New Colorado Site!

Denver Botanic Gardens

at Chatfield

Open House

The Fabulous Denver Botanic Gardens has a new undertaking. A quiet little (ok the preserve is 700 acres in total...so not small) farm right off C-470 and Wadsworth. It's like a time jump- off the highway and into calm, into peace, into a longstanding (19th century) ranch & schoolhouse. You can faintly see cars going by in the distance- you just can't hear them.

Your drive in is a picturesque view of a red barn with natural gardens all around.

But when you enter the barn, it's not so 'farm'- no dusty shoes here, no animal smell, no horse tack- just brand new gorgeous wood walls and beams and concrete floor. Even an indoor real bathroom.

A quaint little room. Really ready to be dressed up.

No adding

"please wear appropriate attire"

(read flat shoes and nothing angered by dirt) on your invitation.

seating indoor ~120 guests-150 guests

When entering the barn... an amazing smell! (ok, that's extra) If you're interested in this 'add on' call

Rocky Mountain Catering

303-216-0553

In order...

1- Great Smell

2- Great Display

3- Great Food

-The most upscale toast points, fresh salsa, we've ever seen. These people can make even the simplest look and taste amazing.

-Crusted Beef Tenderloin served with smooth, unique and very well made sauces.

-Fresh Spinach Salad with blue-cheese, walnuts and raspberries.

-Bite size chocolate pastries

These people are a world away from their bbq roots (which they still do if you'd like- and they are great at it)

Thanks Rocky Mountain, you can make me dinner anytime.

thanks also to County Line Liquor.

Also available at Chatfield: Deer Creek Schoolhouse

Are You Ready For Some Football?

Take a break from wedding planning this weekend and invest in your relationship.

Make what's important to him- important to you. You will forever be rewarded for it. Show you're interested in him and what he cares about- and he'll do the same.

#1) Look his team kick off up at http://www.nfl.com/schedules and tell him that you're looking forward to the game!

#2) Make the two of you-
Franks Hot Sauce Chicken Dip

Layer:
-One 8oz pkg. Cream Cheese
-1/2 Cup Ranch or Blue Cheese Salad Dressing
-1/2 Cup Franks Hot Sauce
-2 Cups Shredded Chicken Boiled in Chicken Broth
-1/2 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until cheese bubbles.

#3) Serve it with
Pita Chips or Tostitos Scoops
and
Ice Cold Fat Tire, Sunshine Wheat

#4) Cuddle Up! Enjoy the fall weather & football.

A great start to your marriage- We Promise!

Your Vendor's Idea of Service

Sometimes we are really appalled at the level of service of some vendors.
(it should be noted that most go out of their way to offer you great service- but that's not note-worthy)

You would think in the millions of dollars to be had in the wedding industry, that vendors would really consider the stress causing affects of their everyday demands.

What you do not want to do before and after your wedding. (Ya, we don't want to do it either!)

Before Your Wedding:

-Get initial fitting for tux

-Call tux shop to fix order

-Drive an hour to pick up altered dress from seamstress because it was the only option.

-Return to tux shop to remeasure

-Go to pick up tux on Thursday

-Go back Friday to get tux coat and realize they didn't order it

-Go back morning of wedding to get coat (we've now been to the tux shop more than their UPS man)

After Your Wedding:

-Return cake plates (seriously? they must cost like $10)

-Return tuxes (they can't order them right, but you'd better return them the next morning!)

-Return vases (They're huge, don't crack them!)

We would like to suggest vendors offer 'Stress-Free Perks'
You could sell our Brides on these little seemingly insignificant savers- we'd book you for it!

Just To Inspire

Pick a few well placed really impressive focal points for your event deco.

Grand Floridian

This fabulous honeymoon idea brought to you by:
The Ramblings of My Mind

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Fitch!

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

Discover the crown jewel of Walt Disney World® Resort at this Victorian-inspired Resort reminiscent of Florida's golden era.

go see it at... Disneyworld's website.

Honoring 30 Year Boulder School Teacher

A fitting retirement celebration

Congratulations Tracy Tuttle

&

Thank You for the love and energy
you've poured into Boulder County's 1st graders.




Thanks to Sunshine Cemetery Committee for allowing us to use this fabulous site.










