Intimate Forest Wedding Retreat

Holly & Erich | August 16^th

From the couple…

We’ve always loved Colorado and share a deep connection to nature, so celebrating our marriage surrounded by the calming woods felt like the most authentic choice for us. Being outdoors is where we feel most at home, and a mountain setting was the perfect reflection of that.

THE VENUE

Wildcat Lodge was the perfect place to host our group of 18 guests (20 including us!) and our dog for several days. There was plenty of space, everyone had their own room, and the property invited you to fully unwind—you could hike right outside, sit by the creek, or swim in the river. We loved the cozy cabin feel, and it couldn’t have been a better setting for our celebration.

 

HANDMADE TOUCHES

Nearly every detail of the day was thoughtfully DIY. We sourced our own flowers. Erich built the wedding arch, and I painted florals along the top. I carefully selected every flower and greenery element and, with help from family and friends, arranged the bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, and her own bouquet.  The invitations were hand-painted, then reproduced with added text, and the signage featured enlarged versions of the original artwork. I hand-cut embroidery that was later sewn onto my veil. The florals beside the arch came to life after much creativity—eventually becoming lush floral spheres crafted with chicken wire and foam, arranged with the help of her mom and closest friends. The arch was wrapped in flowing fabric to catch the breeze.

THE CEREMONY

The ceremony took place a short walk into the property, tucked beside a small creek. We chose a clearing just large enough for the chairs, yet still enveloped by trees and nature. It felt peaceful, intimate, and wonderfully tranquil.

FAVE DETAIL

The ceremony arch we built was so beautiful and meaningful to us that it now hangs above our bed—a daily reminder of that moment.

 

After the ceremony, we stole away to sit together in the woods, just the two of us. We let everything sink in, grounding ourselves in the quiet. It was a beautiful, peaceful moment to simply be with each other.

 

THE RECEPTION

We designed the tablescape and layout thrifting many of the glasses, plates, vases, and votives. We created photo albums to share memories from before and after we met, displayed photos of loved ones who had passed, and lit candles to create a scent that would forever remind us of the day. The seating was intentionally arranged to spark conversation, laughter, and connection throughout the celebration.

ADVICE

Be clear about what you truly want your day to feel like. Do you envision an intimate gathering or a big celebration? Are you comfortable being vulnerable in front of a small group or a larger crowd? A wedding is an emotional and beautiful experience, but it can be hard to stay present if you’re feeling exposed or overwhelmed.

Make space for quiet moments with your partner throughout the day—they matter more than anything else. Be intentional with your planning, and shape the celebration around what feels most authentic to you. It’s your day—create it in a way that reflects your love and your comfort.

LOCAL VENDOR TEAM

Venue: Wildcat Lodge {more}

Photographer: Liam Gordon Photography

Caterer: 221 South Oak Bistro