New Venue in Colorado

I had the opportunity, yesterday, to view and enjoy a fantastic lunch at a brand new venue being built in the Parker, Colorado area.

Colorado Golf Club will definately be for the descerning bride. It has a wonderful Colorado feel, but is very elegant at the same time. The backdrop for ceremonies is a non-obstructed view of the mountains. On a clear day, you'll be able to see Pikes Peak to Longs Peak.

This Club is a private club, but will have some dates available for weddings. Included in the wedding package is a two night stay (night before the wedding, and wedding night) of a charming four-bedroom cottage. There's also possibility of golf and access to other amenities that members have.

The food, under the direction of Chef Bob Burden is something you'll be happy to write home about!

While the facility won't be available until May 2010, they are doing showings and taking reservations. If you are dreaming of an elegant, Colorado wedding, then this is a must see!
www.ColoradoGolfClub.com or contact me for details. tanya@weddingsbytanya.com or www.weddingsbytanya.com.

Fabulous New Venue

I've just discovered a fabulous, exclusive venue for weddings. It is available on a very limited basis during the month of September. Located in the Colorado Rocky Mountins, tucked away in the Gunnison National Forest, is Smith Fork Ranch. www.smithforkranch.com.

For the first time, they are opening up for weddings. They are well know internationally, as one of the finest dude ranches for family vacations.

Offering everything that your wedding guests would enjoy, you can plan a week-end destination wedding, knowing it will leave a lasting memory with everyone. They offer pretty much an inclusive package as far as the lodging for up to 30 guests, ranch activities, and meals. For the rest of what you'll want to make your wedding complete, they leave up to you to arrange.

For more information or to check availability, call 970-921-3454 or contact them through their website.

I can also assist with your planning process as I'm available to travel. Contact me at tanya@weddingsbytanya.com or www.weddingsbytanya.com to see about this as a destination wedding or various other ranches in the Colorado area.

Luxury Weddings -Destination Colorado

I just returned from an overnight visit to the Vail/Beaver Creek, Leadville, CO areas.
If you are considering Colorado either as a home or destination wedding I'd like to share three venues that I visited.

Vail is the home of a brand new hotel, the Arrabelle at Vail Square. If you've ever traveled to the south of Germany, in the Bravarian area, you'll swear you are there again. This hotel is a village within the village of Vail.

If you want luxury, there's no place like the Arrabeelle. You are met at your car by the Bell Captain, taken to the front desk, where you are met by your own personal butler (trained in the English manner), escorted to your room, where your butler will do everything from putting your clothes away, ironing out the wrinkles to bring you coffee in bed in the morning.

I could go on and on about this fantastic venue, but want to leave some surprises for those of you who decide to visit there. I will say they have a beautiful ballroom that can easily hold 180 guests for a sit down dinner as well as an outdoor area for weddings.

Whether you are considering a memorable wedding or elopement, this is the place! Let me know and I'll be happy to assist with your planning. www.weddingsbytanya.com.

Nestled in Avon, just before you start up the mountain to Beaver Creek is the brand new Westin Riverfront. If you are looking for a Colorado feel, this is a venue certainly to be considered. They are one of the new "green" hotels, which includes bamboo robes! They have a wonderful, warm feel and would certainly welcome the larger weddings in the area. Also being close by the mountains of Beaver Creek, a beautiful spot for elopements.

If you are a romantic at heart and love the idea of a Victorian Wedding, complete with costumes, then consider the Delaware Hotel, founded in 1886. Leadville, for those history buffs, is the initial home of "Molly Brown". While the elevation of over 10,000 feet may be a consideration, there are so many things to do here from hiking, to biking, to fishing and you are only about 45 minute drive from Vail. This is truly a wonderful little Victorian town that has maintained the feel of the west. This hotel can do a sitdown dinner for 45 guests, has truly maintained it's feel of days past. Great for a small wedding or elopement. Each hotel room is different and very comfortable.

Another "hidden Jewel" in Vail is the Antler's. This facility is all condos, for comfort, is affordable, and has everything from one bedroom to four bedroom condos. Located on the creek and right across from the Vail mountain, this is the place for anyone who wants to experience Vail, but may be on more of a budget. Each room is equiped with a kitchen so you can fix your own meals, but are close enough to walk into Vail should you decide to enjoy the fine dining you can find in the village.

The Antler's also has room for ceremonies and weddings and ample opportunities for pictures in their beautiful courtyard with a wonderful waterfall flowing around two elk. Do check out this venue for your wedding or elopement.

As with any of these venues, I'm available to assist you plan your weddings. Just contact me through www.weddingsbytanya.com or tanya@weddingsbytanya.com. Let's create a wedding you and your guests will long remember! (I'm always happy to take calls after hours and week-ends to fit YOUR schedule.)

Grooms' Corner

Today's grooms are more savey than in the past. They want to (or should) be involved in the wedding planning. Gone are the days when a groom just showed up, said "I do" and was done.



This is a groom's day as well as the bride's. Eventhough the focus is on the bride, there is as much emotion on the groom's part. This is your wedding day as well and you should feel like you can contribute if there's something you feel you'd like to say.



For example, if you have a female friend who means a lot and has been close, why not ask her to stand as your honor attendant. Nothing says you have to have a best man! Yes, she should dress like the other bridesmaids and carry a bouquet or something similar to the bridesmaids.



What if you have a special color you'd like included? Tell you bride about it and see if it can't be incorporated. (However, please understand not all brides are into NFL,NBA or MLB colors!!!!)

Drop hints as to what you might like to have if your bride decides to surprise you with a groom's cake. Don't like cake? I've had icecream cakes made to take the place of the cake.



Let your bride know your thoughts. She may not take all your suggestions, but I'm sure she'll be glad to hear you are interested in the planning.



Many groom's don't think a wedding coordinator is necessary, but let me recommend that if you want your bride, FMIL and your family to enjoy the day, you'll be the first to suggest it. Having a good coordinator is invaluable when it comes to figuring out complex issues such as blended families, working in children from a previous marriage, working out compromises between the two of you and families; and in helping you to have a stress and worry free day.



Have questions? I'm happy to help you from helping plan your proposal to any questions regardin wedding planning. Just email me at tanya@weddingsbytanya.com or call me at 303-779-0395. (I not only do weddings in Colorado, but am available to help plan and travel to your destination site.)



One last note if you just got engaged, consider giving your fiance a copy of my book WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE, A Bride's Workbook(c). It will make both your jobs easier! To order, email me or give me a call at 303-779-0395.



Have a great summer!