Western Slope weddings are generally more laid back and tend more toward wilderness settings. Not to say that I have not officiated some large formal weddings in Telluride, Aspen and Vail. And I have officiated weddings in those same places that were small and informal.   It does not matter much whether you choose formal/informal, large/small, indoor/outdoor, what matters is what feels right for you, the couple getting married.   Some choose to do what pleases their families. Again if pleasing your family is of upmost importance, then do what feels right to you. I have joined families of varied…

A wedding ceremony in a hot air balloon? Yes! What better kind of adventure weddings in Colorado could one ask for with our spectacular mountains all around!   The groom called me and said he and his bride would like to have a conversation with me about their wedding ceremony, but the hot air balloon part was to be a surprise to the bride! So, “keep that part under wraps as we speak together.”   The take off point was an hour and a half from my home and I had to be there at 7 am, so the groom…

1) Winter weddings in Colorado are bright as the sun sparkles diamonds on the snow, and a fire dances in the fireplace. Here in Colorado we are blessed with enough snow to keep it white, and we enjoy sunshine most every day. These mountains abound with lodges showcasing large hearths to gather around to make your winter wedding warm.   2) Winter weddings always feel so cozy. We come in from the cold outdoors to a warm cabin or lodge, blow on our hands, cuddle together and share warm drinks. What a great way to feel close to your peeps.…

You can have a fun wedding in Colorado, even if there are stressful events leading up to the ceremony.  Here is how, and here is what not to do! I recently officiated a wedding in Grand Junction that was so stressful to the bride that she began yelling at everyone who came near her before the ceremony began.   By the time she walked down the aisle she had pasted a smile on her face and perhaps no one, except those in the line of fire, knew what turmoil her insides were in. However the scowl on her bridesmaids faces…

I just officiated a theme wedding based on the western movie, Tombstone. What wild fun!  All the 10 bridesmaids were saloon girls, the guys were gunslingers – all wearing guns in this theme based wedding.  This is the wild west after all!  I was a cowgirl because I just couldn’t get behind being a school marm.  :-) Most of the guests were in costume as well and it created such a delightful festive atmosphere.  There are so many theme ideas out there.  You might want to consider a them based wedding if you are still in the early planning stages. …

Getting married this year and hoping for a stress free wedding? I know it can be stressful, and it is hopefully a fun memorable experience. As a wedding officiant I can tell you that I see a lot of stressed out brides! Here is a key to a stress free wedding. Include another woman in your plans; one who will be supportive and listen. Studies have shown that relating to another women is much more helpful than to a man. We love them, obviously, but don’t count on them for giving you the same kind of support a woman can.…

As a wedding officiant on the Western Slope of Colorado, I must say, having a Winter wedding in Western Colorado is a beautiful season and place to get married!  If you want to have a wedding when most people are settling in for less social time, this is a great opportunity to have a celebration! Winter in Colorado is absolutely stunning. There are many venues where you can have photos in front of big windows overlooking snowy scenes.  And since the sun shines here most of the time, the mountain beauty is highlighted. I recently officiated a wedding at the…

Tips for a successful wedding ceremony is my most important blog post! Tip #1 - Shaping the Wedding Party for Best Results As the officiant I like to have the bride and groom be able to look at me, at one another and at their guests. So stand with one foot slightly forward of the other so you are grounded, yet stable for turning a bit. Mostly you are facing one another, but slightly more facing toward your guests. If you have bridesmaids and groomsmen, have them stand the same way, fanning out into a wide V shape. This looks…