“We were set up through our mutual friends who were dating,” Sarah Edwards remembers of her first meeting with John Baker. “My roommate at the time was dating John’s roommate.” Luckily, both romances blossomed into eventual marriages!

As time passed, and with the blessing of Sarah’s father, who had been diagnosed with cancer, John popped the question. “As my dad’s condition worsened, John flew to meet us and my dad had handed him a note in secret saying to continue with the proposal,” reveals Sarah. “John proposed to me later that evening in our home right in front of the Christmas tree. I’ll never forget that time and how special that moment was.”

During their nine-month engagement, the lovebirds arranged their Denver soirée. “We wanted our guests to experience the city where we both met and fell in love,” the bride explains. “It also made planning easier, as it was local.” Over 100 loved ones arrived at the church to witness the couple’s religious ceremony. “My parents wanted us to get married in the Catholic church, which was important to me to honor,” the bride tells.

She proceeded down the aisle holding a bouquet that paired perfectly with the floral décor of the reception to come. “I wanted the look and feel to be extremely romantic. Deep reds, mossy greens, and candles were what I built my vision around.”

“I wanted the look and feel to be extremely romantic. Deep reds, mossy greens, and candles were what I built my vision around.”

Blooms and greenery created an enchanting, romantic ambience for the reception space. “[We used] deep reds, trailing greens, and a combination of tall and short centerpieces,” Sarah details of the arrangements which featured winter greens, such as moss and pine. “We also brought in a few clusters of trees in order to soften the space,” she adds.

For a personalized touch, guests experienced a taste of Sarah’s hometown in Maine. “We had a raw bar and mini Maine lobster rolls on the menu to honor where I was born and raised,” she smiles. The newlyweds also made sure to honored John’s late father during the reception. The night concluded with live music and take-home pizza for all guests to enjoy after the fête.

Affirming that her wedding was the best day of her life, the bride encourages all engaged couples to cherish each moment of the planning process before it becomes a memory: “Enjoy every second of planning and celebrate, because it goes by so quick!”