A last-minute change in plans forced Stephanie Erkfitz and Chris Onan to move their Napa Valley wedding all the way to Denver, Colorado. With just three short months to plan, they selected the beautiful ballroom of a premiere luxury resort to host their redesigned nuptials, and then incorporated thematic elements from their original vineyard destination into the new location. Wine-toned florals and lighting were employed to create the desired ambience. Cocktail centerpieces consisted of square vases filled with wine corks and topped with purple blossoms, while reception tables were named after vino varietals. A wine box was used for gift cards, and attendees signed a bottle from the couples' favorite vineyard in lieu of a traditional guest book.
Pre-ceremony Champagne and music entertained guests as they arrived to the event, until doors were opened to reveal a dramatic yet intimate in-the-round ceremony setting. Crystals cascaded from floral arrangements, lavender bows decorated white chairs, and floating candles flickered in glass holders. Friends and family watched warmly as bride and groom recited their vows to one another.
During the reception, guests enjoyed food from a variety of serving stations, each of which had been supplied with a sommelier to explain why certain wines had been paired with certain delicacies. Following the cake cutting, the emcee announced the couple's first dance. House lights dimmed as spotlights illuminated from behind a floor-to-ceiling curtain, and the couple appeared in silhouette. In one dramatic and memorable moment, the curtain was drawn back, revealing that the room which had previous served as the ceremony space had been transformed into a hip and happening dance club. Guests spent the remainder of the party on the dance floor, resting occasionally to enjoy midnight snacks such as grilled cheeses and sliders.
The couple gifted attendees with bottle openers to commemorate the celebratory event, and raised a glass to toast their life together as husband and wife.