A little about this historic 1 room school house...
Sunshine School (added 1989 - Building - #89000982) Boulder County - 355 Co. Rd. 83, Sunshine (less then 1 acres, 1 building)
Historic Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering
Architectural Style: Classical Revival
Area of Significance: Architecture, Exploration/Settlement
Period of Significance: 1900-1924, 1925-1949
Owner: Local Gov't
Historic Function: Education










Thanks to Carol & Kerry Walsh from

Kacee's Wine & Spirits

for a great wine tasting!

http://www.kaceeswineandspirits.com/






Boulder County Kids...

Be on the lookout for a mysterious substitute teacher.

BRIGHT!

Just to inspire- Bright

Don't be afraid of color.

It makes a real difference

Nevermind, Just Send Gifts.

Former UCLA Basketball Coach Steve Lavin is getting married to actress Mary Jarou.
They have some great ideas for your wedding!


1. Pick a drop dead gorgeous resort location.
2. Invite everyone you ever met with an engraved invite.
3. Register at Tiffanys and Lexus.4.send an email and let them all know you changed your mind and you don’t want them to come.
(Be sure to include an address to mail your gifts to you at.)

You think we’re kidding?

Following is their actual email.
I don’t believe in Karma but this must have serious repercussions.
~
Update from the Jarou/Lavin wedding headquarters in Newport Beach. Unexpectedly we have received a stunning 95% RSVP on sent out wedding invitations. As a result, our wedding guest list has far exceeded the maximum capacity for a traditional ceremony and reception at The Montage Resort. After giving serious consideration to alternative plans we have decided the best option at this late stage is to head to Europe to create a magical wedding day. Please accept our sincere apologies for any inconveniences this change in our wedding plans may have caused you. We are sorry that we will not be able to share our big day with family and friends. We will be sure to send you photos of our wedding upon our return from Europe. Please confirm that you received this email. Thanks in advance for your understanding. Warm regards, Steve & Mary
~

To translate…
“I wanted you all to know about the hottie I’m marrying and wanted you to send us a fab gift, didn’t think you’d really spring for it, oops.”

We have some more ideas for the etiquette challenged.

go to the resorts web page and send an e-card http://www.montagelagunabeach.com/newepostcards/ecard.php?clear=1

Send them a gift card (http://www.montageshops.com/giftcards.php) and tell them "Here hope this pays the taxes on your room you already booked."

Just stick a post-it note to their office door “Hey, the bash is off, Steve”

These people are idiots.
Emily Post is rolling in her grave as we speak.


thanks to the following for finding the story first.
http://www.bruinsnation.com/story/2007/7/9/154310/7296
http://www.withleather.com/post.phtml?pk=3318

by the way… if you like the pictures goto http://www.montagelagunabeach.com/index.html and book yourself a room, I hear they have openings.

Your Mom's Big Day

To our beloved bride: sorry it’s not really about what YOU want!

You dreamed it, you got a rock, you were locked to a budget and then you realized…

It didn’t matter what you wanted after all. There's a reason that we abbreviate Mother Of the Bride as MOB. The Mob always get what they want and if you get in the way you and your loved ones end up hurt or missing and the Mafia is no different.

I'm sorry to be the one to inform you, but…

You are having your rehearsal at the Steak Pit because your in-laws are not going to pay more than $7.50 pp, what were you thinking?!

Your Dad’s ex-wife’s step-mom has to be seated in the processional after all the other grandparents- and she wants to sit on the front row.

Your mother doesn’t care that you want your grandma to sit with you, she can sit upstairs, she’s been creating a rift for years.

Your parents have to invite their college room-mates. No they can’t sit upstairs. No they’re not increasing the budget.

You cannot have a martini bar, what would your Great Aunt Baptist think?

Yes you will have your cousin as a bridesmaid and you cannot pick that sexy black dress for the girls, what would her mother think?!

You may not like bows as decorations but they are traditional and the mother of the groom wants them.

You didn't want the orange unity candle that your mom saved from her marriage to your step-dad? Well maybe she needs to remind you again just who is paying for this shin dig young lady. Or perhaps you'd like to do it your way on your dime?

