1. Real Weddings

A Mexican-Themed Wedding in Denver, CO

The Bride Ria Dowsing, 25 and a teaching assistant at Lincoln Elementary School The Groom Jesse Walker, 30 and the bassist for a band called Flobots T

The Bride Ria Dowsing, 25 and a teaching assistant at Lincoln Elementary School The Groom Jesse Walker, 30 and the bassist for a band called Flobots The Date June 21 Ria and Jesse wanted a casual, DIY celebration, so they went with a Mexican theme designed with multi-colored pompoms, fresh flowers in colored pots and even a horse piñata, stuffed with mini bottles of tequila and candy.

Guests munched on authentic Mexican fare, like tortilla chips, guacamole, and homemade salsa, made by the groom’s parents.
To keep the conversation flowing, the couple arranged the reception tables in a giant U shape. “We wanted our guests to sit together, so we had free seating,” says Ria.
A live mariachi band kept the party going with festive tunes, suited for a Mexican-themed celebration.
Bright papel picado, or Mexican paper banners, were personalized with the couple’s names and surrounded by bright paper lanterns.
Guests had a blast with the piñata -- a horse they named “George.” “One of the highlights of the evening was watching our friends scramble to get to the mini-bottles of tequila and eat the Reeses Pieces,” says the bride.
Ria made the bouquet herself and wrapped the blooms in lace that her sister sent over from Ireland. “I selected my favorite flowers: daisies, peonies, and violets,” says the bride.
Butcher paper table covers allowed guests to doodle while Mason jars filled with red roses kept the look pretty, but casual.
Mason jars, customized with tags bearing the couple’s initials next to a sombrero-wearing cactus, kept guests from getting thirsty and also served as favors at the end of the night.
The couple said “I do” in the backyard, beneath a natural arch from a tree that was decorated with whimsical butterflies.
The three-tiered white buttercream cake covered in fresh flowers was a must have for Ria and Jesse.
The couple exchanged vows in the yard of Ria’s home away from home (she’s originally from Ireland) while she was interning for the non-profit, Seeking Common Ground. “I had been staying with the founder’s family and had been working there since I was 18,” she says.
A festive chalkboard encouraged guests to grab a glass of beer from The Great Divide brewery while being entertained by the mariachi band.