They say that it takes one to know one. In this case, it took one to marry one. Ashley and Pete are real life rocket scientists. And while an affinity for military aviation brought the two together, it was their affection for one another that had them moving across the country together and eventually tying the knot amongst the picturesque mountains of Vail, Colorado. Having lived in three out of the four US time zones during their childhood and early careers, it was only natural for the pair, who reside in Connecticut, to host a destination wedding.
Their December 10th nuptials were nothing short of spectacular, and were fraught with special details. With just forty guests, the intimate event began at sunset in the Arrabelle at Vail Square’s Great Room, where floor to ceiling windows framed the snow capped backdrop that would set the stage for Ashley and Pete’s vows. A crackling fireplace and red rose petals served as the altar. Guests were surprised as the couple cleverly incorporated Shel Silverston’s “Ations” poem into their readings, while adding a personal element to the beloved children’s classic. Post ceremony, the special book graced the guest book table, alongside a black snowboard that loved ones signed in silver ink. Throughout the reception at the Arrabelle’s Centre V Restaurant black sequined linens and submerged Calla Lily centerpieces set a tone of elegance and celebration, while unexpected details like personal two-tiered cakes continued to dazzle and delight.
Ations
Adapted for the wedding of Ashley and Peter DeVito
If we meet and I say, “Hi,”
That’s a salutation.
If you ask me how I feel,
That’s consideration.
If we stop and talk awhile,
That’s conversation.
And if we understand each other,
That’s communication.
If we argue, scream and fight,
That’s an altercation.
If we later apologize,
That’s reconciliation.
If we help each other home,
That’s cooperation.
And all these “ations” added up
Make civilization.
Now Peter and Ashley — their paths crossed
On an intoxicating river flotation.
And an instant bond was formed,
After his regurgitation.
Propelled by admiration
And a shared love of aviation.
Divided only by sports allegiance
And Top Secret classification.
And after four years of flirtation,
And co-habitation,
And a cross-country relocation…
…We’ve made it here today, to the celebration
of this perfect combination.
And if there’s one thing they don’t have today,
It’s any hesitation.
The Details
Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Arrabelle at Vail Square
Photographer: Studio JK
Bride’s Dress: Pnina Tornai from Kleinfeld, New York City
DJ: Great Time DJ
Planning & Decor: Bella Design & Planning
Anna Walsh and Breanna Doll make up the darling duo that is anna bé. Known for their spot-on bridal style, coveted designers and adorable accessories, brides-to-be are clamoring to the posh LoHi boutique that’s equal parts modern and elegant. Here, the anna bé gals share their style secrets for bridal and beyond…
- The AmpMd Roller from Rodan + Fields – The needles only look painful and it sure beats Botox for keeping our youthful glow.
- Pure Barre – ‘Cause it’s all about the body and this workout is guaranteed to give your booty that extra lift!
- Ground Floor – What’s that you say? Well it’s the soon to be opening uber-cute dress shop right in the ground floor (get it?) space of anna bé. We’ll be stocking goods that are perfect for rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, or if you’re going as a guest to a wedding and have an ex that you just need to impress…
- The killer breakfast sandwiches at The Wooden Spoon. Seriously so good.
- MM Local Foods – Shameless plug here for Breanna’s fiance’s company, but seriously to eat local year round? How did we live before we had their Colorado peaches?
- Todd Reed – This Boulder jewelry designer crafts true art from recycled gold and uncut diamonds.
- Frye Boots – A total classic. Love that some of the styles haven’t changed for 10+ years and while there may be newer boot designers that have come on the radar, we love that these are appropriate for the Grizzly Rose (and if you haven’t been there yet, go now) and with a wedding dress!
- Leopold Brothers – Whiskey is great, but even better when it’s from Colorado!
- Time with family & good friends – Nothing keeps you going more when the going gets tough.
- Currently, we’re obsessed with our latest line of sashes from Elle & Jae. Handcrafted by the cutest gals out of LA – these are perfect for changing up a wedding dress, but also have so much life after the wedding as a super cute belt or headband!
- Amazing photography – When it’s done right (see Jenna Walker Photography or James Christianson), it’s breathtaking.
Some designers are simply born to create. And so it goes with the illustrious and alluring Claire Pettibone. Known for her coveted collection of lingerie and bridal couture, Claire’s Beverly Hills bred line exudes romanticism in every detail. From slim silhouettes of hand-sewn lace and floral appliqué, to gowns clad in unexpected French toile fabrics, Claire Pettibone is anything but ordinary. Recently, Pettibone graced Denver with her charming presence at Little White Dress, one of our favorite Highlands Square haunts, for an exclusive trunk show. As brides clamored to try on Pettibone’s newest collection, we sat down with the designer to find out what inspires this celebrated and serene woman.
