Paige and Jonathan traveled over 1400 miles from Ohio to an enchanting Airbnb in Florissant, Colorado. Here, surrounded by their close-knit tribe, the two celebrated the beginning of their next chapter with an intimate micro wedding.
Their decision to host their micro wedding in a Colorado Airbnb went beyond the appeal of a destination celebration; it was a conscious choice to prioritize meaningful moments with their closest loved ones. Surrounded by the rugged beauty of Colorado’s natural landscape, Paige and Jonathan immersed themselves in the simple joys of togetherness and the serene tranquility of the outdoors.
In the presence of their closest family and friends, Paige and Jonathan’s micro wedding was a true show of love, connection, and the beauty of working together.
Planning an Airbnb Micro Wedding
Paige and Jonathan’s love story began in junior high in Cleveland, Ohio. Their bond has remained strong, and, now, Paige is nearing the completion of her master’s degree while Jonathan pursues his career as a welder.
Planning their micro wedding wasn’t without its share of considerations and decisions. Paige’s firsthand experience with her parents’ wedding photos being lost by their photographer made her especially vigilant when selecting her own wedding photographer.
Because of this family experience, when she first inquired, Paige had numerous questions about how I manage and protect client photos. This is something I always encourage couples to ask prospective photographers about because I have heard horror stories of memories lost with truly devastating impact. The loss of her parents’ wedding photos, felt still decades later, clearly underscores the importance of safeguarding precious memories.
As we navigated the choices for their micro wedding venue, Paige and Jonathan deliberated between the picturesque Sapphire Point Overlook and a cozy Airbnb celebration. Eventually, they settled on an Airbnb nestled on 80+ acres in Florissant, Colorado. This decision aligned perfectly with their desire for an intimate celebration surrounded by nature’s beauty and their loved ones.
Paige’s meticulous planning and organization were evident in every detail of their micro wedding. She left no detail unattended, even crafting wedding day “newspapers” and thoughtfully including a shoutout to myself and our content creator, a sweet gesture that didn’t go unnoticed.
When planning their micro wedding timeline, trimming down the family photo shot list proved challenging due to Paige and Jonathan’s close bonds with their nearest and dearest. Despite the difficulty, they struck a perfect balance, condensing the list to a manageable duration while still capturing plenty of precious moments with loved ones.
I always recommend to couples that they aim to keep their family photos to less than an hour. At that point, couples tend to be eager to enjoy their celebration. We successfully trimmed their family photos from about two hours to 90 minutes, creating a happy medium that allowed them to fully enjoy the festivities while still capturing cherished memories with their loved ones.
The Airbnb Micro Wedding Venue: Blue Sky Lodge
Tucked away on 80+ acres in Florissant, CO, the Blue Sky Lodge Airbnb served as an epic backdrop for Paige and Jonathan’s intimate celebration. Surrounded by stunning red rock formations and boasting an overlook and open expanse accessible with 4-wheel drive vehicle, the lodge enchanted both the couple and their guests.
In the lodge’s three-story great room, evenings can be spent cozied up around the property’s massive stone fireplace. A handcrafted professional shuffleboard table and an 85″ TV with a home theater system provide entertainment and relaxation for all. Additionally, it’s worth noting that there is a wheelchair ramp, and the entire first floor is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that all guests can comfortably enjoy the space.
Adjacent to the great room, the gourmet kitchen is fully equipped with four electric ovens, a gas range, and all the amenities needed to create culinary delights for your celebration. A breakfast bar and large butcher block island provide ample seating, while the dining table, made from an old railroad boxcar, is perfect for communal meals.
Each uniquely decorated bedroom offers private luxury with heated floors, ultra-high-definition TVs, and Nest thermostats for individual comfort. Outside, the wraparound deck, complete with a gas firepit and grill, invites you to relax and soak in the natural surroundings.
In the evenings, you can indulge in stargazing from the property’s overlook or unwind in the Jacuzzi hot tub while taking in breathtaking Milky Way views. Renovated in 2021, the Blue Sky Lodge boasts modern amenities amidst stunning natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for micro weddings.
During your stay, you are well-situated to explore nearby attractions such as Wright’s Reservoir, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, and Paradise Cove/Guffey Gorge for outdoor adventures. With its serene surroundings and luxurious accommodations, the Blue Sky Lodge promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
Choosing an Airbnb Micro Wedding Venue & Careful Attention to Detail
Choosing the perfect Airbnb for your micro wedding requires careful attention to detail. Paige and Jonathan learned this firsthand while planning their intimate celebration. The property’s rental policy mandates that guests be 25 or older, while they were both 24 at the time of their wedding.
Paige’s mom took the initiative to contact the Airbnb host to discuss their plans. Thankfully, Paige and Jonathan’s transparent and communicative approach put the host at ease, allowing them to proceed with their micro wedding day at the lodge.
This experience underscores the importance of clear communication with Airbnb hosts, particularly when planning events like weddings on their properties. Being forthcoming about your intentions can help alleviate any concerns for both you and your host, ensuring a smooth experience for everyone involved.
