spring 2011 - aspenmagazine

Weddings SPRING 2011

Trends to

Watch

Diamond Envy The Ultimate Bridal Jewelry Make it Yours How to Personalize the Party What’s hot now Dresses, Venues, Gifts

✽Insider Advice

From Celebrity Planner Mindy Weiss

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Aspen Weddings We

Amy Gelender & Yuval Rottenstreich in the T-Lazy-7 Meadow. The bride wears a J.Crew gown with a Lela Rose belt, page 30.

Aspen, CO

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Weddings

Aspen’s premier caterer presents award winning, full service events on Aspen Mountain, or anywhere in the Roaring Fork Valley. 675 EAST DURANT AVENUE | ASPEN

PHOTOgraphy: courtesy OTTO SCHULZE PHOTOGRAPHERS; Stephan Maloman; tiffany; van cleef & Arpels

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Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue Finishing touches to make your day stand out.

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Style

Fabulous jewelry, gifts, and bridal fashion.

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Off the Beaten Path The hottest and most unusual venues for 2011.

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Real Aspen Weddings The best of the best from the past year.

40 Q&A

Meet world-renowned planner Mindy Weiss.

www.thelittlenell.com | 877-740-7853 s pr i n g wed d i n g G u i d e 2 010 | A s p e n M ag a z i n e | W 1

ASPEN MAG A ZINE

The Authority on Aspen & the Good Life Local + Global

Janet O’Grady

President/Editor in Chief Weddings Editor Nathalia Daniel Snowmass Club

Guest Editor Matthew Malone Guest Art Director Ana Todd

ASC CATERING OFFERS A VARIET Y OF VENUES:

Production Manager Jennifer Virškus

Snowmass Club Buttermilk Mountain Lodge Lynn Britt Cabin Sneaky’s Tavern

Stylist Constance Golder Editorial Intern Amanda Charles

a once in a lifetime event joann moore, cwc • rocky mountain region, colorado • phone 970.926.2177 [email protected] • www.mmweddingscolorado.com MountainsandMeadows-WeddingGuide1 1

2/15/11 9:25:31 AM

Business Manager Lauren Weissman

Black Saddle Grille Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro Base Village Conference Center

Lynn Britt Cabin

Publisher Leticia Hanke Advertising Account Executive Carlie Rubino Special Projects Manager Aaron T. Berne Media Coordinator Shannon Rengers Publisher Emeritus Randy Beier Contributing Editors Alan Fletcher, Gerry Goldstein, Gael Greene, Kelly Hayes, Linda Hayes, Carolyn Hines, Jim Horowitz, Matthew Malone, Lauren Weissman Contributing Photographers Dan Bayer, Jennifer Clasen, Jason Dewey, Matt Power, Tony Prikryl, Jeremy Swanson, Peter Valli, Tomas Zuccareno Editorial and advertising offices: 720 E. Durant Ave., Suite E8 Aspen, CO 81611 Phone: (970) 920-4040

Bringing beautiful flowers to your home or event

To submit your wedding or story ideas, email [email protected] The opinions expressed by authors of and contributors to Aspen Magazine are not necessarily those of the editors or publisher. Aspen Magazine is not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials. Articles and photographs in Aspen Magazine may not be reproduced in whole or in part without express permission of the publisher.

Buttermilk Mountain Lodge

Lynn Britt Cabin

EXCEPTIONAL EVENTS Whether you are planning a casual get-together, a Rocky Mountain wedding, elegant dinner or business affair, ASC Catering excels in all facets of event planning and execution so you can focus your attention on your guests and attendees. ASC Catering offers a unique array of entertaining, dining and meeting options in the Aspen/Snowmass area. Please allow us an opportunity to help you create a most memorable experience. Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro

The following are trademarked by Ridge Publications, Inc.; their use by others is strictly prohibited: Aspen Magazine, Around Town, Aspen Gallery Guide, Aspie Awards, Best of Aspen, Decisive Moment, Discoveries, Fine Mountain Properties, Paparazzi, SNAP!, Temptations, Then & Now. Aspen Magazine is printed on paper with 50 percent recycled fibers that contain 20 percent post-consumer waste. The cover contains a water-based coating, and all inks used contain a percentage of soy base. Our printer meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act standards.

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visit us at: aspenmagazine.com

Snowmass Club

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weddings

Something old

wedding planning gift bag creation social events

Left, vintage ruby and pearl earrings can make any bride’s day extra special

Timeless Weddings

corporate meetings and destination management

Sit back, relax & enjoy Colorado’s bluebird days while we take care of all the rest! Specialists in eco-friendly events

970.948.7757 • www.bluebirdaspen.com

970 618 5750 www.aspeneventworks.com

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hen you walk down the aisle wearing a family heirloom, you’re taking with you kinswomen from days past. Be it an exquisite vintage gown, an antique lace veil, or elegant jewels, there is undeniably something meaningful about dusting off a beautiful piece of history and bringing it back to life. It defies imitation. It whispers class and sophistication. It will move your mother to tears. And who knows, maybe one day your own daughter will want to carry on the tradition.

Robin Proctor Photography

bluebird.indd 1

PHOTOgraphy: nora feller

W4 | A s p e n M a g a z i n e | s p r i n g w e d d i n g g u i d e 2 0 1 1

Aspen style.

2/11/11 2:45 PM

Riccardo Savi Photography 310.614.4507 • www.riccardosavi.com

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Something

new

We ask three of Aspen’s top event planners to name the latest, hottest trends for 2011…

We are here to meet all your party needs with the Quality Products and the Excellent service, that you deserve. Remember that behind every great event planner, caterer, production company or private party, there needs to be a great rental company. BETHEL PARTY RENTALS is that company…..

