Notes from the photographer: Russel and Stephanie are a photographer’s dream come true. They had an artistic vision for their wedding photos and chose their venue with this vision in mind. The Highlands Ranch Mansion combines European castle elegance with modern conveniences to make it the ideal venue for a wedding. Vintage furnishings and classic architecture set the scene for these two “old souls”. The day couldn’t have gone more perfectly. Every detail fell right into place and the atmosphere buzzed with warmth and excitement. Russ and Stephanie have a sweet and gentle love that is apparent in every moment that they are together, and it translated impeccably in every photograph.
Seize the Day has been been top rated in Denver and the surrounding area for several years, making the Denver A-List top 3 wedding planners regularly.
They are a Boulder based Event and Wedding Planning firm who pride ourselves on providing the highest level of care and attention to each and ever couple seamlessly from beginning to end. They execute YOUR vision of YOUR day so that you, your family, guests and friends can relax and enjoy the day to the fullest. Think of them also as knowledgeable friends or mentors, providing help WHEREVER needed. They will be a valuable source of information, offering helpful tools, contacts, advice, laughs, and when needed, a sounding-board (there will be times you need to vent!). They can offer as much or as little help as you need. Packages are customized to your personal requirements – after all, no two brides are the same! They match you with vendors who are pre-screened and who match your vision, budget and style perfectly.
They are committed to making your wedding or event as unique & fabulous as you are by seamless execution that your day will feel like a dream.
Seize The Day is a Boulder based event-planning firm founded by Honey. Honey has planned high-end events for over 10 years for friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances both in the USA and United Kingdom.
The following are among some of the events they have planned:
Non-Profit Organizations
Weddings
Commitment Ceremonies
Galas
Fund raisers
Birthday Parties
Anniversary Parties
Valentine’s Day surprises
Meet Honey Ahijevych, the owner and founder of Seize the Day.
When and why did you start your business?
I started my business in 2006 in Boulder, CO. I had been planning events, parties, weddings etc my whole life and decided to make a career of it. I knew I had the requisite skills and experience. This is my passion and after working alongside my father my whole life planning events, concerts, weddings etc for the Royal Family and in the UK, I decided to follow my passion.
How did you learn your craft?
I learned by working alongside my father in the UK. He had a Non-Profit event planning company in the UK and I helped him. It’s in my blood. Then I branched out on my own in New Jersey and in Colorado.
What or who inspires you?
My father is my number one inspiration. He was a people’s person and knew what it took to be successful. Colin Cowie is a favorite as well. I follow his blogs and am completely in awe of him. I am also inspired by Gandhi and his philosophy of non-violence.
Any awards or features/publications?
COUTUREcolorado, Daily Camera, Style Magazine, Denver-7 A-List top 3 for the last 3 years
Favorite Wedding Trend:
Ritzy-Barn Style. A 200-year-old barn complete with long exposed-wood tables, large chandeliers and ambient lighting with lace-wrapped bouquets of wild roses, lilies of the valley, Queen Anne’s lace and gardenia, delicate wild game like juniper-spiced venison, cider-braised pheasant and pan-roasted quail.
Advice for a couple planning a Colorado Wedding:
It’s important to pick the right location, venue and season for your wedding. Spring and Summer weddings are very popular so it’s important to book venues, vendors etc early and well in advance. Definitely hire a wedding planner, who will help you narrow down the right vendors and venue and advise you on what to expect when you get here such as altitude, staying hydrated.
Where did you grow up and how did you end up in Colorado?
I grew up in Altrincham, Cheshire, UK and went to University in London. I moved to New York and then New Jersey in 1999 – 2000. I came to Boulder to do a meditation course with Shambhala. As soon as I landed here I knew that this was the place I needed to live. I love it here. It’s a perfect blend of outdoors and full of passion.
Cici and Ben are both attorneys in Denver who met in law school. They decided to have their engagement shoot at Ben’s family ranch in Durango, Colorado complete with amazing scenery, a frozen pond and a wood shop. They tromped around the property with their dog Rupert on a unseasonably warm winter day and created these beautiful images.
They are getting married in Crested Butte this September.
Notes from the bride: When we started planning our wedding we were torn between a destination wedding and a Colorado mountain wedding. We both grew up here in Colorado so felt very tied to the culture and the landscape but at the same time wanted a ‘destination’ wedding so that its would be a multi-day celebration/vacation for everyones normal lives.
The Blue Lake ranch near Durango, Sth Colorado, had been a favorite getaway spot for my parents for years. It was the first place we thought of and we immediately knew that it would provide a perfect back drop for our wedding. The Ranch itself is beautiful, relaxing and peaceful. Durango provided a location far enough away that all our friends and family could feel like they were getting away to a new place.
