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Colorado Wedding Vendors

Who we love to work with!

By Ashleigh Cropper

February 24^th, 2017

Probably the number one question I get the most from potential couples is: who do you recommend for flowers, wedding planner, makeup, hair, etc....

Well look no further because this is my go to list for all you couples planning a wedding in Colorado! They are tried and true and AMAZING people. I promise your day will go so smoothly if you choose any of these vendors for your wedding planning needs.

WEDDING PLANNER

I am going to be writing a whole post on why wedding planners are SO IMPORTANT! Yes, I promise! I had a groom tell me once that they are just out there to "suck your money up and do nothing for you." HOLD UP! I hope no one ever feels that way about any vendors. Everyone is in this to HELP YOU and to SUPPORT you! Yes these caps are necessary.

Wedding planners are the backbone to your entire wedding. They mitigate issues, guide you in decision making, coordinate all your guests and vendors, and even (fingers crossed it doesn't happen) in the event of a natural disaster will still have your wedding go-off without a hitch!

Also, little known fact, many vendors (myself included) are rarely booking weddings without a planner involved because it becomes almost impossible to do your own work when a planner isn't at the wedding to help the day along. So here is who I recommend!

Brynn Swanson of First Look Events. Located in Denver, Colorado, she is as bubbly and kind as they come. Brynn has been in the industry for 9 years and has pulled off wedding design ideas like you wouldn't believe! For example, how about a wedding cake hanging from a chandelier in the middle of a gorgeous rustic lodge in Colorado. Oh yeah, she did that!

Leah Colby of La Dolce Events. A Boulder, Colorado local, she knows everyone (no really everyone!) and all the amazing vendors in this community. She is one of the most thoughtful people I have met here and goes above and beyond for her couples. Leah is always a delight and calm presence, such a key to being an amazing wedding planner.

Pam Zola of Pam Zola Weddings. This East Coast gal found her way to Boulder and can pull together amazing details for an intimate wedding, and then turn around and plan a 200 person wedding in the forest. Pam is a "go-getter" with a laugh and smile that is so contagious! *see images above from a styled wedding with Pam Zola Weddings!

MAKEUP AND HAIR

I'll make this one really easy on you! There are two people I always recommend who have been the absolute best. I try to keep things very local and although they are more Boulder based ladies, they travel and do weddings in other towns too.

Makeup:

Alchemy Face Bar: They have two amazing stores (Boulder and LoHi) where you can buy all things makeup, get facials, waxes, lashes, and they also go on location to do bridal makeup. I have worked with these ladies almost exclusively in 2016 with my couples and every single person has been so happy with them. They are a delight to work with and do an incredible job! The key to an amazing makeup artist is that they choose the perfect colors for your complexion, and they also know how well it will photograph. Lets just say they nail it every time! *see images below of their makeup on a bride! *see images above for makeup by Alchemy Face Bar!

Hair:

Marisa Copeland at Hairendipity: Marisa works magic! I am sure of it! I had the privilege to work with Marisa twice last year and she was always stunned me with her creations. Not only is she sweet and kind, but this girl can wow you with amazing hair styles. She also has a vision for what looks best, which is so important because hair can just be hard to know exactly what you want and how it will look. *see images above for hair by Marisa!

Florists

I am also going to do a whole separate post on the importance of using a real florist and not going and picking your own (there are so many reasons but the first is you want your flowers to last more than 30 minutes.) So these two florists who I have both worked with, are truly artists in their crafts. I am continually blown away by the talent and expertise.

Fawns Leap: Boulder based store that opened on the West End of Pearl is like a modern greenhouse and flower shop. Tara, the owner, has worked with me this past year on a few of my weddings and has wowed everyone! One of my brides started crying when she was her bouquet because she could not believe how amazing it came together! They are truly a piece of art work. This shop also goes so above and beyond for every couple. *see below for images of bouquets by Fawns Leap!