Your mother did not get to have a big traditional wedding because money was too tight so she's going to play the role of Bride and Wedding Planner for your nuptials. You can't imagine how thrilled she was when she found out you were a girl. At last she could plan her fancy wedding!

Don't worry, you'll get to plan a wedding the way you want it… just as long as you give birth to a daughter. No? Thinking that you'd never do this to your daughter? So was your mother when your grandma planned her wedding.

Get What You Really Want

Registries are great. You know your guests want to buy you something- you don't tell them what you want because that's just rude. You tell a store and they tell your guests- somehow it's different.
Do you really want a vacuum that cleans all the way down to the carpet pad or a canister set that will never ever be as shinny as when it came?
Well look no further. We know what you really want. Fiji- Bora Bora- Paris- Why not let your friends and family pay for it?

You can register for your dream honeymoon and it's easier than traditional registries. No returns, shipping costs or duplicates (not that you'd complain) Your guests can spend exactly what they wish.
try...

http://www.distinctivehoneymoons.com/

A few tips so you come off looking like a blissful bride not a gold-digger.

Registry do's and don'ts
Do Register
Your guests want to buy you gifts and by registering, it saves your guests time from guessing what to get you and it ensures that you will not get things you don't want or need and saves time returning five of the same item!

Don't put off starting your registry
Once your family and friends know he 'popped the question', they will start preparing for the engagement party and bridal shower. You want to register up to 9 months in advance and it is never too late to register - use your registry for wedding gifts as well.

Do get the ‘word out'
Give your parents, bridesmaids and groomsman all of the details about your registry so they can start letting your guests know by ‘word of mouth'. If you have a wedding website, place your registry information on your website (don't forget to include the website address and telephone number). Use the announcement card or email service provided by your registry. Never send a registry announcement in your wedding invitation. An etiquette taboo! The one exception is the shower invitation.

Don't forget to consider more than one registry
There's no “correct” number of registries you can have. Get together with your future spouse and discuss what makes you both happy. Having a store registry and a honeymoon registry is a way to cover all the bases. Besides, it's more fun for your guest to purchase the gifts you want.

Do register for gifts in a range of prices
Registries are not only for engagement parities or showers; also use it for your wedding gifts. By having gift items in all price ranges this will ensure you don't leave anyone one out when it comes to their budget. Having a range of prices will allow guests to purchase lower price items for a shower and higher price items for a wedding gift.
Don't tell unless asked
It's plain tacky for you to tell your guests where you are registered unless asked of course

Do say thank you
Always send a hand written thank you card. Gifts received before the wedding should be sent within two weeks. Gifts received after the wedding should be received no later than 3 months after you return from your honeymoon. Don't forget to mention the gift by name.

(Do's and Don'ts courtesy Distinctive Honeymoons)

Add some WOW!

People often try too much in planning a bash.

Instead focus on a couple of things and do them well.

Your guests will praise your efforts.

No Shirt, No Shoes, No (Wedding) Service!

"Are you friends of the Bride or Groom?"

Inspiration for this blog comes from all over the place, and doesn't get much better than this. Just last night my husband was listening to the radio and the DJs were discussing couples getting married at Wal-Mart because they wanted to wed on 7/7/07 and everything else was booked up. I was a little skeptical. Let's face it, afternoon show DJs are not exactly renowned for being bastions of truth and accuracy so I decided to poke around online. It's true, and not only is it true, but you had to win a contest to be one of the 'lucky couples.'

Here's a quote from the article:

"This package includes the decorated wedding venue in Wal-Mart's colorful lawn and garden area..."

The lawn and garden area? Why that's just as classy as if you got married at the botanical gardens. Please trust me when I tell you that if you decide have your wedding at Wal-Mart the most memorable thing about it will not be the date.

Guests will show up dressed to the nines and will be warmly welcomed by the friendly greeter. "Hello, we're here for the Glass - Cox wedding," (actual names of one of the couples).
"Oh, yes. It's back in our lawn and garden section. Take aisle 12 all the way back to the jean shorts and halter tops and then take a left. Keep going until you see the folding lawn chairs and can smell the weed killer. If you get to men's undergarments you've gone too far."

