Katie and Ben’s micro wedding at Pine Cone Avenue Social was a beautiful celebration, filled with the charm of wildflowers and the warmth of close-knit moments. The venue, bursting with vibrant blooms, perfectly complemented the couple’s vision for a day that was both enchanting and intimate.
The duo seamlessly blended the intimacy of an elopement with the shared joy of celebrating with their loved ones, creating an atmosphere that felt personal and relaxed. Whether enjoying a private moment in the mountains or the warm embraces of loved ones, you could see the genuine happiness they felt throughout their wedding day.
About the Couple
Katie and Ben were an absolute delight, and our connection was instant. It turns out, we share a charming coincidence—they’re from the same small town in Texas where I used to work! What a small world.
Katie’s love for books was a testament to her depth and introspection, while Ben’s gentle and supportive nature revealed his caring and compassionate character. When they discovered Pine Cone Avenue Social, with its wildflower rustic-chic atmosphere, they knew it was the perfect place to start the next chapter of their own story.
Planning a Garden Micro Wedding with Rockstar Vendors
Planning Katie and Ben’s micro wedding was smooth and truly rewarding. They assembled a rockstar vendor team that made the entire process seamless and enjoyable. From the beginning, they enlisted top-notch professionals who went above and beyond to bring their vision to life.
The female-led team was exceptionally prepared and provided outstanding service. Their vendor lineup included:
When I prepared their wedding day timeline, every vendor took the time to review it carefully and offer feedback, ensuring everything was perfect. The coordination among the team was impeccable, running like clockwork.
This experience highlights the importance of researching and choosing the right wedding vendors. Finding professionals who align with your expectations, priorities, and wedding day needs can make all the difference in creating a stress-free event. To help you navigate this process, I’ve put together a blog outlining essential questions to ask your wedding vendors before booking. You can check it out using the link below.
Getting Ready at the Colorado Airbnb
The day began at 11 AM with Katie and Ben getting-ready at a charming Airbnb in Longmont, CO. This hidden gem featured a discreet driveway, solid wood doors, intricate wooden trim, and lovely old glass windows, giving it a timeless, whimsical feel.
I started by photographing Katie’s wedding dress, and Ben joined in on the fun during the getting-ready process. The property boasted a stunning garden with raised flower and produce beds, and even some chickens. The archway leading to the garden was particularly enchanting, with vibrant green vines running along it. Given the garden theme of the day, of course I had to capture Katie’s dress right in the midst of this beautiful setting.
Next, I focused on the wedding details that Katie and Ben had thoughtfully chosen. Katie’s collection of sentimental items included her grandmother’s golden sorority box with a special penny inside—a touching nod to the tradition of placing a penny in a shoe on the wedding day. Her grandmother had used the very same penny on her own wedding day. It was the sweetest way to have something borrowed. Katie also included her grandmother’s earrings and a brooch that she added to her bouquet. These meaningful touches made the day even more special, and I loved capturing these generational mementos.
Katie’s hair and makeup ran smoothly and ahead of schedule, allowing us to enjoy even more of the relaxed time that was a priority to them. After final touch-ups, we took a break to catch an Olympic race. Once the race was over, Katie changed into a white sundress and colorful wildflower heels. We then headed to the quiet back porch of the Airbnb, where Katie spent some time penning her vows and grounding herself before the day’s events.
An Elopement-Style Intro to the Day
After wrapping up at the Airbnb, Katie, Ben, and I set out for a special elopement-style adventure before their micro wedding ceremony. We made our way up Flagstaff Mountain, around the Artist Point area. There was a chance the road could be closed due to a recent wildfire, so we had a Plan B ready just in case.
Fortunately, the area was cleared and open by their wedding day, although it had been closed until just 48 hours before. This experience highlights how wedding planning, especially with outdoor elements, can sometimes be stressful and unpredictable. Factors beyond your control—like the weather—can often lead to wedding day anxiety. If you’re feeling the whirlwind of excitement, joy, and yes, that potential hint of stress that can come with wedding planning, don’t worry. I have a guide that goes over 10 tips to help you plan your micro wedding, stress-free.
We reached a beautiful mountain overlook after a short hike—about ⅔ of a mile—where I had scouted out a private spot for their elopement-style vow reading. The seclusion was perfect for them, as privacy was important. Standing on a rock ledge and hearing only the wind and the sounds of the forest, they exchanged their promises and hopes for the future.
The moment they shared their vows with the mountain views behind them was incredibly touching and special. We decided to sign their marriage license right there on the spot, and I was over the moon when they asked me to sign as their witness— an extremely thoughtful gesture that did not go unnoticed. It was a first-time experience for me, and I was honored to be part of it.
In the area, there were several picnic tables, but I had one in mind that offered the best view and most seclusion. After taking a few more photos, I gave Katie and Ben some space to fully enjoy their moment—calm, grounded, and together—and made my way to the wedding venue to capture a few more details there.
The Micro Wedding Venue: Pine Cone Avenue Social
Pine Cone Avenue Social is a wonderful choice for those envisioning a rustic and personalized setting for their micro wedding or elopement. Situated on a family-owned flower farm just 30-minutes from Denver, the venue offers a unique outdoor space that perfectly blends rustic charm with thoughtful details.
This venue is sure to create vibrant and unforgettable memories— with stunning botanic gardens, mountain views, and even a historic train car on the property. Whether you envision a cozy farm-to-table dinner or a more formal gathering, Pine Cone Avenue Social’s staff will tailor their services to match your preferences.
