WEDDING GUIDE
Greenhouse Creative Studios
I couldn't be more excited to be your photographer! Maybe planning your wedding is stressful as heck and you don’t know where to start or maybe you just have so many ideas floating around in your head. I’ve created this wedding guide to help with the entire process and add in bits and pieces of what I’ve seen work over the last decade as a wedding photographer! Take this all with a grain of salt and if it doesn’t resonate with you, don’t do it! Each wedding is so different and unique and I’m here to be your #1 supporter in that!
- Kelsey
Timeline prep
Use this as a guide for your timeline and reach out with ANY questions you guys have! Your DJ/planner will help with the reception portion of the timeline and dinner times!
My *biggest* tip is not to rush everything! Want to enjoy your day? Add in downtime into your timeline. Give plenty of time for photos, getting ready and just enjoy!!
PLANNERS
Petal & Bean // Breckenridge
Distinctive Mountain Events // Breckenridge
Shawna Henderson // Breckenridge
Promise Event Planner // Denver
FLORIST
Bloom // Breckenridge
Lady Sunshine // Frisco
Petal and Bean // Breckenridge
Garden of Eden // Frisco
Woodland // Breckenridge
HAIR & MAKEUP
Caz Metix // Frisco
Weemala hair and makeup // Breckenridge
The Chopping Block // Breckenridge
CATERING
Black Diamond Gourmet // Breckenridge
Biscuits & Berries // Denver
Occasions Catering // Denver
Mountain Crust Catering // Denver
Saved by the Wine // Dillon
Chimayo // Dillon
Miscellaneous
At your Breck and Call // Breckenridge
Kelsey Shields Live Painter
Summit Sol - Private Yoga
DECOR/RENTALS
Tents and Events // Silverthorne
Colorado Party Rentals // Denver
Mantequilla - My sister!
CAKE/BAKERY
Katy Pierson Cake // Breckenridge
Colorado Marketplace // Silverthorne
The Cake Maker // Silverthorne
Butternhorn Bakery // Frisco
Mom's Baking Company // Breckenridge
WEDDING VENDORS
how to get a marriage license
do we hire an officiant?
It's true! In Colorado, you don't need to have an officiant and can do it yourself! This is great for the couples who just want a super low key day and want to do it whatever way they want! Another option is hiring an officiant if you want a religious ceremony or just want a little more structure and to take the pressure off knowing what to do! You could also have a close friend or family member marry you! I feel like this is one of the best ways to incorporate someone important in your life!
There are offices nearby in Summit County (Breckenridge), Park County (Fairplay), or Clear Creek (Georgetown) the fee is $30. Appointments are need if you are a non-resident and are allowed 3-weeks in advance. Note that the Breckenridge location is typically the busiest. You can fill out the marriage license application ahead of time and bring it in with required identification.
https://www.summitcountyco.gov/122/Marriage-Licensing
make an appointment at the county clerk
getting to summit county
renting a car
Consider driving conditions
Summit County sits around 9000' which can bring all sorts of conditions. From steep mountain dirt roads to snow packed roads, it may add a few obstacles for driving conditions. Snow can fall at any time of the year so make sure you're prepared regardless of the season. I recommend having a 4 wheel drive car. Note that higher elevations can see snow as early/late as September or June.
Summit County is roughly 1 1/2-2 hours from Denver International Airport. While it's a bit of a drive, there are many ways of transportation to and from DIA. Check out: Peak 1 express, Colorado Mountain Express (CME) Epic Mountain Express (20% off with Vail season pass), or Summit Express.
Give yourself plenty of extra time for travel! I-70 is notorious for road delays and closures. They work diligently to open it back up, but give yourself wiggle room.
transportation options
weather in summit county
Fall - September
'mud season' April/May & october/november
August starts to bring a 'cool chill' and September brings beautiful fall leaves. Similar weather to summer so bring a cozy jacket and maybe even a warm hat. High elevation location will usually get it's first snow mid-September.
