Both lovers of the mountains, Dani and Jake pictured their destination wedding with an epic backdrop of the Rockies. Colorado happened to make a great meeting point for their families located across South Carolina, Indiana and Minnesota.

Their first step towards a dreamy Colorado wedding: finding a planner to make it happen! After all, Dani and Jake knew planning an event from across the country would surely come with its headaches. Luckily they found the remedy in Alaina Jaspers of Root + Gather Events.

“Alaina made everything a joy,” the couple says. “She was always extremely responsive and took the time to get to know Jake and me to make sure our wedding was everything we wanted it to be. She was also very realistic and kind when it came to making decisions to stay within budget.”

Alaina’s first move was to secure a picture-perfect venue that wouldn’t suck up most or all of the funds. This didn’t take too long, especially after directing the couple to a beautiful mountaintop setting about in Idaho Springs, CO. About 45 minutes outside of Denver, North Star Gatherings stole Dani and Jake’s hearts during their initial planning visit.

“Though it wasn’t required of us because we had a planner, we made two trips out there–first to choose a venue and later for the tastings,” the couple says.

Even though a block of rooms was booked at the nearest hotel, many of the couple’s guests ended up staying in Airbnbs instead. To ensure everyone arrived at the venue on time and without trouble on the day of, Dani and Jake offered transportation for guests.

While Alaina handled the overall design of the day, Dani requested a few personalizations which the planner executed to perfection.

“My husband is a pilot in the Air Force. So instead of table numbers, I had different planes that he’s flown or are part of the Air Force,” Dani says. “The bar napkins were sketches of our three rescue pups, the specialty cocktails were dating app related (how we met), and I had a cake made of the jet he currently flies, an F-16.”

The end result made every penny spent more than worth it. A rustic, natural elegance characterized Dani and Jake’s fall Colorado wedding, and set the stage for a lifetime of love and trips to the mountains!

“Only do what you’re comfortable doing,” the bride advises. “Whether that be splurging to have a one-of-a-kind location, or narrowing down the guest list because the cost for catering is over budget. Everyone’s wedding is different, so don’t compare yours to what you’ve seen before.”

Vendors: Photographer: Nikki Morgan Photography; Wedding Planner: Alaina Jaspers of Root + Gather Events; Ceremony/Reception Site: North Star Gatherings; Florist: Emma Lea Floral; Stationery: Handsome Love Calligraphy; Cake: A Cake Come True; Hair & Makeup: Liana Kathryn Makeup; Rentals: Wallflower Rentals