COVID-19 I Do’s: Love Conquers All at Halcyon Hotel

Rocky Mountain Bride is so excited to share with our readers a wedding that took place during the COVID-19 restrictions. We know many couples are facing a tough decision on whether or not to postpone their I do’s, and it’s our hope that this beautiful ceremony brings light and positivity to you and your significant other. Brandee and Cole are a great reminder to us all that love truly does conquer all!

Colorado Wedding

“A Note from the Bride”

Our wedding was going to be very small – just parents, grandparents, siblings, and nephews – at the Denver Botanic Gardens followed by dinner at Quality Italian and a night at Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek. Despite the growing COVID-19 concern, all venues were okay with our event continuing (minus restaurants, but we got that figured out with the hotel and were planning on a catered dinner on-site).  But everything changed on Monday, 3/23 (just 5 days before the wedding day) when the mayor put stay at home orders for all residents.  We punted and decided to go with a virtual wedding.

On Thursday, we practiced “zooming” with my family and on Friday we had our “rehearsal zoom” with both families and our officiant.  Once we were confident that we could pull off the Zoom meeting, we extended the invite to family and friends.  All in all, we had 65 guests join via zoom – many of the couples and families, so we’re estimating 120+ virtual witnesses to our nuptials.

It was not at all the wedding we had planned, but it was so special and makes for a story that we will share for years and years to come.  It’s also been so touched by the number of people who have reached out to tell us how much it meant for them to have some “happy” in their quarantine.  A truly beautiful day!

– The Bride, Brandee

“Advice from the Bride”

“I think the best is to know yourself. I am a very go-with-the-flow kind of person and I knew that I wanted to marry Cole regardless. He felt the same, so it was a quick and easy decision for us to go virtual. I should also note that the size of our wedding (20 guests in total) made it easier to make changes. When we proposed going virtual, both of our parents were supportive and on-board which was a HUGE relief. So, for us, it worked. But, know yourself – if you have a vision for your wedding day and getting married through a computer isn’t it (trust me, I get it!), then consider postponing until our world goes back to normal. Also, talk to your vendors. Many of ours waived their contract guidelines and gave us full or partial refunds.”

– The Bride, Brandee

“About the Vendors”

– The Bride, Brandee

The Venue: Halcyon Hotel Cherry Creek

“Let me just note that this place was ABSOLUTELY wonderful from beginning to end. We originally chose this hotel because our first date was at the restaurant next door, Departure (it’s since closed), so it was a meaningful spot and it’s also beautiful. But, it was the employees that sold us! Everyone was amazing to work with from beginning to end. Once they closed restaurants, I called Brad (with the Halcyon) and he quickly organized a catered dinner for us with a menu designed by their in-house chef. Then, when we had to make changes again, they were unbelievably accommodating. Brad and their tech guy facetimed from our suite on the Thursday before our wedding to determine how they needed to rearrange the room to get it set for our virtual ceremony. Just above and beyond all along. Also, fun fact – the chef made us a fantastic meal that night and we learned the next morning that he was the head chef at Departure. So, the same guy who cooked for our first date meal ALSO made our first meal as a married couple.  How random and special.”

**It would’ve been the Denver Botanic Gardens in the Woodland Mosaic Solarium. However, due to restrictions, we couldn’t hold it here anymore. We had worked with Alysun all along and she was wonderful.

The Dress: Brilliant Bridal

I worked with Jasmine – they were all wonderful, and the dresses are gorgeous and affordable. It was a really easy dress shopping experience.

The Suit: Ted’s Clothiers

We rented Cole’s suit and had the EASIEST experience with Ted’s. Stephanie was fantastic. Ted’s was very accomodating to our situation.

Hair/Makeup

I had originally lined up hair and makeup for me, my sisters, the moms, and grandmas; however, this ended up being the first vendor to go because the makeup artist had been exposed to COVID through another wedding that she’d done a few weeks prior.  So, I did my own hair and makeup.

Decor

All decor came from a haul at Hobby Lobby when they were running 50% off wedding items. My mom came out to visit us in February and we had the best time picking out centerpieces and table decor – little did we know she’d never see it in person.

Cake

Our cake was homemade! We were planning on ordering our cake; however, when things began changing rapidly, I decided to just make my own. There are pictures – it did NOT look great, BUT, Cole and I were the only two to see it…and it tasted just fine (I’ve had it for breakfast every day this week – haha!).

Music – Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

They would’ve provided our music for the ceremony. Christen was awesome to work with and after we had to cancel, she sent us a recording of their arrangement of Butterflies by Kacey Musgraves as a little gift. It’s what I was going to walk down the aisle to, so it’s pretty special that I have a copy.

Bar – Peak Beverages

We worked with Gretchen; obviously, we didn’t get to use them, but they’re letting us apply our deposit to a future date and waiving postponement fees.

*it’s important to note that most deposits and payments for weddings are non-refundable. Work with your vendors individually to determine a gameplan for your postponed weddings and your specific scenario!

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