What do you get when you combine a blue sky summer day, a gorgeous venue (if we do say so ourselves), a reception to die for and a couple we just love?  The Perfect Wedding.

On June 28, Tracy and Justin were married at Spruce Mountain Ranch.  Their special day went off without a hitch and was captured in stunning detail by Frances Photography.

From the ranch side ceremony to the crystal chandeliers to the giant centerpieces, to the gondola photo-booth, to the band, to the outdoor dancing pavilion, to the s’more station, Frances and her team photographed every charming detail.  Not to mention, the bride, the groom, their respective families and the wedding party.

If you’re curious to see Frances’ work, she’s compiled a slideshow of her favorites from the day, beginning to end.

Filed under: Uncategorized on September 5th, 2012 | No Comments »

Spruce Mountain Guest Ranch is thrilled to announce our newest catering partner, The Broadmoor Colorado Springs.

Since its opening in 1918, The Broadmoor has been host to many dignitaries and celebrities including John D. Rockefeller, John F. Kennedy, Walt Disney and Joe DiMaggio. The Broadmoor exudes the highest level of quality by delivering unrivaled hospitality through exceptional service.

With more than 100 years of combined experience, the catering staff at The Broadmoor is one of the most highly regarded teams in the industry. Their accomplished staff takes pride in developing outstanding themed events with award-winning food and beverage options sure to delight every attendee.

Together, Spruce Mountain Guest Ranch and The Broadmoor offer guests exceptional food and a unique way to experience the beauty of the American West.

Filed under: Uncategorized on August 6th, 2012 | No Comments »

A day-of coordinator usually begins services close to wedding date and after the couple have hired most or all their vendors and venue.  Her role is to be in charge of the rehearsal and wedding in orchestrating all the details that the bride and groom have spent months planning to make sure that everything comes together exactly as the couple imagined.  A coordinator allows the couple, wedding party and guests to enjoy their special day without the stress. A wedding planner incorporates day-of wedding services in addition to working with the couple helping with everything from design creation, budget management, invitations, vendor referrals, contract negotiation, timeline development and confirmation calls.  A wedding planner is there to help reduce stress by managing and organizing all the details from start to finish.  This is a great option for couples that want assurance that they are hiring reliable vendors are getting the most for their budget.

Nicolette, Event Consultant. Cloud 9 Bliss

Why Hire a Wedding Planner?
In reality a planner saves time, money and loads of stress! Most couples have fulltime jobs and busy  lifestyles which do not allow them to carve out time to plan their wedding. As a planner, we streamline the process making it efficient and fun so that our clients can enjoy being engaged! We have relationships with vendors and venues to offer brides economies of scale to best fit their budget and style. With how much money a couple  invests into their wedding, a planner makes sure that the day will be executed to their highest expectations. Often brides will tell us that the venue coordinators or caterers are there to help plan and execute their wedding when in fact their sole responsibility is to maintain and manage the venue or food prep and execution. Planners/coordinators can be viewed as insurance – they manage the entire day down to vendors, timelines, guest experience and to assist the family in any way needed. Situations can arise at any time throughout the wedding day and we are working behind the scenes to identify the issue, formulate a solution and execute so that you are free to host your wedding!

Jill Kull, Event Consultant. Cloud 9 Bliss

Ann Marlin, CEO. Cloud 9 Bliss

Filed under: Vendor Highlights, Weddings on March 16th, 2012 | No Comments »

It’s crazy to think that it’s been 5 months since my husband Alex and I got married at Spruce Mountain Ranch! Alex and I were engaged for two years, and we took the extra engagement time to our advantage, and took our time planning every little detail. We took the first year of our engagement to relax, and not plan any heavy details of the wedding. We wanted to enjoy our engagement, especially since we heard how much work weddings can be. I am currently going to school to obtain a degree in Communication, which I hope to use to become an event planner. Because of this, I chose to plan my own wedding, to give me some first hand experience. I can’t tell you enough, hire a planner! It will take so much stress off of you!

