Lionscrest Journal

Chelsey and Casey's July Wedding Celebration | Lionscrest Manor Mountain Wedding Venue

2010-08-12T22:51:16-06:00

Chelsea and Casey were married at Lionscrest on July 23rd with 150 friends and family in attendance. With a 6 pm ceremony the lighting was great for their photos as you can see. Kammi and Ross with Elegant Images once again went above and beyond all expectations.

After the ceremony the guests headed to the cocktail area for appetizers, drinks and photo booth fun with Booth 66 on behalf of Elegant Images . While the guests were being thoroughly entertained the Bride, Groom, Bridal Party and Family continued with photos. With 35 acres at their disposal Chelsea and Casey were able to get some fabulous natural Colorado mountain photos.

Kathy Allen with Flowers Elite provide amazing flowers for the day. With shades of bright purple and ivory these unique flowers represented the vibrant love that Chelsea and Casey share for one another. We always know that when a couple chooses Kathy and her team they will be delighted with the floralscapes and the kind nature that Kathy brings to all that she does.

A Note from Christina Merrill
Event Designer with Greens Point Catering

What a beautiful couple! I first met Chelsea and Casey last winter at Greens Point Catering and thoroughly enjoyed working with them on the plans for their big day at Lionscrest Manor in July, 2010.
So many special touches along the way – from a delicious menu to a beautiful color palate to the fun and tropical “Wedding Cake Martinis” served at the bar – each touch an expression of who they are together.
I feel so fortunate to have worked with these two and to have contributed to such an important day in both of their lives. Congratulations, Chelsea and Casey!

Appetizers:
Caprese Bruschetta

Meatballs with Chipotle Cream and Pumpkin Seeds

Dinner Buffet:
Gourmet Basket of Rustic Breads and butter

Caesar Salad

Alfredo Chicken with Sun Dried Tomatoes, Artichoke Hearts and Parmesan
Cream Sauce

Slow Smoked Beef Brisket

Pasta Primavera

Roasted Asparagus

At the end of the evening guests headed back home or to the Courtyard of Longmont. Just 20 minutes away from Lionscrest the Marriott's of Longmont serve as a great end of night oasis for some R and R.

To see more photos from this event visit the Elegant Images Blog.

Lionscrest Manor Recommended Vendors from this event

Accommodations- Courtyard of Longmont

Caterer- Greens Point Catering

Cake- Colorado Rose Cake Co

DJ- Pure Sounds Productions

Photography- Elegant Images

Photobooth- Booth 66

Liquor- Party Liquor

Florist- Flowers Elite

Hope and Josh Real Wedding | Lionscrest Lyons, CO

2010-08-02T12:55:45-06:00

From Susan with Armitage Photography-

Hope and Josh were married on June 27, 2010 on a beautiful day at amazing Lionscrest Manor. From the day I met them I knew I would enjoy working with this amazing couple. Their love for each other was apparent from the first meeting and I truly enjoyed capturing their incredible day at Lionscrest. Hope and Josh saw each other before their ceremony in order to sign the ketubah, the traditional Jewish marriage license. The signing of the contract took place with their close family present and the rabbi and included a ceremonial veiling of Hope. After doing some fun photographs together Hope and Josh proceeded to get married under a blue sky with family and friends gathered around. There were seven ceremonial blessings read by friends, wine was shared by the couple and the traditional stomping of the glass concluded the ceremony. After a fun time on the mountain top taking some breathtaking shots with the couple and their wedding party, the party began! Hope and Josh kicked off their reception with their first dance and then the traditional hora dance where the bride and groom are hoisted onto chairs and danced around the room. This always makes for great shots! All the details from the cake to the flowers and the table settings contributed to a great event. The final amazing touch was a gorgeous sunset over the divide from which I got some beautiful photos.

Congratulations to Hope and Josh!

