Professional matchmaker meets her match and ties the knot

timeless wedding inspiration

Erica Arrechea has been helping couples achieve their happily ever after since she opened her matchmaking company, Cinqe in 2010. But in true rom-com fashion, love found her when she was least expecting it. After years of dating, the two tied the knot in an intimate yet elegant wedding in Vail and, from the quintessential flower girl dresses to the couple's elegant ensembles, it's giving some serious royal wedding vibes. Keep reading to hear all about this adorable love story and to see more of these lovely candid photos by John Moler.

wedding gown with square neckline candid wedding photography

how they met

black and white wedding photography

In the bustling cityscape of San Francisco, Erica Arrechea—a seasoned matchmaker and founder of Cinqe Matchmaking since 2010—found her Prince Charming in the most unexpected of ways. Her love story began not through matchmaking but through a neighborly connection. It was Nicole, her longtime friend and neighbor, who introduced Erica to her brother, Jarrod. Every so often, Jarrod traveled from Denver, Colorado, to San Francisco to visit Nicole, and it was during these visits that his affection for Erica blossomed. Despite the miles separating them, with Jarrod in Denver and Erica in San Francisco, their love persevered. Determined to close the distance, Erica made the bold decision to relocate to Denver. Together, they shared a passion for the majestic mountains, which led to a romantic engagement in Vail—a place they cherished deeply.

vintage wedding getaway car

right back where they started

wedding venues in vail colorado

Though life threw numerous challenges their way, including the arrival of their beloved daughter and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which postponed their wedding plans, Erica and Jarrod's love remained steadfast. Finally, in September 2024, against the breathtaking backdrop of Colorado's golden autumn leaves, they celebrated their union. The micro wedding, held at the luxurious Four Seasons in Vail—the very spot where Jarrod proposed—was a testament to their enduring love.

Choosing the Four Seasons Resort in Vail as our wedding venue felt like a decision dictated by fate rather than choice. After Jarrod's breathtaking proposal in the same magical setting, the location became a cherished part of our love story. We were drawn to the place's natural beauty, where the mountains stood tall as silent witnesses to new beginnings, their peaks reflecting the promise of a bright future. The majestic backdrop offered by Vail complemented the elegance and warmth we envisioned for our celebration, making it an ideal place to gather our family. The Four Seasons in Vail, with its sophisticated charm and intimate atmosphere, was the perfect environment to host our special day—a seamless blend of stunning scenery and luxury service. It wasn't just a venue; it was a continuation of our narrative, a space that harmonized with our vision and the treasured memories we wanted to create together.

simple white wedding tablescape

Together with Kelly Kari, they planned a chic minimalist affair with a monochromatic color palette featuring pops of gold here and there. Two rose arrangements by Molly Lewison rested on pillars and framed the ceremony, while a simple baby's breath runner graced the dining table.

micro wedding tablescape setup

why they kept the guest list small

wedding reception photo ideas

Planning a wedding is a deeply personal journey, and we wanted to share some insights we gained from our decision to have a small ceremony. First and foremost, consider inviting those who are truly special to you. Having an intimate gathering allows you to be surrounded by friends and family who genuinely cherish your happiness and who you'll have time to connect with throughout the day. Remember, the day will pass by quickly, and a smaller guest list means more meaningful moments with those who matter most. Additionally, a small wedding often feels more personal and heartfelt, as it offers the space to focus less on the grandeur and more on the loving relationships that have brought you to this beautiful moment. Embrace the intimacy and cherish every second of it.

micro wedding photo ideas

saying, "yes" to the dress

pearl beaded veil

I chose a Randy Fenoli dress from Kleinfeld Bridal in New York. Traveling to the city with my close friends, mother, and work colleagues at Cinqe was an unforgettable experience. We had a fantastic time exploring the city for the perfect dress and finally decided on the Fallon dress, with Randy himself there to assist us. The Fallon wedding dress is a timeless and elegant Mikado fit and flare gown. It features a modern square neckline and seams that accentuate the figure. The dress flares into a classic rounded train. It was perfect for me.

opera gloves for wedding

silk mermaid wedding dress with square neckline minimalist wedding gown

the flower girl dresses

flash photography for wedding

The dresses were custom-made by Maria Platero. We chose the colors, style, and length to capture classic elegance. Our goal was to achieve a traditional and timeless look, which Maria accomplished beautifully with her exceptional craftsmanship. The children were at the heart of our celebration bringing joy and significance to the occasion.

traditional flower girl dresses for wedding

candid getting ready photo for wedding

the cake

till death do us part sheet cake for wedding

Our wedding cake was a true reflection of the elegance and romance we wanted to capture on our special day. The design inspiration came from a desire to keep things classic and timeless, much like the engagement ring Jarrod chose. We opted for a traditional white sheet cake, elegant in its simplicity, adorned with an intricate old English-style cursive inscription that read, "till death do us part." This phrase encapsulates our commitment and the journey we were embarking on together. For the flavor, we chose a rich, buttery vanilla cake, perfectly paired with a creamy, smooth buttercream frosting, delighting our guests with each delicious bite while staying true to the classic theme we embraced throughout our wedding.