: Glo makeup, Laura Anzalone
Catering: Foods of Vail, Tracey Van Curan
Wedding Coordinator/Tuxes: Mountains and Meadows, JoAnn Moore
Ceremony Site: The Chapel at Vail
Reception: Donovan Pavilion
Ceremony Music: Pat Hamilton Music
DJ: A Great Time DJ
Reception Decor and Lighting: Pink Monkey Solutions
Flowers: Rose Petals
Hair: Inga Cox Hair, 970.471.9820
Transportation: Turtle Bus
Liquor: West Vail Liquor
Bridal Gown: anna bé, dress designer is Alvina Valenta
Bridesmaids Gowns: Amsale, worn with own boots
Bridal Boots: custom-made by Liberty Boot Co., from Cry Baby Ranch in Denver
Escort door: courtesy Tutto Bella gals!