For Chantel Ellerington and Quinn Chaffee's nuptials this past June, Highland City Club was the perfect venue. Not only because of its enchanting gardens and late 19th-century architectural character, but also because it holds special meaning for Chantel, Boulder Lifestyle magazine's director of operations.
The magazine has been a member of the social and business club for a decade, with Chantel officing on the third floor or—more frequently—in the WiFi-equipped gardens during her seven years on staff. "It's a rare place," Chantel says. "There's a level of respect we all have for each other. It has an inviting, family feel."
With just 60 guests, Chantel and Quinn's ceremony reflected the club's close-knit collective. Led by Brian Carlucci, the couple's pastor at Cornerstone Boulder church, they recited vows in front of family and friends before hosting a reception as elegant as it was low-key. Following a whirlwind honeymoon in Miami (originally planned for Mexico but thwarted by hurricane season), Chantel gives a peek into the details of the day.
What do you love about Highland City Club?
It's an oasis. Andy Manz, our publisher, and I work on the third floor with other startups and entrepreneurs. I've made strong friendships over the years, which has been a cool blessing. The club has such a genuineness to it—a caring, community vibe. It's very authentic.
What was your vision for your wedding?
With the lush club gardens providing the main decoration, our only addition was my beloved white Dutch peonies, which Constance (of HCC) expertly procured and arranged to complement the lush green backdrop. We wanted the wedding to be a fun evening for our guests, so music played the entire time through the incredible sound system provided by Steve Borne, another HCC specialist. We envisioned kids running through the gardens and playing with one another, letting their imaginations take flight. I took inspiration from Ralph Lauren's fashion shows, from the music to the ambiance. Quinn and I both walked down the aisle to an 8-minute instrumental mashup of Taylor Swift's "Love Story" and Coldplay's "Viva La Vida." We loved the beauty of the combination and the mood it created. To cap off the evening, we drove away in a 1978 white Porsche, generously lent by Max Kabat, another HCC friend.
How did you decide on dress code?
The more we envisioned this intimate, cocktail garden party vibe, we thought, why don't we do black tie? People don't often get the opportunity to dress that formally. This way, everyone could be on the same page. I wanted two different looks for the ceremony and reception. Both dresses are classic and timeless designs from Jenny Yoo and Meshki.
What was unique about your menu?
HCC head chef Tyler Crawford and his team worked with us to curate the menu, all made in-house with locally sourced ingredients. Through their array of hors d'oeuvres and constant tray passing, the evening allowed mingling and movement and avoided the need for assigned seating. We had three colorful signature cocktails: an Aperol Spritz, an Old Fashioned and a Vodka Grapefruit Spritz. For dessert, which included hazelnut bars and berry-cream tarts created by Tyler's crew, there was also a two-tier oat flour cake with vanilla and almond poppyseed provided by Sweet Sisters, a gluten-free bakery in Boulder.
Describe the culture of community at Highland and how it impacted your wedding day.
I love what I do for work because I'm always interacting with new people and new businesses. Relationships and loyalty are important to me. HCC staff worked with Quinn and me from start to finish on the wedding planning. Their care and commitment to see our day a success went beyond professional duty and revealed their heart and love for us—a feeling more of family than of acquaintance. Their culture is seen in all relationships at the club, where people truly care for one another.
Wedding Vendors
Cake: Sweet Sisters Bake Shop
Bridal Bouquet & Groom’s Boutonniere: Arianna Floral Design
Wedding Bands: Walters & Hogsett Fine Jewelers
Menu: Highland City Club
Florals: Highland City Club
Letterpress: Dogs & Stars Letterpress
Hair: Sweep Salons
Tailor: Boulder Custom Tailoring
Photography: Poppy & Co. by Kelsey Huffer