When some people think of Colorado they often think rustic mountain backdrops and wide open spaces. And while it absolutely is those things, it’s also much, much more. It’s cool and eclectic and home to some seriously fabulous style. This modern Denver wedding perfectly embraces all the different sides the Rockies have to offer. It’s fresh and romantic… and just as stunning as the sweet couple behind it. With beautiful images by Chris Humphreys Photography and day of coordination by A Beautiful Memory, we’re 100% smitten with this carefree Colorado celebration. We think you will be too, so join us right here in the gallery.
From the Bride… When Bryce proposed on 6/6/12 at our favorite restaurant, we immediately knew we didn’t want a long engagement. After toying with a few options (including getting married at the courthouse or marrying ourselves, which is legal in Colorado) we set the date for October 20, 2012 and picked a location that was very close to home and very much our style. The ceremony venue was our building’s rooftop deck in Lower Downtown Denver and it became the theme for the day. With views of Union Station and the mountains to the west and the buildings of downtown sprawling to the east, it’s the ideal mix of modern and old-world Denver. We wanted a simplistic and classic feel and since I’m not a DIYer, we chose our elements carefully so we wouldn’t agonize over craft projects during the short planning process.
Some people (namely my mom, who lives in Arizona) thought we were crazy for getting married outdoors in Colorado in October. But the day was 75-degrees and gorgeous. The ceremony kicked off with “The Top 10 Reasons Bryce and Emily will live Happily Ever After,” written by our parents and read by friends and family to many laughs. Bryce and I wrote the rest of the ceremony ourselves and kept our vows secret from everyone until we read them to each other. I would highly recommend going for it if you’re considering writing your own vows!
Bryce is Mr. Big Picture and I’m Ms. Attention to Detail so we combined our talents and planned a 3-part evening so guests would experience where we live and enjoy the benefits of being downtown. Following champagne on the roof, our 40 guests went next door to Morton’s Steakhouse for a spectacular dinner and the best service around. A huge thank you to Joe and Allyn at Morton’s for making the magic happen.
It was important to us that Morton’s was about the food and then the reception was all about the party. After dinner, 30 more guests joined us at The Oxford Hotel (across the street from Morton’s and a 50-yard walk from the ceremony venue) for an amazing, urban party. Bryce and I made our entrance to Gold on the Ceiling by The Black Keys and my dad and I kept the party going by doing a push-pull swing to the Steve Miller Band’s Ooh Poo Pah Doo for our father-daughter dance. We had Craps and Roulette tables and DJ Nick Skeet is a rock star and played fantastic music all night.
There are a few people who deserve the highest praise and the most sincere thank you for their help at our wedding. Bryce’s stepmother, Lou, did all of our amazing flowers and they were beyond belief gorgeous. She also created the look for the Aspen trees at the altar. Lou’s vision was perfection and I can’t imagine having more beautiful flowers. We are so grateful to Kathy Vaughan of A Beautiful Memory who did our day-of coordination. Kathy is a true professional. She’s organized, experienced and a genuine pleasure to work with. Kathy and her assistant Jennifer and Jennifer’s daughter Kaitlin made sure we didn’t worry about a single thing. A piece of advice to brides: you NEED a day-of coordinator. Turn it over to the experts on your big day then relax and enjoy.
Chris Humphreys was our first choice for a photographer and he was the first vendor we hired. I can’t possibly say enough good things about Chris. He didn’t miss a single moment of the entire day and the pictures represent the joy, the details, the love and the essence of our day.
And yes, all of that happened in less than four stress-free months of planning! The wedding is just the first day of your marriage and we never lost sight of what we were truly celebrating.
Photography: Chris Humphreys Photography / Wedding Day Coordination: Kathy Vaughan, A Beautiful Memory / Flowers: Stepmother of the groom / Videography: Michael Ring, Films About Love / Wedding Dinner: Morton’s The Steakhouse / Reception: The Oxford Hotel, Sage Room / Cake: Elegant Bakery / Invitations + Table Cards + Signs: Paper Guppy / Ceremony music: A Lyric Ensemble / Ceremony Rentals: Event Rents / DJ: DJ Nick Skeet from Starkey Productions / Casino Games: Colorado Casino Nights / Lighting + Chandelier at The Oxford Hotel: Pink Monkey Solutions / Dress: Legends Collection by Romona Keveza, via Felice Bridal / Shoes: Manolo Blahnik / Hair: Malissa at The Oxford Spa / Groom’s Suit: Custom, Hickey Freeman