Tatum + Grant: host a tiny wedding in beautiful Grand Lake, Colorado

Their Story: "We met back in 2017 at a mutual friend’s birthday party during his Grant's year of college and my first year of college.  We reconnected again during COVID and began dating. We have both traveled many miles over the last two years to see and support each other.  Grant surprised me on Easter Sunday of 2022 by proposing! We are both very low-key people, and wanted our wedding to reflect that. We also wanted to do something less stressful and intimate for our wedding because I am in the process of finishing college and working and don't have much free time. A family friend of mine used Wendee and Custom Weddings of Colorado for her wedding, and the small, intimate ceremony was something I wanted for myself and my wedding. We chose our location based on the beautiful photos on the website. I have traveled to Colorado when I was younger, but never Grand Lake and my fiancé has never been to Colorado. I have always loved the mountains and scenery of Colorado."

Colorado Micro-Wedding Packages

© Kathryn Kim Photography

Planning Details.  It certainly helps to have referrals from our past clients (thank you Mikayla!).  After connecting with Tatum and Grant about 11 months in advance and having them carouse through our galleries and a few emails, they settled on Grand Lake for their micro-wedding detstination.   ​For Tatum and Grant, the decision to host their wedding in Grand Lake was driven by a desire for an intimate setting that felt peaceful, easy and significant. Grand Lake's natural beauty provided a breathtaking backdrop, setting the tone for a day that was both elegant and grounded in nature.

© Kathryn Kim Photography

The Micro-Wedding Day.  The day began with the coordinator picking up the cake and flowers and setting them up at the Rapids Lodge, creating a cozy yet celebratory atmosphere. Meanwhile, our bride, Tatum, had a serene morning at Forget Me Knot Hair Salon, where she, along with her mother, enjoyed moments of bonding and anticipation.  After the photographer arrived to take a few details shots and some sentimental moments with mom getting ready, we setup a first-look with Tatum and her dad.  The groom also shared valuable time with his parents as rant's mother had the honor of pinning the boutonniere on him.  These preparations captured beautifully, underscore the deep emotional connections that micro-weddings often spotlight.

© Kathryn Kim Photography

The Ceremony.  The wedding ceremony took place at park near the shores of Grand Lake, a location chosen for its breath-taking views or Rocky Mountain National Park (though its not IN the park), and intimate feel. Being a micro-wedding, the need for comfortable shoes and light jackets was a gentle reminder of the personal, relaxed vibe of the day. Custom Weddings of Colorado ensured everything was perfect, from the seamless caravanning/carpooling of guests, to managing a Bluetooth speaker for the ceremony music. Tatum's entrance, escorted by her dad to Kacey Musgraves’ “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” was a heartwarming moment, blending tradition with the couple's unique style.

© Kathryn Kim Photography

The Details.  The florals, done by Stefanie, were a splendid sight. Bouquets featuring pale pinks, dusty blues, and lush whites with greenery perfectly matched the Colorado backdrop for a late-June micro-wedding. The carefully selected peonies, hydrangeas, and eucalyptus brought a burst of natural beauty to the ceremony, enhancing the romantic setting.

© Kathryn Kim Photography

After exchanging vows, the newlyweds and their guests moved to the Rapids Lodge for celebrations. Here, the couple had their ceremonial cake cutting – a 2-tiered masterpiece by La Patisserie Francaise, reflecting the day's palette and Tatum and Grant's tastes: 

• Top tier: chocolate buttercream - Chocolate cake, vanilla flavor, chocolate buttercream.
• Bottom tier: strawberry mousse - Chocolate cake with strawberry liquor flavor, strawberry mousse filling.
  

© Kathryn Kim Photography

Tips for Planning Your Grand Lake Micro-Wedding

1. Select Vendors With Micro-Wedding Experience: As seen with Tatum and Grant's day, working with Custom Weddings of Colorado, who specializes in intimate weddings, ensures a smooth and personalized experience.
2. Pay Attention to Details: The choice of florals, cake flavors, and music curated for the ceremony played a significant role in creating the wedding’s intimate atmosphere. These small details can significantly affect the overall experience..... and just because its a small wedding doesn't mean you can't have these special elements. 
3. Consider Guest Comfort: Given the outdoor setting (even in June and especially in the mountains), reminding guests of appropriate footwear and offering light jackets for cooler moments goes a long way in ensuring everyone enjoys the day to the fullest.
4. Capture the Moments: Ensure your photography plan captures the day's essence, from getting ready to the intimate moments of the ceremony. Tatum and Grant’s choice to focus on family in their photographs added a deeply personal touch to their wedding album.
5. Relax and Enjoy: With fewer guests and a focus on the essentials, a micro-wedding in Grand Lake allows you to truly relish every moment without the rush of traditional weddings. Take the time to breathe, soak in the scenery, and celebrate love in its most authentic form.

Colorado Micro-Wedding Packages

Colorado Micro-wedding Packages

Tatum and Grant's wedding day in Grand Lake, Colorado, stands as a testament to the beauty and depth of micro-weddings. This joyful celebration was not just about the union of two, but also about the intimate shared experiences that their family will cherish forever. For those wanting for a meaningful, personal celebration, a Grand Lake micro-wedding could be the magical experience you’re searching for.

• All-inclusive Small Wedding Package:  www.CustomWeddingsoColorado.com, inclusive of planning, florals, cake, photography and onsite coordination.  Contact Wendee to get started.
• Package inclusions:  Photographer:  Kathryn Kim Photography  |   Florals:  Stefanie Hofmeister  |  Baker: La Patisserie Francaise |  Officiant: Matt Raynak
• Items to budget outside of the package: Hair & Makeup: Forget Me Knot |  Venue: Grand Lake, Colorado  |  Dinner: Rapids Lodge Restaurant  |   Lodging:  Western Riviera  |  Couples also need to budget for travel expenses, attire, rings and marriage license.

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