Ashley + Joe | A Colorado Vow Renwal in Grand Lake

Ashley + Joe | A Colorado Vow Renewal in Grand Lake

8/23/2023

Their Story: “We met in May 2009 and went to the movies for our first date - he was definitely trying to impress me by taking me to the movie “Up!” We got engaged in December 2012, had our first son in April 2013, and married on August 31, 2012. We have since added two more boys and a dog. Why a destination vow renewal? From the time we got engaged to the time we got married was very stressful - we also bought our first house in that time. There was a lot of pressure for certain things from family members. Also, I was 5 months pregnant when I went to pick out my dress. My sisters ended up trying on the dress I wanted and I didn’t really get the chance to try on different styles. I guess you could say that I want a re-do…. the chance to focus just on us by tying the adventure elements from the movie UP with reaffirming our commitment to each other.”

Planning a Colorado Vow Renewal

Using either our elopement package or the small intimate wedding package is perfect for those wanting to celebrate a vow renewal. They can be approached much like small a small wedding with one difference: you are already married and don’t need the license. Other than that, you can be creative with planning your vow renewal:

Attire: You can wear a traditional white dress, or be creative with your attire
Jewelry: You can still have a ring exchange: maybe upgrade your rings, or add a band to your original to celebrate the years
First-look: you can have a first-look, or wait until the vow renewal ceremony to see each other
Kids: you can add children into the vow renewal ceremony and say vows to them as well.
Cake: you can have the traditional wedding cake, or celebrate with other fun sweets and desserts

Since Ashley and Joe had such a busy courtship followed by marriage and then right away kids + home, they wanted to escape to Colorado just themselves. They connected with us through our our Ceremony Site Report service - a great place to get started as it is a written consultation in which we not only provide affordable ceremony options that fit with couples needs, budget, and priorities….. but, we also give planning guidance to make it all flow well.

Traveling from Iowa, they wanted a great Colorado destination that had scenic mountain views that was also near water. Thus, they settled on one of our favorite destination: Grand Lake, Colorado which is the western gateway town to Rocky Mountain National Park. And, like it’s name says, there are three iconic lakes in the area for which to enjoy fishing, boating, paddle boarding (SUP) and swimming…. Let alone all the other mountain activities like hiking and biking. It is a comparatively smaller mountain town. So, if you are attracted to Grand Lake for your wedding, be sure to schedule it early and book your lodging + restaurant as soon as possible as places do get booked.

Vow Renwal Planning

Ashley and Joe also wanted to create and say their own vows. Since Colorado is a self-solemnizing state (and of course they were already married), they opted out of an officiant and scripted their own private ceremony. They also had a gluten allergy and wanted a different alternative to cake. So, we ordered some yummy deserts and planned for a bubbly celebration after the vow exchange.

Favorite Vow Renewal Ideas

Ashely and Joe added some unique personalized touches to their small wedding day that had a big impact.

Rose Gold. Ashely got the dress that she was able to pick-out herself - a different experience from when they were married years ago. She incorporated florals to go with a rose gold inspired dress and jewelry. We absolutely love the rich jewel tones that compliment the dress.

Getting Ready: Ashely got ready at a little cabin where her and Joe were staying, next to Shadow Lake and by an inlet. We arrived with the florals and helped Ashley into the dress while Joe waited out on the lawn.

First Look with Joe: we setup the first look at a private spot and played some instrumental music in the background.

Desserts: As an alternative to the regular wedding cake, couples can celebrate with desserts such as mini-cupcakes, macrons, eclairs, and cookies. Since they have a gluten allergy, we created a display of gluten-free desserts and mini-cheesecakes.

More Vow Renewal Photos

Vow Renewal Package Inclusions

Photographer: Andrea Flanagan Photography
Venue: public lands in Grand Lake, Colorado
Planner: Wendee with Custom Weddings of Colorado
Onsite Coordinator: Wendee
Officiant: self-solemnized
Florist: Stefanie Hofmeister
Baker: Das Meyer Pastry Chalet
Ceremony Music: Custom Wedding of Colorado

Other Vendors to Budget Outside of the Package:
Food/Beverage: Huntington House Tavern in the Grand Lake Lodge
Lodging: Colorado Cabin Adventures
Hair & Make: Forget Me Knot

Ready to Work Together? Vow Renewal Planner

Wendee is a micro-wedding and elopement planner based in the central Colorado Rockies. Providing services for over 20 years, she offers experience, knowledge and connection so that you can feel confident, relaxed and assured.

Connect with Wendee