Summer's in the mountains are short, but incredible! Late June starts what feels like a 'true' summer. May/early June can be beautiful, but everything is just starting to 'wake up' after summer. We start to see wildflowers pop out and everything turning a lush green. Days are warm/hot when the sun is shining, but once the sun sets, the evenings are cool. You'll often want pants, a lite jacket and all the layers for Colorado's weird weather.
Mud season or shoulder season is still a wonderful time to visit! The trails are known to be muddy and it's the in-between of summer and ski season. Not quite ready for hiking, skiing and you'll notice a few restaurants or business closed. You'll have smaller crowds. It could bring anything from beautiful days to snow days, rain and everything in-between!
Summer June-August
Are you after a winter wonderland? You're in the perfect place! The snow pack starts in November so usually by December, grass is a thing of the past. We'll have anything from beautiful sunny days to wild snow storms. Temperatures can drop pretty low so bundle up!
Winter - December - March
getting ready
Things to keep in mind:
Extra time = less stress: Give yourself buffer time so you’re not rushing.
Get ready somewhere you like: A bright, natural light space makes for the best photos.
Partner’s getting ready: Decide if they want photos with their crew too
Set the mood: Set the mood with a playlist you love!
Keep the space tidy or how you would want photos!
Activity: Any one doing anything fun that morning? Do you want it documented?
The getting-ready portion of your day is such a special time! It’s a time to soak it all in, be with your favorite people, and ease into the day.
Don't forget to give yourself extra time in your timeline. How long does your dress take to put on? Who do you want to help put it on? Do you want cozy PJ or robe photos with your wedding party? And don’t forget about your partner—do they want getting-ready photos with their crew too? Are you getting ready together? Is anyone doing something fun that morning? These little decisions help create a smooth and stress-free morning.
While it's a simple part of the day, there are a lot of moving parts. We love capturing the chaos of a wedding day, but if you want your photos tidy and neat, assign a friend or two to help keeping the place clean.
30 minutes: Just the final touches—getting into the dress, putting on jewelry, etc.
60-90 minutes: candids, pictures in PJS, getting dressed
2+ hours: Documentation of hair and makeup, letter exchanges, relaxed moments with the wedding party, and all the little in-between shots. Dress logistics: If your dress has a lot of buttons, or layers, plan extra time (and a crochet hook for buttons!).
what is a first look?
Traditonal
Sometimes a first look doesn't resonate with couples! If you're wanting that special moment and anticipation of not seeing each other than stick to tradition! We'll be sure to alter your timeline to do the professional pictures after your wedding ceremony.
A 'first look' is when you see each other before your wedding ceremony. A bit 'untraditional', but many couples have chosen for a 'first look' to calm nerves, able to enjoy a little more alone time and also a great time to get all of the professional pictures out of the way. I've seen first looks done with dogs, wedding party, siblings, Dad's, partners-to be. I've also seen couples get ready together so don't forget you can completely break tradition, if you want.
If you want to be present for your cocktail hour, we recomend doing all your formal photos before the ceremony. First look, couples pictures, wedding party and family photos.
First look
Portrait times
Wedding party - 30 minutes
Family photos - 30 minutes
Will you have a wedding party? Typically wedding party photos take about 30 minutes? Do you just want to take a few group photos together? Do you want individual pictures with each person? Do you have a location in mind?
Really take a moment to think about how much time you want to spend on your photos. There's no right or wrong way! Some people want to spend the minimum and get 10 minutes of photos together and some want to leave on a short adventure for 2 hours. Typically couples photos will be 30 minutes to an hour. Think about special location you would want to take photos at. Are there a few locations at your venue that you love?
If you want family photos, we'll typically start with these right after the ceremony (or before if you're doing a first look). Family photos are usually pictures with your immediate family and different groupings within that. If you want the whole crew, be sure to invite your extended family for a group photo!
Couples photos 30 minutes - 1 hour
What time are your guests arriving? Do you care if they see you before the ceremony? If you do, find a location that you can relax and hid out about 30-45 minutes before the ceremony. This is a great time to soak it all up and make any last preparations!
chill before the ceremony - 30-45 minutes
Cocktail hour
Reception
Once you get your dinner time you can start planning out your reception! Do you want to do a grand entrance? Will you be doing first dances? Do you want anyone to give toasts? What other events will you be doing? Will you do a special exit?