Lionscrest Manor Recommended Vendors from this event

Caterer- Greens Point Catering

Cake- Colorado Rose Cake Co

DJ- Pure Sounds Productions

Photography- Armitage Photography

Liquor- Party Liquor

Florist- Reale Decorating

Nancy and Evan 6/17 | Real Wedding at Lionscrest Manor | Custom Inclusive Wedding Package

2010-07-21T16:50:07-06:00

Evan and Nancy held their reception at Lionscrest on June 17th this year. The ceremony was held off-site at a church but they were still able to come to the facility for more photos with family and wedding party.

The couple chose our Basic Inclusive Package but also substituted some of the vendors out to utilize family and friends talents where ever possible. It was nice for them to have the base of Lionscrest recommended vendors to work with as well as the flexibility to work outside of the package.

A common misconception with a Inclusive wedding package is that you give up your freedom to customize your special day and have to settle for vendors and services that you don't want or need. This is not the case with Lionscrest. We have designed our Inclusive packages so that you can opt to add or remove most of the vendors and in most cases you even have multiple vendors in a category to choose from. This allows you the flexibility, to truly build the event that is right for you.

Everett with Creative Focus did a great job with their photos as you can see. He took full advantage of a wonderful day, great lighting and a fun group to get some truly unique images that Nancy, Evan and guests will remember for years to come.

Lionscrest Manor Recommended Vendors from this event

Caterer- Greens Point Catering

Photo booth- Booth 66

DJ- Pure Sounds Productions

Photography- Creative Focus

Liquor- Party Liquor

Florist- Flowers Elite

June Wedding at Lionscrest | Real Event Leslie and Adam | Summer Colorado Wedding

2010-07-10T14:39:29-06:00

Leslie and Adam were married at Lionscrest on June 25th with a an intimate wedding and reception. Just because you have a smaller wedding does not mean you are missing out on the fun. As these wonderful photos courtesy of Elegant Images show, summer sun + couple in love + friends and family = A Magical Wedding Story.

Leslie looked absolutely stunning in her strapless cream gown. Her flower choice of white with accents of light pinks in peonies and orchids offset with crystal accents made this event both elegant and unexpected.

Fresh flowers could be found everywhere that day. Both from Mother Nature and the petal mavens of Boulder Blooms. Teresa and crew did a fabulous job and once again left us with nothing but the highest of praises for their work.

Marci with Colorado Rose created this wonderful cake for the Bride and Groom. The four tiered ivory cake sat in the ballroom like a jewel box waiting to be opened. Simple fresh flower accents pulled this classic look together.

With music by Pure Sounds Productions the couple twirled around the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. A moment caught in time, we feel like Leslie and Adam's wedding is a snap shot of the American dream that endures the tests of time.

Lionscrest Manor Recommended Vendors from this event

Ceremony Musicians- Lyric Ensemble

Caterer- Greens Point Catering

Cake- Colorado Rose Cake Co

DJ- Pure Sounds Productions

Photography- Elegant Images

Liquor- Party Liquor

Florist- Boulder Blooms

Falling In Love | Unique Ideas for a Fall Wedding | Colorado Fall Wedding Locations | Lionscrest Lyons, CO

2010-07-01T08:31:43-06:00

Falling in Love with the idea of a Colorado Fall Wedding? Think crisp air, leaves changing, warm drinks, rich colors, hearty food and snuggling up with your new husband or wife. Sounds wonderful! We have compiled a list of ideas to help you plan the perfect Fall Wedding at Lionscrest Manor.

Fall in Colorado can be a season of contrasts. One day you are at 75 degrees and then the next there is snow on the ground. With a fall wedding you too want to build a wedding based on the idea of change.

An Eye on the Season

Sunset- Keep in mind when the sun is setting that time of year. You want to plan your ceremony typically an hour or two earlier than you would for a true summer ceremony. Taking advantage of the sun not only keeps you and your guests warm but it helps you to get the most time for photos on our 35 acres. Click on this Sunset Calculator link to find our what you are looking at for a specific fall date.

In and Out- Having a good indoor ceremony plan in case of fall chills and snow. If you are set on an outdoor ceremony make sure to prepare your guests. Letting them know about an outdoor ceremony gives them the opportunity to dress accordingly.

