Mount Vernon Canyon Club

Ceremony Rehearsal & Dinner

Wedding Day

Guest Arrival

Wedding Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception Dinner

<a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/BhqNWvmKpmXV2xRY6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mount Vernon Canyon Club</a><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/BhqNWvmKpmXV2xRY6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Golden, CO</a>

Our Wedding

Our Story: Sparks in the City

We met on Hinge in 2023 and hit it off immediately. A few days later on July 1st, we had our first date—an outdoor pop-up jazz bar under the glass roof of the Denver Performing Arts Complex. After a few drinks and a lot of laughs, we walked a few blocks to play miniature golf at Skyline Park. When we got hungry, Luke invited Mandie up to his downtown condo where he made her stir fry dinner! We ate on the balcony as the sun set, as early Independence Day fireworks began to spark across the city. When it got cold, we moved inside and watched a nature documentary with dark chocolate and red wine to end the evening.

On July 4th proper, we met downtown and walked to Civic Center Park for the big bash including food trucks, live music, and a fireworks grand finale. Luke got Mandie a prickly pear margarita and she was hooked! It rained and we had to hide under Luke’s Star Wars blanket until the drizzle slowed down and we made our way back to the bus.

Since then we’ve been in love, accompanying each other for hiking trails, ski runs, board game nights, and reading books. Mandie loves doing the laundry, while Luke loves cooking her dinner.

Coming up on Christmas 2024, we got tickets to the Nutcracker Ballet and decided to get pictures near where we had our first date. Luke asked a bystander to take the photo, then surprised Mandie by getting on one knee and pulling out the most beautiful sunburst ring she had ever seen. She said yes! And we had to try to contain our excitement throughout the rest of the evening, sitting through the whole ballet. People around us picked up on our joy and were excited for us—some bought our drinks and took our pictures and wished us well! We were hungry on the way home and got chicken nuggets from Wendy's at midnight.

We are best friends and perfect travel companions, with a long list of countries to visit together. We’ve started checking them off with Canada (Aug ’24) and Scotland (May ’25), and are planning our honeymoon to Costa Rica (Jan ’26)! Luke can’t get over how encouraging and supportive and kind and thoughtful Mandie is… and how hot her curly red hair is! There are so many things to love about Luke, but Mandie’s favorite is that behind the confident, masculine appearance is a really soft, sweet man who has embraced cat fatherhood, who loves me wholly and completely, and makes me laugh harder than I ever have before.

There isn't a day that goes by where we're not laughing together and enjoying all that our life has brought us.

Our Story

Photos

Brittany Leonard

Zander Woolley

Kelsea Murrell

Mike Lester

Vanessa Teixeira

Brian Sherman

Wedding Party

Q + A

For your convenience, we've listed a few recommended accommodations and transportation options below. The wedding blocks include a few days before &amp; after the ceremony in case you want to show up early or spend your weekend in Golden/Denver!

About 20 minutes from MVCC, this classy hotel features contemporary decor and flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and work desks with ergonomic chairs. Club rooms come with access to a lounge with continental breakfast and snacks. Suites offer living rooms and kitchenettes.Parking is free. Amenities include a restaurant, a bar and a gift shop. There's also an indoor heated pool and an exercise room, as well as meeting rooms and a business center. <a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1741025536977&amp;key=GRP&amp;guestreslink2=true&amp;app=resvlink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book with our block here!</a>

Sheraton Denver West Hotel

Less than 15 minutes from MVCC, this laid-back hotel on I-70 features Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, plus minifridges and coffeemakers. Suites add separate living rooms and sofabeds. There's a cocktail lounge, a 24-hour gym and a seasonal outdoor pool, as well as a sauna and a hot tub. Breakfast and parking are available. <a href="https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.06200.html?groupId=6M3ED3K4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book with our block here!</a>

Best Western Plus Denver West/Golden

Beautiful mountain views less than 10 minutes from MVCC! This relaxed all-suite hotel features free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and separate sitting areas with pull-out sofas plus minifridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers. Some have balconies and/or in-room whirlpool tubs. Freebies include hot breakfast and parking. There's a heated indoor pool, a hot tub, a sauna, and an exercise room. Wedding block is not available, but you can <a href="https://www.choicehotels.com/colorado/evergreen/comfort-suites-hotels/co129" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">book individually here!</a>

Comfort Suites Golden West on Evergreen Parkway

Denver International Airport offers 12 major car rental companies including Hertz, Enterprise, and Alamo. Access rentals via courtesy shuttle service to/from Jeppesen Terminal with pick-up/drop-off at terminal Level 5, Island 4 on both East and West ends.