Alex and I began planning around September 2010. The absolute first thing we did was book our venue at Spruce Mountain Ranch! The moment I stepped on site, I knew Spruce Mountain would be the perfect location for our wedding. I grew up on a farm, and it definitely has a farm feel; Alex grew up in Palmer Lake, which is a few minutes away from the Ranch. It was perfect.

Our wedding day was September 25, 2011. We could not have asked for better weather. The temperature was in the mid 70’s, and it had not rained that day. That was most definitely a good thing, since we had chosen the mountainside ceremony site. There was a slight breeze to keep everyone cool. As wedding favors, we made custom “W” and “B” water bottle for everyone, and had them placed in their seats at the ceremony site (My last name is Weber, his is Bowen).

The ceremony was a record 14 minutes, including everyone in the bridal party walking in and out. After the ceremony, guests made their way into the cocktail hour, while Alex and I ran around the ranch and enjoyed our first hour as husband and wife.

The reception was so much fun! We had a smaller wedding, with about 60 people in attendance, but we still wanted to use Albert’s Lodge as our reception site. After dinner, we went into cake cutting. I leaned in to tell Alex I was not going to smash cake in his face, and he seemed confused; that’s when I struck! I feel bad because he never smashed cake in my face. I had make-up I could not risk ruining, right?

After that, we made our way outside to our first dance, “Crazy Girl” by The Eli Young Band. Then we began dancing all night and the rest is history. It was such a great wedding day. I had family that I had not seen in years come across state lines to be here for me. I had friends that flew from Northern Ireland and Switzerland to help Alex and I celebrate our special day. It was truly a magical day. Of course, little things can go wrong, like in my case, my dress was a little longer than I wanted… (completely my fault). But those things go unnoticed.  Alex and I spent our wedding day with good food, amazing friends, and perfect memories.

A HUGE thanks to Spruce Mountain Guest Ranch, A Music Plus, Buffalo Gals Catering, Magnifica Bella, and Rene Tate Photography!

Filed under: Albert's Lodge, Magnifica Bella, Spruce Mountain Guest Ranch, Weddings on March 2nd, 2012 | No Comments »

First of all, catering can be done well with less expensive cuts of meat. The difference is in the chef , knowledge and preparation methods. You don’t have to start with a high priced product like tenderloin to impress your guests.

Be open to a buffet, I know that buffet food done wrong can be so wrong, but have no fear, if food planned properly is cooked on site and placed in chafers just before service the quality is not compromised. Also, when you go buffet, nice disposable place settings are perfectly acceptable, saving on rentals. Not to mention the savings on labor, less chefs and servers are necessary.

Also, and very important, don’t be afraid to let a reputable caterer know your budget. Menu design can go from low to high and there are so many options. If the caterer knows your budget and your food tastes, they can design something for you that will fit your style.

Happy Planning!

Avie Rosacci

Owner

Tony Rosacci’s Fine Catering & T.R.’s BBQ

Filed under: Spruce Mountain Guest Ranch, Weddings on February 23rd, 2012 | No Comments »

Jason and Gina were the first couple to have their reception in Albert’s Lodge and are getting ready to celebrate their first anniversary!  

____________________________________________________________________

Being wedding photographers, you have seen many weddings.  How did your observations of other weddings impact the planning of your own?

Every wedding is different and special. I don’t think we’ve yet to see two weddings that even remotely feel the same. With that, the best weddings are the ones that feel very personal. We felt that was the most important aspect to plan around. We had food we like, beer Jason loves, danced to “our song” Lovely Tonight… even though it is NOT a song for dancing. 

How would you describe the “style” of your wedding?  

Rustic/Vintage/Outdoor… and very laid-back. 

What were the most important aspects of your day?

Our family. Having our wedding day be not only about us as a couple, but about the family we’re creating with Jason’s children. 

What advice do you have for couples currently planning their weddings?  

Hire a wedding coordinator, even if it’s only for day-of. It was the best decision we made.

Like the vendors you hire and don’t be afraid to look around until you find the right fit (don’t feel bad saying no to someone…it’s your wedding day!). Your vendors, especially coordinator and photographer, should find out what is important/meaningful/cool to you and make that their top priority.

