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Finding the Silver Lining

The Bride: Deb Szalejko
The Groom: Matt Kirinovic
Wedding Date: August 9, 2010
Venue: Della Terra Mountain Chateau

Deb Szalejko and Matt Kirinovic take pride in their ability to roll with the punches. Planning a Colorado wedding while living in Switzerland? No problem. And when rain threatened to ruin their outdoor wedding ceremony, they simply found some umbrellas. But it was five months prior to their nuptials that they faced the ultimate challenge: Deb’s visa expired unexpectedly, forcing her to fly home to the states while Matt finished his job in Switzerland. But this couple found a way to make it work. “I had ample time for DIY wedding projects!” says Deb of her lemons-to-lemonade outlook.
Ceremony – An Outdoor Nook
Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, provided an intimate outdoor ceremony setting tucked among the pines with a terraced hillside for their 75 guests.
Reception – Rocky Mountain Alfresco
The reception, held in a large, open lodge featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and sprawling balconies, left guests with a feeling of being smack-dab in the middle of the great outdoors.
Wedding Gown – Flattering Folds
Deb’s romantic and simple A-line La Sposa gown featured a silk chiffon overlay with a gentle, draped ruching that gathered asymmetrically at one hip.
Bridesmaid Attire – Unexpected Accessory
The bridesmaids donned knee-length black dresses accented with a champagne sash, which matched the umbrellas – last-minute accessories provided by the venue – as dark rain clouds loomed above the surrounding peaks.
Décor – Her Favorite Shade
This bride paired several shades of one color (purple) throughout the décor. Soft lavender roses and deep plum-colored lisianthus played the leading roles, backed by ivory roses and champagne details.
Bridal Attire – Floral Adornment
Deb purchased her gorgeous hairpiece, a white flower embellished with feathers and tiny crystals that she wore during the ceremony, from Emma’s Bridal Boutique.
Bridal Attire – Accessory Exchange
For the reception, she wanted to show her fun, funky side, so she traded the sophisticated, ivory hairpiece for a larger, plum-colored flower with a spray of delicate purple feathers.
Wedding Cake – Sweet Centerpieces
The couple chose to have several small, 8-inch cakes, embellished with pearls and lavender satin ribbon, rather than one large cake. These acted, in lieu of flowers, as centerpieces on each of the eight tables at the reception.
Stationery – Time for DIY
Deb created the seating chart, table numbers, menus, and programs with lavender, kraft, and ivory paper. A romantic and delicate hand-cut lace edging gave it all a refined and finished look.