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Finding Love at the Denver Botanic Gardens

CATEGORIES

June 2, 2023
Words by Lauren Ertl
Photos courtesy of Hillary Shedd Photography

With little to do while stuck in their homes during the pandemic, Breanna and Susan took to a popular dating app in hopes of finding someone to share a life with. After the two matched, they exchanged messages, and a one-in-a-lifetime love began to blossom. This love would later lead them to plan intimate “I do’s.” 

Denver, the city they both moved to independently for work and where they serendipitously met, held a special place in their hearts. A wedding at the Denver Botanic Gardens, with its captivating beauty, became an obvious venue choice.

“We knew we were going to have a micro-wedding with only a few guests, but we didn’t want to host at home,” the couple says. “We decided that a mutually loved location with built-in scenery and decor was the best choice.”

After careful consideration, they settled on the York Street location within Denver Botanic Gardens. The Woodland Mosaic, a stunning area nestled within the gardens, served as their ceremony space. Its intimate size perfectly suited their small celebration, creating an enchanting ambiance.

Breanna and Susan took a DIY approach to details, which brought a personal touch to the occasion. They gathered flowers from Trader Joe’s the day before the wedding and spent time crafting bouquets and floral arrangements together. It turned out to be a joyful project that added a sense of connection and intimacy before the wedding.

Having spent considerable time at the gardens before deciding on their wedding venue, Breanna and Susan had a solid understanding of the layout, providing them with confidence during the planning process. Additionally, they made a pre-wedding visit to the gardens to envision the greenery and lighting, making the final preparations easier and more informed.

To ensure the ceremony captured their essence, the couple opted for Bre’s best friend, Lexi, to officiate the wedding.

“We both wanted a very short, simple ceremony. We didn’t want to get bogged down by details or overwhelmed by lots of moving parts,” Breanna says. 

Reflecting on the choice to have a destination wedding, Breanna and Susan couldn’t imagine their special day being any different. It allowed them to merge their love for each other with their love for the city that brought them together.

“If your gut tells you that an elopement or micro-wedding is right for you and your partner, listen to it,” Breanna and Susan advised. They emphasized the importance of following your instincts and not being swayed by external pressures. 

Ultimately, Susan and Breanna’s decision to keep their nuptials small and simple brought them immense joy and no regrets.

Vendors: Photographer: Hillary Shedd Photography; Venue: Denver Botanic Gardens; Harpist: Annastezhaa Mitchell; Susan’s Dress: Colby John; Breanna’s Jumpsuit: Jenny Yoo; Rings: Sarah O. Jewelry

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