As a wedding planner, I’ve had the honor of designing celebrations in grand ballrooms, historical hotels, mountaintops—you name it. But there’s something incredibly special about planning a wedding in the place where a couple’s love has grown, flourished, and felt most like home.
Tom and June’s late-May wedding was the perfect blend of timeless elegance and deeply personal detail, set in the heart of Denver at their beloved private estate. Their day was a celebration of family, comfort, and lasting love—and I’m so excited to share a look behind the scenes.
The Vision: Elegant, Intimate, and Entirely Personal
From the very beginning, Tom and June shared a clear vision: a romantic, family-centered wedding that reflected their values, their home, and the life they’ve built. But planning this celebration came with a unique challenge—we were on opposite sides of the world for most of the process.
While they spent much of their time in Bangkok, we spent six months working closely across time zones to bring every detail to life. Despite the distance, our collaboration was deeply connected, intentional, and full of joy. The goal: to make their Denver home feel both familiar and elevated—a true reflection of their love.
We anchored the design in shades of ivory and green, using natural wood textures and silver accents to echo the elegant, inviting design of their home.
Designing a Home-Inspired Celebration
One of the most fulfilling parts of planning this wedding was weaving the couple’s personal environment into the design—making each space feel intentional without ever feeling staged.
- Ceremony: Originally planned for the grand lawn, we pivoted to an even more breathtaking Plan B: the grand staircases of their home, transformed into a naturally elegant altar space. Framed by florals from Newberry Bros Floral Design, it created a powerful visual anchor for a heartfelt, family-focused ceremony.
- Reception: With an outdoor dinner party initially planned, we transitioned indoors due to weather—but the shift felt organic and cozy. We embraced a dinner party aesthetic, bringing warmth and intimacy into every corner of their home through layered lighting, thoughtful table settings, and carefully styled spaces.
- Design Details: Each element—from personalized place cards to softly flickering candlelight—was crafted to enhance the beauty of their space and highlight the importance of family and legacy.
The Quiet Moments & Sweet Surprises
One of my favorite parts of the day was the quiet stillness that came just before the guests arrived. Being in their home in that moment—surrounded by beauty, history, and anticipation—felt sacred. There’s something uniquely emotional about seeing a space you know so well transformed into something celebratory.
Their ceremony was incredibly moving, especially when Tom’s grandchildren read a sweet, age-appropriate poem about love—a perfect tone-setter for an intimate, family-centered day.
Later, during the cake cutting, June surprised everyone (and Tom) by playfully dabbing frosting on his face—a lighthearted, spontaneous moment that reminded everyone that love doesn’t have to be serious to be meaningful.
Weather, Flexibility & Seamless Execution
Despite our plans for an all-outdoor celebration—lighting rigged, tables set, ceremony staged—Colorado had other ideas. As storms rolled in unexpectedly, we implemented our Plan B with grace, speed, and style.
The result? A celebration that felt even more special and personal, thanks to the incredible teamwork from our vendor partners. From Olive Theory Event Co. and Crystal Leffel Photography to Epicurean Catering, Event Rents, and DJ Ignyte, every professional brought calm, creativity, and collaboration to the day.
And that last-minute decision to hold the ceremony on the staircase? It turned out to be one of the most visually stunning and emotionally rich parts of the wedding.
Final Thoughts
Tom and June’s wedding was a beautiful reminder that the most memorable celebrations are the ones rooted in story and intention. Planning from opposite sides of the globe required trust, creativity, and communication—but it made the end result even more meaningful.
Their home wasn’t just a backdrop. It was a character in their story—one filled with laughter, legacy, and love.
Planning a Wedding That Feels Like You
Whether you’re planning your celebration in your hometown or from halfway around the world, I specialize in creating weddings that are beautifully personal and flawlessly executed—no matter the distance.
Vendor Team:
- Planning + Design: Olive Theory Event Co.
- Photography: Crystal Leffel Photography
- Floral Design & Lighting : Newberry Bros Floral Design
- Cake: Flick of the Whisk Cakes
- Catering: Epicurean Catering
- Rentals: Event Rents
- Entertainment: DJ Ignyte
- Rings/Jewelry: Shane Co.
Published On:
July 22, 2025
Written By:
Ashley Mulligan
