landlocked bride® | midwest + mountain west wedding inspiration

I really appreciate a well done wedding theme, and it’s even better when a couple really puts their lives and personalities into a theme, making it uniquely theirs. Stephanie and Cory did just that, incorporating a subtle travel theme without overwhelming their guests with details that weren’t really related to them. In addition to that, their unique bridal party attire really makes this wedding stand out: Two-tone dresses for the bridesmaids and earthy feeling bouquets, and bow-ties and dapper hats for the groomsmen. All of this gives the wedding a laid-back, personal feel, which is so refreshing.

From the Photographer:

Stephanie and Cory wanted to add in decor and flavors from each phase of their lives together; Colorado (where Stephanie is from), California (where they currently live) and finally Thailand (home of their favorite food). They have traveled around the world throughout their relationship and wanted to include a “travel theme” without incorporating the traditional decor and inclusions that you think of with travel themed weddings. Since Stephanie is an interior designer and Cory is a landscape architect, they were able to do this through DIY centerpieces, organic and eco-friendly decorations, plus handmade truffles from the bride.

When I first stepped foot into Colorado almost seven years ago, I knew I had to call it home. See, I grew up in Florida and beaches are nice and all, but seeing snow-topped peaks, and trees that turned amazing hues of red and orange and yellow and other colors I can’t even put words to, won my heart in a millisecond. I was hooked! I think that it is this natural beauty that makes this landlocked region an amazing location for not only weddings, but intimate honeymoon getaways! Doesn’t just sounds so romantic waking up to freshly fallen snow softly blanketing everything outside while sitting by a fire snuggled up to someone special. A really great way to experience that is through some of the Front Range’s amazingly cozy and romantic bed and breakfasts. But these aren’t your typical bed and breakfasts with lace, your grandmother’s antiques and those creepy dolls that seem to stare you at you no matter where you go in the room. These B&Bs offer a timeless, yet modern, feel with all the luxurious amenities, décor and more that you’d get at any other city hotel or resort. We’ve collected a few of our favorites tucked into the corners of the Front Range.

Arrowhead Manor is a luxury bed and breakfast in Morrison, Colorado, near Denver. It offers incredible mountain views private balconies, luxury linens and modern meets antique décor.

Arrowhead Manor

The Highland Haven Creekside Inn can be found in Evergreen, Colorado, and offers a modern touch to the typical bed and breakfast experience. You’ll find warm woods, private entries, and a sleek, modern aesthetic in the guest suites and common areas. Plus who could resist an inn that serves Romance welcome packages, including one with champagne and a “Cuddle Blanket”?

Highland Haven

For the still urban loving couple looking for a unique place to stay, The Queen Anne Urban Bed and Breakfast offers sleek décor and an urban oasis in the heart of Downtown Denver married with historic architecture.

Queen Anne Urban Bed & Breakfast

Snow + Mountains = So. much. fun.  It’s not unheard of to see so many newly engaged couples out in the snow for their engagement session in Colorado.  Given that it doesn’t happen too much in other parts of the country, it always makes me happy when they land on my desk (or email, in this case).

Shannon and Justin’s wedding at Hillside Gardens in Colorado Springs was full of so much character – the details all had a wonderful vintage flair. The dessert bar had more sweets that I am willing to admit I’d eat (because I’m positive I’d have to try one of everything). Shannon’s gown and accessories were the perfect balance of classic and vintage. Let’s not forget the venue. Oh, the venue. It’s earthy and vintage. It’s full of personality.  And, it was the perfect back drop for Shannon and Justin’s wedding.

Nicole + Eric’s Love Story:
Nicole and Eric grew up in Florida. After several request for a date Nicole finally accepted. They immediately fell in love. After dating a short bit they decided to move and check out the scenery in Colorado. Once they arrived they knew this was where they were going to be (Winter Park, Colorado). They fell in love with the beautiful scenery and endless outdoor activities. During the winter they snowboard and ski and in the summer they hike and bike. Both work in the WP resort area. Eric proposed last spring while on a golf outing with some friends. Nicole happily accepted and it was only right for Nicole and Eric to marry in the place they now call home.

