This Colorado Wedding Was Inspired by a Vintage Vinyl Collection — and It Shows

How does an audiophile translate their eclectic music taste into a wedding aesthetic? How does someone create a wedding day that feels like their treasured, varied vintage vinyl collection sounds? That’s what music lovers Emily + Colton wanted to figure out when they started planning their warm-toned, autumnal “I do’s” in Colorado.

“We’re both super into music, especially the older stuff – classic rock, blues, jazz, etc.,” said the bride + groom. “We wanted to embody that in our wedding and went with tons of texture, patterns.”

The couple, with the help of designer + planner Erika Sandoval Events, set the aesthetic needle at pure elegance and then flavored every design detail with the feel of different 20th Century musical history moments. The aisle, made of mismatched woven rugs, brought serious Laurel Canyon vibes. Emily wore a slinky satin wedding gown Billie Holiday would’ve adored. Colton rocked a B.B. King-worthy houndstooth statement tux.

“We wanted an extravagant mixture of vintage,” Emily + Colton remember. “I think at one point we said, “we want it to look like Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix got together and planned a wedding and brought all of their grandma’s china along with.” 

Rich, autumnal florals and a glowy, tented reception setup filled the chilly October day at Blackstone Rivers Ranch with warmth. “Literally every design element was magical,” recalls photographer Linden Wilson. “Bold colors, thoughtful design, and fearless creativity were woven into every single detail.”

We’ve got lots of gorgeous photos to show you so put your favorite record on the turn table, drop the needle, and prepare to be blown away — Emily + Colton’s Colorado day was a true chart-topper.

“The energy, the intention, the LOVE—it all radiated,” Linden shares. “Each photo holds so much heart and emotion, it’s impossible not to feel it.”

Paper + Dust introduced two of the day’s key colors — blush + burgundy — with these minimalist wedding invites.

We are absolutely in awe of this magnificent wedding updo by Hair Artistry By Jamie P!! So good with those pearl hoop wedding earrings.

“Colton’s suit had a bespoke suit and jacket from The Armoury in NYC,” the couple shares of Colton’s boldly swanky, vintage-inspired houndstooth style vibe. “His cufflinks and wedding ring were made by ACOLT, his sunglasses were Thom Browne, and his shoes were Magnanni.”

Everything that Wandering Poppy Co. did for Emily + Colton’s day was autumn wedding flower PERFECTION.

Also, loving the subtle drama + elegance of Emily’s wedding makeup by Angelica Glo Beauty.

A First Look

Our Favorite Memory
The first look, without a doubt.

“Emily’s dress was from Grace Loves Lace in Denver,” the couple says. “Jewelry was an eclectic mix of ACOLT, items from Show Me Your Mumu, and some family heirlooms.”

(BTW, Grace Loves Lace AND Show Me Your Mumu? Two of our fave bridal brands here at GWS — they’re featured in so many of our style guides!)

The Ceremony

As always, we are major fans of using layered vintage woven runners as aisle decor. A little dreamy boho, a little rock-n-roll, all eclectic romance.

“From florals that were truly out of this world to an outside-the-box style that broke every rule in the best way, Emily + Colton’s day felt like an exact reflection of who they are at their core,” photographer Linden shared with us.

How did these two music-loving lovebirds find each other? “Emily moved to Denver in 2018, wanting to meet some people who shared similar interests, and she met some people in the music industry.” the couple remembers.

“Through mutual friends, Colton’s Instagram popped up on her radar so she started following him. He messaged her, and the rest is history.”

Photographer Linden remembers the vibes of the day felt like up close: “With a badass bride and groom who brought unapologetic joy to every moment, this wedding was deeply lived and fully experienced by everyone present.”

We have such a major crush on Emily’s white fur bridal jacket. Such a stroke of function-meets-fashion genius for a Fall wedding!

The Reception

Love that the custom retro motel key keychains Emily + Colton had made for this hook board reception seating chart that functioned as both the escort cards and wedding guest favors!

Colorado Party Rentals and Wallflower Rentals + Decor came together to outfit this flawless tented reception setup.

Mustard + burgundy linens from BBJ La Tavola gave each table an autumnal base palette.

Emily + Colton’s guests enjoyed a delicious feast from Catering By Design.

Our Advice
Hire a planner! (Shout out Erika Sandoval, she truly made our dreams come to life).

Be flexible with your partner and don’t put yourself in a box.

Be open to all options.

The twinkly, up-lit glow in this amazing tent? That was the work of Have A Seat Colorado.

How cute + chocolatey is this single tier heart shaped vintage wedding cake!

Some final words of wisdom from the couple? “LEAN INTO WHO YOU ARE! Do things differently – don’t try to imitate someone else’s vibe. When looking for inspiration, dive into the things you love, and who you both are.”

Congrats, Emily + Colton! Every note of your “extravagant vintage” Colorado wedding was music to our ears! Wishing you both nothing but the best!