At Pine Cone Avenue Social, they allow you to choose your own caterer and bartender or bring your own prepared food. From there, the dedicated staff will handle everything else, ensuring your day is seamless and stress-free. They provide beautiful farm tables, vintage chairs, curated tablescapes, and even personalized guest favors for your nearest and dearest.
Their micro wedding packages start at $3,800, offering extra time for setup and teardown, plus 5 full hours of event time for gatherings of up to 50 loved ones. For a more intimate ceremony, their elopement packages start at $2,000 and include setup plus 3 hours of event time for up to 10 guests. Both packages come with floral arrangements, all decor, full access to the property for photos, an onsite venue host, and much more.
Pine Cone Avenue Social is owned by Jennifer, who brings warmth and a personal touch to every event. The property is alive with vibrant flowers, plants, and charming features at every turn. From a giant picture frame for fun photos to a converted train car that houses a small library and a cozy sports bar setting, you can tell every detail has been thoughtfully considered.
There’s also a sunflower field, a photo booth camper, lounge furniture scattered throughout, and a greenhouse. Animal lovers will appreciate the presence of goats, donkeys, horses, and more, adding to the venue’s lively and welcoming atmosphere. There’s even a small pond and rowboat on the property, making it a steal for the price, if you ask me.
Vintage + Vibrant Wedding Venue Details
One of the most charming aspects of the wedding venue was the delightful vintage and mismatched plates and napkins. This enchanting tablescape added a touch of cottage charm that was simply adorable. The florals were another standout feature—colorful, vibrant, and incredibly fresh. What made them even more special was that all the flowers were sourced directly from the on-site flower farm at Pine Cone Avenue Social.
The wedding embraced a beautiful wildflower theme, which was perfectly fitting for a celebration at a flower farm. This theme was thoughtfully woven throughout the event, from the invitations and signs to each of the table settings. The abundance of florals created a cohesive and enchanting atmosphere, making you feel as if you were in a fairytale.
After I finished photographing the venue details, Katie and Ben arrived back at Pine Cone Avenue Social, ready to continue their special day.
A Flexible Timeline and Heartwarming Moments
Some guests were delayed traveling from Denver to the wedding venue, so Katie and Ben decided to push back their ceremony a bit to give everyone enough time to arrive without feeling stressed. This is one of the major perks of having a thoughtfully-prepared but non-rigid timeline for your micro wedding—you have the flexibility to go with the flow.
This extra time allowed Katie and Ben a chance to mingle with their guests, sharing quality moments and greeting everyone as they arrived. You could tell it put them at ease to be surrounded by their nearest and dearest. It was so heartwarming to see them truly enjoying the company of those they love.
Alexa Kilgore Acoustic provided the perfect musical soundtrack for the day, adding a lively and personal touch to the atmosphere. As a fan, I was thrilled to meet her and hear her perform with Blaise, which made the experience even more special.
Once the rest of the guests had arrived, Katie made the transition into her wedding dress. The sleek silhouette and flowing skirt were absolutely stunning. She put together her final touches and placed her grandmother’s penny in her shoe. With everything in place, it was finally time for their ceremony!
Boho Garden Wedding Ceremony Vibes
Katie and Ben wanted their ceremony to be short and sweet, so they decided to skip the long processional and dive right into it. Charming boho rugs lined the aisle, enhancing the overall aesthetic with a fitting touch. Meanwhile, the vibrant greenery at the front of the aisle created a stunning natural arch.
Katie and Ben also included a special reading by a dear friend, which added to the personalization of their ceremony. You could truly feel the love from each and every guest, making it a beautifully meaningful moment.
Wedding Toasts, Phenomenal Food, and a Heartwarming Reception
After their ceremony, Katie and Ben enjoyed a series of family photos before joining their guests for cocktail hour and some light snacks. Their bar napkins, featuring a picture of their beloved dog and cat, were a hit—everyone loved them! It was heartwarming to see how much joy mingling with their guests brought to the newlyweds.
Following a brief pause, Katie and Ben made a grand entrance back into their reception and shared their first dance. Katie’s dad gave a heartfelt welcome toast, and then everyone headed straight into dinner.
Dinner by Three Leaf Catering was exceptional, offering delicious options like steak and chicken. I must say, the ribeye was particularly tasty! As dinner concluded, a few more loved ones took the opportunity to share their toasts. As toasts concluded, we quickly stepped outside to capture the final moments of the stunning sunset.
Ending the Night with Portraits and Library Moments
As the sun began to set, we explored different parts of the property to capture portraits, making the most of the quickly fading light. I had recently taken a flow posing class to stay current with my photography education, which proved invaluable for getting a variety of shots as we raced against the setting sun.
Knowing Katie’s love for reading, I had the perfect idea for when night fell. With my flash in hand, we ventured into the library train car at Pine Cone Avenue Social to create some stunning and unique bridal portraits among the bookshelves.
As the evening wrapped up, I captured candid moments that reflected the genuine support and joy shared by everyone. It was truly incredible to witness such heartfelt unity and to document the love and celebration that surrounded Katie and Ben.
Start Planning Your Intimate Wedding Day at Pine Cone Avenue Social
Katie and Ben’s micro wedding at Pine Cone Avenue Social was a beautiful example of how personal touches, flexible timelines, and meaningful connections can create an unforgettable day. From the unique bridal portraits in the train car library to the thoughtful décor that highlighted the venue’s charm, every detail was a reflection of their priorities. It’s these kinds of moments that make intimate weddings so special—each one a unique celebration of the couple’s story.
If you’re planning a micro wedding or elopement at Pine Cone Avenue Social or another stunning Colorado location, I’d love to help you capture every meaningful detail and all the emotions that go with it. Get in touch to start planning your intimate wedding day together!
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