If you're lucky enough to be invited to one of these events here's a few helpful tips:

• If you forget your gift just arrive 10 minutes early and have Wal-Mart gift wrap something for you.
• A supervised nursery for the children will not be provided but as always Wal-Mart encourages you to leave them to run roughshod in the toy aisle.
• Please remember to bring your own spit cup.
• Formal attire is not required but try to choose an outfit that looks good with your mullet.
• Check the weather and remember to put the T-Tops on your Camaro if it might rain.
• Keep some dollar bills in your pocket for the 'Money Dance,' if you don't have any dollar bills handy, arrive early and return the truck battery you recently bought. Ask the customer service clerk for the $12 in ones.

A Little Creativity

Fan Programs:
1. Print pages
2. Cut into 5 equal triangles
3. Punch a hole in the bottom
4. Secure with a pretty rivet from your local fabric store

A little thought and a lot of cutting and you'll have a detail to remember.

Great Idea
Guest's will love it.

Our only advice. Consider the time... 1 looks cool. 100 gets annoying to cut.

Favors and Placecards

Your placecards and favors are one of the details at your wedding where you can get creative. If you're a pilot, an air traffic controller or even just an airplane aficionado you could do something similar to the picture on the left.

It's a good idea to arrange placecards alphabetically with the table number on the back, also like the picture on the left. This will help you to avoid everyone circling the tables trying to find their placecards, and it will prevent someone getting to the table 6 first and switching your know-it-all aunt Sophie to a different table.

When it comes to favors keep it simple and elegant. You don't want your guests to feel like they just got something out of a Cracker Jack box, but at the same time you can't afford to buy everyone a pair of diamond earrings. (If you're reading this Oprah, it doesn't apply to you.)

Just To Inspire- Kids

Occasionally we will give you some great pictures just because they are soooo cool.

Oh, and also because more pictures equals less writing.


Kids love it when there is anything especially for them.

Plus, they are quieter when distracted.

Should You Have A Wedding Rehearsal?

How do you have a ceremony that runs smoothly?
How will the ushers know how to usher your family out?
How will your musicians know when to play for your unity candle?
How will you know when to respond to your officiate?
How can you get your maid of honor to take your bouquet and fix your muddled train?

See you really do need to practice.

Make a program- an order of details of the ceremony. Even if you don’t want one for your guests, your officiate, coordinator, musicians, readers and ushers will need one to follow. It should include the names of your musical pieces, readings and liturgy and who is intended to play, sing or speak.

Decide every detail before with your officiate and coordinator. Trust me you do not want advice from your Aunt Ruth about how to walk in or from your soon-to-be mother in law about where the men should go. No one will agree, it will add time and confusion to your rehearsal and no one will remember what you ultimately decided on. Do it before and write it down. Now is the time for a little detail. We do not suggest that you obsess about your wedding for a year before, but we do suggest you give a few things some time before your big day.

Get everyone there on time and promise them if they pay attention (harder with adults than kindergarteners) that you will reward them with a drink and dinner after.

Have your coordinator…
1- Set your bridal party up in their places at the front.
2- Guide them how to recess/leave (and inform them where they will go after the ceremony)
3- Line the bridal party up in their pre-ceremony places at the back (guys, girls, children, parents)
4- Inform participants about entry order and instructions to reach the front.
5-Run through your entire ceremony from processional songs to recessional
6- Include details like hand offs, microphones, when musicians/readers should come forward
7- Skip the words of the ceremony and the I-do’s (It’ll be better tomorrow)
8- Give your officiate your marriage license and your wedding rings to your coordinator or maid-of-honor.
9- Give everyone directions to dinner.
10- Relax and enjoy your friends and family. Don’t drink too much- there are going to be a lot of pictures tomorrow.

Where the cool people go...

Need Inspiration?

TheKnot.com has more than you can handle.

our favorite spot...

http://weddings.theknot.com/odb/results.aspx?type=3&colors=Red

check the drop down menu for all your heart desires

Fab Honeymoons

Need we say more...

Swept Away

Negril, Jamaica

http://www.swept-away.com/



InterContinental RESORT AND SPA MOOREA
Moorea, French Polynesia

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ic/1/en/hotel/mozpf?_requestid=314283

Dear Wedding Photographer

Dear Wedding Photographer,

Thank you so very much for the beautiful memories that you’ve given us, and for putting the photos online in your “featured wedding” section. You made me feel like a celebrity.

