From Ms. To Mrs. - How to Change Your Name

The "I Do's" have been exchanged, your Colorado Springs wedding was a beautiful success, and now it's time to change your name and start your new life - if that's what you're choosing to do. There can be a lot of steps involved when it comes to changing your name, and the Historic Pinecrest would love to help you out with all things wedding, from the engagement to the details afterward. Here are a few ways you can make changing your name easier, and know where to start

To Change Your Name, Or Not Change Your Name - That is the Question

While it is more common for brides to change their name after the wedding, there are other options. Depending on where you are in life, it may not be the most convenient to change your name, or perhaps you have familial reasons to keep your maiden name, or maybe you just want to. No matter what your reasons, here are a few things to know about your name change options:

1. Keep Your Name

2. Take Your Spouses Name

3. Take your spouse's name legally, but keep your given name professionally

4. Make your given surname your middle name and take your spouse's last name

5. Create a New Last Name

How to Change Your Name

Get a Certified Copy of Your Marriage License

When you file your marriage license they will file it and have a certified copy sent to your home. This will take some time, though, so if you are planning on changing your name quickly, you'll want to get a certified copy from them. This will cost extra, though, so plan on budgeting some extra money for this.

Update Your Drivers License

Take your certified marriage license over to the DMV along with your current driver's license. You can use this to now update your name on the driver's license as well as possibly your voter registration card if you have one.

Update Your Car Title

While you're at the DMV, if you have a car title without any liens on it, you can bring your title along with the marriage license and get that updated. If you have liens on the title, you may want to wait and change the name on the title once you've paid them off - depending on how long that will be.

Update Your Social Security Card

You will have to follow all of the instructions when changing your name on your social security card. They may require proof of citizenship, proof of your legal name change, proof of identity, and proof of your old name. Be sure and check their website to know exactly what they will need before going.

Talk To Your Human Resources Department Or Employer

Once you've updated your social security card, you'll want to speak with your employer or someone in the HR department of your company to get your name changed. They have to report you Social Security payments, so this step will need to be taken quickly.

Update Your Bank Accounts

Not only will you want to update your bank accounts with your new name, but you may also want to add your spouse to your accounts. This can be a quick stop in your name change process, but while you're running around town getting it done, it can save you some time.

Replace Your Passport

There are two different ways to do this, depending on whether you've gotten your passport within a year of your marriage or before. Depending on the time frame you have, you may want to save this step for last, as you'll be mailing your marriage certificate off.

If you applied for your passport within a year of your name change, you can fill out the correct form from their website and then mail the form, your old passport, two new photos, your marriage certificate to the address listed on their website and your passport will be replaced free of charge. If you have had your passport for more than a year, you will have to apply for a new passport and pay a fee to have it processed.

Miscellaneous Accounts

Now it's time to update all of the rest of your accounts where your old name will be. Online accounts, credit cards, 401(k), etc. You may still be finding accounts months down the line that need the name change, and some accounts may require a copy of your marriage license depending on who it is. 

The Historic Pinecrest Celebrates With You!

This is such a fun adventure in your life, and we're proud to have stood by your side through all of the wedding planning. If you are a bride who is still looking for a beautiful mountain wedding venue in Colorado Springs, we would be honored to show you the possibilities available at The Historic Pinecrest. Our breathtaking wedding chapel is nestled in the mountains of Colorado, our event center is spacious and perfectly set up for your wedding reception in Colorado Springs, and the Lodge has enough room for you and the bridal party to all stay in the same place for the weekend. Visit our website today to learn more about our wedding venue, and how you can get a private tour!

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way

Palmer Lake, CO 80133

www.PinecrestEventCenter.com

Call or text for a private tour!

719-357-8613

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5 Tips for Planning an Amazing Wedding Playlist

From the ceremony to the reception, your dream wedding will probably be filled with many different tunes and ballads. With all of the artists, styles, and songs to choose from, how is one bride supposed to narrow it down? There are a few ways you can pick a perfect playlist and find great music that appeals to everyone. Here are 5 tips for creating the perfect atmosphere through fun tunes.

Photo Credit: Farage Photography

Band, DJ, or DIY Playlist

Your first decision will be whether you want to hire out your music or do it yourself. If you want to hire a band, start looking around several months in advance so you can be sure that the band you want will be available. You'll need to do the same for a DJ. If you don't know of any vendors in the area who you can hire, feel free to ask us! We have many excellent recommendations.