Give yourself extra time at every step (i.e hair, makeup, formals) on your wedding day because being ahead of schedule is much better than running late! Most importantly– remember this day is about celebrating the love between you and your partner. It’s not your mom’s day, or about your crazy co-worker who didn’t get an invite, or so-and-so who doesn’t like anything.

Focus on what is meaningful to you… everything else is just details.

Would you like to recognize any of the vendors that participated in your wedding?

We’d love to recognize Save the Date Events, Center Stage Entertainment, Spruce Mountain Ranch (of course!!!), Footers Catering, and Bella Fiori Events.

Tell us about your first year of marriage.  How are you celebrating your 1 year anniversary?

Wow. One year (almost) down… many, many more to go! When we got back from our honeymoon, we literally hit the ground running with a wedding the next weekend and have hardly had a chance to catch our breath! Our family had stayed busy with summer camping trips, a move to a wonderful house on a cul-de-sac, football and baseball seasons, training for the Bolder Boulder, and learning to snowboard! Jason and I are definitely learning the art of balancing work, family, and alone time! A quick drink at the local Old Chicago (that’s suburbia for ya!) is our new favorite getaway. Even though on June 6th we will probably be at a baseball game… we are celebrating with a trip to Las Vegas! We absolutely love Vegas, and while it may not be exotic or romantic, it’s “us” and that’s all that matters.

Filed under: Weddings on May 2nd, 2011 | 2 Comments »

10)  Clients of event consultants often get special vendor treatment.  

Vendors get repeat business from event consultants allowing them to sometimes provide special treatment or discounts.

9)  Event consultants know the going rate for services.

Event consultants are up to speed on the going rate for services related to your event.  This ensures that you are getting what you pay for and that your budget is allocated correctly.

8)  They know how to manage an event budget.

Hiring and event consultant expert to assist in how to managing your budget, let you know where you can save, and what you can cut out is a huge advantage. 

7)  Vendor management. 

The average special event deals with 22 different vendors.  Using an event consultant lets you continue to focus on your daily routine while they delegate duties to and deal with the 22 vendors.

6)  Most event consultants pass savings on to their clients rather than receiving commissions from vendors.

Event consultants generally work off of a flat fee or percentage of the event cost.  The final numbers usually show that the event consultant’s fee more than paid for itself from the discounts received from the vendors and overall time saved for their labor.

5)  Venue coordinators are not your event consultants.

There is a common misconception that a coordinator involved with the venue can act as your event consultant for the day, this is false!  The venue coordinators are there to deal with issues specifically related to the venue and do not have the ability to take on multiple roles during events.

4)  Referrals are everything in the service business.

Eighty to 90% of new business that comes to an event consultant is from a referral.  The referrals are usually from vendors and happy former customers!  The event consultant wants you to be happy at the end of the experience and refer them to colleagues and friends.  This is an incredible incentive for planners to exceed your expectations and make your event incredible.

3)  The event day is for the client.

The day of the event the client has enough on their mind to be concerned about.  When an event consultant is involved the client does not need to know or be concerned with the small hiccups that sometimes happen.  Small challenges do happen and the planners are there to solve them.

2)  Event insurance to guarantee the event goes smoothly.

Running a special event is not for the faint of heart.  There are hundreds of things to consider that must be dealt with simultaneously at the event itself.  Event consultants are professionals at handling all the details to ensure a smooth successful event. 

1)  Your day is a reflection of you.

Your day is in the details and people will remember them.  Draw on the expertise of the planner who knows the current trends and how to make them work for your event.

Thank you again to Stacy from Lillis Affairs (www.lillisaffairs.com)!

Filed under: Uncategorized on April 25th, 2011 | No Comments »

MONDO VINO – www.mondovinodenver.com

What specialties do you feel set you apart from competitors?

We are very helpful when it come to the Liquor side of a party! We deliver and pick up at no charge.  We are full service all the time.

