Love, Valor, and Tradition

Witness Rachel and Jake’s dream-like September celebration. With military tradition, modern elegance and a splendid love – this wedding day was one for the ages.

Rachel and Jake’s love story is more than just a beautiful wedding. These high school sweethearts spent years apart during college, which included Jake away at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. After a fairy tale engagement in Ireland, these lovebirds were ready to marry and begin their happily ever after.

Being Colorado Natives, Rachel and Jake knew that they wanted to tie the knot in the Rocky Mountains. Their vision for a romantic and elegant wedding came together perfectly at Della Terra.

Weddings done with traditional military honor and ceremony bring forth a special level of love, sincerity and commitment. Handsome Jake was dressed in uniform, and joined by several West Point friends. No bride has ever been as beautiful and beaming as Rachel, who embodied pure joy and modern elegance on her wedding day. After the ceremony, the newlyweds were welcomed through a tunnel of family and friends tossing flower petals upon them. Our favorite part came at the end of the petal toss, when Rachel and Jake were stopped short to participate in the military tradition of the Saber Arch!

(Never seen a wedding saber arch?? The saber arch is a wedding tradition in which sabers or swords are used to salute a newly married couple. The couple must pass under an honorary arch of sabers, typically when exiting their wedding ceremony. Once stopped short by the sabers, the newlyweds must kiss to be allowed to pass!)

For the reception, Rachel’s color palette was inspired by light summer colors – blush, white, and abundant greenery. A pop of near-autumn burgundy brought the theme together beautifully. Don’t forget to take a look at the adorable wedding favors – charming pocket-sized jars filled with homemade apricot jam, crafted by Rachel’s mother.

We could reminisce all day about the beauty and the festivities. Thankfully, photographer Mason Neufeld captured it flawlessly. This gorgeous day was even featured on Style Me Pretty!

It was our honor to host Rachel and Jake, as well as their family and friends. This wedding was one for the memory books. Congratulations!