The other option is to do a DIY playlist for your wedding. You can choose all of the songs that you and your spouse want, and then find someone who can start it up for you before the reception.

Talk With Your Venue

It's important to always speak with your Colorado Springs wedding venue to learn about what they have available in the way of rentals and sounds systems. At The Historic Pinecrest, we have a digital sound system with mixing board - along with wireless microphones and instrumental inputs. This is available if you are using a Pinecrest preferred DJ. Give us a call at 719-357-8613 to learn more.

Choose a Theme

Do you and your soon-to-be spouse have a specific theme that surrounds your relationship? Are you a Throwback Couple? Party Couple? Maybe a Country Couple? This can be a great way to decide what types of music should be played at your wedding. Of course, if your wedding has a certain theme, you'll want to also consider sticking with that so your wedding and music all go together.

Choose Key Songs

If you and your fiance have specific songs, be sure and give those titles to your musicians or DJ. If you don't' know where to start, think of songs that remind you of your first date, first kiss, your engagement, or even a special outing that you planned for each other while you were dating. These can all be great ways to choose songs that are key.

Additionally, you'll want to think about songs that could have played a role in your growing up years if you will be doing a Father/Daughter dance, Mother/Son dance, etc. While there are many lists that can provide suggestions, there's something special about a song that you and your father shared together. This can be as funny or as sentimental as you would like.

Photo From Rob Gillen

Get Your Guests Involved

Another fun choice for your wedding could be to let the guests choose your songs! You can put cards and pencils at the tables where they can write down songs they would like to hear and then submit them to the DJ. This is a wonderful way to ensure that the dancing lasts all night long, as your guests begin to choose songs that mean something to them as well.

Hosting a Fun Wedding in Colorado Springs

Your big day will be made even more fun through the music that you choose to play. For many people, music communicates with them on an emotional level - and since your wedding is most likely going to be very emotional, you can speak the language that they will love. Are you ready to start planning the wedding of your dreams? Visit our website to learn more about our wedding packages, and then contact us to schedule your Colorado Springs wedding venue!

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way

Palmer Lake, CO 80133

www.PinecrestEventCenter.com

Call or text for a private tour!

719-357-8613

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Repurposing The Pieces of Your Wedding

There comes a day after months of planning, that a bride and groom will say "I do," party the night away, get whisked off to a fairytale honeymoon, and then come back home. Now you get to relive all of those wonderful moments again and again through photos, videos, and all of the details that you now have stacked in your home that were once decorations.

While we have loved planning every minute of your wedding with you at the best wedding venue in Colorado Springs, we know the planning doesn't stop here! Now you need to figure out how to preserve your wedding dress, and then decide what you'll do with all of the extra pieces of your wedding. From your bouquet to the wedding invites, there are ways you can repurpose all of these! Check out these great ways to remember your wedding long after the day has passed.

Wedding Dress

Photo Credit: Floral Keepsakes

We'll start with the forerunner and highlight of your wedding day - the dress. There are many creative ways that women are preserving the wedding dresses nowadays, aside from putting it in a box under the bed. There are also many ways to do it so that you don't have to do any harm to it, and you can save it for your daughter someday if she would like it. Here are a few of the unique and beautiful ways people are preserving their dresses.

• Creating a shadowbox to display their dress
• Making a hair comb from the lace to give each of your daughters
• Turning the pieces into a necklace or putting it in a locket
• Doing photos with your daughter wearing the dress
• Make a christening gown for your daughter
• Do a fun Trash the Dress photo shoot (Are you brave enough?)
• Have the pieces made into a teddy bear
• Create Christmas ornaments, a wreath, or a stocking from it

Bridal Bouquet

Photo Credit: DFI Designs

This is something you'll want to think about before the wedding because if you'll have fresh flowers in your bouquet, you'll want to preserve it properly. If you want to dry the flowers, you'll need to make sure and hang the bouquet upside down before you leave for your honeymoon. This will ensure that the flowers dry in the right position without getting droopy. Are you looking for some unique ways to preserve your bouquet? Try these!