Born of artists, it was only natural for Claire to also go down a creative path. “I think it’s just in the blood. I was constantly being dragged to art openings in New York City, and at home finding creative outlets while my parents painted. I started drawing figures very early on – around two – and when I went to preschool, I actually began scribbling for the first time. I looked around at all of the other children scribbling and assumed I was doing it wrong.” It soon became abundantly clear that Claire was not “doing it wrong,” and a lifelong passion blossomed.
Living in a 1850s farmhouse, trips to galleries in the city were a juxtaposition from the time a young Claire Pettibone spent exploring nature. One that would eventually play into her eponymous collection of bridal couture. “As a child, I spent a lot of time outdoors. There’s nothing like being outdoors. There’s so much creativity in nature that inspires a lot of what I do.”
Yet the winding creeks and wildlife that surrounded Claire were not the only elements that would inspire. The hidden gems found in the house itself also unfurled a fantasy world of fashion. “One of our home’s former owners was quite the fashion plate in the twenties, and left a lot of her things behind. It was a constant treasure hunt of beaded dresses, old purses and photo albums.” This early glimpse into another era inspired Claire’s attention to detail and love for old world techniques. “It’s the details that really set things apart. Otherwise, it’s simply a piece of cloth.”
Today, Claire works alongside husband Guy Toley at the couple’s Robertson Boulevard flagship location – a long way from the New York farmhouse she once knew, but in a way, not far at all. “Having someone that you really trust be by your side through all of it is amazing. I can’t imagine doing it any other way. We’re both really invested in every way in the business. It’s something we built together.”
To view Claire Pettibone’s bridal collection, contact Little White Dress, Ring 303.814.8972
Photos Courtesy Studio JK, Ring 303.949.1999
Some things are just meant to be. And so it goes with the meeting of Victor and Schumé. Victor, an accountant, and Schumé, a budding makeup artist, first met while working together at a Denver corporation. Fearful of mixing business with pleasure, Schumé was hesitant to accept one of Victor’s many social invitations until one evening when the pair, along with a group of friends and coworkers, met for drinks at a local watering hole. Although the room was bustling with people, Victor and Schumé may as well have been the only two around. By the end of the evening, the pair had learned that Victor grew up directly across the street from Schumé’s childhood best friend. Yet the two had never laid eyes on one another until years later. Although officially smitten, their courtship remained slow until Schumé left the company. Almost instantly, she called Victor to set up their first official date. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Eight months later, the pair boarded a plane for Las Vegas to enjoy what Schumé thought was simply a weekend getaway to take in the Carlos Santana concert. But Victor had other plans. After weeks of research, he secretly arranged for a special serving of Schumé’s favorite dessert, Crème Brule, to arrive at their table, scripted with the words, “Will You Marry Me?” After a resounding “Yes!” Victor and Schumé headed to “dance on into the night” at the Santana concert, a band that would make another “appearance” on the couple’s big day in Denver, nearly a year later.
Far from traditionalists, Victor and Schumé opted for an outdoor wedding at the Cheesman Park Pavilion, where special touches could be found at every turn. The ceremony incorporated Schumé’s darling 4-year old daughter Feinix beautifully, as Victor presented the curly-haired cutie with a necklace, promising to be a loving and caring parent, value her presence, and love and protect her as she grows. Naturally, there was not a dry eye in the house.
An artist in every right, Schumé’s talent could be seen throughout the ceremony, beginning with her vintage bejeweled bouquet. After seeing country crooner Miranda Lambert’s bouquet from The Ritzy Rose, Schumé was inspired to create a similar look, using jewelry collected from family members and friends (Schumé’s Grandma Ruth once owned a jewelry boutique). Schumé even designed and arranged her bridesmaid bouquets, programs and favors!
After the ceremony, revelers headed to an unsuspecting location, the iconic Gothic Theatre, for a reception that had partygoers donning their dancing shoes as they grooved to Soul Sacrifice, a Santana tribute band and a nod to the couple’s engagement.
With a rockstar-meets-vintage aesthetic, The Gothic was the perfect venue for Victor and Schumé, and provided memories that will last a lifetime.
The Details
Ceremony Venue: Cheesman Park Pavilion
Reception Venue: The Gothic Theatre
Photographer: Beth Sanders, 303.604.0812
Apparel: D’Anelli Bridal for the bridal gown, bridesmaid dresses and tuxes
DJ: Elite DJ
Band: Soul Sacrifice
Hair & Makeup: Peacock Vanity
Cake: Denver CakeMAN (the groom’s brother!)
