A BLACK-TIE WEDDING IN DENVER WITH AN OLD HOLLYWOOD STYLE CEREMONY AND RECEPTION
Maria (“Mia”) Christine Boggs and Kade Maxwell Kiselica were high school sweethearts during their senior year, but went their separate ways for college. During those years apart, the two dated other people but remained long distance friends.
After graduation, Kade began his career as a Petroleum Engineer in Texas and Mia relocated to Colorado for Law School. While at home during Christmas of 2020, they arranged to meet for dinner and easily picked up where they left off. Then, to Mia’s surprise, Kade was waiting at her gate when she landed back in Denver. The rest is history.
A Surprise Proposal in Chicago
In October of 2021, Kade planned a surprise proposal in Chicago that was disguised as a weekend trip. He also hired an engagement photographer to pose as a “nature photographer” and wait in the park amongst the vibrant fall leaves and cool crisp air, to capture the proposal he’d been planning for months.
“All the special toasts and speeches brought an array of emotions and tears to the room.”
Unsuspecting of the event to come, Mia enjoyed a trip to the zoo with Kade. While making their way back through the park, Kade nervously but gently guided Mia along the park path where the photographer awaited, while checking the ring box was still safe in his jacket pocket.
A Long Wedding Planning Process
After their Chicago engagement, Mia and Kade began a long wedding planning process that lasted over a year and a half. Selecting a wedding planner was one of their most crucial decisions, followed by their venue and vendor roster. With a talented wedding expert team in place, the couple slowly pieced together a dream celebration at The Ritz-Carlton in Denver, Colorado.
The wedding day arrived with a flurry of excitement and nerves, though the bridal breakfast allowed time for everyone to relax before hair and makeup. Afterwards, the attendants presented Mia with a bridal book, which was filled with love and memories from her friends and family and entailed a lot of tears and laughter. The first look with the groom gave the couple a very special and private moment before the rest of the photos were taken.
The wedding ceremony featured a string quartet accompanied by a grand piano and harp, and an aisle lined with candles and large florals flanked the front and back of the room. Mia and Kade both fought back tears as they recited the heartfelt vows written for one another.
For their wedding attire, the bride wore a Vivienne Westwood silk ivory bridal gown with rose detail. The gown was paired with a detachable skirt and train, and worn with an ivory floral edged cathedral veil and crystal headpiece – all, from Little White Dress Bridal of Denver. A platinum antique pearl and diamond choker adorned her neck with diamond solitaire earrings. A blue diamond ring graced her right hand, and a princess cut diamond engagement ring was worn on her left. She carried a bouquet of ivory and blush florals including roses, lilies, peonies, and orchids with greenery.
The groom’s tuxedo was a black velvet jacket with black tuxedo pants and vest with a white dress shirt and black bowtie.
A Black-Tie Wedding with an Old Hollywood Style Ceremony and Reception
The bride and groom envisioned an elegant black-tie celebration for their family and friends with an “Old Hollywood” style ceremony and reception. To bring that vision to life, the ballroom of The Ritz-Carlton, Denver was transformed with hues of rich cranberry red, blush, and ivory florals with touches of gold. The walls were fully draped with accent lighting. A custom monogram initial dance floor served as the focal point of the room, highlighted with a flower box and crystal chandeliers overhead.
The guest tables were dressed with ivory tablecloths, ivory satin napkins and floral statement centerpieces in crystal vases, encircled by candles along with gold flatware paired with crystal and gold furnishings. Personalized color-coded menus with tassels were positioned with each place setting and accompanied with gold foiled chocolate favors with the couple’s initials. The head table was centered looking out on the dance floor and adorned with lush florals and candles flanked at each end with tall florals in crystal vases. Two large white trees also served as a backdrop.
The couple’s monogram was used to tie everything together and was consistent throughout the invitations, welcome sign, guest seating board, dance floor, initial monogram backdrop for grand staircase, menus, and programs.
Dinner entrées included a choice of strip steak, scallops, or vegan option served with accompanying sides and a Caesar salad with apple slices. In addition, there was an open bar offering a variety of drinks, as well as red and white wine served tableside along with a champagne toast.
The wedding cake was embellished with gold trim and deep red, blush, and ivory florals with a gold initial monogram on an ornate gold stand. The cake featured a choice of red velvet with vanilla buttercream icing or chocolate with chocolate ganache, and was served with chocolate covered strawberries.
Highlights of their Old Hollywood style reception included Mia and Kade’s upbeat ballroom entrance, first dance, father/daughter dance, and mother/son dance. All the special toasts and speeches brought an array of emotions and tears to the room, and the night ended with a lighted streamer sendoff.
A Honeymoon in Costa Rica
The newlyweds chose to kick off their new life together with a honeymoon in Costa Rica. It turned out to be the perfect honeymoon destination, as they wanted a warm and relaxing trip filled with picturesque beauty and adventure. Their itinerary included romantic dinners at sunset, daily hikes through the rainforest, and taking pictures of all the exotic wildlife they found along the way.
WEDDING TALENT
Location & Caterer: The Ritz-Carlton, Denver, Denver, CO; Planning & Event Design: Isabelle Kline; Floral Design: Newberry Brothers; Rentals: Event Rents Denver, Isabelle Kline; Stationery, Signage, Monogram, Dance Floor Wrap: Lucky Onion; Denver, CO; Lighting: LMD Productions, Elite Entertainment; Hair & Makeup: Divine Beauty Artists; Entertainment: Elope Music, Elite Entertainment; Photography: Jody Zorn Weddings