Nancy Snell Events Spreading out the fun: “Brides

are opting for rehearsal dinners a couple of nights before the wedding in order to reduce last-minute stress. This maximizes quality time with guests the day before doing full-on activities—you know, things like spa time, barbecues, rafting, and fishing.”

Unique locations: “Brides are

searching out increasingly unique locations that go beyond the standard ceremony. Think private home and ranch weddings in and around Aspen.”

DJ-band combos: “For an unforgettable night of music, I recommend mixing a high-quality band plus a DJ. When the two come together, it keeps the energy up and lowers the risk of a lackluster performance.”

who needs seats: Pop-up jazz clubs will have all your guests on their feet

trendy: Above, a late-night soirée can create a club feel for wedding guests. Left, big cakes are back. All eyes are on you when the Flip cams are out

Jason Burns, DL Event Planning

Late-night munchies: “Food trucks are still hot. Everyone loves the late-night taco van wheeling in to abate the midnight munchies.” Virtual guest books: “I am starting to see brides leave a smattering of Flip cams around the party venue so that guests can make visual messages for the happy couple.”

Arrive in style...

Vacation registries: “Guests much

Individual, wedding, special event and corporate transportation.

prefer to give a snorkeling excursion or a romantic honeymoon dinner, rather than a boring china plate.”

Melina Glavas, The Little Nell

Signature bars: “A bar specializing in one drink, such as a tequila bar, is a huge trend. Not only do the bottles look pretty; tasting sessions make a great talking point.” Late-night revels: “Receptions are getting later and more involved. Throw a late-night cigar bar, pop-up jazz club, or DJ into the mix.” Big cakes: “Cupcakes are out, the big cake is back, and thank God! The traditional wedding cake is trendy once again.” Provocative high-quality food: “Food is taking center stage in 2011. People care more about what they are feeding their guests and want something more interesting than overdone surf & turf. Think organic local highquality dishes with a Colorado twist.”


(970) 947.9700 direct | (970) 928.0735 fax 5396 County Road 154, #3, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

PHOTOgraphy: courtesy Stephan Maloman, james christianson, Cisco Systems, Inc

Nancy Snell,

OUR ONLY SCHEDULE IS YOURS.... For 15 years providing our passengers with clean, well-maintained vehicles, driven by courteous and professional drivers. We are a full service ground transportation provider featuring a fleet of 20 SUVs, Luxury Vans and Mini-Coaches. CTS can tailor our services to your specific needs serving groups from 1 to 1000. Give us a call and reserve your transportation today.

1-800-SKI-LIMO www.ctsaspen.com

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weddings

A tandem bicycle:

Ditch the gaudy limo. Wedding getaways don’t come more stylish than this.

Stuff so cool it can’t be bought…

Pour some Old World glamour into the equation with gorgeous cut crystal.

An old-fashioned typewriter: Forget messy scribbles and newfangled video messages; take your guest book to a whole new level of chic with one of these beauties.

Jewelry: Indulge your inner magpie for a day with unique, jaw-droppingly beautiful hired jewels from Ariane Zurcher & Aspen Jewel Box. 555 E. Durant Ave., 970-920-7770


PHOTOgraphy: courtesy Jenny Jimenez, Laura Tulaite, Ariane Zurcher; istockphoto.com

Something borrowed

Vintage decanters:

catering • ev en ts • restau r a n t • n ightclu b • lou nge

411 East Hopkins Avenue, Aspen, Colorado 81611, 970.925.2929 www.caribouclub.com | [email protected] For membership and catering information, please contact us at 970.925.2929

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Robin Proctor Photography

weddings

Something Sugary Showstoppers

Make your wedding even sweeter…

blue

This four-tiered cake with Tiffany-blue fondant and handmade sugarpaste Columbines was made especially for Aspen Magazine by Leslie Ratica. Photography by Barbara Colombo

M

eet Leslie Ratica of Boulder’s Blue Moon Cake Design, a.k.a. wedding cake queen. Paris was her jumping-off point into the culinary world; she trained in pastry work there at Le Cordon Bleu culinary school and has since opened several successful pastry businesses. While most brides opt for chocolate cake, Ratica recommends her legendary lemonrosemary-flavored torte—a heavenly combo of homemade lemon curd scented with homegrown rosemary. “When people hear the description, they usually raise an eyebrow,” says Ratica. “But after they taste it, they almost always order it!” Good news for brides with sensitive tummies: Ratica also specializes in equally delicious gluten-free cakes.

events by windy

Weddings & Special Occasions

We love to create them! Queen B Salon | 970.920.4300

www.eventsbywindy.com • 970.319.0058

3622 Walnut St., Boulder, CO 303-494-2253, bluemooncakedesign.com

Weddings more beautiful than you ever imagined…. WWW.ASPENBRANCH.COM W 10 | A s p e n M a g a z i n e | s p r i n g w e d d i n g g u i d e 2 0 1 1

PHONE: 970-925-3791

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Located at the base of Mt Sopris outside of Carbondale, CO Flying Dog Ranch is the premier wedding venue in the Roaring Fork valley.

All That Glitters Is Not Gold Complete your wedding-day outfit with these gorgeous gems Tiffany Classic Solitaire Engagement Ring This classic may be an oldie, but it’s still a goodie. Its simplicity is the definition of timeless, fad-proof elegance.

Ross Andrews Golconda Engagement Ring Bohemian brides looking for something with more of a vintage feel are in luck. Local jewelry designer Ross Andrews creates gorgeous vintage-inspired pieces.

S h ag r een co l l ec t i o n By Wa l k er Z a B r i S k i e RanCh RetReat

1625 County Road 111 CaRbondale, Co 81623 970-309-5256 • www.flyingdogRanCh .Com

Cartier Tiara

Tiffany Schlumberger Earrings These aquamarine briolette and diamond stunners are made for a blue-eyed bride. The shot of color is brilliantly simple.

