Mindy + Julie: A DIY Colorado Summer Wedding 

Mindy and Julie in Westminster, CO | August 11, 2012
Sophistication and romance filled the air in this couple’s modern-themed nuptials.

By EW Editors | Photography by All Digital Photo and Video

After tying the knot in Iowa, where it’s legally recognized, the cute Colorado couple renewed their vows three months later at Noah’s, a spacious venue in Westminster, Co. “Noah’s was our fifth venue that we had scheduled to look at,” explains Mindy. “It was spacious, modern and the hardwood floors were very attractive. The staff was very eager and friendly to help us visualize our wedding at their location.”

Their bridal party consisted of 13 attendants of mixed genders, with some of the women in red, strapless A-line dresses, with a brooch detail for extra sparkle and others preferring to don a traditional tuxedo. The brides’ two youngest children were the ring bearer and flower girl. “We were told [by the guests] that they loved the fact of not having normalcy with all the females in dresses, that we allowed them to choose what they were comfortable with and made it more unique,” says Mindy.

Mindy offered Julie a 1.5-carat princess-cut diamond ring on bended knee in the pouring rain after a blissful 11-month romance and a year later, Julie slipped a contemporary 14-karat white gold band onto Mindy’s finger as they committed their lives to each other.

Julie immediately captured the room’s attention when she walked in wearing an exquisite white strapless satin pick-up ball gown with sweetheart neckline. Jewels sparkled on the voluminous skirt and show-stopping red tulle peeked from underneath.

Mindy looked stunning in a head-to-toe white tuxedo, as her long dark blonde hair cascaded down in loose curls. A vibrant red rose boutonniere completed the look.

Mindy was the first of the brides to walk down the rose-covered aisle, led by her father. “As I walked down the aisle with my father I could sense the excitement in his walk. It was not only a moment I had been waiting for but a dream that he was finally experiencing. Even though our walk could have gone for blocks, I was left with a big hug and ‘I love you,’” she says.

When Julie entered on her mother’s arm, she looked down at the aisle to see her beautiful bride’s eyes glistening with tears of joy. “Her smile was amazing and the way she looked at me made everyone else in the room disappear,” says Julie. “I remember looking in and there were so many people standing for me that I just looked ahead at my gorgeous wife and the tears started rolling immediately, I was so excited and nervous that I forgot to grab my bouquet. I was arm-in-arm with my mom and I honestly forgot anyone else was in the room once I saw Mindy’s face. “

Because they had already had a ceremony in Iowa, the brides opted for a shortened ring exchange to share with their family and friends.

Their vision of modern romance transferred nicely to the reception’s sophisticated setting. “We wanted an elegant look but yet a very inviting feeling for our guests,” says Julie. Luxurious white linen tabletops were highlighted with contrasting black runners and 20-inch tall vases nesting in a bed of black river rocks, filled with willow branches peeking through a bouquet of red roses. Posh damask ribbons embellished the vases and red candles floated sensually on top.

The night before the wedding, their hotel suite was turned into a Martha Stewart mecca. The bridal party and close friends chipped in to help the brides make their own floral arrangements, using YouTube instructional videos to guide them. “There is nothing like having cocktails and craft time!” laughs Mindy. The end result was beautiful blooms of rich white and red roses, accented with sparkling diamond pins.

The brides danced to A Thousand Years by Christina Perri for their first dance, while a slideshow of pictures of the couple and their kids played in the background.

Guests enjoyed a photo booth while the brides snapped photos holding Mrs. and Mrs. signage.

The magnificent cake was designed by Cake Kouture by Char, a private baker in the Denver area. The four-tiered black-and-white fondant cake featured a medley of flavors: lemon berry bliss with berry cream cheese, Italian cream, and red velvet with cream cheese frosting. Outside, each layer was accented with real red roses and topped with a silver monogram.

As a parting gift, each of the 191 guests were given monogrammed black boxes filled with personalized Hershey Kisses and Peppermint Patties and a picture frame to house their photo booth memory in.

The brides’ like-minded personalities helped pull the wedding together, which they planned entirely themselves. “The easiest part was agreeing on everything. We think so much alike and each idea that one of us had, we fell in love with or combined them to make the best end result. We did learn that do-it-yourself invitations is an epic fail unless you have an amazing printer,” says Julie with a laugh. “We did everything together from purchases to building and decorating the favor boxes along with ironing more than 200 chair sashes. With a glass of good merlot and some music, we had so much fun spending the quality time together and making our dream come true.”