Grand Lake Wedding | The Bridal Collection Real Bride

How He Asked

Needing a weekend away, Katy & Matt planned a trip to her family’s cabin in Grand Lake, Colorado. They drove up after work one Friday and spent a relaxing evening in the mountains. The next morning, they drove around to some of the local spots, including Grand Lake Lodge, the golf course, and Winding River Ranch. After that, they headed back to the cabin. Matt grabbed a backpack and suggested the two of them go on a walk to Point Park. Katy was suspicious of the backpack, but Matt told her he wanted to carry his jacket in it.

Once they made it to the park, they found a perfect spot for a little rest, a bench overlooking the lake. The two of them began to reminisce on their life together and the many things they had conquered as a team. After a while Matt went silent, so Katy asked if everything was okay. He said, “I need you to stand up for a minute”. At this point, Katy knew what was about to happen. She stood up, he got down on one knee, and everything that followed is a joyful blur. Of course Katy said yes!

Giddy with newly-engaged excitement, Matt shared all of the details leading up to the special moment – asking her parents, letting his family know, and how he kept it all a secret. Some hikers were passing by and got some photos of them, then the lovebirds headed back to the cabin. They spent the evening calling friends and family and celebrating with one another. The next day, they returned to Denver to find both of their families at their apartment. They all celebrated the exciting milestone over lunch! It was the perfect beginning to their happily ever after.   

Finding The Dream Dress

For some brides, shopping for a wedding dress takes a village – Katy was no exception! She brought along several of her family members, two of which flew to Denver from South Dakota for the occasion. They embarked on a day filled with white dresses, sparkle, and lace across multiple bridal shops. After visiting several boutiques in search of her dream wedding dress, no one dress stood out in their minds. Katy had previously visited The Bridal Collection while shopping bridesmaids dresses for her friend’s wedding, so she knew without a doubt that she would get the full bridal shopping experience there. They decided The Bridal Collection would be the next stop.

When Katy met her bridal stylist, she was swept away by her kindness and understanding from the first moment. She expressed her frustration and discouragement from a day of shopping without getting any closer to the dream dress. At this point in the day, she had tried on so many dresses that she felt confused and overwhelmed about what she was actually looking for. Her stylist was determined to turn things around. Katy showed her a dress she had saved on Pinterest that sparked her interest, so they hit the showroom in search of that particular style.

She immediately fell in love with “Mimi” by Watters WToo. This silky, elegant gown had the most flattering pleated bodice and a romantic sweetheart neckline. The natural waist looked incredible on Katy! However, Katy’s mom felt concerned about her wearing a strapless gown at a Catholic ceremony. Her stylist had a brilliant idea – she found the cutest delicate lace top by Stella York to wear over the top of the dress. Katy loved it because it actually gave the dress more detail. Then, her stylist added a stunning belt and placed a veil in Katy’s hair. Without hesitation, she said Yes to the Dress!

Katy couldn’t wait to wear two different looks – the dress with the lace jacket at the ceremony and the dress on it’s own for the reception. It was exactly what she had in mind and made her feel like the most beautiful woman on the happiest day of her life. Katy said, “Not only was that day such a special day but at all the appointments that followed, we were treated with such kindness and excitement.  Everyone at Bridal Collection was so sweet and made me feel like a queen during the whole process.”

The First Dance

One part of Katy & Matt’s wedding day that they will never forget was their first dance. This dance was so special because it brought back memories of the first day they met one another. One Valentine’s Day, the two of them laid eyes on one another for the first time at The Grizzly Rose. After striking up a conversation, they decided to share a dance, and the rest was history. Dancing has always been a special part of their story together, so there was nothing more memorable than sharing their first dance as husband and wife.

As if their first dance couldn’t get any more personal, the couple had asked Matt’s younger brother to sing the song for them. Katy couldn’t help but cry happy tears during the entire dance – it meant so much to be dancing with her husband as they were serenaded by her new brother-in-law.

Vendors:

Dress: WToo “Mimi” from The Bridal Collection

Photographer: Mallory Munson Photography

Cake: Jilly’s Cakes

DJ: Mile High Music Patrol

Flowers: The Stalk Market

Hair and Makeup: Apres Ski Hair Design

Wedding Planners: Curate Denver

Ceremony: St. Anne Catholic Church

Ceremony Musicians: Con Brio Trio

Reception Venue and Catering: Grand Lake Lodge

Men’s Suits: Men’s Wearhouse

Transportation: Mountain Transit Adventures

Videographer: Post House Films