Van Cleef & Arpels Snowflake Bracelet No other jeweler creates intricate diamond pieces like Van Cleef; its pioneering diamond-setting techniques make claws disappear, allowing the stones to pop.

W 12 | A s p e n M a g a z i n e | s p r i n g w e d d i n g g u i d e 2 0 1 1

PHOTOgraphy: nora feller; courtesy tiffany, julie skarratt/cartier, Van cleef & arpels

Three sizable Old European–cut center stones, 30 carats, and 688 diamonds: What’s not to love? Deep pockets are a prerequisite for this showstopper. The back section detaches to be worn as a necklace on non-tiara days.

Shagreen eBony Parchment uPholStery antiqueS acceSSorieS

5 Via Parigi | Palm Beach

561.651.7442 www.walkerzabriskie.com

Pine Creek Cookhouse

Private events and Weddings [email protected] (970) 920-7931

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weddings

Gorgeous Gifts Nothing says “I love you” like an incredible gift… The bride and groom traditionally exchange gifts the night before their wedding. Aspen Magazine brings you ideas that will be sure to set the right tone on your wedding day.

LOVE

Isn’t that what it’s all about? And we love that the Aspen Meadows Resort continues to be one of the top wedding destinations in Aspen - and for good reason. From the exquisite food to the unique celebration spaces to the 42 inspiring acres, we’re certain you’ll fall in LOVE too with the Aspen Meadows Resort for your celebration.

for her… Mikimoto Pearls The traditional gift from groom to bride hasn’t lost any of its luster. Splurge on 18 inches of Akoyas— enough length to play with for years to come. mikimotoamerica.com

Smythson Jewellery Box

Getting hitched often means beauteous new jewels. Stash your plunder in one of these magnificent treasure chests. smythson.com

IWC Schaffhausen Vintage Aquatimer Watch

for him…

Take the plunge and buy your beloved the ultimate manwatch. Built like a submarine, this 44mm automatic watch (water-resistant to 400 feet) is ideal for the man who isn’t afraid to show his masculinity. Available at Meridian Jewelers

Contact Susan Dickinson

(970) 544.7829 • [email protected]

Ibis Mojo HD 160 Mountain Bike It’s not easy to find a 160mm mountain bike lighter or stronger than this—the only twowheeler that four-time Mountain Bike World Champion Brian Lopes will ride. His buddies will be green with envy—and red with exhaustion, trying to keep up. ibiscycles.com W 14 | A s p e n M a g a z i n e | s p r i n g w e d d i n g g u i d e 2 0 1 1

PHOTOgraphy: courtesy iwc schaffhausen, smythson, mikimoto, ibis cycles

ASPEN MEADOWS RESORT • A DOLCE RESORT • ASPEN﹐ CO ASPENMEADOWS.COM • 800.452.4250

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Walk the Aisle in Style

Monique Lhuillier’s “Aspen” gown turns any aisle into a runway

We bring you the scoop on wedding dresses that will make you weep

T


PHOTOgraphy: courtesy oscar de la renta, monique lhuillier, mariel

Say

“IinDO” Aspen.

Photo by Carol Miller Photography

Above, colors are in at Oscar de la Renta. Right, Denver’s own Mariel brings boutique fashion to the mountains

he date has been set, the venue booked. Now the fun starts: picking The Dress—probably the most important dress a woman will ever buy. This shouldn’t be a flash decision, so make sure to start the hunt early; these masterpieces can take upwards of eight months to create. This year, brides are taking risks with more unusual styles and brave details, such as bold floral embroidery—a ubiquitous trend at all the best shows. Vera Wang gowns, overdone by popular culture, are out, paving the way for lesser-known up-and-comers. In fact, many brides are bypassing bridal salons altogether and going for off-the-rack evening dresses instead. At Oscar de la Renta, however, flamboyant statement gowns still reign supreme, and we wouldn’t expect anything less from the man who once said that a wedding gown should distill “the very essence of femininity.” Colors are huge this season, with zingy blues and pinks going well beyond last year’s safer dabbles in creams and champagnes. A standout piece is de la Renta’s powdery blue silk faille strapless, covered in joyful embroidered white carnations; its fresh take on bridal fashion brims with youthful confidence. Trumpet silhouettes are also going strong in 2011 and feature in every popular bridal designer’s collection; Monique Lhuillier is no exception. Her fashion house makes a range of options in this flattering cut. Our favorite is Lhuillier’s appropriately named “Aspen” gown—an understated creation of ivory-embellished Chantilly lace adorned with fanciful embroidered flowers and a cameo hyacinth-ribbon sash to cinch in the waist. As the name suggests, this achingly pretty gown would be perfect for summer nuptials in Aspen. Lhuillier’s pairing of it with a daring floral headpiece is the last word in chic; the latter complements the classic dress, keeping it modern and unpredictable. Colorado brides seeking to buy locally need look no further than Mariel, a bridal salon in Denver offering a great selection of simple, elegant gowns that work perfectly with a mountain aesthetic. Each bridal consultant has a minimum of five years’ experience, ensuring that the process is stress-free and fun and that the selection comes with an affordable price. This much is certain: 2011 bridal fashion is trending away from the austere. With the economy steadily recovering, more extravagant statement pieces are gaining traction once again. And cheers to that; you’ll only wear it once.

With the unsurpassed beauty of the surrounding Rocky Mountains, Aspen offers small-town charm, world-renowned amenities and lodging accommodations that will exceed your expectations. Aspen is the perfect place to celebrate your most memorable day. Call 866.564.8623 today to start planning the wedding of your dreams.

