1. Real Weddings

A Whimsical DIY Wedding at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield in Littleton, Colorado

Emily Williams (24 and works in fundraising) and Shawn Kramer (27 and a geologist) met through mutual friends. Two years later, Shawn proposed in a ne

Emily Williams (24 and works in fundraising) and Shawn Kramer (27 and a geologist) met through mutual friends. Two years later, Shawn proposed in a nearby park. “Our proposal story is one of the simpler ones, just the two of us, quite and private, overwhelming with emotion,” Emily says. “But after spending so much time being apart, desperately wanting to be together, it was the absolutely perfect.” The couple had a difficult time deciding to get married in Colorado since they moved there just before the wedding. But, decided they would just share even more love with their closets friends and family in appreciation (such as having a separate birthday cake for one of their good friends at the reception). Emily and Shawn had an outdoor ceremony at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield with a color palette of mint, coral and a mix of neutrals for their whimsical, DIY details. Shawn’s mother spent months grown succulents in San Diego and drove them to the wedding for the floral arrangements and hair accessories. Emily’s aunt made the three-tier buttercream cake topped with whimsical, floral elephants. The couple also wanted to be conscious of nature and had seeded save-the-dates, which guests could plant and they would bloom. They also did seeded matchbooks as the favors. But, Emily, being a foodie, wanted an amazing meal at her wedding. It was more important than what she wore! “The hors d'oeurves included bacon-wrapped dates, deconstructed BLTs (endive with bacon, pear tomatoes and basil mayo) and caprese ice cream cones (so cute),” Emily says. “It was important to me to have a seated dinner as opposed to a buffet. I wanted everyone to enjoy eating together, have rich conversation and not be bothered with waiting in lines. Our catering company did a fabulous job with doing simple dishes that were over the moon yummy. Summer salads to start, with their choice of balsamic braised short rib or dijon chicken. We had a carrot cake for our wedding cake, and German chocolate cake for our grooms cake. My amazing auntie made both from scratch. She drove out from Texas with all her supplies, and made two or three practice cakes to make sure her recipe would be just right in our Mile High city!”

Emily wore baby succulents (grown by Shawn's mother) in her low, braided updo.
The groom and groomsmen wore two succulents and a yellow rose for their classic boutonnieres.
The groomsmen, and Shawn, all wore handmade herringbone vests, which his mother sewed, along with simple slacks, cotton ties and plaid shirts.
The flower girl wore a mint tulle dress to match the colorful, whimsical wedding theme.
Guests were given paper fans in yellow, green and blush to match the wedding colors and keep cool during the summer wedding.
“The decision to get married in Colorado was a difficult one,” Emily says. “We had just moved there and literally all of our family and friends would have to travel to be at our wedding. But when we saw Chatfield, we knew it was the place for us. Our ceremony would take place at the base of the mountains, among rolling fields of wild grass, flowers and warped, draping cottonwood trees. We knew we wanted to be married outdoors, under the big (hopefully) blue sunny sky, and this was just the place.”
The aisle was decorated with cotton tassels made by Emily’s mother and bridesmaids. “They now decorate our house,” Emily says. “I love them!”
Emily and Shawn First Kiss
Emily and Shawn Recessional
The bridesmaids wore cream lace dresses from ModCloth that were completed with champagne belts and nude shoes.
Emily and Shawn loved the old red barn and twinkly string lights for the reception. It added just the right amount of rustic, country flair to their whimsical wedding.
The bride’s aunt made the three-tier white wedding cake decorated with peonies, dahlias, roses and succulents. It was topped with two floral elephants to add to the whimsical feel.
Emily and Shawn at Denver Botanic Gardens
Emily and Shawn First Dance
Emily and Shawn Bubble Exit