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!