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Off the Beaten Path Aspen Magazine brings you the most fabulous venues for 2011 at home and away

A

Sexy Spas

spen is famous as a summer wedding destination; with its

outstanding natural beauty and luxurious hotels, it’s easy to see why. But for the Aspen bride who has seen it all before, treading a path less worn can be appealing. Winter weddings here are often overlooked and are a great way to do something stunningly different close to home. For a total break from tradition, lush destination spas make fabulous venues and have been popular among local brides in recent years. We’ve done the legwork on this year’s hottest,

Ojai Valley provides a stunning landscape for your nuptials

most unusual settings so you don’t have to.

“White” Weddings

The spa at Ojai Valley Inn

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa: Ojai, CA

Ditch the limo: A sleigh ride to the Pine Creek Cookhouse offers the perfect entrance for your big day

Summer senoritas go gaga for the Spanish architecture and Moorish vibe of the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, a five-diamond resort. The Ojai combines easy access (less than two hours from LAX) with the laid-back Old World charm of a 1920s Spanish colonial town. One of the Ojai’s best assets is its fabulous 10,000-square-foot Tuscan villa—a private estate in the resort that sleeps 10. It is perfect for housing the bridal party in style and for hosting a welcome cocktail party with a luxe “at-home” mood. Say “I do” in the spa’s three-acre herb garden—fragrant with lavender, geranium, and rosemary—against a backdrop of the Topatopa Mountains. There are also fabulous pool, barn, and ballroom event spaces to choose from that cater to parties of two to 200. If you can drag yourself away from the Ojai’s indulgent spa, pool, tennis courts, and private golf course, a mosey around the quaint town is well worth the effort.

Pine Creek Cookhouse: Aspen, CO


Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro: Aspen, CO The maxim about the best things coming in small packages certainly rings true for Cloud Nine. This is the place where the cool kids tie the knot. The limited space is the perfect excuse to ditch irrelevant relatives and quasifriends and to whittle down your guest list—to 40 lucky guests, to be precise. Whisk your sweetheart up the Loge Peak lift and get hitched on top of the world. Then ski down to Cloud Nine for a celebratory meal afterward. A communal feast of fondue and raclette couldn’t be jollier, and it’s infinitely yummier than fussy lukewarm wedding food produced en masse. Let’s not forget to dance the night away on the deck under a starry sky. And don’t worry: Granny can always take the snowcat home.

Cal-a-Vie: Vista, CA PHOTOgraphy: courtesy ojai valley inn & spa, cal-a-vie health spa

Cloud Nine at the top of Aspen Highlands makes for a casual yet romantic setting for a wedding in any season

PHOTOgraphy: courtesy pine creek cookhouse, the aspen skiing company

Winter brides, call off the search. A Pine Creek wedding might just be the closest thing to a real-life fairy tale. Located in a valley of towering mountains, the cookhouse is only accessible by snowshoes, cross-country skis, or—for true romantics—a horse-drawn sleigh. Out-of-town guests will go crazy for the quintessentially Colorado dishes: duck truffle mousse hors d’oeuvres, tender elk loin with grits, and yummy no-nonsense desserts like hot apple pie. The venue caters up to 150 guests and has plenty of room to set up a dance floor and band.

Brick by Brick: Cal-a-Vie’s imported French chapel

In the mood for some French gorgeousness minus the jet lag? This breathtaking spa near San Diego has its very own 400-year-old chapel imported from France, rebuilt brick by brick on-site. The estate’s 200 private acres are crammed with exquisite art and statues. Tread carefully, though; after you’ve tasted this kind of luxury, real life might be too much to handle. With a staff-to-guests ratio of 5 to 1, every precious whim is taken care of immediately. Men can tee off on the private golf course while ladies get pampered at the spa. The resort’s wedding package includes six spa treatments for every guest over the course of three days, plus three exquisite gourmet meals per day. The chef is adamant about using only the freshest regional, seasonal, and all-natural ingredients.

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Fit for Royalty

Sealed with a

Kiss

Shireen Lalezari & Robert Garrow August 7, 2010 | Photography by James Christianson Planning by Debra Doyle

A glimpse into Aspen’s most fabulous

weddings

top of ajax: Aspen’s most popular place to tie the knot

Who? A beautiful princess (well,

almost—great-grandfather was a feudal lord in Iran) and a dashing young grad student. The couple attended the University of Colorado at Boulder and are currently at graduate school in California. When they initially met at a house party, Shireen admits that it wasn’t exactly love at



Fit for Royalty

Not your ordinary tent: Bottom left and right, a one-ofa-kind reception at the base of the Ajax gondola

first sight; fortunately, their friends pushed the union, knowing that the pair were perfectly matched.

The T-Lazy-7 Lodge & Meadow will take your breath away!

Where? The Little Nell and the Sundeck.

What? A flamboyant rehearsal

dinner and black-tie wedding reception for 220 guests. For the rehearsal dinner, a marquee at the base of Ajax was transformed into a miniature Greece, giving guests a taste of the couple’s honeymoon destination. The Nell specially devised an Aegean feast with everything from dolma to baklava; rattan furniture was brought in, and cabanas were erected around the bar area. The wedding day was elegance epitomized, but it also had a few exotic twists, nodding to the honeymoon and to the bride’s Persian heritage. Fittingly, Robert’s sister read an excerpt from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin (a romance set in Greece) at the ceremony, and a Middle Eastern DJ was flown in, catering to Persian guests’ musical taste. “Persians really like to dance,” says Shireen, “so the party went on well into the morning.”

