Title Juniper Mountain House

When Phalisia (she/her) and Valerie (she/her) started talking about a vow renewal, they knew they wanted something intimate, meaningful, and surrounded by nature. What Valerie didn’t know? Phalisia had been secretly planning the whole thing for over a year! With the help of a wedding planner and Zola’s planning tools, she pulled off the ultimate surprise – gathering their closest friends and family at Juniper Mountain House, a stunning, LGBTQ+ inclusive venue in the heart of Colorado.

From the moment Valerie arrived thinking it was just a photo shoot to the heartfelt vows, the music, and the overwhelming love in the air, every detail made this day unforgettable. Here’s how it all came together.

Why did you choose Juniper Mountain House as your venue for this vow renewal?

When we were looking for a venue, Juniper Mountain House instantly felt right. Its lush forest backdrop and secluded vibe gave us the serene, natural setting we envisioned. Plus, the owners are LGBTQ+ friendly – they’ve cultivated a space where everyone feels welcome, and that really mattered to us.

Juniper Mountain House isn’t just beautiful; it’s more than just a venue. It felt like a second home, filled with warmth and love.

Can you tell us more about your planning process, this one was kept secret!?

Well, it was a little unconventional! Our vow renewal was actually a surprise for me. Phalisia worked with a wedding planner to keep everything under wraps for over a year! It wasn’t easy gathering friends and family without me knowing, but they did it.

Phalisia also handled a lot of the coordination through Zola.com. It was a lifesaver for organizing tasks and tracking expenses, not to mention creating the invites and RSVP process. Everything was seamless, even with all the moving parts.

What was your overall wedding theme or vibe?

We wanted raw beauty and authenticity to shine through. Colorado’s natural landscape was our inspiration – it’s where we’ve built our life together. Everything revolved around lush greenery, earthy tones, and understated elegance.

We kept things really personal while letting the environment around us speak for itself.

What was unique about your ceremony?

The ceremony started as a photo shoot – at least, that’s what I thought. I had no idea what was coming! Behind the scenes, our wedding planner secretly transported our family and friends to the site. When I arrived, I was greeted by everyone I love most, all there to celebrate us.

To make it even more special, Phalisia shared heartfelt vows she had written in secret. I hadn’t planned anything in advance, but the words just came to me in the moment, and it felt so genuine.

The song “Speechless” by Dan & Shay played during the ceremony, and it was such a perfect addition. That song was special to us, and hearing it in that moment made everything feel complete.

A wooden triangle wedding arch with vibrant florals sits in a lush forest setting at Juniper Mountain House.

A vibrant floral arrangement with deep red, blush, and orange tones rests at the base of a wedding arch.

What did you wear, and how did you choose your outfits?

Phalisia: I wore a stunning dress from House of CB. Their designs are so feminine and luxurious; it was perfect for a day as important as this.

Valerie: I went with a classic green suit from Amanda’s Bridal & Tux. It felt timeless but still had personality, which was exactly what I wanted. Their selection was wonderful—not to mention the amazing tailoring!

What’s your favorite memory from the day?

Phalisia: I’ll never forget the look on Valerie’s face when she realized she wasn’t just at a photo shoot. That moment, seeing her understand the surprise and take it all in, was so full of love and joy.

Valerie: At one point during the reception, I stepped back and just watched everyone. Friends and family were laughing, dancing, and simply being there for us. That feeling of love and support, all in one place, is something I’ll carry with me forever.

What made this day so meaningful for you as an LGBTQ+ couple?

Phalisia: Everything about this day was a celebration of love in all its forms. From the venue’s inclusive environment to the space we created to celebrate our unique story, we felt 100% seen and supported.Valerie: The mix of love, inclusivity, and community stood out the most for me. Seeing everyone join in that joy reminded us how love really transcends everything. It’s beautiful.