A Rustic, Vintage Pastel Wedding Outdoors in Colorado

March 23, 2012

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Sarah and Jordan

Sarah and Jordan Papa, two Colorado lovebirds, knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together after dating for just six weeks (granted, they’d known each other for over a year). So less than two months in to their relationship, the couple eloped. On September 17, 2011 -- their two-year wedding anniversary -- the duo renewed their vows and celebrated with friends and family. Their big day's slightly rustic, vintage theme focused on all of the little details, and blended traditional and eclectic touches.

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The Location

After visiting a few venues, Sarah and Jordan chose Hillside Gardens because of its unique, yet sophisticated charm. "The indoor-outdoor reception area's view of the Rockies was a huge plus, too," Sarah says.

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The Stationery

Anna Bond of Rifle Paper Co. created the stationery suite, which featured floral illustrations and hand-lettering. These design elements were also used on the ceremony and reception's printed items.

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The Fashions

Jordan, in a vest, tie, and Converse All Star sneakers, looked dapper next to his blushing bride. She wore the "Tirso" gown by Manuel Mota for Pronovias, which she bought at D'anelli Bridal. Her choice accessories: Aldo shoes, Bhldn earrings, and a custom headpiece by Jannie Baltzer.

The happy couple pose for Simply Bloom Photography on the grounds of Hillside Gardens before guests arrive for the late-afternoon ceremony.

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The Bouquet

Even though the bride went with soft pastel flowers for the reception, she opted for simple white blooms and greenery for her bouquet.

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The Ceremony

The pair exchanged their Shane Co. rings under a garden arch decorated with cotton branches. As a special surprise, Sarah engraved Jordan's ring. The service also excerpted from "Letters" by Hugh Mearns and "Gifts from the Sea" by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. And to incorporate Sarah's love of nature, the Blessing of the Apache was recited.

The bride entered the ceremony with both of her parents to an acoustic version of Coldplay’s "Green Eyes" played by a friend. At the ceremony’s conclusion, Sarah and Jordan walked back up the as "All You Need Is Love" by the Beatles was played.

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The First Dance

The couple dance to "Strangers" by the Kinks. "The line 'We are not two, we are one' really summed up the emotions we experienced that night," says Sarah.

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A Little Fun

Mad Libs has been a favorite of Sarah’s family for years -- they play the word game on road trips, holidays, and even when the power goes out. To honor this beloved pastime, her mom and sister customized and designed ones for the guests to fill out.

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The Chairs

Mismatched chairs surrounded the tables, giving the space a warm and quirky vibe. The newlyweds' seats were decorated with ribbons.

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The Centerpieces

The bride worked closely with florist Lisa Anderson of Sweet Pea Flowers to design the event's arrangements. Nearly three dozen varieties were used and each bunch was different. Here, baby’s breath, roses, lotus pods, seeded eucalyptus, and succulents come together.

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The Centerpieces

Thistle, scabiosa, millet, baby’s breath, garden roses, and succulents make up this stunner.

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The Menu

Sarah and Jordan treated friends and family to a four-course meal, prepared by Catering by Design. A mixed green salad with pears, corn, almonds, and feta cheese started it off and was followed by a roasted red-pepper and tomato bisque. The guests then chose from three entrees (filet mignon, salmon, or portobello mushroom) before finishing with dessert.

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The Sweets

The dessert table, adorned with a pennant-flag garland and small flower arrangements, holds small treats including macarons and mini pecan pies. The piece de resistance: a two-tier cake -- zucchini lime with lime curd filling, and red velvet with cream cheese filling -- created by Intriciate Icings.

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The Sweets

The Cake Poppery's pastel treats were set out on a cake stand from Sweet and Saucy Supply.

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The Favors

The bride and groom wanted to give their 41 guests something living to take home. "I thought succulents would be perfect," says Sarah. She and Jordan spent the months leading up to the big day collecting glass containers. Their florist filled them with the small plants just a couple of days before.

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Sources

Photography: Simply Bloom Photography

Location: Hillside Gardens

Catering: Catering by Design

Flowers: Sweet Pea Flowers

Stationery and Calligraphy: Rifle Paper Co.

Cake: Intricate Icings

Rentals: Chair Covers & Linens (linens); Worthwhile Style (vintage chairs and decor); Classic Party Rentals (flatware and glassware); All Well Rents (dishware)

Hair: Hot Heads Salon of Cherry Creek

Cake Pops: The Cake Poppery

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