The Retreat at Solterra Wedding | Jessie & Jackson

Jessie & Jackson
September 2023

Emotion-Filled Golden Hour Wedding at the Retreat at Solterra

Going into this wedding I didn’t know what to expect since I hadn’t heard much about the Retreat at Solterra. However immediately upon arriving I knew I would be classifying this as a hidden gem venue. It had a whole slew of stunning backdrops to choose from for portraits. The layout perfectly accommodated Jessie & Jackson’s needs and their 150 guests. Not to mention, the proximity to Denver and the mountains can’t be beat. You can even see the iconic Red Rocks formations from the venue.

WEDDING STORY

Jessie & Jackson got married at the Retreat at Solterra on a warm September day. Just blocks from where Jessie grew up, this venue was a no-brainer for their wedding day. The bride, along with her siblings, shared memories of lifeguarding at the Solterra pool during high school. The couple filled their day with intentionality and meaningful time with their loved ones. While Jackson got ready at the home nearby, his mom, a professional hair & makeup artist, did Jessie’s sleek updo to perfection. Jessie had the sweetest first look with her dad where they both shed a few tears, followed by an emotional first look with Jackson. The couple shared their vows with each other during that private moment and then spent the rest of their pre-ceremony time lounging casually with their friends and family.

Their ceremony was held in the amphitheater, a garden space with flagstone risers. The ceremony site was framed by two sets of saffron-colored pillars and trellises which were decorated with white roses and greenery. Cocktail hour and the reception was held on the wrap-around stone patio surrounded by panoramic views of the foothills. Tables were set up all over the main room and patio as the Retreat offers a seamless indoor-outdoor layout. After dinner and speeches, the patio became the dance floor with ambient string lights overhead and the sound of early 2000’s hit songs.

PHOTO LOCATIONS

The Retreat at Solterra has no shortage of photogenic backdrops for wedding portraits. The exterior stonework of the buildings offers the feel of an Italian villa. Jessie and Jackson’s first look took place underneath a stone steeple with tall arched entryways. One of the archways had a beautiful iron gate which is where I hung Jessie’s dress for detail photos. The view from the arches perfectly frames Red Rocks in the distance. Okay, can you tell I’m obsessed with these arches or what?! Speaking of Red Rocks, this is another great spot to capture portraits when photographing a wedding at the Retreat at Solterra. It’s only an 8-minute drive from the venue!

Moving on to family and wedding party photos, the ceremony location is absolutely perfect for these formal shots. There is plenty of space, and we needed it! Jessie and Jackson both come from large families. We had all the room we needed to capture the photos of the big groups attending this wedding.

And last but most definitely not least, Forsberg Iron Spring Park is directly across the street from The Retreat at Solterra. This is where Jessie, Jackson, and I snuck away from the reception for golden hour photos. It did not disappoint! Despite being right off the road, the photos feel as if they were taken in a secluded mountain field. It has the most glowy western light, making it the perfect place for sunset photos, and some of my most favorite shots from the entire 2023 season.

ABOUT THE RETREAT AT SOLTERRA

The Retreat at Solterra is a gem of a venue tucked in a cozy neighborhood of Lakewood, Colorado. It immediately greets you with its warm golden tones and detailed red clay roofing, mentally transporting you to a tuscan countryside villa. When you walk in, it’s like stepping into a castle. Cool stone covers the floors and walls. Wooden beams and iron chandeliers decorate the high ceilings, and guests step through charming brick archways from one room to another.

While there is not lodging on-site, Solterra is located only 22 minutes from Denver. This unbeatable proximity offers wedding guests their choice in accommodations from boutique hotels to vacation rentals of all sizes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I’m Makaila Rosin, a wedding photographer based in Boulder, CO, serving destinations within and beyond the Colorado borders. I love an epic mountain vista, adding the unique sprinkles of your personality to your wedding day, and I can’t wait to meet your dogs.

Dreaming up a wedding or elopement? Check out my work or get in touch.

VENDORS
Photography: MKR Photos || Venue: The Retreat at Solterra || Catering: Cranelli’s Italian Restaurant