 What makes a reception stand out in terms of drinks?

When a reception offers a new, creative, or signature drink it really helps it to stand.

Do you have any advice for brides when selecting alcohol for their receptions?

Let us take care of it for you! We will always take the time to make sure everything is perfect!

 What does Mondo Vino do that adds value for the client?

We offer personalized service and an on call staff to make sure everything is perfect for start to finish.

Filed under: Uncategorized on April 12th, 2011 | No Comments »

Cloud 9 Weddings and Papers by Ann Marlin - ann@cloud9bliss.com – www.cloud9bliss.com

• Specialties:

Cloud 9 has a long history starting about 30 years ago and has a vast knowledge of the stationery lines, etiquette and really assisting the brides with designs that best suit their style and budget. Also having been planning weddings since 2002, they are familiar with most all the venues and vendors and can offer great advice for any circumstance.

• Describe your favorite wedding invitation:

When asked what her favorite wedding invitation was Ann described the following: We did a great navy and off white ensemble that had bold stripes and rustic damask and another that was Colorado meets vintage in that we did a chocolate wood grain folio and a garnet Victorian damask/lace pattern that was the backdrop to the orange ink used for the verbiage on the invite.

• Consultation process?  

The first details Cloud 9 wants to know is the overall style and feel the couple is going for, colors of the wedding and budget. This narrows down what can be a very overwhelming process and keeps it fun and exciting. Cloud 9 believes that your invitation sets the tone and a guest expectation for the wedding and can accommodate this in any budget!

• Current promotions 

Cloud 9 has extended a 10% discount to any Spruce Mountain Ranch bride on any paper products- save the dates, invitations, menus, programs, thank you notes, napkins, etc!

The Paper Mavens by Kimberly Kee - info@thepapermavens.com – www.thepapermavens.com 

Photos by The Forever Yours Studio

Specialties:

The Paper Mavens specializes in completely handcrafted stationary items for all occasions, including weddings.  When a bride has a specific or abstract vision for their wedding stationary, it can often be difficult to find a product that fits that vision.  It’s almost like creating your own personal sample book instead of flipping through thousands of pages of high-production invitations.  In addition to the invitations, we can create the entire suite of stationary products, including escort cards, menus, favors, and more.  The best part is that invitations are truly unique and one-of-a-kind.

Describe your favorite wedding invitation:

When asked what her favorite invitation was Kim described an one with an upscale southwestern theme that incorporated a lot of bright orange as well as more earthly and organic elements, such as faux cow linens and succulent centerpieces.  The invitation incorporated those colors, and had great sparkle, the finished piece was then wrapped with a piece of rustic  twine.  The contrast between that sparkly paper and the twine, and it perfectly summarized the personality of that particular couple and that particular wedding. 

Consultation process?

Anything that involves design for a wedding can be a very personal process and with that, an in-person meeting is the best place to start.  After discussing budgets, they go work on creating samples that reflect their style and their budget.  Typically three samples are created and then another meeting takes place to determine the next step.  On occasion, a couple will immediately bond with one of the samples we’ve created for them. Other times, they may like the layout of one sample and the papers of another.  We do not go into production until the sample is perfect.

Current promotions:

Mention this blog and receive a $100 credit toward the design fee.  The typical charge is $150 fee to enter into the design process, which covers the cost of materials and design time, but that amount is then credited against your final order.  With this offer, the design fee is only $50, which is still credited against your final order.

Filed under: Uncategorized, Weddings on March 22nd, 2011 | No Comments »

ANDREW CLARK PHOTOGRAPHY – by Andrew Clark – Andrew@andrewclarkphotography.com   

What Sets Andrew Clark Photography apart? 

 Andrew Clark Photography has experience with very high-end destination wedding photography throughout the world and maintains an exceptional client list of public figures and leading families. Recent awards include:

- ICON awards for best photography in 2009 and 2011 - The Knot Best of Weddings 2007

Favorite wedding to date:

500-person wedding extravaganza in San Francisco, designed by Preston Bailey, where we provided seven photographers for five days and photographed seven events. The wedding is featured in Preston Bailey’s book “Inspirations.”

