Betsy and Nick planned a super fun, DIY wedding with plenty of color, handmade details, and sentimental touches at Lone Hawk Farm in Colorado. Their photographer, Megan Newton was on hand to capture the day, and we just absolutely adore the absolute joy you can feel in each image!
What made the wedding special and unique?
Colorado is known for its breath-taking mountains, beautiful farm land, and countless days of sunshine. For our special day, we really wanted to find a venue that would put all of that splendor into one evening for our wedding party and guests. Lone Hawk Farm fulfilled those needs. Having the Boulder Flatirons as our backdrop created the natural and authentic feel we desired. The horses grazing in the field beside us, and a beautiful barn created a rustic and chic atmosphere. I’ve always found myself torn between the city and countryside The charm of a country farm coupled with the elegant details met both of those places in my heart and made for the perfect combination.
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
I found my dress at Blue Bridal in downtown Denver. I loved that the dress had an overarching classic look, but contained many small intricate details; the lace underlay on the bodice, the jeweled belt. I knew it was my dress from the moment I tried it on.
What were some touches added to make it personal?
Photographs of Nick and I were scattered throughout the farm, showcasing our relationship and deeply-rooted love. We had elegant table settings with home-made jam in tiny jars for our guests’ dinner rolls. A beautiful backdrop made of sheets of music and coral paper surrounded our sweet-heart table adorned with monogramed champagne glasses and wooden “Mr.” and “Mrs.” signs. Our ceremony was officiated by my father, and we had family and friends from all over the county come to celebrate with us.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
Our ceremony was no-doubt, the most memorable part of the day. Those moments at the altar are some of my most cherish memories. Peach, coral and blush flower arrangements hung from the tree above us, as we gave our vows. We said “I do” surrounded by those we love, a beautiful backdrop of groves of trees, rolling hills, and the Rocky Mountains. Our closest friends stood beside us as we prayed and took communion. It was the perfect way to start my life with Nick. I wouldn’t change a thing.
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
Our love story actually began twenty-some years ago. Our families were friends, and most Friday nights were spent together. And yet, although we knew each other, Nick and I would have never guessed that one day we’d be husband and wife. We always viewed one other just as “close family friends”. It wasn’t until after college when that changed. I remember seeing Nick one Sunday at church, and something was different. He was no longer the young boy I grew up with. Later, Nick told me he had the same feeling. We both sensed something special in the other person, and saw a future. Since that Sunday, we’ve been inseparable.
Nick wanted the proposal to be a complete surprise – so he arranged one of my girlfriends to ask Nick and me to go to a restaurant with her and our other friend (which is now her Fiancé!). We met them for a casual dinner at a local pizza place. While the pizza is one-of-a-kind delicious, there was nothing out of the ordinary about the evening. In the middle of dinner, Josh (our friend) mentioned that he would like to take a trip to Daniels Park to reminisce about the first time we hung out the previous summer. We got into our cars and drove to the nearby park. As Nick and I got out of the car, Josh made an excuse to stay behind with Sara.
Nick led me through rocky boulders to the very spot we hung out the first time. He then started to pray with me, got down on one knee and proposed. Meanwhile Josh, who is a photographer, captured the whole proposal. Every time I look at those pictures I get goose bumps.
Vendors: Photography: Megan Newton Photography // Dress designer/maker: Jim Hjelm Blush // Dress shop: Blue Bridal // Shoes: Blue by Betsey Johnson // Bridesmaid dresses: Love Lane Purchased at Bella Bridesmaid // Florist: Cori Cook Floral Design // Cake Designer: The Makery // Wedding Planner/Coordinator: The Bride // Venue: Lone Hawk Farm // Print (Invitations, Table Numbers, Signs, Programs, etc.): Jen Rezac