bride and groom smiling under ceremony floral archway Credit: Rachel Havel
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bride and groom smiling under ceremony floral archway Credit: Rachel Havel
bride and groom smiling under ceremony floral archway Credit: Rachel Havel
bride and groom smiling under ceremony floral archway
Credit: Rachel Havel
A soft Colorado snowfall and a walk over the Gore Creek Bridge set the perfect backdrop for Jake Baldwin to pop the question to his college sweetheart, Emma Gorski. The January 2019 proposal led to the pair’s October 3, 2020, wedding date, which was postponed due to the pandemic. So, a year later—almost to the date—on October 2, 2021, Emma and Jake celebrated with 150 of their loved ones during a flower-filled outdoor ceremony in Aspen, Colorado. They were fortunate to work with talented vendors who were all available on their rescheduled date, and the nature-driven, but formal, big day came together thanks to the talented Keely Thorne of Keely Thorne Events.
Emma and Jake are outdoor lovers who ski in Colorado each winter—but they hadn’t visited Aspen before deciding to look at T-Lazy-7 Ranch as a potential wedding venue. From the moment Emma saw the ranch, she knew it was just the spot, and Jake fell in love several months later when he visited. The couple appreciated the stunning view of the Maroon Bells behind the ceremony site and saying, “I do”—surrounded by mountains and aspen trees—was an absolute dream come true, they say.
wedding invitation suite with leaves Credit: Rachel Havel
Watercolor Interpretation of the Mountains
The colors of the Rocky Mountains were woven throughout Emma and Jake’s wedding invitations and stationery. Papellerie designed a custom watercolor crest and watercolor illustration of the Maroon Bells—the mountain range just beyond their venue—for the envelope liner. The back of the formal invitation featured an abstract watercolor that evoked the spirit of the place.
wedding welcome bags with popcorn and water Credit: Rachel Havel
Warm Welcome
Loved ones who traveled near and far were greeted with welcome bags in their hotel rooms. The pair’s watercolor crest and natural, mountain-inspired palette made an appearance on the welcome notes.
bride and groom kiss under floral archway Credit: Rachel Havel
Well Dressed
Emma kept coming back to this floral appliqué Mira Zwillinger wedding dress, despite originally thinking she’d go for a long-sleeve style. She customized the dress by removing the existing spaghetti straps and replacing a chiffon bow with a thin satin belt. “My mother told me what her aunt told her about a wedding dress when she got married: ‘You only get to wear it once,’” says Emma, which is how she knew she had to go with her gut and choose the garment that resonated most with her.
She polished off her look with Sue Gragg earrings—a gift from her parents—and a necklace from Lesley Ann Jewels, accentuated with glittery diamonds. She snuck in a “something borrowed” by wearing her sister’s veil.
bride with bridesmaids in mismatched dresses walking on bridge Credit: Rachel Havel
First Look with the Girls
Emma and Jake skipped a traditional first look so, instead, Emma shared one with the women she loves most—her bridesmaids and flower girls. Her attendants wore dresses from Show Me Your Mumu in light pink, light blue, mauve, and ivory, each in a different color and silhouette combination; her sister, her maid of honor, stood out in a floral print. The women in the house party donned champagne-hued satin midi dresses, also from Show Me Your Mumu.
bride's colorful floral bouquet Credit: Rachel Havel
Fall Florals
Emma’s bouquet was a vibrant mix of reds, pinks, oranges, and yellows. With those fall colors in mind, Bows and Arrows Flowers created a natural, organic look with a touch of whimsy.
groomsmen in matching navy tuxes with colorful boutonnieres Credit: Rachel Havel
Timeless in a Tux
Jake was the epitome of sophistication in a timeless black tuxedo, which he accessorized with a silver watch that Emma gave him on their first Christmas together. Looking suave, his groomsmen accompanied him in black suits, as well.
flower girls in matching dresses tossing flower petals down the aisle Credit: Rachel Havel
Flower Girls on Parade
A gaggle of flower girls frolicked down the aisle carrying wicker baskets and wearing dresses from Charlotte sy Dimby, a French children’s wear boutique, and flower crowns made by Bows and Arrows. “We made a game-time decision on whether my youngest niece, who was a little under two years old at the time, would join the other flower girls down the aisle. I’m glad we decided to include her because she was so darling hanging around the altar area during the ceremony,” shares the bride.
outdoor wedding ceremony with colorful floral archway Credit: Rachel Havel
Maroon Bells and Matrimony
Jake and Emma tied the knot during a small Catholic ceremony in town on Friday morning ahead of their large service on Saturday. During the latter, in front of the Maroon Bells, Emma’s father walked her down the aisle to “Angel Dream” by Tom Petty, played by Silver City Strings. The pair said “I do” using traditional vows and walked back up the aisle as husband and wife to a recorded version of “You and Me” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
photo booth retro bus with decor Credit: Rachel Havel
Embracing the Mountain Air
The couple wanted an entirely outdoor celebration, but Keely Thorne of Keely Thorne Events created delightful cozy moments, too, including this seating area and photo booth, to give the venue an ambience that was formal, romantic, and natural.
wedding escort card horseshoes tied with ribbons Credit: Rachel Havel
Hang on a Horseshoe
In keeping with the Colorado vibe, the couple used horseshoes as escort card holders; the metal detailed the table number, while a printed card noted each guest’s name.
large outdoor reception tent with colorful flowers at the entrance Credit: Rachel Havel
Under the Arch, Into the Tent
A statement arch, composed of transitional foliage and bright buds, marked the entrance to the platform tent.
reception floral detailing poles Credit: Rachel Havel
Dried Rings
The tent’s poles were adorned with rings of dried grasses and red-and-rust leaves—a nod to the autumn season unfolding just beyond the reception.
outdoor reception table with colorful floral display with gold accents Credit: Rachel Havel
Colorful Tables
Warm woods and a long farm table that brought all their nearest and dearest together set the stage for a romantic evening; remaining guests sat at circular stations, which were placed around a dance floor.
reception table floral centerpiece Credit: Rachel Havel
Bold Blooms
The vibrant, warm flowers from Emma’s bouquet were echoed in the place settings and throughout the ceremony and reception.
table place setting with gold utensils and woven charger Credit: Rachel Havel
Romantic, Organic Place Settings
Gold tones and simple, natural napkins, tied with a raw edge bow, spoke to the pair’s natural aesthetic. Their crest appeared yet again on the menu, echoing the day’s other stationery. Emma and Jake wanted to incorporate local food and give guests the opportunity to try flavors unique to the area, so they did so with a duet entrée, complete with elk tenderloin and a trout filet. They ended the evening with late-night bites, hot chocolate, and their favorite nightcap cocktail: an espresso martini.
thee-tiered wedding cake with sugared flowers Credit: Rachel Havel
Appliqué Cake
Jake and Emma met at the University of Texas so a groom’s cake with the UT tower was only fitting. (These two Longhorns also incorporated a nod to UT via the cocktail napkins.) Their berries-and-cream wedding cake was absolutely classic—the light pink-and-beige confection was also adorned with white floral appliqués to match Emma’s dress.
reception wedding band on stage Credit: Rachel Havel
They’re in Love
Emma is a huge Tom Petty fan, which is why she and her groom played his music throughout the day. When it came time to choose their first dance song, the couple knew they wanted something unique—not a song they’d heard at multiple weddings before. Emma heard Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ cover of Wilson Pickett’s “I’m in Love” on the radio while visiting family and instantly knew it was the one. Jake enthusiastically agreed.
Signature cocktails, including “The Birdie,” named for the couple’s corgi, and the Dance Doctors kept everyone on the dance floor all night long, which was perfect for this music and concert-loving couple. Jake’s brother, Ben, kept the energy going with an on-stage piano performance.
wedding cigars with customized wraps Credit: Rachel Havel
Branded Cigars
The pair’s logo reappeared on the cigars, which were circulated towards the end of the evening.
wedding reception late night snack sandwiches on serving board Credit: Rachel Havel
Late-Night Bites
Fried chicken sandwiches made the rounds late in the evening, so guests didn’t have to leave the dance floor to refuel. It was a good thing, too, since two of the couple’s favorite moments happened on the dance floor: getting down to “Shout” and closing out the evening with a private dance to Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” were moments the duo will never forget.