Nice and Toasty- Keeping guests inside with hot cider and coffee until the ceremony begins is a good way to keep them happy.

Fall Wedding Invitations and Placecards Theme

When having a fall wedding try to incorporate an image or motif that runs through out the event. Something as simple as a fall leaf, acorn or even pumpkin that is on your invitations, menu cards, placecards, bar menu, napkins and thank you cards. Going with fall colors also is a good way to set the tone. Deep reds, oranges, greens, browns get everyone into the fall state of mind.

Fall Wedding Decor

When looking for your Fall color palette try to add an interesting twist to the traditional autumn color scheme - mix with golds, copper, bronze.

Mother Nature is a great inspiration for Fall. Many events utilize all of the Fall Harvest items like pumpkins, gourds, spices, leaves and such to bring about the classic memories we all associate with this season.

Fall Wedding Flowers

The Natural Element- When meeting with your florist discuss adding in fruits like apples, cranberries to your arrangements along with leaves, wheat, cinnamon sticks, pine cones and more. These subtle touches will again help to car through the fall theme on a natural level.
Instead of using traditional glasses vases try going with pumpkins, gourdes, terra cotta pots, apple buckets. A trip to the garden store or farmers market can be a real inspiration for new ways to use everyday items.

Tasty Delights

Just because you are having a Fall wedding does not mean you have to serve turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy (not to say that you you can't). If you are wanting to go with a traditional fall cuisine try to add your own spin introduce a new way to have an old classic. Pictures above we have a Butternut Squash Ravioli with sage, brown butter and candied walnuts. Offer a pumpkin soup served in mini hollowed out pumpkins or plated salad with toasted pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries.

Family style – create a family feast by serving your guests with large platters table side instead of a traditional buffet or plated meal. To learn more about family style event go to our Family Style Blog.

Fall Wedding Cakes

Choosing cake flavors that use fall favorites such as pumpkin spice, apple cinnamon, or butter pecan again carry through the fall comforts we have all come to know and love. Fresh flowers or harvest items can be added to the cake to tie in your color scheme and motif.

Fall Wedding Gowns & Attire

For the bride we recommend trying laces and vintage touches like family broaches, rich creams and striking bodices to off-set shawls that may be needed for the cooler evening.

Going with jewel tone bridesmaids dresses serve as a dramatic backdrop to the bold flowers.

For the men try going with a chocolate instead of the classic black. This throw back to the 70's ruffle suit is perfect for the modern man who likes to dress down or up depending on the occasion.

At the Bar

Instead of having a full bar with all of the hard liquor incorporate a few signature drinks that play off of the autumnal theme. Spiced rum punch, ciders, Irish coffees or your own family favorite will show your guests the warmer side of the day.

Special Thanks to Creative Focus Photography and Elegant Images for the Photos provided.

Family Style Meal at Wedding Reception | Greens Point Catering | Lionscrest Manor

2010-06-24T16:43:36-06:00

We have noticed a new trend in the reception meal... Family Style Service. Instead of having a traditional plated dinner or a buffet many couples are opting for the family style service which offers you the best of both the plated and the buffet. The caterer presents the food to each table on large platters just like Thanksgiving. Guests can pick and choose what they would like and even get seconds if everyone has not devoured everything.

Personally my sister, Shannon choose a family style event for her engagement party and it was wonderful! As the photos below from Elegant Images show there was plenty to choose from and no one went hungry.

A few tips when going with Family Style Service...

Don't over crowd the table. Too many guests and too many items on the table and you won't have room for the food. We recommend seat 8 per table at a 5 foot round to give more elbow room. Also try to keep your centerpieces small and low. This way guests can see the food on the table and not accidentally eat a daisy or two.
Think family friendly. You don't want to choose menu items that will be hard for guests to serve and divide portions wise. The last thing any Bride or Groom wants is a food fight over servings.
Offer a variety of food but keeping it complimentary to the palette. Take a look at the menu link we have provided to see some sample menus options from Greens Point Catering for our Inclusive Wedding Package. Download- Lionscrest Family Style PKG Menu 2010
Another item to keep in mind is paring a complimentary wine for table side service with dinner. Shannon McClure with Party Liquors or one of the Catering Event Designers will be able to give you suggestions on what will work well with your selected meal.
Take Home! Many couples don't want the hassle of hauling home leftovers at the end of the event. Consider small Chinese take out boxes that can be placed at the table towards the end of the meal. This way guests can help themselves to a little tasty treat for the road. Works great for cake leftovers too.