Consultation process: 

Start with a private meeting with the bride and groom and develop bespoke coverage.

 Advice for brides when selecting a photographer: 

Andrew Clark stresses that you should budget 10-15% of your overall wedding cost for photography, prints and albums and to check photographer’s references very thoroughly; experience counts enormously. 

ALL DIGITAL PHOTO AND VIDEO – by Cal Cheney – alldigitalphotoandvideo@yahoo.com

 What Sets All Digital Photo and Video apart? 

Our motto is “Pictures with personality from people with personality.”  They pride themselves on being fun, fast and photojournalistic. Having the ability to both photo and video is great too. 

Favorite wedding to date:

Cal’s favorite wedding was a couple from Venezuela.  They both cried during the ceremony and the reception was like Mardi Gras with congo lines, props, great dancing and All Digital’s photo booth. 

Consultation process:

All Digital meets with the couple at the time of the booking and then talk again 10 days ahead of the big day. 

Advice for brides when selecting a photographer:

All Digital stresses that you should demand to own the images on disc so there or no copyright issues.  They also recommend having two photographers so one can be with the girls getting ready while one is with the guys. 

Current Promotions:

 All Digital is currently offering one free a la carte with bookings at Spruce Mountain, which could include a free engagement session, a boudoir session or an extra hour of coverage. 

GASTON PHOTOGRAPHY – by David Gaston – info@gastonphotography.com

What Sets Gaston Photography apart? 

David Gaston has 16 years of photography experience and prides himself on being able to create beautiful photos straight out of the camera, no photoshop necessary.

Favorite wedding to date:

When David was asked what his favorite wedding to date has been he described Derek and Kate’s wedding. It wasn’t their budget or location, but they really wanted to have fun and they trusted in David’s ability to create amazing images that expressed who they are.  David explained that Derek REALLY didn’t like having his picture taken (more than the average guy).  Once the wedding day started Derek really got into it and was making suggestions on how he wanted his picture taken!   To top it all off, the groom told David “you changed my mind about having my picture taken, thank you” was an honor he will never forget.

 Consultation Process:

We schedule a time to get together at our in-house studio or at a location more convenient to the couple we’re meeting.  During the appointment it’s really all about client, their style and trying to give them an opportunity to get a sense of who David is.  

 Advice for brides when selecting a photographer:

Gaston always tell couples to ask themselves three questions:

1. Do you like the photographer, as a person, as well as their personality?   With my style, trust and personality is essential in the image creating process. 

2.  Do you like what you see?  Photographers often show their best or favorite work.  I do the same, but, we also make ALL of our work available for viewing via our website

3. Do they fit your budget?  It’s tough affording all that you want.   With Gaston’s customization of all our wedding packages, they meet most budgets.  

 David often says, “Go with your gut feeling; if you have any hesitation, move on, there is something perfect for you out there”.  That applies to everything, not just photographers.

Current Promotions:

Teachers, Fire/Rescue, Law enforcement and Military couples receive 10% off packages plus they pay your tax!  

JENSEN SUTTA PHOTOGRAPHY – by Jensen Sutta – info@jensensutta.com 

What sets Jensen Sutta apart from competitors?

Personality, Jensen loves his job and it shows!  

Describe your favorite wedding to date. What made it stand out?

Jensen has been very lucky to photograph international destination weddings.  He explained that his first thought was to pick the most exotic wedding…however, he realized that his favorite weddings are the ones with the best clients!  The location is secondary to great personalities, and a wonderful happy couple in love!

 What is your consultation process?

 Jensen answered this question simply by saying “I meet them, I love them, they love me, they give me money and I capture moments throughout a wonderful day!”

 Do you have any advice for brides when selecting a photographer?

 Almost every photographer can take a great picture, it’s more important when meeting with them that you like them as a person.  It’s a very long and emotional day so it’s important to like the photographer that is going to be nearby the entire day!

Filed under: Uncategorized on March 8th, 2011 | No Comments »