On a crisp fall day in late September, Cora and Joey gathered with their closest loved ones at Camp7 Colorado to celebrate their marriage in a way that felt deeply personal and relaxed. With just fifteen guests present, their micro wedding embraced a cozy cottagecore atmosphere filled with vintage touches, earthy fall colors, and the warmth of meaningful connection.
From the very beginning, the couple envisioned a day that felt calm and intentional. They planned the celebration around the beauty of the changing season, hoping to align their wedding with “color Sunday” at Powderhorn so the Grand Mesa would be alive with autumn color. The setting near where Cora grew up added another layer of significance, grounding the day in a place that already held meaning for the couple.
Getting Ready in the Cabin
The day began quietly inside the cabin at Camp7, where Cora got ready with her mom and siblings. The atmosphere felt like a true family moment rather than a production. One sister carefully styled Cora’s hair while another painted her nails. Their mom helped her into her dress and fastened her earrings, creating a series of intimate moments that set the tone for the rest of the day.
Rather than rushing through a schedule, the morning unfolded naturally. Every decision Cora and Joey made for the day was guided by one intention: to create a celebration that felt stress-free and focused on the people they loved most.
Private Vows Before the Ceremony
Before the ceremony began, Cora and Joey shared a quiet first look. In that private moment, away from the guests, they exchanged their personal vows with one another.
Choosing to keep their vows private allowed the couple to fully experience that emotional exchange without the pressure of an audience. It also gave them space to slow down and savor the moment together before stepping into the ceremony with their families and friends.
A Ceremony Overlooking the Grand Mesa
The ceremony took place at an overlook at Camp7, with the Grand Mesa and its fall foliage stretching out behind them. Surrounded by their small group of guests, the couple stood together in a setting that perfectly matched the cozy, whimsical vision they had imagined.
Instead of focusing the ceremony on their vows, they used the moment to honor the people who had gathered with them and to celebrate the next chapter of their journey together. At the end of the ceremony, guests rang small bells, creating a joyful and meaningful send-off that echoed through the mountain air.
A Forest Dinner Party on the Lawn
After the ceremony, everyone gathered on the lawn outside the cabin for the reception. Twinkle lights, candles, and thoughtfully curated décor created the feeling of a cozy forest dinner party.
The couple leaned into a natural, earthy fall color palette, and the table settings reflected their vintage, eclectic style. Much of the décor and reception setup was DIY, borrowed, or thrifted, adding to the relaxed and personal atmosphere.
Guests spent the evening enjoying dinner, playing yard games, and settling into cozy furniture vignettes arranged for conversation and connection. Rather than a traditional dance floor, the celebration focused on time spent together—laughing, talking, and simply being present.
S’mores by the Fire
Instead of a traditional cake cutting, Cora and Joey reimagined the moment by sharing s’mores around the bonfire. As the evening grew cooler, guests gathered around the fire, roasting marshmallows and enjoying the warmth of the flames under the twinkle lights.
It was the perfect reflection of the couple’s vision: a celebration that felt more like an intimate gathering than a formal event.
A Sparkling Send-Off
As the night came to a close, guests lit sparklers to send Cora and Joey back to their cabin. The soft glow of the sparklers added a festive final moment to the celebration, closing out a day that had been intentionally designed to feel meaningful from beginning to end.
Throughout the afternoon and evening, every element of the wedding reflected the couple’s priorities: connection, presence, and a sense of ease. The small guest list allowed emotions to be shared freely, and many guests were deeply moved by the intimacy of the experience.
What surprised the couple most during planning was how naturally everything came together with such a small group. Compared to the larger reception they planned later, the micro wedding felt simple and joyful—exactly what they had hoped for.
Their day at Camp7 Colorado became a celebration not only of their marriage, but of the people and moments that matter most.
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Jennie LaVanchy is a former micro wedding bride, and she now supports countless couples in planning their own intimate celebrations through her blog, featuring real micro wedding stories and a curated vendor directory. Her practical advice and firsthand experience make her a go-to resource for those seeking to create memorable and meaningful micro weddings.
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