This fifth generation family owned and operated Ranch is nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains only 3 miles from Aspen. The adaptability of our venues is limited only by your imagination… 970-618-5152 • www.tlazy7.com

TL7.indd 1

2/25/11 12:17 PM

Imagine the wedding of your dreams in the Rocky Mountains

SnowmaSS Village, Colorado • 970-923-4000 • www.thetimberline.Com W22 | A s p e n M a g a z i n e | s p r i n g w e d d i n g g u i d e 2 0 1 1

keeping it Local

Left, young Obermeyer guests cut loose on the dance floor. Below, Klaus capped off the event with his traditional Austrian yodel

Helen Ward & Wally Obermeyer

December 29, 2010

“We chose the Sundeck and the Nell not because we wanted to do something fancy but because we love Aspen and wanted to keep our event close to home.”

Photography by Nora Feller and Barbara Vaughn Planning by Melina Glavas

Far left, the bride and groom share a quiet moment on the dance floor.

Left, a photo booth provides a fun twist in wedding photography

Who? Wally is son of skiing legend Klaus Obermeyer,

and Helen has been an Aspen local for years. They both have children from previous marriages, making their wedding a merging of families as well as a union of two people in love. “We are perfectly matched in every aspect of life,” says Wally, “age, children, and career.” True to his word, they are both in their fifties, have teenage children, and have enjoyed successful careers in finance. A mountain-biking trip in Moab, Utah, set the scene for their first meeting. At the time, Wally was recently divorced and Helen on the way to being single. Fast-forward four years to a serious business meeting back in Aspen. Bored with talking shop, Wally—a great aviation enthusiast—persuaded Helen to leave the office for an impromptu flying excursion in his plane. The couple finally started dating and became engaged just over a year later (subject to the permission of Helen’s daughters, Kyra and Catherine).

Where? Aspen Mountain Club. What? An intimate ceremony in front of a roaring fire

(only forty guests were invited), followed by an enormous bash for over 400. The guest list comprised an eclectic mix of Aspen old-timers, school friends, business friends, and highprofile faces. Eager to involve their families, Helen asked her daughters to design the cake (a sugary mountain covered in


trees), and almost 100 children attended—enjoying their very own kids’ lounge, candy bar, and mocktail bar. Wally’s father, Klaus Obermeyer, let loose with his trademark yodel. Although Wally, like many grooms, didn’t fuss over finer wedding details, he felt strongly about marrying atop a mountain. “When I refer to an elevated place, I’m not just talking about the barometric pressure or the mountain being part of my soul, with my family having skied here for well over half a century,” he explains. “Rather, elevated places cultivate our humanity through a window to the sublime.” The Sundeck was a no-brainer. Adds Helen: “We chose the Sundeck and the Nell not because we wanted to do something fancy but because we love Aspen and wanted to keep our event close to home.” One gets the impression that Helen isn’t just saying that to be fashionably understated. A great believer in supporting the local community, she bought her dress at Susie’s Limited consignment shop, $15 shoes from the Gap, and pearl bridal jewelry from local designer Pam Sweeney. Fittingly, Klaus Obermeyer also provided the bridal party with white down jackets from his renowned clothing empire so that all would stay toasty on the gondola ride up. Helen had worried throughout the planning process that stormy weather would force the mountaintop bash to shut down early. She needn’t have; friendly skies were on her side the whole night. Not a single thorn appeared to spoil the happy couple’s day. s p r i n g w e d d i n g G u i d e 2 0 1 0 | A s p e n M a g a z i n e | W 25

A Barn Bash

Kristen Cunningham & James Burke

September 18, 2010 Photography by Trevor Brown, Jr. Planning by Jason Burns

Who? A pair of young Denver

attorneys who met at Boston University just three weeks before graduating. Because they landed jobs in separate cities, the first two years of their relationship were long-distance.

Where? The Old Thompson Barn at River Valley Ranch, Carbondale. 100 lucky guests. Kristen and James always knew they wanted to marry at the base of Mount Sopris; they had shared many happy climbs up it, making the location an obvious choice. One small problem: the lack of a suitable venue. Events planner Jason Burns came to the rescue with his out-of-the-box thinking. An historic barn that normally functions as an office building was completely transformed into a breathtaking space with a vintage feel. Out went office furniture, computers, and unsightly wiring. Jason brought in antique café lamps, yellow and red linens, and flametoned wildflowers. The bride’s exquisite lace dress (by bridal designer Marisa) fitted perfectly with the place’s timeless aesthetic. Her overarching goal was to capture the essence of old-time Colorado. The couple spent fifteen months planning their wedding, periodically taking romantic weekend trips from Denver to Aspen to work on details. The addition of skiing and hiking outings to the process made planning fun and relaxing instead of a stressful chore. In fact, it was so enjoyable that, contrary to many grooms’ desires, James was happy to do much of the heavy lifting by arranging music and lighting and even addressing envelopes. The big day arrived, bringing textbook-wedding weather: blinding sunshine without a cloud in sight. What’s more, to Kristen’s great joy, her grandfather from California managed to attend; he had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer over three years prior and hadn’t left California once during that time. But nothing would stand in the way of his sharing a dance—albeit a slow one—with his granddaughter on her wedding day.


PHOTOgraphy: Trevor Brown, Jr./Andrew Clark Photography

What? A unique barn wedding for

Winter Wonderland

Jenelle Pilliod & Robert Champlin

ASPEN Magazine

Weddings Send us your story ideas for

December 11, 2010 Photography by Jenni Fautsko Planning by Marcy Kneiper

SPRING 2012

A my

t oltz m iller

Special eventS Deposit your event with Amy Toltz-Miller Special Events for security and peace of mind! (303) 589-4381 | www.AmyToltzMiller.com

Specializing in Custom Event Design and Creation

Who? A young couple from Houston,

Texas, who met at a Super Bowl party in 2009. Neither one had any interest in the game, but they were mesmerized by each other. Robert currently works as a computer engineer for Schlumberger, Jenelle as a strategy consultant for Interactive Broadband Consulting. Shared passions include outdoor activities and spending time with their ring-bearer pug, Hercules.

