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EVENT 1

 
Wedding at Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado
 
My lovely Chicago clients, Jenny and Andrew, trusted me with complete creative direction of their wedding weekend, including finding the perfect venue. They expressed an interest in providing a camp-like feel for their guests with immediate access to nature. Dunton Hot Springs incorporates a laid-back sophistication that is rather indescribable and I was confident it would provide the remote exclusivity that they were hoping for. The exteriors of the cabins are original and date back to 1870, while the interiors are comfortably luxurious. I coined the term “ramshackle chic” to describe the venue to Jenny and Andrew. Site unseen, they rented the town for a weekend in October, which unfolded as a truly gorgeous celebration with incredible details:
 
* First off, what can I say about working with Tec Petaja? He’s a superb talent and I’m so thankful for his creative generosity and inclusive nature.
 
* The color palette translated beautifully throughout the event and was based on the enviorment and season. A gorgeous saffron yellow complimented the color of the autumn aspens. And the midnight blue was ode to the night sky so magically displayed in the Colorado wilderness.
 
* Incorporating the gold-leaf work of Chicago ceramicist, Up in the Air Somewhere was a perfect way to bring hand-crafted elements into the table design while whimsically incorporating pattern. The vessels became guest gifts at the close of the weekend.
 
* The area’s history of gold-mining motivated me to incorporate rich golds into the tablescape design. The delicate branch texture of the glassware beautifully complimented the wood-grain pattern of the china, a David Stark pattern for West Elm.
 
* I hoped to create a lush and colorful floral presence down the center of the tables. I selected ranunculus for softness and astilbe for texture. I suggested working with a florist from the West with experience in incorporating local elements. Many of the flowers and foraged items were locally sourced, including the aspen leaves.
 
* While scouting at the Alameda Flea Market near Berkeley, I found an orb made from wine barrels which I thought would be a charming way to incorporate the celestial/galaxy theme of the wedding. It hung from the rafters of the chapel and above Jenny and Andrew as they exchanged vows.
 
 

Photography: Tec Petaja
Paper Goods: Mr. Boddington’s Studio
Fine China Rentals: Les Tableaux
Flowers: Studio Choo + Saipua + Nicolette Camille

Calligraphy: Neithersnow