Sophisticated + Modern Denver Wedding

When you think of Colorado, rustic mountain events are top of mind, but when planning their Denver wedding, Grace and Conor knew that they wanted their contemporary and minimalist aesthetic to shine. Cherry Creek’s new Halcyon Hotel was the perfect fit. Rooftop views gave guests a glimpse of the city to the north and mountains to the west, and the sleek ballroom and modern interior beautifully accentuated the theme. Grace found her dream gown, a sleek Theia Couture design, at A and Bé–it was the first gown she tried on!–while Conor selected an incredible navy Hugo Boss tuxedo. The couple eschewed the traditional bridal party and cake and splurged on a welcome party for their guests at a rooftop bar in downtown Denver and a band for the reception, accomplishing their goal of an incredible dance party! Kimberlee Berman of Sweet Bee Designs created bright, native arrangements, adding a healthy dose of color to the otherwise neutral palette. Completely spellbound by this sophisticated couple and the beautiful images captured by Sara Lynn Photographic!

Bride in Badgley Mischka ShoesBridal Portrait Sara Lynn Photo

Black and White Bridal Portrait Sara LynnTheia Wedding Dress

Groom in Hugo Boss SuitChalkboard Wedding Welcome Sign

Guests Outside Wedding ChurchModern Denver Wedding Sara Lynn Photo 2

Bouquet with Protea and PeonyModern Denver Wedding Sara Lynn Photo 4

Modern Denver Wedding Sara Lynn Photo 5Sleek Contemporary Wedding Attire

Modern Denver Wedding Sara Lynn Photo 8

Wedding Head Table with GarlandColorful Bright Wedding Centerpiece

Simple Place Cards for WeddingWedding Centerpiece in Bright Colors

Gold Fuchsia and Orange Wedding Table

Modern Denver Wedding Sara Lynn Photo 6Modern Denver Wedding Sara Lynn Photo 10

How did you meet?
A graduate from USC, Conor did as most do and made his way a few miles west towards the beaches of Santa Monica. My postgrad route took a few more turns, but eventually, this Colorado girl, having always wanted to move to LA, also found herself in Santa Monica, living with two of her best friends from CU-Boulder. After two years of both living within blocks of each other and crossing paths, never quite at the right time, it was Conor and my love of country music and the excitement of a weekend with friends that brought us together. We both ventured down to Palm Springs for the Stagecoach Music Festival, neither of us knowing the love that was about to ensue. As cliche as any good country song!

What is your proposal story?
We love road trips. Whether it be driving down the coast to San Onofre with a group of friends ready to camp, or up to Santa Barbara to wine taste and romp around State Street – we have always loved packing up the car and setting off on our next adventure. A few months prior to the proposal we decided to make the move to my hometown, Denver, CO. As a farewell to CA, we took to Highway 1 for one last trip up the coast. It was Friday afternoon and I was working from the road, crazed whenever my cell phone service cut out. Conor was cool, calm and incredibly nervous. We had visited Big Sur on a few occasions, and each time, a stop at Sand Dollar Beach was a mandate. It is my favorite beach on the coast of CA. This road trip was no exception. We pulled over, as we typically do and as we walked toward’s the coast’s end, the proposal was in action. It was a beautiful moment, and the beginning of the best weekend. We decided to savor the engagement, just letting our close family and friends know and share in the excitement. I made 5 FaceTime calls, all to no avail, chalking it up to it being 11AM on a Friday. What I didn’t know is that Saturday afternoon, Conor would have our best friends and our families waiting for us to arrive at our favorite restaurant in Carmel. While I had my inclinations about the proposal, this surprise blew me away. I would be rolling in dough if I had a dollar for every time I said “This is the best day EVER!”

What were your favorite parts of the day?
Spending time with just my mom as we got ready. Also, I had my dad and brothers do a “first-look.” This moment was incredible. There is a picture with my dad holding back tears, my brother Peter trying to catch his breathe and my other brother Bobby looking scared out of his mind. The five of us all huddled together for a big, family hug. Seeing Conor as I walked down the aisle and watching him mouth “I love you.” Conor and I were given the advice to take a step back and just observe the party. This was cool moment. We watched our families and friends mix and mingling, the dance floor filling up and endless smiles.

Do you have any advice for couples planning their weddings now?
Know at the end of the day, you will look back on your wedding and realize you could have done it 100 different ways with the result being the exact same…you married your best friend and took the first steps in a beautiful life together. The rest are just details.

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