Speaking of celebrities, please be mindful that my younger brother is a highly-touted super star quarterback who was drafted in the first round by the Cleveland Browns. I’m not certain, but there’s a chance that you may have taken some pictures of him at my wedding that might be… well… embarrassing to say the least. I know my little brother would appreciate it if you didn’t post the pictures of him dancing to Y.M.C.A. even though there’s probably no chance that some blogger will find the pictures and make fun of him.

Sincerely,
Laura Hawk (formerly Quinn)

Dear Laura Hawk… OOPS!



File this one under things to mention BEFORE the wedding!

Source: With Leather who credits The Big Lead

Just Elope Already!

An attorney suggesting that you represent yourself.

A mechanic not finding any additional problems that you need to take care of.

Paris Hilton taking responsibility for her actions.

A wedding coordinator suggesting that you elope.

“I’ll take things that will never happen for $500 please Alex.” Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner!

Well get ready, because you’re about to witness the final item on that list. (In related news the temperature in hell today is a chilly 32 degrees Fahrenheit with a cold front moving in tonight.)

Your vision of eloping probably includes a light up Elvis, a free Vegas buffet and disgruntled relatives. Modern “eloping” has evolved into “destination weddings”, and it’s not just a new name but a new way to look at weddings. Simply go somewhere else.

Your wedding dreams can change overnight, quickly going from: fairy tales, flowers, dreams, doves, and layers of flowing organza to pushy relatives, budget limitations, hours fighting over seating charts, details, details, details. One minute you can’t stop looking at your new 1 carat princess cut diamond and the next morning you realize you’re going to pay $120 a guest, your mother wants to invite everyone she ever knew, thinks you should hang swags of lace and have huge centerpieces of babies breath and carnations. All of the sudden you find yourself hoping that your mother won’t be offended if you throw up all over her wedding book from Michaels.

Usually brides seriously consider eloping after 6 months of planning, when they just can’t take it anymore. At that point you’re 6 deposits in and stuck with 6 more months of your mother.

While we pride ourselves in reducing your stress planning your wedding and helping you Enjoy Your Event!, there are cases where it’s just better to find an amazing resort, a gorgeous dress and buy an airline ticket. We are not counselors. Likewise if you would love to come to Colorado for your get-a-way, we would love to help.

Couples have many reasons not to elope. Let us tell you the truth…

1-The laws are too confusing. I can’t get a license.
(Thanks to about.com) just click here to find your location. You can also get all the info you need on the internet. Research has never been easier.

Bahamas Example:
ID Requirement: Photo ID such as passport or driver's license. Additionally, you will need a sworn declaration to prove that you are not married. If you are a US citizen, this can be done at the US Consul at the American Embassy in Nassau. Others can have a notarized declaration.
Residency Requirement: 24 hours for either the bride or groom. You must provide evidence of the date of your arrival in The Bahamas.
Waiting Period: 24 hours.

2- I want my family and friends to come but don’t want them there for my honeymoon!

There are many ways to accommodate this.
Island hop! There are so many great Caribbean locals close to each other, you can marry at one and stow away to another secluded spot to sunbathe and sip the week away.
Resort Hop! Marry at one resort and then move to another. Sandals, Couples, Barbados, check other all inclusives

Stay with your family and friends the week prior and enjoy a vacation with them, then plan for them to check out and stay and enjoy a private honeymoon for the next week. (Your family and friends will understand. Be honest with them about your desire to have alone time.)

3- I will feel like I didn't get a real wedding.

You do not have to have a shotgun wedding. You are simply planning a wedding in another location. It is less work, less details and less guests. All of this leads to a relaxing and memorable day of bliss.

Pick an idealic beach or a thatched hut in a tropical local or stay at one of Las Vegas’ new super hotels, perhaps get married at the Terrace at The Bellagio. Take your family to Italy. Spend a week in Colorado’s Mountains.

Do whatever you need to do to Enjoy Your Event!