Lionscrest Real Wedding - Clea and Steve | May Wedding Photos | Colorado Wedding Venue

2010-06-18T14:31:02-06:00

Clea and Steven exchanged their vows in front of friends and family on May 29th, 2010. As you can see from their photos taken by Marsha Steckling of Life Exposed Photography, they truly are "In Love".

Marsha always does a great job capturing those tender moments that pass so quickly during an event. I recently had the opportunity to attend a friends wedding at a different venue where Marsha was shooting and can attest to her overall skill and talent both at Lionscrest and beyond. The calming nature she exudes helps her couples to relax and in turn gives her the chance to capture, as her company names states, Life.

With a unique twist on the wedding color palette Clea and Steven selected Navy and Celedon as their linen colors. Navy to me is a great alternative to black and served as a striking off-set to make their tablescapes for the reception really pop.

Like so many spring weddings Clea and Steven's brought forth a stormy sky. Not to be put off by Mother Nature the couple trekked up to the top of our rock ridge behind the venue for some great couple only photos.

With spring showers comes beautiful flowers both gutturally and at the hands of the crafty gals at Boulder Blooms.

Working with Jed from Pure Sounds Productions the couple had a grand entrance as husband and wife into the reception. Jed and the DJ's from Pure Sounds are always very professional and work with us hand in hand to assure the couples wishes (and timeline) are combined to create a fun filled event for all.

The wedding guests were also treated to fanciful food delights by Greens Point Catering and the wedding cake by Das Meyer Pastry Chalet. Dennis (the big teddy bear) Das Meyer always puts his heart and soul into all of his cakes. His artistry has made him a favorite with couples and vendors (yeah, we eat cake too).

I love the play of the photos below on the idea of a classic "white silhouette". Everything looks sleek, elegant and I dare say, sexy!

Congratulations to Clea and Steven! May your future be filled with many amazing "Life" moments. We enjoyed being a part of your special day and look forward to many anniversary visits.

Lionscrest Manor Recommended Vendors from this event

Officiant- Sunflower Weddings- Carolyn Carpenter

Caterer- Greens Point Catering

Cake- Das Meyer

DJ- Pure Sounds Productions

Photography- Life Exposed Photography

Accommodations - Boulder Marriott and Best Western Golden Buff Lodge

Liquor- Party Liquor

Florist- Boulder Blooms

Limo - Ambassador Rolls

Lionscrest Real Wedding - Ali and Doug | Colorado Spring Wedding Photos | Mountain Wedding Site

2010-06-11T12:07:50-06:00

Ali and Doug were married on May 14th, 2010 at Lionscrest. The day was planned out and everyone was set for an amazingly wonderful Spring outdoor ceremony. Unfortunately, Colorado is known to throw weather curve balls this time of year. We all worked together to make a quick change for the indoor ceremony and thanks to the hard work of all of the vendors still pulled off an amazing and unique intimate indoor ceremony set of with the bright colors chosen by Ali.

With a break or two in the clouds Benjamin with Alive Studios was able to sneak the couple and bridal party outside for those coveted Colorado mountain photos. There is nothing like an overcast day that helps to bring out the brightest and most vibrant hues in flowers, nature and yes even people.

The colors and flowers selected by the couple and brought to life by European Flower Shop were a true representation of not only their love for life but for each other. As you can see from the photos even Mother Nature could not keep this group from having a great time!

Congrats to Ali and Doug. May every day of your life together be as vibrant an passion filled as your wedding day!

Lionscrest Manor Recommended Vendors from this event

Officiant- Rev. Gene Langlois

Caterer- Greens Point Catering

Cake- Colorado Rose Cake Co

DJ- Pure Sounds Productions

Photography- Alive Studios

Photobooth- Booth 66

Liquor- Party Liquor

Florist- European Flower Shop

A note from Benjamin...