I just spent a long weekend in Steamboat Springs visiting with my best friend and her family. A weekend in the mountains full of nature and beautiful scenery. And, it had me thinking about how Colorado really has some of the most beautiful backdrops. And, every time I catch a glimpse of a mountain wedding, my heart flutters. Because not only is this couple taking a big leap toward their next life chapter, but they get to do it in front of friends and family in the heart of all that nature has to offer.

Lauren Brimhall Photography

From the Bride:
We always knew we wanted to get married in the mountains. Having spent many summers in Gunnison county, we were drawn to Crested Butte and its laid back, rustic charm. We were traveling in Massachusetts, celebrating the start of our final year of medical school, when Tyler proposed. The wedding planning started shortly thereafter, and my mother Nancy acted as our wedding planner. We had one year, and Nancy turned our wedding dreams into realities. For our rehearsal dinner, we floated down the Gunnison River to one of our very favorite restaurants. Our wedding day was magical! Incredible weather, beautiful scenery, being surrounded by loved ones, and getting to marry your best friend. We couldn’t have imagined a more perfect day!

Reception Venue: The Club at Crested Butte | Photographer:  Lauren Brimhall Photography | Wedding Gown: Nolte’s Bridal | Tuxedos: The Toggery | Stationery: Statements | Make-up: Metamorphosis Salon & Spa | Hair Stylist: Eleve Salon | Nails: CB Hand and Foot Care | DJ/Ceremony Guitarist: Ryan Herr | Florist: Misty Mountain Floral | Cake: Connie Guerrieri | Shuttle: Alpine Express Charter

Happy Friday the 13th!

In light of the apparent snow in the forecast in Denver for this weekend, a fun, snowy engagement session from Kara Pearson.

Kara Pearson Photography

From the photographer, Kara:
Carly and Ilan wanted a snow engagement shoot so bad. We set the date for the shoot a few weeks ahead of schedule. We hadn’t been getting any snow – it was dry as a bone – and they were kind of bummed. Then an hour before the shoot was scheduled it started snowing like crazy. What perfect timing!

Ethan and Shima’s Vail, Colorado wedding is an incredible reminder that you don’t need all the fussy details to have a fantastic wedding. Their story and wedding give their marriage the perfect stage to shine. Plus, it sure does help to have those snowy Vail mountains as their backdrop.

DeFiore Photography

From the Photographer, Danielle:
Shima was a sophomore fashion student when she began training as a hostess at Romano’s Grill in Franklin, TN on August 5th 2008. Ethan was a Civil Engineering student and had been a server there for about a year before Shima had started. Shima and Ethan spotted each other immediately however Shima had promised herself to not date anyone at work and had made a pact with herself to not date until she was out of school.

Ethan had always been kind of a hopeless romantic, sure to meet the love of his life at some point however Romano’s Grill seemed to be the last place he would find it.

Their love was planted when Shima dropped a tray of food and Ethan comforted her and helped her pick it up. Then throughout the next few weeks they got to know each other at the hostess stand. Finally, August 29th 2008, Ethan found the courage to ask Shima out for drinks with coworkers. After that they were just inseparable.

Ethan called Shima’s mother when she was out of the country and asked for her blessing to marry Shima. On November 27th 2009 Ethan took her up the mountains of Colorado and asked for her hand in marriage. Two years later they exchanged vows overlooking the Colorado Rockies in Vail.

Jewelry: Arbor Antique Mall / Walton’s / Saghian Designs Inc. / International Jewelry Collection | Cake: Columbine Bakery | Wedding Gown: Vera Wang from David’s Bridal | Reception Party: Patricia Wyss Cunnungham | Reception Venue: Campo de Fiori | Groom’s Attire: Bash by Barry Wishnow | Hotels: Marriott / Ritz Carlton

This engagement session has so many things I love: Denver, the urban backdrop, and colorful murals. Plus, it always helps that these two are crazy adorable (and her bangs are awesome).

Love•n•Joy Photography

Harper Point Photography

From Jessica, Owner of A Vintage Affair Rentals:
Susan and Michael are such a sweet down to earth couple. She is a math teacher, which provided the student and teacher idea. The other main inspiration came from dominos. Susan and Mike started playing dominos with a set they had bought awhile back. When Susan moved out of her childhood home two years ago she came across my grandfather’s set of dominos which was used in the shoot. The glasses on the bristo table they used were also from her grandfather. Their adorable dog, Forbin joined the shoot to make it all the more personal.