• Make an ornament from the petals or flowers
• Commission an artist to paint a unique photo of your flowers if you don't want to save the petals
• Arrange the flowers in the shape of your new initial for a shadow box
• Have the flowers preserved into a tall candle
• Press the petals and arrange them into a frame
• Include your bouquet into the shadow box with your dress

Print Pieces

Photo Credit: Something Turquoise

There will be many different things you create for your wedding when it comes to print pieces. The save the dates, invitations, programs, thank yous, custom napkins, custom stamps, and more! With all of these pieces being created specifically for your wedding, it would be nice to find a way to preserve them instead of tossing them into a box to be saved for later. Try using some of these ideas:

• Including them in a scrapbook with your wedding photos
• Arranging them in a pretty frame with a wedding photo
• Shredding them and putting them in a clear ornament
• Cut hearts or other shapes out of the leftover invitations and glue them into a frame
• 
  

Creating a Beautiful Wedding in Colorado Springs

If you are still in the planning phase of your wedding, The Historic Pinecrest would love to assist you! Our beautiful Colorado Springs event center is a beautiful place to make all of your dreams come true. We're romantically situated at the base of Mt. Chautauqua, where the views are breathtaking and the weather is beautiful. If you would like to visit our mountain chapel in Colorado Springs, visit our website and schedule a private tour!

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way

Palmer Lake, CO 80133

www.PinecrestEventCenter.com

Call or text for a private tour!

719-357-8613

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Creating the Right Bridal Party for Your Wedding

Congratulations on you brand new engagement! Now that your sweet significant other has popped the question, it's time to pop a question of your own. Have you considered who you would like to stand with you at your wedding? Sometimes this can be an easy, no-brainer, answer, but for some brides, it can involve complicated circumstances and un-even numbers with your soon-to-be spouse. If you're putting your bridal party lists together and need some advice, here are a few things to keep in mind!

More Isn't Always Merrier

Have you ever seen the occasional bridal party photo where you can't help but count the number of girls, only to realize that there were twelve bridesmaids?! Sometimes this can be because a bride has a very large friend group, other times it's because she can't make up her mind so involves everyone and it could even be because her groom has a large group of guys. Whatever the reason, you don't have to have a large party if you don't want to, and in some cases, that can result in more complications.

Family First?

This can be an easy decision when you're close with your sister and sister-in-law, but if you have areas of conflict with these family members it can be challenging. Whatever your decision, it's always best to think long and hard about the final outcome. While it can seem easy at first to not use your family in your wedding party, there could be more hurt feelings and ramifications afterwards. If you're afraid they'll cause drama in your wedding, and you want to simplify your stress - don't forget that unless you don't invite them, they'll still be AT your wedding, causing the same stress you were afraid of. At least if they're in the wedding party it can possible give them a distraction.

You Don't Have to Return the Invitation

Just because someone asked you to be a bridesmaid in their wedding doesn't mean you have to return the favor. A good way to figure out if someone should be in your wedding is to think of the first few people that you want to call or text about your engagement. If they don't make the cut, and you are fine with them knowing via social media - they may not be bridal party material, and that's okay. If you do have special people in your life who you aren't as close with, but you want to include, you can find other roles for them such as a cake cutter, guest book attendant, reception host, etc.

You Can Break the "Rules"

There are many "rules" associated with your bridal party, but just remember that your wedding is exactly that - your wedding. You aren't required to follow rules, and if something makes sense to you, you can do that. Do you want two maids of honor? Go for it! Does your soon-to-be spouse have fewer friends than you? That's okay, the numbers don't have to be even! Were you really close with a cousin who just so happened to be a guy? That's okay! There are many couples opting to have bridal parties of mixed genders. Whatever you and your significant other decide works for you, be brave and do it.

Keep Assumptions At Bay

Finally, never make assumptions that someone will not want to be in your wedding. Whether you've picked an expensive bridesmaid gown, are having a destination wedding, or just think they won't have enough time, you should limit them if you are close. You can easily remind them that while you would love for them to be apart of the wedding if there is any reason they can't make it, it's okay. There are many times where something comes up and a bridesmaid can't make it last minute due to funds, location, or sudden circumstances. Just remember that the wedding will go on, and while it's unfortunate that they can't make it, that doesn't mean your day is ruined.

Planning a Colorado Springs Wedding

There are so many details to decide when you plan your wedding, and the bridal party is only one of the few. As you're making arrangements, asking friends and family to participate, and making your list and checking it twice - just know your day will be perfect no matter what. Show love to those around you, because they are showing much love to you and your future spouse by attending and investing in your wedding. If you haven't found the perfect Colorado Springs wedding venue, don't waste another second! Visit our website today to learn more about our event center in Colorado Springs, and even schedule a private tour!