If you’re considering an Airbnb micro wedding or elopement and want more insights into planning, along with a curated list of stunning properties, be sure to check out my other blog for a detailed guide.
The Airbnb Micro Wedding Day
Wedding Day Details
Paige and Jonathan’s micro wedding day began with capturing all the heartfelt details that they had carefully curated for their special day. From Paige’s great-grandfather’s wedding band to other sentimental treasures, each item held a story.
Navigating what to bring to your micro wedding, especially for detail photos, can be overwhelming. That’s why I always provide my couples with a personalized tote bag and a packing list, ensuring that every sentimental item is captured in all its glory. For more information about what to pack for your micro wedding, head to my other post.
Getting Ready Photos, Wedding Portraits, & Family First Looks
It was absolutely heartwarming to watch Paige and Jonathan’s family help them get ready and put the finishing touches on their wedding day looks. During this time, their loved ones transformed the Airbnb into a full-blown wedding venue, with everyone pitching in to ensure the space was just as Paige and Jonathan envisioned.
Once Paige and Jonathan were ready, I took the opportunity to capture individual portraits of them. After capturing Paige’s stunning bridal portraits, it was time for her emotional first look with her father and brother. Hugs were exchanged, and hearts filled with love as they shared this intimate moment.
Private Wedding Vows & A Mountain View Micro Wedding Ceremony
After her first look with her father and brother, we prepared for Paige and Jonathan’s first look and private vow reading. I adore self-written vows. There’s something profoundly moving about hearing words from your soulmate that come straight from the heart, especially in a relationship that shares as much history as Paige and Jonathan’s. It’s just so meaningful.
Following their private vow reading, Paige, Jonathan, and their wedding party lined up for the ceremony. The intimate ceremony was absolutely gorgeous, overlooking the Colorado mountains.
After their ceremony, Paige and Jonathan smoothly transitioned to signing their marriage license and capturing family photos. With an organized shot list and well-planned timeline, family photos went seamlessly and soon the duo were ready to enjoy their reception.
Ending the Night with Dancing, Cake, & Sunset Portraits
The celebration continued with Paige and Jonathan’s first dance, surrounded by emotion-filled loved ones. Heartfelt toasts from their nearest and dearest were shared, followed by an amazing dinner catered by a team of their guests.
After dinner, Paige shared a dance with her father before cutting a cake baked by another one of their talented guests. The elaborate cake, with two different fillings, was complemented by matching cupcakes and was *chef’s kiss* perfection.
After their cake-cutting, we took advantage of the glowing sunset to capture wedding portraits on the property’s overlook. I love how mountain Airbnbs provide multiple spots for portraits on site.
Finally, the night wound down with a cozy reception, creating a relaxing end to an amazing day of joy, togetherness, and unforgettable memories.
Clear Communication and Coordination with DIY Weddings
One of the most heartwarming aspects of Paige and Jonathan’s wedding was the loving support and involvement of their family and friends, who filled the roles of wedding vendors (excluding photo and content creation). Their loved ones took on various responsibilities, including catering dinner, creating floral arrangements, and decorating the space. They meticulously set the tables with beautiful tablescapes, baked an elaborate cake and matching cupcakes, officiated the ceremony, and even provided hair and makeup services. It was a touching experience that added unity and personalization to their wedding day.
Having your friends and family act as your wedding vendors (also known as “friendors”) can add a particularly meaningful touch to your celebration. However, I do always issue a word of caution. Wedding day timelines are crucial for ensuring smooth execution, and while wedding industry professionals understand this, friends and family without experience in the wedding and event industry may not fully grasp its importance.
To address this, I recommended that Paige and Jonathan share their wedding day timeline with their family and friends who would be filling these crucial roles. Thankfully, they took this advice to heart, and the results were exceptional. Their timeline was prominently displayed throughout the Airbnb, and everyone adhered to it diligently, allowing Paige and Jonathan to enjoy their wedding day exactly as planned.
One of their family helpers, playing the role of “day-of coordinator” even carried a manila envelope containing a copy of the timeline, shot list, and other details, ensuring that everyone stayed on schedule and in their designated places. It truly felt like working with a top-notch professional crew. Their exceptional teamwork definitely deserves a big round of applause.
Ready to Plan Your Colorado Micro Wedding?
Paige and Jonathan’s micro wedding in Florissant, Colorado, epitomized love, unity, and deep connections. Surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Colorado mountains, they started their next chapter with their closest loved ones by their side. From Paige’s meticulous planning to the heartwarming involvement of family and friends, every detail reflected their deep bond and shared vision for their special day.
As their intimate celebration came to a close, it was clear that their micro wedding was not just about exchanging vows; it was about cherishing the simple joys of togetherness and creating unforgettable memories that would last a lifetime. In a world where grand gestures may be expected, Paige and Jonathan’s micro wedding stands as a beautiful reminder that the greatest moments are often found in the simplest gestures and the closest connections.
If you dream of a cozy, gorgeous, and meaningful micro wedding like Paige and Jonathan’s, reach out. I’ll help you find the perfect location and plan a stress-free micro wedding as heart warming as your love story.
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