Fiori Flowers: Fiori is full of candles and florals! From the moment you walk in to their shop, it is hard not to be inspired by the amazing displays in the window and throughout the shop. This inspiration carries through to their stunning floral arrangements. I have been fortunate to work with Lara, the owner and her team to see what amazing creations she brings to life. Lara takes great interest in her couples and is so carrying and thoughtful. *see above images for a bouquet by Fiori!

Invitations

Wedding invitations are so important because they are the first means by which you share your exciting news with your friends and family. Also, they really set the tone for your whole wedding! If your invite is more fun and playful, then your guests might be coming with that in mind. If you are more elegant and formal, then guests will be assuming the wedding is as well.

Here is also a quick plug. Please support local with your invites if you are able to! I know there are so many options online, but working with a local artist is so special and gives back to the wedding community that wants to support you.

Jolie & Co: It is hard to put into words where to start with this company! Maria, the owner, is a true #bosslady who creates stationary for weddings that are works of art! I truly mean that! I have been able to see her invitations up close and personal and my jaw dropped open. From the calligraphy, to the details, to the paper qualities, colors, and even incorporating elements like metallic ink or velvet! You will NOT be disappointed with choosing her company. Plus, Maria is very client focused and is such an amazing support in this first best step for planning your wedding.

Lana's Shop: Lana focuses on watercolor as her base for the invitations. I have seen her paint exact replicas of couple's wedding venues, mountain ranges in Colorado, and details about couples. She did a "weekend guide" booklet for one of my couple's that helped guests feel welcomed to Colorado and find local places that the couple loves. She painted the front of the booklet with the Flatirons, the couple and their dog! How cute and fun is that?! Lana's work is colorful and full of life!

Catering

There is nothing like a wedding with delicious food! I take this part very seriously since I married a chef and all he focused on was the food for our wedding day! We still have guests talking about our chef and his amazing creations! I have found one chef in Colorado that I cannot speak highly enough about. I'll give you some more details below.

GB Culinary Concepts: When you go to their website it states, " It's more than just food...it's an experience." Grant, the chef and owner of GB Culinary Concepts truly creates an experience around his amazing creations. I have been fortunate to work with Grant and his team a few times last year. Not only is his food an experience, but his staff create one as well. Everyone is very detail oriented, aware of guests needs, quick to get what is needed, and truly lovely people. Also, Grant makes sure to feed the vendors quality meals while we are working at the weddings. That speaks VOLUMES of the person he is and how he cares for everyone. I can't tell you how many terrible, cold, most likely food-born illness meals I have been served as a vendor at a wedding. Grant is thoughtful, meticulous and amazing! *see images below of an intimate wedding that GB Culinary Concepts catered (including a crostini bar!)

DJ

The DJ will get the party started at your wedding and trust me, you want a good one for this! I have seen some really, REALLY unfortunate situations come from DJ's doing their own thing and not caring for their couples. I even saw a few yell at people. I know you don't want that, so here are two that I have worked with and give the stamp of approval to!

Dan Hardee: Dan is the man! But really, he is so fun and such a great DJ! You may have heard him on the radio, he is a radio host as well! He can get the party started and keep it going all night. What I really like about Dan is that he is just a great and nice guy who wants to make sure everyone is happy. Dan puts his couples and guests first to make sure they have an awesome reception and dance party!

DJ Drake: Drake is a DJ that will pull together every era and type of song for a wedding! He truly knows it all! I have been impressed with the wide range of music he has to offer and how well he keeps the party going. He is a really fun guy who will mix up all types of music to even get your grandma out on the dance floor! *see below for images from a wedding with DJ Drake!

Videographers

Videographers are so important to me. If you book one to create a film of your wedding day, then that videographer and myself will be working closely together the entire day. You want this team that you will be bringing together to work well and efficiently. I believe it is always important to be a team player but that isn't reflected in all vendors. So here is my recommendation for an amazing videographer team: