My Big Day Events Blog: Weddings, Events, Deals, Ideas, Planning, Colorado in the Know!

The Annual Group Wedding in Loveland is Back for 2021

1/1/2021

We are happy to announce that the Annual Valentine's Day Wedding & Vow Renewal Ceremony will take place again in 2021!
This annual celebration of love has natural built in social distancing. With a new location, we can ensure elevated safety and health for our guests.

Location: We are proud to have Chapungu Park as our wedding location for 2021. The Centerra Metro District and Chappungu Sculpture Park at Centerra are sponsoring and covering the park rental fee to host the wedding this year.

Tickets are now available for the 2021 Wedding & Vow Renewal Ceremony.
Due to group size limitations, we are capping both ceremonies. Register soon!
http://www.valentinesdayinloveland.com/tickets.html

Get Married or Renew Your Vows
in the Sweetheart City: LOVELAND, CO
Loveland's Annual Valentine's Day Group Wedding
Sunday, February 14th, 2021
Chapungu Sculpture Park, Centerra, Loveland CO
Ceremony Times: 4pm and 5pm
* Officiated by Todd Harding

Advice on Picking the Perfect Wedding Venue

5/8/2018

Every couple wants to create the ideal ambiance for their wedding. Choosing the perfect venue for your wedding and reception is all about location and your personal preferences. Your venue should complement the theme of your wedding and speak to your love story, faith or maybe even your passions.

Some religions state that the couple should get married in their place of worship. So religion may be the main driving force in choosing your wedding venue. But even if you plan to say “I Do” in a place of worship, your reception venue can be somewhere unique.

Couples who are open to alternative settings for their vow exchange can and should think about unique venues like museums, parks, botanical gardens or even the beach (if you’re on the coast). Think about how the venue will photograph, and how the location will look as a backdrop.

Of course, you also need to consider the guest list. Is the location easily accessible for guests?
What about parking?
And public restrooms?

When looking at alternative locations, couples should take all aspects of the venue or site into account. As for choosing the reception venue, an entirely unique location may be selected. While some couples exchange vows and hold their reception at the same location, others choose to have their after-party elsewhere.

Here are a few tips to decide how to choose the ideal locations for the vow exchange and the reception:

Make sure the locations are close.

If you’re getting married on the beach, consider reception venues that are nearby.

Look at hotels, restaurants or other sites for guests to gather after the vow exchange. Some hotels on the beach also offer all-inclusive wedding packages. So you can have your ceremony near the water and the reception indoors…or even on the patio!

Budget is everything.Before you even begin looking for the perfect wedding site, you need to understand your financial bottom line.

That beautiful cathedral might charge more than you can afford, but your local family church may allow you to host your wedding ceremony for a nominal fee if you’re a member.

The money bottom line also speaks to your reception venue. Yes, that grand resort may seem like the picturesque place to host your guests, but you cannot spend the entire budget on just the reception!

Ask about the site rules and regulations.
Some venues may require you to use their on-site catering or may stipulate what you can or cannot bring on site. Ask about any rules and constraints...you may even want to inquire about any limitations on décor.

If the venue is a closed space, and you’re an allergy sufferer, you also may want to make sure your florist steers clear of flowers that aggravate allergies (like daisies or sunflowers).

Check the reviews.
If you’re not planning to marry in a house of worship, and you’re looking for a unique venue, always check the reviews before committing or forking over a down-payment. Read all the reviews and then tour the location.

Ask for recommendations.
If you hired a wedding planner, don’t be shy about asking for site recommendations. Talk to your planner about your personal preferences and be open about your budget; your planner likely will have some great suggestions.

Think about a home-based ceremony.
If your budget is tight, you could consider hosting the ceremony in your backyard. Or in the backyard of your parents’ house. You’ll need to be sure that the space can accommodate your guest list, however.

Choosing the right wedding venue is all about finding the destination that strikes the right note. Your ceremony location should speak to your story, personality and even your passions. If the two of you love the outdoors, consider hosting your nuptials at a park or on the beach. Some museums and historic sites also may be open for wedding events. Know your budget before exploring sites, and always read reviews of venues before committing. No matter where you plan your big day, just remember that the vows matter most…not the location.

Photos courtesy of My Big Day Events - from our many weddings!

Authored by contributing writer, Shannon Lochwood.
Shannon Lochwood currently lives in Southern California. She has a passion for weddings and loves to write about anything related to special "I do" moments. In her free time she loves to hike and spend time with her family and her two lovely dogs
@shannonlochwood
http://shannonlochwood.weebly.com/

Jen & Tone's Estes Park Wedding

1/10/2018

40.3395° N, 105.5734° W Something very special happened on this spot!

If you look this location up in your smartphone, you will likely find a picture of love - the love between Jen & Antonio!

In reality, these are the coordinates for the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, and it was the beautiful site for the delightful reception celebrating the marriage of our clients, Jen and Antonio Garcia.
Jen is a close My Big Day friend, and we were ecstatic to be a part of her Big Day!

The day’s celebrations started in a cabin, aptly named “Blessings” on the YMCA site. Family members and the wedding party, met there to prepare for the nuptials at a local Catholic church, Our Lady of the Mountains, as well as to gather to surround both Jen and Antonio with love. There were pictures, primping, hugs, and mimosas.

After the beautiful ceremony, guests were invited to gather in the large ballroom on the YMCA site. There they were served delicious drinks at an open bar, as well as homemade appetizers and snacks while they waited for the wedding party to return from a quick after ceremony photo shoot.

The evening was full of good food, drink, and entertainment provided by Suit & Tie DJ services. The highlight of the evening had to be during the speeches when Maid of Honor and Sister of the Bride turned her speech into a rap, complete with background singers. The crowd was enthralled as she “rocked the mic like a vandal”!

Guests danced the night away, and made several trips to the photobooth provided by Blue Orchid Photography.

The decor that the bride and groom chose for their reception site was full of personal and familial touches. There was a memory table filled with photos of family members and important friends who had passed.

Their guestbook was a beautifully honed piece of wood with their wedding date and coordinates for guests to sign. They had a date jar and more photos of special dates in their relationship on display as well. It was very evident that the couple’s family and friends were a very important part of their relationship and life together.

We absolutely loved being able to be a part of this couple’s big day - the fact that Jen is a close My Big Day friend made it even more special and fun!

Wedding Professionals:

Event Planners: My Big Day
Ceremony: Our Lady of the Mountains
Reception: YMCA, Estes Park, CO
DJ: Suit & Tie DJs
Photographer: Justyna Butler Photography
Video/Photo Booth: Blue Orchid Photography
Cake: Balian's Bakeshop
Flowers: Rowe's Flowers

Wedding Video by Blue Orchid:

Contact My Big Day

"Dream Big, Live Big. For Life's Events!"
Original Ideas, superior strategies, your own private party planner.

~Event Planning, Coordination & Management~

My Big Day llc

Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068
Email Us

Located in Loveland, CO

As event planners, we serve the entire Front Range; Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken

10 Bridal Style Trends for 2018

1/4/2018

A guest blog by our friends, MyWedStyle.com

For brides who love fashion—and binge-watching TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress—wedding dress shopping can easily be the most exciting part of wedding planning. What’s not to love about fifty shades of white satin, tons of tulle and every kind of lace imaginable at your fingertips? This is your chance to play the fairy tale princess and pick the dress that fits you best.

Wondering what’s hot on the runways for the 2018 wedding season (and what Meghan Markle might be sporting for the royal wedding)? This year’s bridal style trends are all about accessories and showing strategic skin.

Capes: In place of boleros, bridal designers have been showcasing breathtakingly beautiful capes and capelets. This royal-inspired trend can simply brush the shoulders or sweep dramatically to the floor (Think: Sheer tulle and lace or superhero-like solids).
Gloves: Short to elbow-length gloves have once again become an elegant addition to bridal gowns. Sheer or lacy gloves can be used for a subtle touch, while satin can be used to make a bold statement.
Off-the-shoulder dresses: Much like the popular off-the-shoulder clothing trend this past summer and fall, wedding dresses are now sporting many lacey off-the-shoulder and cold-shoulder looks.
Separate sleeves: Sleeves worn separately from the gown (or slightly attached) are big this year from many bridal designers (some have called this the “arm warmers” trend).
Puffed sleeves: Believe it or not, this 80s trend has made a 2018 comeback. Puffed sleeves made of white satin or see-through tulle can add a different silhouette to the arm.

6. Bountiful bows: You’ll see many dresses with statement bows in new (and surprising) places for the 2018 wedding season. This includes giant back bows and dainty shoulder bow accents.

7. Pale blue gowns: Now you can really channel Cinderella! This year’s dresses have layers of slightly-tinted blue tulle or blue shimmering accents for an icy bridal effect.

8. Saloon-inspired dresses: Runways for the 2018 wedding season saw many different details and accessories reminiscent of an 1800s-saloon look, including high necks, lacy neck collars, delicate fringe and side ruching.

9. Drapey dresses: One 2018 trend is gowns with extra, flowy fabric that trails behind (that is often removable). Because this acts the same as a cathedral-length veil, this train can serve double duty in lieu of a longer veil.

10. Short dresses and bridal pantsuits: The 2018 wedding season holds many different options for the unconventional or non-traditional bride. Look for hi-low, tea length, or minidress options and swoon-worthy bridal pants or pantsuits.

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For more bridal style tips, be sure to check out the MyWedStyle blog.
If you’re looking for lovingly-made, fun & unique wedding products, be sure to visit us at www.mywedstyle.com.

Annual Valentine’s Day Group Wedding in the Sweetheart City

1/2/2018

Colorado’s own Sweetheart City will once again be offering couples the chance to get married or renew their vows in a group celebration of love. This Valentine’s Day event will take place in the heart of the city, with the Foote Lagoon Amphitheater serving as a romantic backdrop at sunset. Couples will have the opportunity to declare their promise of love through wedding vows or renewed promises, officiated by local celebrity and K99 radio host, Todd Harding. Participants and guests will be serenaded by singer-songwriter and musical talent, Brandon Snipes. Vows will take place among rose petals and candlelight at sunset.

Check in for the event begins at 3:00 PM and will take place at the Loveland Library. The ceremony will begin at 5:30 PM at the Foot Lagoon Amphitheater. Interested couples can gather more information and register for the group event at the Valentine’s Day in Loveland website: http://www.valentinesdayinloveland.com or at the event’s sponsor and planner, My Big Day Events Company site: https://www.mybigdaycompany.com

What could be more romantic that saying “I Do” in America’s own Sweetheart City?

Registration is open now. For more information go to ValentinesDayinLoveland.com.

The Loveland Valentine’s Day Group Wedding is brought to you by My Big Day, LLC, and has been endorsed by Visit Loveland.

Northern Colorado Bridal Shops

1/9/2015

-by Marissa Max

The man of your dreams just proposed! Congratulations!! You’ve got the ring you’ve been hoping and praying for and cannot wait to start planning your perfect wedding with your handsome husband-to-be! One of the first things that we recommend that brides begin their search for is their wedding dress. If you were anything like me, you’ve been flipping through bridal magazines or perusing Pinterest wedding gown boards for months and want your dress to be, well, absolutely perfect! To help you in your search for a spectacular wedding gown, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best bridal shops in Northern Colorado!

Dora Grace Bridal in Fort Collins, CO
Dora Grace Bridal is owned and operated by Timiry, who is originally from Indiana. Her team of associates are fabulous and try their very best to find each bride a dress that fits their personality and budget. This local shop carries the latest styles from many different designers including, but not limited to, Maggie Sottero, Mori Lee, Pronovias, La Sposa, Stella York, and W Too. Not only do they carry a wide selection of wedding gowns, but they also have bridesmaid dresses, tuxedos, and prom wear! You are able to browse and choose some of your favorite gowns to try on, including a sale section of the store where you can find great dresses at fabulous discounts! It has the feel of a very high-end dress boutique, while still offering a wide range of prices to fit many budgets.

Encore Bridal in Fort Collins, CO
This bridal shop is one of Fort Collins’ oldest independent bridal shops, which obviously means that they know how to do good business and offer brides what they want and need! Located in a fabulous older building off of College Avenue near the Colorado State University campus, Encore Bridal is a great place to start if you are looking for a smaller-shop feel. Each room in the shop is divided by price so that you can browse dresses within your price point. They even have a room devoted consignment dresses! You pick four or five dresses to start with by placing a clip on the dresses you like, and then get to model them for your friends and family. The dress selection is not quite as large as some of the other shops, but they do feature quite a few popular designers including Allure Bridals, Allure Romance, Saison Blanche, Eden Bridals and Ellis Bridal. Like many of the other shops, they also offer tuxedo rental, bridesmaids’ dresses, Mom’s dresses, and more which makes it a great one-stop shop!

