We’re thrilled to share with you the unique and urban wedding of Niki and Nick, which perfectly captures the essence of a city celebration. The couple’s relaxed and personalized big day was set against the vibrant backdrop of downt_own Denver, with the iconic Turnhalle Room at The Tivoli serving as the venue for their ceremony and reception. The college campus atmosphere added an extra layer of charm to the proceedings.
As you’d expect from a city wedding, Niki and Nick incorporated some truly innovative elements into their celebration. They chose a bold and sophisticated color palette featuring black, white, and gold, which was complemented by DIY florals, luxurious linens, and plenty of candles. The pièce_de_résistance, however, was the three-foot tall tribute to their new surname that added a touch of whimsy to the proceedings.
Nick cut a dashing figure on his wedding day, thanks in part to his stylish haircut and sharp tie. Meanwhile, Niki looked stunning in her strapless ballgown and elegant updo. But what really stole our hearts was the couple’s love story, which is a true testament to the power of persistence and good friends. Let’s just say that Nick’s pal Amy played a significant role in bringing them together, and we can’t wait for you to hear all about it.
Our Love Story
The day Niki and I met was like nothing I’d ever experienced before – a peculiar sensation that defied explanation. It’s as if I had missed her, even though we’d never met. Our mutual friend Amy had been trying to set us up for months, but it wasn’t until she called me at my favorite park in the city on one of those warm summer afternoons that I finally got to meet the girl behind all the stories. I felt like a 14-year-old meeting their crush at the mall – nervous and excited all at once.
But as we started talking, I was hit with this strange mix of joy and sadness. It was as if I’d known her my whole life. From that moment on, we made it a point to see each other often, and our lives became intertwined in ways I never could have imagined. Her family became like my own, and our circles of friends merged into one big, happy family. Looking back, I realize that our chance encounter created this tiny universe of its own, and I can’t imagine it being any different.
The Inspiration
The memory of a striking Pinterest image still lingers; its monochromatic palette leaving an indelible mark. The combination of black, white, and gold resonated deeply with Nick and me, harmonizing perfectly with our neutral living space. Once we had settled on the color scheme, it seemed as though fate had intervened, making it effortlessly easy to discover decorative pieces that seamlessly fit into our aesthetic.
To temper the formality inherent in black and white, I introduced warm, rich accents through antique gold and copious candlelight, skillfully softening the overall atmosphere.
The Attire
Discovering the perfect dress was a straightforward process for me. I opted for a classic white A-line ball gown with subtle embellishments on the belt. My search took me to two bridal boutiques, where I experienced varying degrees of success. The first stop left me feeling slightly underwhelmed, but the second boutique proved more fruitful.
After trying on a few gowns, I finally found THE dress that stole my heart – and it wasn’t until I added a veil did I feel an overwhelming sense of ‘this is my dress’ that I thought was purely a TV myth. Meanwhile, the girls in my bridal party each brought their unique style to the table, selecting their own black dresses and shoes to match.
On the groom’s side, Nick and his entourage wore crisp black suits from Express, paired with white shirts and black and gold striped ties for a cohesive look.
The Proposal
As the crisp autumn morning unfolded before us, I decided to surprise Niki with an early wake-up call for a hike. Little did she know that we weren’t headed to any ordinary trail. After driving about an hour into the Rocky Mountains, we pulled into a parking lot and Niki asked, ‘What are we doing here?’ Her confusion gave way to curiosity as I revealed our surprise: a hot air balloon was being inflated in a nearby field.
As she pieced together that we’d soon be soaring thousands of feet above the ground, her excitement grew. Just before takeoff, I set up my camera to capture us in front of the majestic balloon, and Niki began to lose patience, screaming, ‘They’re going to leave us!’ But what she didn’t know was that I was recording video, capturing more than just a snapshot to share with friends later. Satisfied with the framing, I hit record and ran over to her side, still pretending to snap a photo.
In reality, my nerves were getting the better of me. My heart raced, my stomach felt like it had taken flight, and I reached into my pocket to ensure I hadn’t left the ring at home. Taking a deep breath, I turned to Niki, the girl who had stolen my heart in that favorite park as our eyes met, all my nervous energy dissipated. This was exactly where I belonged, with this exact person by my side. Pulling out the tiny box, dropping down onto one knee, and asking her to be my wife.
The Venue
As soon as we saw pictures of the Tivoli Turnhalle room, we were smitten. Fast forward a few days, and our initial impressions only deepened. The split-level space boasts an undeniable charm, with its unique character and style evident even before decoration. It was as if the room was waiting for us to bring it to life, and our chosen décor blended effortlessly into the existing aesthetic.