Rental Car

Both Uber and Lyft provide service in the Denver metro area. Rates from the airport to the hotels are typically $50-80, and rides to MVCC are typically $10-25. These can be booked ahead of time or ordered upon arrival.

Rideshare

If desired, public transportation via RTD is available to both Comfort Suites and Best Western Plus. An airport day-pass is $10 and covers travel on all metro-area buses &amp; trains. To reach Comfort Suites, take the A rail from DIA to Union Station (37 minutes), then the W rail to Federal Center (33 minutes), and lastly the EV bus to Pine Crest Dr (24 minutes). It is a 1-mile walk from this stop to the hotel. To reach Best Wester Plus, take the A rail from DIA to Union Station (37 minutes), then the W rail to Jefferson County Oak Station (26 minutes), then bus #17 to Indiana &amp; Golden (10 minutes). The hotel is right on the corner! Transit is not available to MVCC.

Public Transit

Travel

If you're in Denver for a few extra days looking for things to do, we've put together some of our favorite local experiences to share with you!

Nestled in the heart of Denver, DMNS is a treasure trove of knowledge and discovery. With its captivating exhibits that span the realms of natural history, anthropology, and space science, DMNS offers an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you're exploring ancient cultures or peering into the cosmos, DMNS promises a journey of wonder and enlightenment! LUKE'S PICK: Prehistoric Journey. MANDIE'S PICK: Gems &amp; Minerals.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

RSP is renowned for its dramatic red sandstone formations, diverse wildlife, and scenic hiking trails. The park's striking geological features including the iconic Fountain Formation, dating back over 300 million years! Visitors can explore various trails, enjoy bird watching, and experience the natural beauty of the park's unique landscape. LUKE'S PICK: Fountain Valley (2.6mi). MANDIE'S PICK: Lyons Overlook (1.7mi).

Roxborough State Park

DAM is a vibrant cultural hub showcasing a diverse collection of art from around the world. Known for its impressive array of Native American artifacts, contemporary masterpieces, and rotating exhibits, the museum offers a rich tapestry of artistic expression. With interactive galleries and engaging programs, DAM provides an inspiring and dynamic experience for art enthusiasts of all ages. LUKE'S PICK: "The Western" Collection. MANDIE'S PICK: "Wheat Fields at Pourville" by Claude Monet.

Denver Art Museum

The River North Art District (RiNo) in Denver is a vibrant, eclectic neighborhood known for its creative energy and artistic flair. Once an industrial hub, RiNo has transformed into a cultural hotspot featuring historic warehouses and factories repurposed into art galleries, studios, jazz bars, and trendy restaurants. Whether you're exploring the local art scene, enjoying live music, or savoring culinary delights, RiNo offers a unique and dynamic experience for visitors and locals alike. LUKE'S PICK: Monday jazz at The Meadowlark. MANDIE'S PICK: Bigby's Folly Craft Winery.

RiNo Art District

Located in northern Colorado, RMNP is a breathtaking expanse of natural beauty. Spanning over 415 square miles, the park features towering mountain peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore over 300 miles of hiking trails, enjoy scenic drives, and experience the park's stunning landscapes year-round. A day-trip from Denver, it's a must for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts! LUKE'S PICK: Chasm Lake (8.0mi). MANDIE'S PICK: Emerald Lake (3.2mi)

Rocky Mountain National Park

A unique movie-going experience that combines the best of film, food, and fun. Known for its diverse selection of both new releases and cinema classics, Alamo serves a full menu of delicious food and drink directly to your seat! With a passionate staff and a commitment to providing the ultimate silver-screen experience, it's a must-visit for movie lovers. LUKE'S PICK: Bottomless popcorn! MANDIE'S PICK: Cauliflower wings in gochujang sauce.

Mandie + Luke

Mandie + Luke

M&L

Wedding Day

4:30 PM–5:00 PM

Guest Arrival

5:00 PM–5:30 PM

Wedding Ceremony

5:30 PM–6:30 PM

Cocktail Hour

6:30 PM–11:00 PM

Reception Dinner