Looking back on their wedding celebration, Emma and Jake have one critical piece of advice: “Don’t move into a newly purchased house the Saturday before your wedding!” And of course, lean on those around you and follow your instincts—everything else will fall into place.
bride and groom kissing on stage wearing cowboy hats Credit: Rachel Havel
Sources
Photographer, Rachel HavelVenue, T-Lazy-7 RanchWedding Planning and Event Design, Keely Thorne of Keely Thorne EventsVideographer, Elysium WeddingsFlowers, Bows and Arrows FlowersStationery, PapellerieOfficiant, Elevate WeddingsBride’s Gown, Mira ZwillingerJewelry, Sue Gragg; Lesley Ann JewelsShoes, AquazzuraHair, Sarah Al-adwani of Ceron SalonMakeup, Full Circle AspenBridesmaids’ Dresses, Show Me Your MumuWedding Bands, Lindsey Leigh JewelryCeremony Music, Silver City StringsReception Music, Dance DoctorsCaterer, Caribou ClubCake, d’Elissious Cake StudioGuest book, Etsy
wedding invitation suite with leaves Credit: Rachel Havel
wedding invitation suite with leaves
wedding welcome bags with popcorn and water Credit: Rachel Havel
wedding welcome bags with popcorn and water
bride and groom kiss under floral archway Credit: Rachel Havel
bride and groom kiss under floral archway
bride with bridesmaids in mismatched dresses walking on bridge Credit: Rachel Havel
bride with bridesmaids in mismatched dresses walking on bridge
bride’s colorful floral bouquet Credit: Rachel Havel
bride’s colorful floral bouquet
groomsmen in matching navy tuxes with colorful boutonnieres Credit: Rachel Havel
groomsmen in matching navy tuxes with colorful boutonnieres
flower girls in matching dresses tossing flower petals down the aisle Credit: Rachel Havel
flower girls in matching dresses tossing flower petals down the aisle
outdoor wedding ceremony with colorful floral archway Credit: Rachel Havel
outdoor wedding ceremony with colorful floral archway
photo booth retro bus with decor Credit: Rachel Havel
photo booth retro bus with decor
wedding escort card horseshoes tied with ribbons Credit: Rachel Havel
wedding escort card horseshoes tied with ribbons
large outdoor reception tent with colorful flowers at the entrance Credit: Rachel Havel
large outdoor reception tent with colorful flowers at the entrance
reception floral detailing poles Credit: Rachel Havel
reception floral detailing poles
outdoor reception table with colorful floral display with gold accents Credit: Rachel Havel
outdoor reception table with colorful floral display with gold accents
reception table floral centerpiece Credit: Rachel Havel
reception table floral centerpiece
table place setting with gold utensils and woven charger Credit: Rachel Havel
table place setting with gold utensils and woven charger
thee-tiered wedding cake with sugared flowers Credit: Rachel Havel
thee-tiered wedding cake with sugared flowers
reception wedding band on stage Credit: Rachel Havel
reception wedding band on stage
wedding cigars with customized wraps Credit: Rachel Havel
wedding cigars with customized wraps
wedding reception late night snack sandwiches on serving board Credit: Rachel Havel
wedding reception late night snack sandwiches on serving board
bride and groom kissing on stage wearing cowboy hats Credit: Rachel Havel
bride and groom kissing on stage wearing cowboy hats
` Martha Stewart Weddings View All A Musical Festival and a Green Couch Inspired This Couple’s Whimsical Garden Wedding in California 9 Wedding Trends You’ll See Everywhere in 2023, According to Wedding Planners and Event Designers 7 Wedding Dress and Accessory Trends Every Bride-to-Be Needs to Know About in 2023 Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer
` Martha Stewart Weddings View All
A Musical Festival and a Green Couch Inspired This Couple’s Whimsical Garden Wedding in California 9 Wedding Trends You’ll See Everywhere in 2023, According to Wedding Planners and Event Designers 7 Wedding Dress and Accessory Trends Every Bride-to-Be Needs to Know About in 2023 Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer
Martha Stewart Weddings View All
Martha Stewart Weddings
View All
Martha Stewart Weddings
Martha Stewart Weddings