Aspen Basalt

Where? Ceremony at Aspen Chapel, reception at the Viceroy.

Above, intimate table settings and place cards held in Aspen branches tie together the winter wonderland theme


What? Even as a little girl, Jenelle dreamed of a “winter wonderland” themed wedding, and Aspen was the perfect place to bring her dream to life. A festive color scheme of reds and black, masses of fresh greenery, and more candles than you could count were brought in for her big day. Jenelle dodged the traditional cake idea, instead favoring a stack of miniature cakes fashioned like mountain logs dusted in snow. Each time they fly back to Aspen for a ski vacation, the newlyweds love looking down from the plane and seeing the church where they married.

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aspen

The Stuff of Fairy Tales

Amy Gelender & Yuval Rottenstreich July 17, 2010 | Photography by Stephan Maloman Planning by Jason Burns

Who? A pair of food and travel fanatics from New York City. Prior to dating, the couple had each lived on opposite sides of the Big Apple—Yuval working as a management professor at NYU, Amy as an accounts supervisor for a large advertising firm. As luck would have it, on March 23, 2007, they stood in line next to each other at a bar in the West Village. Yuval started chatting Amy up with a corny joke. It must have worked: By the time they reached the bar, a lively conversation was in full swing, and the rest is history. Today, Amy runs a contemporary clothing line, Threadware, with her fashion designer sister, specializing in edgy but flattering silk dresses and blouses. Where? T-Lazy-7 Meadow. What? A western fairy-tale wedding for 110 guests. Amy and Yuval considered a New York wedding, but ultimately decided that Aspen was a better reflection of the feeling they wished to achieve—warm and

luxurious without being stuffy. While planning the wedding, Amy was also in the midst of launching her fashion line with her sister—a challenging coincidence, to say the least, but one that she claims taught her efficiency. “There were upsides,” says Amy. “Being so involved in fashion gave me the confidence to take a risk with ‘the dress’—which was J.Crew with a Lela Rose belt—instead of just beelining straight for a big-shot designer.” What’s more, when she, like so many brides, discovered that she had dropped a few dress sizes three weeks before the wedding, buying off-the-rack made downsizing a cinch. The reception was a master class in enchanting wedding decor. From day one, the bride knew that a clear tent was a must: “It maximized the awe-inspiring views and gave us a starting point for everything else,” she says. Hundreds of hanging candles, twinkling lights, and colorful wildflowers reflected against the ceiling to lovely effect, making the event every bit as stylish as its fashionable bride.

From top, the Maroon Bells are a perfect backdrop for the couple’s first kiss; the bride and groom share a joyful moment on the dance floor; wildflowers and hanging candles set a cheerful tone for the reception.


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Kindred spirits

You found your Knight In Shining Armor… now DON’T FORGET THE ICE … Aspen Vail Ice

Astrid Parker & Julian

wild wild west: There’s no better place for a westernthemed wedding than the T-Lazy-7 Ranch

Kirschenbaum September 24, 2010

Photography by Alice Koelle Planning by Jason Burns

What? A three-day extravaganza with a different theme

for each day: Aspen Chic, Rustic Elegance, and Wild West. Thanks to the faultless planning of Astrid’s mother and events planner Jason Burns, Astrid claims that her engagement and wedding were 100 percent stress-free. Aspen Chic materialized as an evening of pure glitz and glam at the Nell—mountains of caviar, free-flowing Champagne, an oxygen bar, a huge floating monogram in the pool, and fabulous fireworks to round off the night. Rustic Elegance, being the big day, demanded classic blacktie elegance on top of the mountain, with a dreamlike palette of creams and pinks coupled with sheer white cloth draping and tea-light chandeliers. However, the bride’s stunning pink, cream, pale yellow, and gold plaid dress kept things fresh and unpredictable. At the start of the ceremony, a fox came right up to the couple and quietly watched their nuptials from start to finish before scampering off into the backcountry, at which point Julian turned to the congregation and said, “Astrid is one foxy lady!” The newlyweds believe that the animal was the spirit of those who had recently passed—Astrid’s father and Julian’s grandfather—coming back to join them for their special day. The final day, with its Wild West theme, threw formality to the wind with a boot-scootin’ hoedown at the T-Lazy-7 Ranch. But the lowering of pomp certainly didn’t equate to a lowering of standards: A well-known bluegrass group, Ryan Shupe & the RubberBand, kept the party alive well into the night.

Who? A pair of high school sweethearts from Cleveland

who met at a school dance at age 15. They moved to Aspen straight out of college, Astrid working as a yoga instructor at O2 Aspen, Julian as a ski instructor for Aspen Skiing Company. The two now live in San Diego (while Julian attends law school) but hope to return to Aspen as soon as an opportunity arises.

One foxy lady: The bride goes all-out on the dance floor

Offering 30 years of international ice sculpting experience. Ice Bars, Martini & Shot Luges, Logos, Luminary Displays, Seafood & Sushi Displays and Sculptures in any shape or size by Scott Rella, Olympic & World Champion Ice Sculptor. 9 7 0 . 9 4 9 . 0 4 5 8 Aspen Boulder Denver Steamboat Summit Vail

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Where? The ceremony took place at Ajax’s summit,

with cocktails at the Aspen Mountain Club and dinner and dancing at the Sundeck—all catered by The Little Nell. (Astrid chose Aspen to honor her late father and Julian’s late grandfather, as Aspen had been both men’s favorite place.)