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way

Palmer Lake, CO 80133

www.PinecrestEventCenter.com

Call or text for a private tour!

719-357-8613

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Our Beautiful Mountain Chapel

Nestled quietly in the Colorado mountains, as you come to our beautiful wedding venue in Colorado Springs, you will see one of the buildings that make our place so beautiful - the chapel. Our mountain chapel in Colorado Springs is a breathtaking location for your wedding. From the rustic charm of the majestic location, you'll see why when you visit. If you are looking for a wedding venue in Colorado Springs, you may have just found your happily ever after.

A Mountain Wedding

One of the biggest choices you'll have to make when planning your wedding is where you will want to host it. There are plenty of facilities that can provide a roof over you guests head and a place for you to say your vows - but few places can offer the amount of romantic charm that you'll find at the Historic Pinecrest. Our chapel can accommodate up to 225 guests comfortably, and they can easily transition over to our event center for a fun reception. You will get the whole package when you get married at the Historic Pinecrest.

Amenities

When you get married in our chapel, you get more than just a beautiful venue - you get an experience. Make memories with your wedding party in our separate bridal dressing room and groomsmen dressing room. You can also get access to our standing decor, floral arrangements, and candelabras. The entrance is elegant and ready to be decorated with a gift table, guest book, and more. Here are the inclusions when you book your wedding in our chapel:

• One hour rehearsal, usually scheduled from 12:30 - 1:30pm, the day prior to your wedding
• All standing décor, floral arrangements, and candelabras
• Parking attendant to greet your guests
• Bridal dressing room at Chapel with three (3) makeup stations
• Groomsmen dressing room at Chapel with mirror, table, chairs and couches
• Elegant entrance table for guest sign-in book or picture matting
• Digital sound system with mixing board - along with wireless microphones and instrumental inputs (if using a Pinecrest preferred DJ)

Packages

The Starlight Package

Afternoon/Evening wedding and reception for 100 guests
Tues/Thurs: 1:30 pm - 9:00 pm (4:00 pm or 5:00 pm ceremony)
Fri - Sun: 2:30 pm - 10:00 pm (4:00 pm or 5:00 pm ceremony)

Available: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Winter hours (Nov. 1st - March 31 st) 1:30 pm - 9 pm for all days of the week
Recommended for 50 - 225 guests

The Ponderosa Package

Reception Only 5pm - 10pm

Available: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Winter hours (Nov. 1st - March 31 st) 1:30 pm - 9 pm for all days of the week
Recommended for 50 - 225 guests

Pinecrest Chapel

Wedding Only
(Based on availability 60 days out only!)

The Columbine
100 Guests included
Morning or Evening 3 hrs. time slot depending on availability
Available: Tuesday - Sunday

Create Your Dream Wedding

From start to finish, you will be glad that you booked your wedding at the Historic Pinecrest. Our beautiful facility is the perfect way to set the mood for your big day. If you're ready to book your wedding today, you can visit our website for more information: www.PinecrestEventCenter.com. You can also give us a call at 719-357-8613 to schedule a private tour of our facility!

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way

Palmer Lake, CO 80133

www.PinecrestEventCenter.com

Call or text for a private tour!

719-357-8613

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3 Tips for Planning Your Honeymoon

As if you don't already have enough on your plate with planning a beautiful wedding in Colorado Springs, you also have to plan your honeymoon as well. While it's customary for a groom to plan the honeymoon, you are joining your lives together and it only makes sense to make major decisions together based on your finances and preferences. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you start booking hotels and transportation.

Decide How Long You Can Escape For

This will be one of the first things you and your future spouse will decide about the trip. If you can only take a few days that will limit the amount of travel you can incorporate, whereas if you have more than a week you can generally make it to most destinations and enjoy them for a few days before having to head out.

Set A Budget

This is the second most important thing you can decide when thinking about your honeymoon. You will already be spending a lot for the wedding, and then on top of that, you'll be spending money on a large traveling adventure. Keep in mind that there are many ways to plan a honeymoon, and you can always take a small one now, and plan a larger one for your 6 month or one year anniversary. Once you've set a budget, you can choose the destination, activities, places to stay and eat.

