1. Real Weddings

Shana & David: An Outdoor Wedding in Tabernash, CO

Shana and David celebrated with a warm, emotional party in the scenic wilderness of Tabernash. The Bride Shana Colbin, 30, wholesale representative f

Shana and David celebrated with a warm, emotional party in the scenic wilderness of Tabernash. The Bride Shana Colbin, 30, wholesale representative for accessories and clothing designers The Groom David Dunn, 39, wholesale representative for accessories and clothing designers The Date September 9 Shana Colbin had been hoping that David Dunn would propose to her on New Year's Eve 1999. The two were spending the holiday weekend at Winter Park, a ski resort not far from Denver, CO. Two days later, just after starting a run down the mountain (Shana on skis, David strapped to a snowboard), the lovebirds stopped to catch their breath. I went over to him and gave him a hug and that's when he dropped to his knees and said that he had to ask me a question, remembers Shana. Wanting to see his eyes in this emotional moment, she asked him to remove his sunglasses. I noticed that his eyes were the most intense blue against the backdrop of the white snow, and he asked me to marry him, says Shana. I am ordinarily a beginner on the slopes but that day I skied better and faster than ever before!

Twelve cherubs -- as they were referred to in the programs -- led the bridal procession, each child sporting translucent pink butterfly wings and clutching blue irises (Iris is the flower of love read the programs).
Seven of Shana's friends helped out with the flowers: They spent the morning of the wedding putting together twelve large arrangements to display outdoors and fifteen centerpieces for inside the tent. These were in cobalt blue and yellow ceramic vases made by Shana's dad. I don't know what was in my bouquet, says the bride. I made it the morning of the wedding and I know it had a beautiful white flower in it and green wheat.
In September, the weather in the mountains can range from warm and sunny to blizzard conditions. My dress was so light and airy, I would have frozen during the ceremony had the temperature decided to drop, says Shana of her ethereal two-piece, pale green frock. A long, simple veil and earrings created by an Israeli artist completed her look.
The Traditions
On the morning of the wedding, the valley surrounding Devil's Thumb Ranch was filled with sunshine. By 4 p.m., when the ceremony began, it had grown terribly windy, but fortunately no clouds obscured the views of the majestic mountain range spreading in the distance. Shana and David married beneath a huppah borrowed from the bride's cousin and her husband, who also provided the music. The ceremony was filled with poetry and symbolic rituals borrowed from multiple cultures: Hindu, Native American, and traditional Jewish. Readings included original compositions by the bride and groom, Eclipse by De Jean, and Finding Your Beshert by Kim Simon. Shana and David wrote their own vows. When it was David's turn to speak, describes Shana, his words were so beautiful we were all crying. At the close of the ceremony, prompted by the officiant, the entire crowd pronounced the couple husband and wife with resounding cheers.
A little later, two more cherubs walked behind Shana, holding the tips of her veil. Meanwhile, the gusts of wind had quieted. It felt like the sun was following me, remembers the bride.
The Location