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I Ducky Derby Do

Gayleen Dent & Michael Rothrock August 14, 2010 Photography by Robin Proctor Planning by Jane Floyd Perhaps Love: The bride walked down the aisle at the John Denver Sanctuary to say her I-Do’s

F U L L S E RV I C E D E S T I N AT I O N M A N A G E M E N T C O M PA N Y S P E C I A L E V E N T & W E D D I N G C O N S U LTAT I O N

Who? A pair of technology gurus who split their time

between residences in Aspen and San Francisco, where they work from home offices. They met at a Bay Area fundraiser and were holding hands in under twenty minutes; just seven months later, Michael proposed under the Maroon Bells.

Where? Ceremony at John Denver Sanctuary on the

Roaring Fork River, followed by a picnic at Newbury Park.

What? A medium-sized event combining outdoorsy

daytime informality with a choreographed ultraformal evening reception. The bride and her events planner, Jane Floyd, spent months putting together a lovely roster of events on the Roaring Fork River: breakfast, the ceremony, and a

relaxed picnic lunch. Unbeknownst to either, the big day coincided with Aspen’s famous Ducky Derby—an extravaganza, attracting thousands, in which a truckload of rubber ducks is launched into the river. Ever the good sports, the couple went with the flow and ended up being given the honor of tossing in the first ducks, each duck appropriately dressed in formal wedding attire! Come evening, blowsy sundresses were ditched in favor of glitzy ball gowns for a night of high-voltage glamour at the Jerome.

JASON BURNS • 970.925.4223 J A S O N @ D L E V E N T P L A N N I N G . C O M • W W W. D L E V E N T P L A N N I N G . C O M


High Fidelity

Laura Hess & Brad Barrish October 2, 2010

Photography by Otto Schulze Planning by Jason Burns

Left: corepudaest et et porpor apici offictorem qui dolupta voluptur reped mos aut laboriatur a venis id

Who? A music-industry couple from Los Angeles who have worked with more famous faces than you’ve eaten hot breakfasts. Laura and Brad met through work. It took a year for their friendship to blossom into romance, fittingly at a Fleet Foxes show at the Troubadour in L.A. Where? Ceremony at the John

Denver Sanctuary, followed by reception at Eight K at the Viceroy.

What? A music fanatic’s nirvana. The couple’s shared passion for music informed every wedding decision and design choice, from the venue down to the place cards at the tables. And the moment they noticed the lyrics inscribed on the stones of the John

Denver Sanctuary, they knew they had stumbled across their dream venue. Laura and Brad couldn’t resist going all out with the music theme. The “Save the Date” referred to the wedding date as “Rocktober 2nd 2010,” Laura walked down the aisle to “Sweet Child of Mine” by Guns N’ Roses (a childhood dream), place cards were replicas of old concert tickets, and table names were vintage album covers. The ceremony itself was casual and intimate, with guests sitting on blankets and boulders during the ceremony, and guests also helped set the tone of the reception: As the couple entered, guests illuminated the room by holding up specially made lighters that read “Laura and Brad Rock.”


PHOTOgraphy: OTTO SCHULZE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rocktober 2010: Replica concert tickets served as place cards. Every detail counted in their music-themed wedding

Capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments forever

Wedding Resources Our editors present the best in wedding related resources in Aspen & beyond.

HOTELS & VENUES Aspen Meadows Resort 800-452-4240 www.dolce-aspen-hotel.com FLYING DOG RANCH RETREAT 970-309-5256 www.flyingdogranch.com Hotel Aspen 800-527-7369 www.hotelaspen.com Hotel Jerome 970-920-1000 www.hoteljerome.rock resorts.com Ojai Valley Inn and Spa 888-697-8780 www.ojairesort.com t-lazy-7 lodge 970-925-4614 www.tlazy7.com

www.halwilliams.net

The Timberline 970-923-7303 www.thetimberline.com

Photo: Hal Williams Photography

The Little Nell Hotel & Residences 970-920-4600 www.thelittlenell.com

Alice Koelle Photography 970-925-9210 www.alicekoelle.com

Viceroy Snowmass 970-923-8000, www.viceroysnowmass.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Barbara Colombo 11:11 Productions 303-258-8118 www.11-11productions.com Barbara Vaughn Photography 415-515-5112 www.barbaravaughn photography.com

Creative Event Photography Custom Enlargements • Prints on Canvas Portrait Retouching Original Design and Printing Image Archiving and Slide Shows Beautiful Custom Picture Framing

SlideMaSter CuStoM digital &

the

Jennifer Rose Clasen Photography 310-972-1228 www.clasenphotography.com James Christianson 303-596-4757 www.jameschristianson.com

FraMeCenter

305-E Aspen Business Center • Aspen, CO 81611 970-925-8082 Toll Free: 866-925-8082 • www.slidemaster.com

Jenni Fautsko Luminance Photography 970-963-7406 www.luminance photography.com Jenny Jimenez 206-484-2912 www.photojj.com Nora Feller 970-948-7237 www.norafeller.com

Otto Schulze Photographers 303-931-3459 www.ottoschulze photographers.com Riccardo Savi Photography 970-948-7814 www.riccardosavi.com Robin Proctor Photography 970-819-1427 www.robinproctor photography.com Stephan Maloman Maloman Photographers 954-636-8422 www.maloman.com The Slide Master 970-925-8082 www.slidemaster.com Trevor Brown, Jr. Andrew Clark Photography 303-831-9090 www.andrewclark photography.com

WEDDING PLANNERS

Nancy Snell Events 970-925-9207 www.nancysnellevents.com

REHEARSAL DINNER/ CATERERS ASC CATERING Snowmass Club • Buttermilk Mountain Lodge • Lynn Britt Cabin • Sneaky’s Tavern • Black Saddle Grill • Base Village Conference Center 970-923-0912 www.aspensnowmass.com

