Sanctuary Wedding
Read MoreColorado Wedding Videographer | The Sanctuary Golf Course Wedding Film
Venue: The Sanctuary Golf Course
Florist: Ruffly Rose
Cake: Bitter Sweets Bakery
DJ: Colorado Wedding Productions
Shoes: Converse All Stars :)
Jewelry - Brandon Knaster Jewelry
Dress: Designed by Lillian West from The Bridal Collection
How did you two meet each other?
Brandon and I met on a Birthright trip to Israel. The day our flight was scheduled to leave, all American airlines stopped flying to Israel as this was during the war in Gaza. Our group of 40 turned into 13 people so we were combined with 2 other groups and ended up totaling only 28. The organization we went through put us on El Al which is the Israeli airline and we somehow ended up both still going despite what our friends and family said. It wasn't until halfway through the trip that we started talking and I would save him a seat on the bus and we were pretty much inseparable after that. He was actually the leader of this trip. I was living in Austin, TX at the time, Brandon in Denver. We had an amazing connection in Israel, and when we got back to the states, we dated long distance for 5 months before I moved out to Denver to be with him.
What was your favorite memory from your wedding day?
I think both of our favorite part of the wedding was the Bedeken after the men paraded into the room and Brandon and I saw each other for the first time. The whole day was such a build up to that moment and when we saw each other, we both lost it. I actually can't wait for the footage of this moment. It gives me goose bumps just thinking about it.
Do you have any advice for other couples as they plan their wedding day?
Don't drive yourself crazy researching every photographer, every florist, every venue, every hair/makeup artist. Go with your gut, things will all work out and everything will come together.
Where did you go on your honeymoon? What activities did you do while there?
Brandon and I went to Bali for our honeymoon. We stayed at the Fairmont in Sanur, the Padma in Seminyak , and the Padma in Ubud. Brandon and I are really into adventures so we had a jam packed honeymoon. We took a speed boat and went island hopping (Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Cenengan, and Nusa Penida), snorkeling, and banana boating. We went to the Tanah Lot Temple, Uluwatu Temple, Tegenungan Waterfall, the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, the Sacred Monkey Forest, The Elephant Safari Park & Lodge where we bathed the elephants and swam with the elephants, and went white water rafting in the jungle (our favorite part). Absolutely would recommend to other couples who are into adventuring, we had an amazing time. We didn't use a travel agent. Bali is a very touristy place so you can check into your hotel and they will pretty much create an itinerary for you.
Sanctuary Golf Club Wedding | Hannah and Dustin's Sanctuary Golf Club Wedding
Venue: Sanctuary Golf ClubCoordination: Colorado Wedding Company - Kelsey Albright Videography: Rising Moon Films DJ & Production: Elite DJ & Production Bakery: Gateaux Pastries Florist: Plum Sage Flowers Officiant: Lyssabeth's Wedding Officiants - Mike Owens Ceremony Musician: Chris Webb, guitarist Dress: Kleinfeld Bridal - Alita Graham Tuxes: Men's Wearhouse Hair & Makeup: Megan Cary Artistry Invitations: Sweet Paper - Crane & Co. Rings: Tiffany & Co. / Jared Accommodations: The Inverness Hotel Transportation: Sunset Limo / Excursions Limo Photo Booth: Shutterbooth Photography: Drake Busch Photography
How did you two meet each other?
Dustin and I first met at the University of Colorado Boulder through my college sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta. He was working as a hasher (they basically helped the house chef cook, prepare food, wash dishes, and clean up around the sorority house on an everyday basis). A couple of failed first date attempts, study sessions and CU Night Rides later, we reconnected right before Dustin graduated from CU and right as I left for my summer abroad in Italy. Obviously, our timing couldn't have been more perfect. As he spent the summer preparing for pilot training in Oklahoma, and as I travelled around Europe, we stayed in touch and talked every single day (thank you modern technology!) After nearly three months of correspondence, we decided to turn our friendship into a long-distance relationship. I like to think of us as the "long-distance success story" because we have never lived in the same city while dating. The rest, they say, is history!