Romantic Colorado Getaway

Gold Lake Resort
A YMCA camp? Yeah, really. I’m serious. Stop looking at me like that. Let me explain:

This resort used to be a YMCA camp.
Each cabin has been renovated to include log beds with feather tops, bathtubs carved out of rock, stained glass windows and the camp counselors have been removed for your enjoyment. Very cool.

As if that wasn’t cozy enough, just steps from your front door are rock hot tubs built into the side of the mountain with a view of Gold Lake. What could make this any more enjoyable? Some light snow, your man bringing you a hot cocoa by the fire that he built and then reading poetry to you. (OK so the poetry thing might be pushing it, but the rest sounds good right?) Oh, and don’t tell him that there are no TVs there, or be sure to go during a bye week.

Gold Lake Resort also boasts a Spa and Alice's Restaurant (awesome food)

It's ok if you want to sing...

"You can get yourself clean, you can have a good meal, You can do whatever you feel ... "

http://www.goldlake.com/
Gold Lake Mountain Resort and Spa •
3371 Gold Lake Road, Ward, CO 80481 USA •
303-459-3544

Will Your DJ Cramp Your Style

The following article comes courtesy of Jay Kacik,
DJ/Owner of Standing Room Only http://www.srodj.com/

From time to time we will feature guest writers that we feel have great insider tips for you, and because sometimes we're just to lazy to write something ourselves.

Thanks Jay...

It's difficult to write about weddings without being too cliché. Yes, it is "your big day" and, of course, a most beautiful beginning to the rest of your life. The key phrase being, "the rest of your life," meaning you'll have plenty of time to look back on "your big day." What will you want to see? Perfection. Or at least something more attractive than a Gemini TR 100 speaker sprouting from your head. (Your guests might also better appreciate a party where they won't risk tripping over a monolithic lighting structure.)

It doesn't take but brief contact with a wedding deejay to know that he (or she--yes, a growing contingent) is proud of their equipment. Just a few words past "hello" with any of these gala gurus and sound school is in session. Get ready to nod agreeably to words like amplifier, subwoofer and Mackie DFX-6 6x2 compact live sound mixer with on-board effects. But, hey, these guys are the life of the party. A good deejay has to know not only how to pronounce your Uncle Krzyzewski's last name, but exactly how to train an amateur on a mic, the right balance of bass and treble as well as the optimal sound for the acoustics of the room. But with all the time, money and sanity invested in an event as big as your wedding, it's time too for the cool deejay toys to be heard and not seen.

With all of the work you put into designing the decor and "feel" of your wedding, a little extra time to make sure your DJ understands your vision will be time well spent. Florists tend to have a natural sense of style. They know where to put the flowers and how to arrange them properly. Djs are a whole different story! Look at pictures of your DJ's equipment from past weddings. Make sure their style fits in with your wedding and doesn't detract from the beauty of your wedding venue. Any good, professional DJ will coordinate the reception and play all the right songs to keep everyone dancing. But what will the DJ bring to your wedding? Cheese or Class?

It is your choice!

***
Writer credits:
Jared Ewy
Jay Kacik, DJ/Owner of Standing Room Only http://www.srodj.com/

Your Tasting

One of the most anticipated planning events is your caterer's tasting.

Here's a look at one bride's meal and experience.

How to know if your caterer is into you…

They...
· Serve it in a clean ballroom
(Catering offices send a budget cook message )

· Set a table for the bride and groom to see
(Bride’s have trouble visualizing.)

· Let you meet the chef
(Make them feel like a star)

· Serve a plate that actually looks like it will to their guests.
(Artistic Food Tastes Better!)

· Send them with a tuxedo strawberry
(Chocolate sets every wedding contract well.)






Menu

Chicken Limoncello
Light refreshing grilled breast of chicken on
A bed of flavorful minted Limoncello sauce
Served with fragrant jasmine rice and steamed baby vegetables

Served with a Kendall Jackson Chardonnay

Piedmont Petite Fillet
Petite fillet with herbs and tri-colored peppercorns pan seared and roasted to perfection. Served with roasted rosemary potatoes
And seasonal vegetables

Served with a MacMurray Pinot Noir
***


Special thanks to Emily Burger at http://www.magnoliahoteldenver.com/
My bride felt like royalty