A Secret Garden Inspired Mansion Wedding at Highlands Ranch Mansion | Dulce and Gauhar
Our final wedding of the 2024 season was one I will truly never forget. Held in late October at the historic Highlands Ranch Mansion, this intimate celebration blended classic elegance with an enchanting, old world feel, exactly what my Texas/New York couple envisioned when they first fell in love with Colorado. They wanted a castle like setting, something timeless and romantic, and after visiting a few venues and estates, the mansion instantly felt like “THE ONE”
Designing a Modern Fairytale With an Old World Soul
From the very beginning, our inspiration was the mansion itself, its stone architecture, historic charm, and the sense that every corner held a story. I wanted the ballroom to feel as if it belonged to the original estate, almost like a forgotten garden room being rediscovered after years of quiet rest. That vision was heavily influenced by one of my favorite childhood movies, The Secret Garden, and it became the heartbeat of the design.
We designed the space to have a lush, overgrown garden oasis inside the ballroom:
- Vines climbing the rock pillars
- Greenery woven across the entire ceiling
- Crystal chandeliers layered in for a soft, romantic glow
- Full draping throughout to create a more intimate, cocoon-like feel for their 55 guests
The tables were dressed in a mix of green velvet linens and an antique-inspired green print, blending seamlessly with the mansion’s character while adding a modern depth to the palette.
The Bookcase Seating Chart: A Statement Piece Guests Loved
One of my proudest design moments from the day was the seating chart. We explored several ideas with the clients and their stationer before landing on something classic but completely reimagined: a bookcase filled with “book-like” guest favors.
Instead of using real books or faux spines, we had the stationer created custom journals for each guest designed to look like antique books in varying colors. The spines displayed the guest’s name and table number, and inside each journal was a heartfelt thank you note from the couple. The bookcase was dressed with accessories inspired by the mansion itself, including the couple’s engagement photos and curated decor that matched the aesthetic perfectly.
My favorite addition? I asked the cake artist to print and frame her original cake sketch, turning it into a keepsake for the couple and a beautiful surprise moment for the guests. It sat on the bookcase as a teaser of what was to come and blended so seamlessly into the design that it felt meant to be.
To elevate the whole moment, we encouraged the stationer to build a double sided seating chart wall, which made it a true statement piece. The background of the bookcase matched the backdrop of the double bar we had the rental company install in the adjacent room to the ballroom creating visual harmony and a seamless guest experience.
A Reception That Felt Like A Hidden Mansion Garden
Because we hate bar lines (no guest should wait for a drink!), we transformed the adjacent room with a double bar whose backdrop tied into the seating chart design. It allowed the ballroom to remain intimate while keeping guest flow easy and enjoyable.
Inside the ballroom, the “garden meets castle” world came to life. Watching guests walk in and gasp literally stop in their tracks, was everything we hoped for. But nothing compared to the moment the couple saw the room.
The Most Beautiful Reaction
We did a private room reveal before guests arrived, and the bride immediately burst into tears. She was overwhelmed in the best way with how perfectly the space reflected their vision. It was one of those moments that makes everything worth it. That morning, over 70 people/vendors were working at once to bring this transformation to life, and seeing her joy made every detail feel unforgettable.
Style Notes: Two Dresses, One Perfect Aesthetic
The bride wore two stunning dresses, a classic gown for the ceremony and a second reception dress that fit the old world mansion aesthetic flawlessly. Each look felt intentional, elegant, and deeply aligned with the overall story of the day.
A Family Filled With Love
Working with this couple and their families was truly a gift. Their parents were warm, supportive, and deeply invested in making the day perfect. Watching their joy and the love they had for their children made the entire experience even more meaningful.
A Wedding I’ll Carry With Me Forever
This wedding was the perfect finale to my 2024 season! A celebration filled with heart, history, intention, and design magic. It’s one that will stay with me always.
Planning and Design: Erika Sandoval Events, Photography: Chelsea Reece Photography, Venue: Highlands Ranch Mansion, Officiant: AWC Gold, Cinematography: Daylight Wedding Films, Floral Design: The Wandering Poppy, Rentals: Event Rents, Linens: BBJ LaTavola Fine Linen, Specialty Rentals: House of Wilde, Baker: Olivia Rose Cake Artistry, Stationer: Paper and Dust, CO., Catering: Epicurean Catering, Transportation: BoxCars Limo, DJ: Elite DJ, Ceremony Musicians: Red Rocks Strings Quartet, Hair: Hair Artistry by Jamie P, Makeup: Angelica Glo Beauty, Lighting and Draping: LMD Productions, Phone Guest Book: Fetefone