Choose a Location

There are a few ways to do this, you can either work together to decide on a place to visit, or you can let your groom surprise you with a surprise destination! For many brides, this is too much suspense and they don't want to not know what to pack - but it can be a fun surprise. Do you want to travel out of the country or stay in the states? Do you want to take your honeymoon immediately after the wedding or are you going to give yourself a few days to rest? These are all important things to think about before picking a location. You can also think of your lifestyle. If you both are adventurous and love to hike, bike and swim,  a tropical cruise with excursions could be the place for you. If you and your hubby to be like to explore historical landmarks and delicious cuisine, maybe a European tour would be up your alley. Of course, should you decide to stay in the states, Colorado has been considered a wonderful vacation location!

Before You Leave...

Don't forget that you have to get married first! At the Historic Pinecrest, we can't wait to help you with your wedding celebrations, and helping you to create a wonderful day. Are you still looking for a wedding venue in Colorado Springs? We would be honored to give you a tour of our venue and show you how beautiful a wedding in a Colorado Springs chapel will look. Visit our website to learn more!

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way

Palmer Lake, CO 80133

www.PinecrestEventCenter.com

Call or text for a private tour!

719-357-8613

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How To Write Meaningful Vows

If you're like most brides and grooms (who probably won't admit they did this) you don't want to wait until the night before or even the day of to write your wedding vows. Though there have been many a wonderful vow written in lightening speed before trotting down the aisle, these are the promises that you're making to your significant other for the rest of your lives, so it goes without saying that a little forethought might be helpful.

At Historic Pinecrest, there's nothing more romantic than watching a bride and groom who are absolutely, madly in love with each other speaking words of undying affection. We love it, and that's why we love assisting couples with their weddings! Here are a few ways you can get over the writer's block you may be having when writing your vows.

1st. Declare Your Love

This is the sappy, gushy love part that everyone loves so much! You can keep it short and simple, by saying what they mean to you, following it up with why they are amazing, and finishing it with saying "I love you."

Start with saying how much they meant to you.

"Adam, you are the one my heart loves."
"Clara, you are my very best friend."
"You are the one I want to spend the rest of my life with."

Don't forget to add a few words about why they are SO wonderful:

"You make me feel like I'm capable of achieving all of our dreams."
"Your smile gives me butterflies, and every time you walk in the room I can't take my eyes off of you."
"Your humor keeps me laughing, your kindness keeps me humble, and your love keeps me strong"

End it with "I Love You."

"I am completely in love with you."
"Your smile takes my breath away, and your love has taken my heart, I love you."
"I can't imagine being anywhere else but here at your side."

You did it! You've finished the whole first section. Only a few more to go before you're done, though.

2nd. The Promise
It's time to get a little more serious, this is where you think about what you're promising to do for your future spouse in your new life together. Sometimes couples make this funny, by promising to warm each other's feet every night, or promising to never put olives in the dinner because they dislike them so much. While other couples keep it traditional and serious. Be sure you speak with your oficient about your vows and make sure they don't have any religious or otherwise important details you should know about.

Here are a few examples of promises you can make. 
If you are religious, you'll probably want to include that into your vows.

"Before God, our family, and our friends, I promise to love you, cherish you, care for you, and be patient with you until the day I die."
"I promise to be loving and patient with you. I promise to love our children, and show them what it means to be a loving spouse."
"I pledge to respect you, honor you, and love you. I will encourage your dreams and treat you as an equal"

Think of a few things you want to do with your partner over the years.

"I will stand beside you through all of life's adventures.
"I can't wait to grow old with you, and tell our grandchildren the story of our love."
"I'll work side by side with you to create the dream we have for our family and our future."

Add a promise to be there no matter what.

"In the good times and bad, I will stick with you, support you, and love you."
"When you're sad, I will comfort you and when you're weak I will be your strength."
"If it rains, I'll dance with you, if it's sunny, I'll enjoy the journey. Through thick and thin I'm here."

For the rest of time ...

"... all of my days I will keep these vows to you."
"... as long as we both shall live."
"... for all of eternity."

Getting Married in Colorado Springs

Follow this guideline when you aren't sure what to write in your vows, or even where to start. Don't be afraid to get wordy, and include a lot - you can always cut it down shorter if you need to. From large weddings in Colorado Springs to small intimate affairs with only the closest relatives, there's still nothing that brings a tear to our eye like a beautiful set of vows that are written by the couple. Are you ready to book your wedding and start down the journey of matrimony? We would love to be your Colorado Springs wedding venue! Visit our website to learn more about our facility and wedding packages!

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way

Palmer Lake, CO 80133

www.PinecrestEventCenter.com

Call or text for a private tour!

719-357-8613

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