Blushing Bride in Windsor, CO
Blushing Bride has been locally owned and operated since the late 1980’s, making it one of the oldest bridal shops on the list. Today, they carry a wide variety of dresses from designer and off-the-rack wedding gowns to plus size gowns. They also have a good selection of bridesmaids’ dresses, flower girl and first communion dresses, prom and eveningwear gowns, and accessories. As far as wedding gowns are concerned, they have a limited choice of designers, but some of the most popular ones, which include Allure Bridals, Alfred Angelo, and Maggie Sottero. Many of the most popular wedding gowns come from these designers, though, so don’t let the limited list of names fool you! Another plus is that this shop does not require you to make an appointment to try on gowns, however we do recommend calling ahead in order to avoid a line at the fitting rooms! This popular local shop is another great stop in your journey to find your dream wedding gown.

Wed Wisely at the Loveland Wedding Center in Loveland, CO
One of the fantastic things about this dress shop is the fact that every year, the owner Dianne Carpenter gives away wedding gowns to those who need them. Many of these gowns were either floor models or donated gowns and when asked why she does this, she said it is because she wants to bless others. The wedding gowns could sell for $500 and up when they were brand new, but Carpenter wants to use her shop to help others and does exactly that once a year. When the sale is not going on, she has a wonderful selection of new, donated, and vintage dresses to choose from. Not only does she sell wedding gowns, but she also has a selection of bridesmaids’ dresses, flower girl dresses, Mom’s dresses and also does alterations! It is a wonderful place to start, especially if you live in the Loveland area!

The Bridal Connection in Longmont, CO
For over 25 years now, the Bridal Connection has been serving brides in Colorado. According to their website, they carry nearly 200 sample bridal gowns from a variety of designers, which means that you have lots of dress options to choose from. Like the other shops mentioned above, they also have bridesmaid, flower girl, and mom dresses, as well as tuxedos. Some of their designers include Maggie Sottero, Mori Lee, Venus, Allure Bridals Romance by Allure, Stella York, and Essence of Australia. Because they have a wide selection of dresses, it makes it fairly easy to try on a variety of styles, especially if you are not sure what might look best on you. This shop also recommends that you start your dress search early as it takes about 6 to 12 months for their dresses to arrive in store and then you must factor in the alterations. They are open Monday through Saturday, so make sure to make an appointment before you go!

At My Big Day Events, we recommend that you begin to schedule your appointments and search for a gown as soon as you can! It often takes at least a couple of months to order the dress into the store and another couple of months to do any alterations, so get started on this process right away, especially if you have a hard time deciding upon which style of wedding gown you may want to wear. Good luck and happy planning!

What To Wear To A Winter Wedding

1/6/2015

-by Jessica Weimer

When dressing to go to a wedding you should always check the invitation first, this will tell you the style and theme of the wedding and usually states what dress is required. After you determine this it’s really up to you and your wardrobe to decide what to wear. In the winter months weddings can be harder to dress for because of the cold weather. Depending on the dress code this is some of My Big Day’s winter wedding outfit inspiration!

Black Tie- This is classified as a chic cocktail dress or long evening gown for women and a tuxedo for men. We love this blue dress with tights for added warmth and the colors are really pretty in winter. Men can’t go wrong with a black and white tuxedo.

Dressy Casual- For women this requires a dressy top and skirt or a cocktail dress, and for men it’s a suit and tie. This playful outfit is great for winter with the silver tones but also dressy enough with the sparkle and accessories to fit in perfectly. For men this is a good opportunity to add a little color and personality to your suit selection, because you are able to not be so formal but still need a suit

Casual- This is nice pants and a blouse for women and dress pants with a button down or polo for men. For women this is a perfect casual outfit, it is easily worn with nice pants as well. For men we like the idea of dressing up a pair of jeans or having slacks and a nice button up.

It’s always good to remember that no matter what weddings require a hint of formality and you should never show up in jeans and a hoodie. It is respectful to put on your nicer clothes and look presentable. Even in winter you can get creative and look your best!

Contact My Big Day
Have Fun. Be Young. Let us know how we can help!
Original Ideas, superior strategies, your own private party planner...

My Big Day llc
Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068
Located in Loveland, CO
As event planners, we serve the entire front range; Northern Colorado, Southern Wyoming and mountain venues.

My Big Day Blog