Our priority for our wedding was that everyone has a great time and came away with some amazing memories – for us some of the best memories of our lives are from sharing those three days with close friends and family.
We planned a lot of DIY for our wedding, with lots of personal touches using Santa Fe, New Mexico as inspiration. I loved the result and how gorgeous the pops of colors were of the bridesmaids dresses, the colorful flowers and the amazing cigar box/succulent table details.
I am thrilled to announce that anna bé {LISTmember} will be holding a new series of events – Summer Sessions. Summer Sessions is a series of trunk shows featuring guest bridal designers from around the U.S. These designers have a great price point and over-all different aesthetic than brides can currently find in Colorado, a bit more Indie, if you will
Their second event is coming this next weekend May 17-18: Katie May.
Katie May: Backless gowns crafted by artisans in Los Angeles. Katie May has introduced an improved level of craftsmanship and dedication to the bridal market with price points that are accessible and realistic. Gowns range from $1,000 – $3,400.
anna bé {LISTmember} | 1575 boulder street {lohi neighborhood} denver, co 80211
There is nothing like a fall wedding in the mountains. Although it is a risky due to the ever changing weather in the fall, the risk is worth the reward.
Meet Cindy, the owner of the fabulous Perfect Petal.
The Perfect Petal is a full service floral design studio and garden-inspired lifestyle boutique in Denver’s Highlands neighborhood, specializing in flowers for weddings and events in Denver and around Colorado.
The Perfect Petal | 3600 West 32nd Avenue, Ste B, Denver, CO 80211-3193 | (303) 480-0966
When and why did you start your business?
The idea for smashing florals and brilliant wares for living came to us in 1996, when The Perfect Petal was born in the Highlands. We set out to find unusual flowers and plants from the coasts of Oregon and Florida and introduce them to Colorado stems to create breathtaking floral gifts. Our goal was, and still is, for anyone in Denver to receive or send unique bouquets to their loved ones and friends, while also being able to support local artisans and entrepreneurs by showcasing their collections of fragrances, paper goods, accessories, garden and entertaining wares in our boutique. This has kept us in business for 18 years and allowed us to make dear and lasting friends throughout not only the state of Colorado, but across the country as well.
How did you learn your craft?
I am self taught but have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most talented designers on the planet. Floral designers learn from each other. I have never hired anyone who went to a floral design school. All the best designers have honed their skills by working in the best houses, interning in cutting edge studios and challenging themselves to create new fashion forward creations.
What or who inspires you?
I am inspired by product design and interior design. By this I mean that, when a new trend starts to emerge in home decor elements or jewelry or fabric pattern design, I get really excited. I find that I want to weave it into wedding and event design concepts and it invariably starts to show up in our store in window designs and store displays.
Favorite Wedding Trend.
Signature fabric incorporated in containers or linens. Flowing and draping flowers and fruited stems like almonds or mandarin oranges trailing from footed bowls. Reclaimed wood backdrops, risers, containers, and pathways!
Advice for a couple planning a Colorado Wedding.
Don’t be afraid to design a look outside the box and ask all of your vendors what they think is new and exciting in their field! They will share and 9 times out of 10, they will be new ideas for you.
Where did you grow up and how did you end up in Colorado? I
‘m a Houstonian. I came to Denver to see a close cousin who was at DU. Then I met a cute German named Alex and never left!
Love Veils and Accessories Trunk Show | May 18th | Little White Dress {LISTmember}
Meet special designer Cori Middlebrooks-Stahl and enjoy selecting your ideal finishing touches for your wedding day. Cori’s sashes, veils, and hair accessories are MADE IN COLORADO with custom one-of-a-kind options.
Appointments book quickly, please call 303.814.8972 - 3420 West 32nd Avenue Denver, Colorado 80211.
I am thrilled to announce that anna bé {LISTmember} will be holding a new series of events – Summer Sessions. Summer Sessions is a series of trunk shows featuring guest bridal designers from around the U.S. These designers have a great price point and over-all different aesthetic than brides can currently find in Colorado, a bit more Indie, if you will.
First up – Winifred Bean coming up this next weekend May 10-11.
Winifred Bean is a wedding dress line of classic, vintage silhouettes designed for the modern stylish bride. While searching for her own wedding dress, Angela found herself wishing for a bridal destination that would offer dresses and accessories that appealed to brides with creativity, taste, and style but on a budget. Gowns range from $2,300 – $2,600.
anna bé {LISTmember} | 1575 boulder street {lohi neighborhood} denver, co 80211