Carbondale Chamber of Commerce 970-963-1890 www.carbondale.com Snowmass Chamber of Commerce 970-923-2000 www.snowmassvillage.com

HAIR SALONS Aspen Club and Spa 970-925-8900 www.aspenclub.com

Caribou Club 970-925-2929 www.caribouclub.com

QUEEN B SALON 970-920-4300

Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro 970-923-8715 www.aspensnowmass.com

Salon TulLio 970-925-7201 www.salontullio.com

Pine Creek Cookhouse 970-925-1044 www.pinecreekcookhouse.com

CAKES & LIQUOR

Randy Placeres 970-948-2511 www.randyplaceres.com The Little Nell Catering 970-920-6322 www.thelittlenell.com

www.queenbaspen.com

Blue Moon Cake Design 303-494-CAKE (2253) www.bluemooncakedesign.com Of Grape and Grain 970-925-8600

JEWELRY & DRESSES

INVITATIONS

Ariane Zurcher & Aspen Jewelry Box 970-920-7770 www.arianezurcher.com

The Autograph Source 970-920-9996 www.theautographsource.com

Cartier www.cartier.com

FLOWERS / DÉCOR / PARTY RENTALS

Mariel Boutique, Denver 303-623-1151

Aspen Branch 970-925-3791 www.aspenbranch.com

Meridian Jewelers 970-925-3833 www.meridianjewelers.com

Aspen Vail Ice Sculpture 970-949-0458 www.aspenvailice.com

Ross Andrews Jewelry 970-925-3909 www.rossandrewsjewelry.com

Jason Burns DL Events 970-925-4223 www.dleventplanning.com

Bethel Party Rentals 970-947-9700 www.bethelpartyrentals.com

Tiffany & CO, Denver 303-322-4747 www.tiffany.com

Events By Windy 970-319-0058 www.eventsbywindy.com

Halcyon productions 970-927-3887 www.halcyonproductions.com

Jane Floyd & Associates 970-923-2333 www.janefloydassociates.com

Mountain Flowers 970-920-6912 www.mountainflowers ofaspen.com

Marcy Kneiper Creative Weddings 970-704-1300 www.creativeweddings.com

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

Amy Toltz Miller 303-589-4381 www.amytoltzmiller.com Debra Doyle Aspen Eventworks 970-618-5750 www.aspeneventworks.com Bluebird productions 970.948.7757 www.bluebirdaspen.com Creative Wedding & Celebrations 970-704-1300 www.creativeweddings.com

Mindy Weiss 888-777-3414 or 310-205-6000 www.mindyweiss.com Joann Moore Mountain & Meadows 970-926-2177 www.mmvail.com

Aspen Chamber Resort Association 970-925-1940 www.aspenchamber.org Basalt Chamber of Commerce 970-927-4031 www.basaltchamber.org

TRANSPORTATION CORPORATE TRANSPORTATION SPECIALIST 800-SKI-LIMO www.ctsaspen.com

ENTERTAINMENT STARKY PRODUCTIONS 303-750-6111 www.starkeyproductions.com

SPA & FITNESS Aspen Club and Spa 970-925-8900 www.aspenclub.com Cal-a-Vie Health Spa 888-373-8773 www.cal-a-vie.com


Asp e N MAGA Z INE

weddings

Meet the Master Mindy Weiss, Beverly Hills event planner extraordinaire, gives the lowdown on weddings for 2011

W

hen Ellen DeGeneres and Heidi Klum planned their weddings and Jennifer Lopez and Brooke Shields wanted to throw a baby shower, they called Mindy Weiss. Weiss’s book has been labeled the definitive guide to planning weddings, and The Today Show and Entertainment Tonight cover her singular productions. Here, the planner to the stars shares her secrets with Aspen Magazine.

Views. Vows. Viceroy. Polished destination weddings throughout the seasons. Sophisticated Rocky Mountain ceremonies and receptions in the ballroom, on the terrace and beyond. Unparalleled cuisine, service and style. And in time, remarkable anniversary celebrations. Forever starts at the base of Aspen/Snowmass’ most beloved mountain. For complete wedding and event planning assistance, please call 970 923 8043.

Left, wedding planner to the stars, Mindy Weiss

130 WOOD ROAD SNOWMASS VILLAGE COLORADO

Q: You rose to event-planning fame

quickly. To what do you attribute your success?

I think many people have great and inspiring ideas. They just don’t know how to tie them together. I always say I’m a great babysitter or magician. I take what the client envisions and bring it to life.

Q: From where do you draw inspiration?

I love interior-design magazines and vintage magazines that I find at local flea markets. I have thousands.

Q: What is the most important area to spend money on?

Photography. It’s the only thing you have left after the big day.

Q: What style of wedding are you most

Q: How do you develop a theme with

Vintage—with a modern twist.

I have them go through books and magazines to show me what pops out at them. Often there is not a theme, but we create an environment that just feels good.

excited about for 2011?

Q: What factor creates the most magical weddings?

Lighting is very important in creating the right mood. And of course, when the bride and groom are in love and stick together during the evening, that warmth spreads throughout.

Q: What was the most stressful

wedding scenario you ’ve dealt with?

When a rabbi had put the wrong date in his calendar. Thank goodness there was another Jewish wedding in the ballroom across the way! I waited for that ceremony to end and approached him. He laughed and did a fantastic job. I aged ten years!


your brides?

Q: You are planning a wedding in Aspen

this summer. What appeals to you about planning an event here?

You really don’t have to do much in Aspen—the beauty is all around you! It’s just a matter of keeping it organic to the area.

Q: Favorite gown designer for 2011? I have two: Monique Lhuillier and Lanvin.

viceroysnowmass.com

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