A Bohemian Wedding in Boulder, Colorado
From the bride, Aryn: We both attended Colorado State University, and although we moved for our careers following college, Colorado still felt like home. My sister lives in Boulder, and we realized we could have the intimate ceremony at her house, walk to amazing dining at Colterra, and return to have the reception without time limits typically set by venues. We decided to have the wedding in her backyard, not to save on cost, but to be somewhere we truly felt comfortable to enjoy the day and being together.
Everything was personalized and handmade! We draped burlap and chiffon fabric along the outside of the house, hung countless bulb lights, hung glass vases filled with wildflowers and candles, had pictures printed of us, incorporated antique trunks, mismatched antique chairs, vintage boxes and so many unique elements. Both of our names start with A, so we had A’s around the venue and tables. 
We loved vintage pieces mixed with the sort of effortless that bohemian and rustic offers. 
My husband and I spent hours writing our own ceremony that would mix our personalities and views on marriage. Writing it ourselves took a lot of work, but it was so personal and filled with love. Our brother in law married us, and brought such comfort to the ceremony since we know him so well. We wrote our own vows, and there was plenty of emotion all around!
Rain was threatening all day, but as we kissed for the first time, a loud rumble of thunder hit. Our guests still talk about it today and what perfect and crazy timing it was.
My husband and I have been together for 9 years before we got married, and have so many life events that have occurred. We handed out cards during cocktail hour for people to write their favorite memories, stories or ideas of our future. As we walked to dinner, we had “stations” set up with dates on a chalkboard that were meaningful for Aaron and I. At each stop, our friends and family shared what was on their card, and we were all able to talk and laugh as we took a trip down memory lane and our story came full circle at the last stop, our wedding day.
My advice: Relax and just be true to yourselves as couple. There is no “right” way to get married. It is such an emotional day, and should be focused on two people committing their lives together, not on what centerpiece you have. Stay focused on the real purpose, and your guests will feel that love and energy to create an unforgettable day.
Aryn & Aaron
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Ceremony Site: My sister’s house! Pick somewhere you feel comfortable!
Reception Site: Colterra and the back to my sister’s house for dancing, drinks and dessert. Colterra has an amazing patio and world-class food in a cozy setting. Also, they are farm to table and utilize local ingredients!
Event Planner: Ali Polson of Parties on a Pedestal. I cannot say enough about her ability to plan, create, remain calm, fun, supportive, etc. She made the day so special and totally unique to my now husband and I. Not only is she crazy talented and makes everything herself, she is calm, attentive, sweet, and was just perfect at planning the day and making it so much more than we ever expected.
Photographer: Michelle Koechle Photography. Michelle and her husband are masters at catching the emotions of the wedding. They are so easy and amazing to work with, my husband and I could just be ourselves, and they captured it perfectly. We now have a wall of our wedding pictures because we love them so much!
Mismatched Vintage Chairs: Chairs with Character // Florist: Longmont Florist // Cake: Colterra // Dessert Bar: Shamane’s Bake Shop // Bride’s Gown: J. Crew // Bridesmaid Dresses: Anthropolgie // Hair & Makeup: Theresa of Voodoo Hair Lounge // DJ: Tip Top Entertainment // Musician: Dave Solzberg // Guest Lodging: Niwot Inn