Ali and Doug have been amazing to work with from the engagement adventure shoot through to the wee hours of the wedding night! Ali had a very clear idea of the style she wanted for her wedding images. Alive Studios provided the perfect mix of photojournalistic adventure and classic wedding photography.

The engagement shoot set the stage for an amazing photographic experience at their wedding. Plans were set, family shot lists set up, and the day promised to be one big party. Ali had opted to wait till after the ceremony to see Doug, and we had planned on doing romantic shots up above Lionscrest and then family pictures outside in the lush landscapes surrounding Lionscrest Manor. Ah, but the powers that be decided to bless us with thunderstorms and so the fun began. Ali showed up and met quickly with Benjamin of Alive Studios to figure out how to get the pictures they had planned, even with the rain. We quickly switched our plan and created a beautiful moment for Ali to see Doug before the ceremony, and before the rain!

Lionscrest did amazing work and moved everything inside while we got as many images of Ali, Doug and the wedding party before the sky opened up and the rain fell. A cozy inside ceremony followed and then Alive Studios faced the challenge of getting amazing family photographers even with the rainy weather. With the help of the Lionscrest staff, we moved a few tables, opened up the double French doors and used the lush wet background to capture all our photographs while everyone stood under the awning… A photo booth by Booth 66 added to the fun, and as you can see from these pictures, the reception ROCKED!

To view all the images, go to www.alivestudios.com and click Online Proofing, then select Ali and Doug!

New "Additions" to the Lionscrest Team | Colorado Family Photos | Armitage Photography | Elegant Images | Emily Forsberg Photography

2010-06-07T11:13:28-06:00

It has been a while since our last Lionscrest Manor family update and we have had some big changes this year with the arrival of two new staffers, Baby Colton and Baby Makena!! Colton is now 8 months old and Makena is almost 2 months. This year has been filled with lots of first for us all and we are enjoying every minute.

A special thanks to our photographer friends who shot all of these wonderful photos.

Forsberg Family Photos - Emily Forsberg Photography

Makena Liliana Photos - Elegant Images

Colton Orion Photos- Armitage Photography

We all got together for a Lasagna party to welcome Colton and Makena to the family members this night. It was a meeting of the families with an offer no one can refuse ... cute adorable babies! Emily was wonderful with capturing all of our family. She even met back up with us the next day to capture this picture as Bob was out of town for business and missed out.

Family members from Left to Right... Lauren, Brian (proud papa of Makena), Shannon (Super Mom to Makena), Leona (Grandma Nona), Makena, Colton, Bob (also goes by G-Bob), Tana (Mom of future linebacker Colton), Derick (biggest fan and Dad of that linebacker), Casey and Tatiana.

Shannon and Huey had Ross with Elegant Images come to their home for a private photo shoot with baby Makena. She is such a doll and we can't wait to see her next round of photos when she is starting to sit up on her own. We think she will be a good mix of Mom and Dad, part rocker and part ballerina, a rocker-rina!

These photos shot by Susan and Nancy with Armitage Photography we taken at Chautauqua park in Boulder. We lucked out and had a beautiful sunny day (a bit chilly but sunny). Colton is at just the right age to catch all sorts of facial expressions. He is such a ham! If he keeps growing as fast as he has we should be able to have him start setting up events by the age of 4!

Thank you for sharing our family album. We look forward to your event photos and family moments!

The Forsbergs

Funky and Fun Weddings | Unique Wedding Ideas | Creative Colorado Weddings | Lionscrest Manor

2010-05-30T09:05:33-06:00

Trying to break out from the pack? Having a hard time coming up with ways to improve upon the classic wedding? Year after year at Lionscrest we see coupes come up with so many unique ideas to help them express their values and love with their friends and family. Here are some photos to get the creative juices flowing. Don't be afraid to have a little fun and get a little funky!

Photos Courtesy of Elegant Images and Ashley Davis Photography