The Ceremony
As we opted for a non-traditional, and lighthearted ceremony, it felt more intimate and special with one of our closest friends officiating the union. This personal touch only added to the sense of love and celebration that filled the air. We then shared heartfelt declarations of love, followed by our short yet meaningful vows – simple yet powerful statements that captured the essence of our relationship: ‘You are the love of my life, and my very best friend.’
The Photography
As we scoured through venue options and wedding details, the photographer emerged as a top priority for us. The person entrusted with capturing these moments would create lasting memories for years to come – relived with our children, family, and friends. Initially, we gravitated towards Elizabeth due to her enchanting romantic aesthetic, which aligned perfectly with our vision.
Her packages offered excellent value, including a comprehensive engagement session and full-day wedding coverage, complete with all images. On the day of the wedding, both Elizabeth and her sister Jen brought their unique styles and creative visions to the table, resulting in an unforgettable experience. What impressed us most was their warm demeanor, making them a joy to work with – a quality that genuinely enhanced our special day.
Advice for Other Couples
When planning a wedding, Pinterest was often the primary source of design inspiration. However, instead of solely relying on Pinterest, I would identify specific elements that caught my attention – whether it was plates, flowers, tablecloths, or something else – and then diligently search for similar options at stores or online retailers to find more affordable alternatives. This meticulous approach allowed me to prioritize the larger expenses and build upon those decisions with smaller details.
As the big day approaches, it’s essential to recognize that all the planning has been done; now, simply let go of any stress and allow yourself to fully immerse in the experience. After all, the wedding day goes by astonishingly quickly, so be sure to take a step back and truly absorb every moment.
The Refreshments
We opted against signature drinks; instead, offering an open bar for all. The dinner setup was designed to evoke a relaxed, family-style atmosphere, with tables arranged in long rows. To cater to our guests’ diverse tastes, we featured two of their favorite cuisines – Italian and Mexican – with stations set up at each table. Meanwhile, the dessert spread boasted an impressive array of treats, including gourmet popcorn, cookies, and a sheet cake that was carefully cut and served tableside.
In lieu of a traditional cake topper, we added a touch of whimsy with sparklers spelling out ‘OWEN.’
The Flowers
To create a visually appealing yet budget-friendly arrangement, I opted for a straightforward approach and purchased a range of multi-hued roses in individual cups and antique candelabras adorned with moss for added texture. This simple yet elegant design allowed us to focus on the beauty of the flowers themselves rather than getting bogged down in intricate details.
For the bridal party’s arrangements, I visited Whole Foods and selected a variety of petite bundled bouquets for myself and the other attendants. These charming and whimsical flowers not only added a pop of color but also served as a lovely reminder of our special day.
The Decor & Details
The centerpiece of the décor was the dinner tables, which stole the show. Each table featured a striking combination of black tablecloths, black and white striped runners, hurricane glass vases in varying sizes filled with pillar candles and fresh flowers. The warm ambiance created by the candles was enhanced by bistro lights suspended from the horseshoe balcony, while multi-colored party lights added a pop of color to the dance floor.
For the ceremony, a V-shaped arrangement of white resin chairs ensured that all guests had an unobstructed view and clear line of sight. The aisle was flanked by 24” balloon bouquets in white, gold, and black at the back of each wedding party, adding a touch of whimsy to the proceedings. On stage, oversized letters reading ‘OWEN’ stood tall, serving as a bold statement piece.
Meanwhile, a designated kids’ table offered a range of fun activities, including coloring books, Legos, and cards, with glow sticks being the clear crowd-pleaser.
The Budget
With a budget of just over $20,000, it’s easy for expenses to quickly add up. However, we managed to plan and execute a fantastic celebration without feeling like we had to make any significant compromises.
The Music
Our wedding celebration wouldn’t have been complete without the energetic vibes of Alive on Arrival, our beloved local band. As we stood ready to take our first dance as a married couple, we were thrilled to discover that they’d chosen a Barry White classic for us. The moment was perfect, and with no prompting needed, Nick and I let go of all inhibitions and had the most unforgettable spontaneous first dance experience.
The Honeymoon
As we embark on an East Coast road trip in October, we strongly advise against rushing back into travel mode immediately after the wedding. Our recent experience has taught us that taking time to recover is essential. We were so exhausted from the whirlwind wedding planning and celebrations that it took a few weeks for us to feel like ourselves again. The thought of jumping straight into another adventure without giving ourselves ample time to unwind seems daunmun, to say the least.
That being said, our latest real wedding feature has caught our eye – the stunning Denver celebration shared by Elizabeth Ann Photography and the newlyweds, Mr. & Mrs. Owen We’re particularly fond of the beautiful black and white hues set against vibrant city backdrops, and that venue truly looks like a dream come true. If you’re in need of some wedding inspiration, be sure to check out more unique real weddings on our site.