Gena and Jake’s family and friends travelled across the country to celebrate in Colorado—the state in which the couple met and call home. Planet Bluegrass offered a beautiful backdrop of mature Cottonwoods and redstone cliffs and the couple enlisted the skills of florist Living Arts Floral to produce fall-inspired creating like a cascading bouquet, ceremony arbor and gathered arrangements. During their vows, Gena produced a list she had written at church camp in seventh grade, where she names the qualities she hoped to find in her future husband. Not surprisingly, Jake fit the bill. Read on for Michele with one L Photography‘s take on the lovely day and enjoy the details in her photos.
What made the wedding special and unique?
from the photographer: Gena and Jake had no bridal party, so the focus of the ceremony was completely on the two of them and their relationship. They were both in awe that Steve, their officiant and long-time friend, told the story of their relationship exactly as it happened. They were awed to realize someone else knew them and their love story as well as they did, and to be able to share it so flawlessly with their friends and family, many of whom were meeting Gena or Jake for the first time.
One of the things I appreciated most about Gena and Jake’s wedding was they wanted to have 15 minutes alone after the ceremony to just be together, and they even built it into their timeline. It is so easy to get caught up in the business of the wedding day, and this was one way they were able to stop and savor the meaning of the day, and each other.
What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?
Gena and Jake both live in Colorado, but their guests traveled from different places, so they wanted to feature some really amazing things about Colorado for their guests. They chose October because fall is their favorite season in Colorado, and Planet Bluegrass featured a river and that dramatic rock backdrop for their ceremony.
Their caterer created uniquely Colorado, true-to-season dishes featuring Colorado peaches and Colorado lamb. For their wedding “cake,” they treated guests to Voodoo Doughnuts.
The music they chose for their day was also unique: Because Judah & the Lion is their favorite band, Gina walked down to aisle to the orchestra version of “Take It All Back,” and they walked back down the aisle, married, to the pop version. Their first and last dances were also Judah & the Lion songs.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
Gena told me that walking down the aisle and seeing Jake waiting for her was a moment she’ll never forget. She loved how she could actually feel the enthusiasm and excitement he had to marry her. Jake also loved seeing Gena walk down the aisle on the arm of her dad, her number one fan, getting ready to pass that torch along to Jake.
They both loved holding hands in the middle of their gorgeous ceremony site with the river and the dramatic rock wall in the background as they read their hand-written vows.
During their vows, Gena produced a list she had written at church camp in seventh grade, where she names the qualities she hoped to find in her future husband. Not surprisingly, Jake fit the bill. Gena told Jake she knew he might be the one before they even started dating, because “I was never more myself than when I was with you.”
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
Gena and Jake had both recently moved to Colorado and ended up meeting one night at Punch Bowl Social. It wasn’t long before they were watching hockey together, going to brunch, playing on the same kickball team, and seeing each other on a regular basis. After just a short time, Jake was pretty sure they were going to be together for a long time. Three and a half years later, they got engaged in Moab, and the rest is history.
Gena + Jake | Wedding Hightlight Film from Christian DaCosta on Vimeo.
Photographer: Michele with one L Photography // Wedding planner: Kathy Miller // Florals: Living Arts Floral // Venue: Planet Bluegrass Lyons, Colorado // Video: Christian Dacosta // Hair and makeup: Jordan Brittany // Bridal shop: Luv Bridal Denver // Bridal gown: Madi Lane Bridal // Groom’s attire: Tom James // Music: DJ Connection // Catering: Under the Sun // Bakery: Voodoo Doughnut // Invitation: Vista Print // Rentals: All Events Rentals