What was the best memory of your wedding day? Hannah - While I can honestly say I can't pick ONE best memory from the day (because it was absolutely perfect), there are two distinct memories from the wedding that I will most definitely cherish forever. The first was a moment right before our first look - I was standing inside the venue and could see Dustin standing up on the hill outside, with his hand in his pocket. A very typical stance for him. For a moment time stood completely still, and as I walked closer and closer I felt as if everything was happening in slow motion and that after years of dating and months of planning, we had finally reached the most important moment in our lives. It was surreal. Being able to see each other for the ceremony was one of the best decisions, because it took so much pressure off! The second was a moment right before the ceremony. Since my dad's passing, my younger brother knew that when my wedding day arrived he would have some very tough shoes to fill. The two of us stayed together as the rest of the bridal party prepared for the processional. To have such a moment, just my brother and I before he walked me down the aisle, is irreplaceable. His laughter, comedic tendencies, and calm demeanor were one of the only reasons I could keep my composure throughout the ceremony! Not only that, but we KILLED IT on the dance floor during our brother/sister dance to Bruno Mars' "Uptown Funk" and the crowd loved it!
Dustin - I think my favorite moment was our grand entrance. Hannah and I practiced a secret choreographed dance until 11:59 p.m. the night before the wedding. When it was our turn to enter the reception space, we were able to pull off the Party Rock Anthem shuffle, with a huge applause from all of our family and friends. And I didn't mess up the dance moves! It was awesome.
What would be some advice you would give to future couples as they plan their wedding day?
If it's not done by the Sunday before your wedding, don't sweat it. We had so many family and friends flying in from out of town that I wish I hadn't had projects going until the last minute. Take time to soak everything in. I know how repetitive the "it goes by SO FAST" phrase is used, but it is incredibly true. Also, when you're budgeting for invitations, make sure you include about 5-6 stamps PER invitation. Save the Dates, Invitations, Thank You Notes (for the wedding and the bridal shower/Bachelorette party/rehearsal dinner) REALLY add up. When I dropped several hundred dollars for stamps, I was not prepared. Don't be surprised by this extra cost!
Where did you go on your honeymoon? Where did you stay and what were a couple activities you enjoyed?
Given Dustin's career in the Air Force, we really didn't have time to take a tropical romantic honeymoon right after the wedding. Instead, we opted to make a pit stop at one of our favorite cities en route back to our home in Japan - LAS VEGAS! Our rule of thumb is to always stay at a different hotel each time we visit, and this time we landed at Planet Hollywood in a Junior Suite with a fantastic view of the Bellagio Fountains at NO extra cost to us. Some tricks of the trade I've picked up along the way? Always make reservations for the hotel over the phone. They will most certainly ask if you are celebrating something special, and the answer is always YES! If you've been newlyweds for less than a year, say you're newlyweds! If you're celebrating an anniversary or a birthday, make sure you mention it! Nine times out of ten if you mention these celebrations at check in, an upgraded room will most likely be available at no cost to you.
Our real honeymoon plan is to take a cruise around Australia/New Zealand this winter (which is there summer) in order to explore the great down under!
Sanctuary Golf Course Wedding | Alison and Eric's Sanctuary Wedding
Venue - The Sanctuary Golf Golf Course, Coordinator Resa Kuebker
Flowers & Cake - Linda Jasperson of Linspirations ( LKJaspers@yahoo.com )
Band - Soul School
DJ - Randy Waters
Photographer - Drake Busch Photography (Ashley & Drake)
How did you meet each other?
We met at the University of Iowa in finance class. Eric broke Alison's calculator and she missed every problem on their homework that week. Eventually Eric made it up to Alison when they went out for ice cream and then putt putt. Then they moved to Denver and lived happily ever after.
What was the best memory of your wedding day?
Being able to WALK down the isle was extra special after health challenges this year. We were overwhelmed by all the love and support of our family and friends that came to celebrate with us. We both felt so calm all day and really kept the focus on the true meaning of why we were all there, to celebrate love.
Do you have any advice for future couples?
Focus on your top 3 important details of the day (spend the budget on that). Delegate delegate delegate, other people are happy to help and feel involved, it shouldn't be micromanaged/a burden for the bride and groom. Write a ceremony that's unique and meaningful to you the couple. Let your guests in on that intimate piece.
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
We went to Lanai Hawaii and stayed at the Four Seasons Manele Bay. It was perfect. Very relaxing and low key, super small island. Lots of golf, champagne, pool time, dolphin watching, sunset cruises, and quality time together. Would definitely recommend.