Golden hour/sunset photos – Add in 5-10 minutes during sunset if you want a few minutes away!
Dance floor coverage – Do you want wild party shots or just a few fun moments?
Grand exit – Sparklers? Glow sticks? Anything you want documented?
Cocktail hour is such a fun time for photos! Usually everyone loves to come around and smother you with love. This is also a time that friends and friend groups love to get photos and have a moment with you! If you want to be present for your cocktail hour, try doing all your formal photos before the ceremony. First look, couples pictures, wedding party and family photos.
If you're not doing a first look we'll usually do all your formal photos right after the ceremony!
SAMPLE
timeline
11:00 HAIR & MAKEUP arrives to setup
11:15 HAIR AND MAKEUP starts
1:15 partner #1 makeup
1:30 photographer arrives
3:30 first look
3:45 couples pictures (or after ceremony)
4:15 wedding party pictures (or after ceremony)
4:45 down time before ceremony while guests arrive
5:30 CEREMONY
6:00 cocktail hour
6:00 FAMILY PHOTOS (or before ceremony)
6:30 any additional group pictures with friends
7:00 ENTRANCE INTO RECEPTION
7:15 DINNER BEGINS
8:00 COUPLE SUNSET PHOTOS
8:20 TOASTS/FIRST DANCE
8:35 CAKE CUTTING
8:45 DANCE FLOOR OPENS
11:00 GRAND EXIT
MAYFLOWER GULCH - My favorite hike to bring out of towners. Gets your heart rate up, but manageable. BEST VIEWS EVER, but must make it to the end.
MOHAWK LAKE - A Breckenridge staple for anyone up for a little more of a challenge. Worth it!
Ptarmigan Trail - A steep start, but flattens out and gorgeoussss views overlooking Lake Dillon. Turn around whenever ya want.
CATARACT LAKE - Cataract Lake - A little further out of town, but beautiful summer hike and easy for the whole family.
ROOTSTALK - Date night or HH!
homemade pasta or a seasonal special
GIAMPETROS - Best of both worlds. Low key or date night.
Pizza to-go or seafood linguine and a white sangria
BLUE RIVER BISTRO* - Kelsey's favorite happy hour. Date night, girls night or a martini at the bar
Every app on happy hour and all the martinis
AURUM* - A restaurant for cocktail lovers and foodies!
A seasonal bourbon cocktail and whatever the server says is their favorite
ABOVE THE BLUE (food truck) - especially great after a late night.
Meatball sub
* HH = KBP Happy hour approved.
MONDAY - Take it easy, walk around town, hot sub soak!
TUESDAY - Drive over Loveland Pass for amazing views, Taco Tuesday at Ritas
WEDNESDAY - Hike to Mayflower Gulch, spend a day in Leadville, have beers at Outer Range
THURSDAY - Rent Kayaks at Lake Dillon, spend a day on the 'beach', dinner on the patio at Breckenridge Distillery
FRIDAY - Hike to Mohawk Lake, afternoon drinks at RMU, concert at The Dillon Amphitheatre
SATURDAY - Drive to the top of Hoosier Pass for a little hike, free gondola in Breck, drinks, and dinner at Aurum
SUNDAY - movie on the water at Lake Dillon, Blue River Bistro HH
Check out Apresski.com for ALL the Breckenridge events!
SUMMIT COUNTY GUIDE
weekly itinerary
favorite resturants
fun hikes
Breckenridge
Carboy Winery
Hearthstone
Gravity Haus
Carter Park Pavillion
Blue River Bistro
Breckenridge Distillery
Continental Divide Winery
Frisco
Vinny's
Frisco Prime
Outer Range Brewery
Dillon
Saved by the Wine
Bistro North
The Vue
Pug Ryans Tiki Bar at Dillon Marina
Keystone
Keystone Ranch
Alpenglow Stube
Ski Tip Lodge
Montezuma Roadhouse
Catering
Chimayo
Arapahoe Cafe
Whole Foods
Silverthorne
The Pad
Bluebird Market
Kúcu Tequila Bistro
Sauce on the Blue