We met November 8th 2003. Sarah and Jeremy Spencer had an introductory soiree called the “Who’s Jill Party” that night. Funny, how we were the only single people there, if Sarah was aiming to hook us up, it didn’t work. At least not right away. Keith wanted to take me out, but I said no way. I mean he was totally not my type. But alas it was fate. We ran into each other at a New Year’s Party in Denver. Right after midnight Sarah rang in the New Year with a small kiss for Keith. I, on the other hand, had a big champagney one for him and he had a big slobbery one for me; Sarah forwarded me the e mail they had written to each other. Keith asking her permission to take me out, which I thought was adorable, and her stating I just wanted to have fun nothing serious. “I can show her fun; I am Mr. Fun!” Keith’s replied. Then he called and left a message at my parent’s house one day. Keith making sure to say he was a friend of Sarah’s as to get in good with them. Dad asked what he wanted. I said”What do you think he wants, Dad?” Mom said I should go out with him even though I didn’t want to. Anyway we went bowling with Sarah, Jeremy, Dave and Malia. That’s where he asked me out for our first real date. Russian food and a techno club……………… How romantic……
As months went by, we would go out on weekends. I began to like him more and more. As many of you have witnessed over the years we had great times, breakups and makeups. We always found our way back together. We make more sense that way somehow. Now we are ready to get married!!!!!
OR...maybe it goes like this…On November 8th, 2003 with the lunar eclipse overhead, Jill and I first made eye contact from across the room. The place was the Spencers’ now infamous “Who’s Jill Party.” I noticed there was a plethora of couples there and I was the only single guy at the party right. Perfect i thought – just the way I like it! Playing it nonchalant, knowing she would see right through any attempt at getting her number, I chose not to force the issue at that party and instead wait for a place I felt more comfortable….fast forward to the Mansion Party in Denver, Colorado for New Year’s Eve 2004. Sarah was playing matchmaker that night and the rest is history.
First let me tell you a little bit about our Engagement....
In July of 2007 I realized that the perfect opportunity to ask Jill to marry me would occur when I came across the Champagne Cascade that is put on at the Brown Palace in Denver, Colorado. I reserved a private room for the proposal and after the cascade was finished I showed her one more surprise. Jill knew something was up as soon as we walked in and saw the Champagne glasses, chocolate strawberries and roses but she played along until I got on one knee. She said yes right away!
We picked the date of 8-8-08 because it is a very spiritual moment in time.....or maybe because it was easy to remember and the Chinese seem to like it. Anyway, some insight into our unorthodox wedding on 08-08-08…We chose the beaches of St. Thomas, USVI as our departing point aboard the Lady Lynsey for our nautical ceremony and its berth for post nuptial dinner as its sandy beaches and exquisite waters are far way from real life. St Thomas was fresh in our minds as we had just spent a few days there leading up to the engagement and the whole month of November was such a surreal time for us that aboard the The Lady Lynsey in St Thomas seemed a perfect place for us to take the next step.
We chose our honeymoon destination, Atlantis resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas for its beaches, atmosphere, casinos, dolphins, night life, aquariums, three story waterslide and adults only part of the resort. Plus we have been dying to go for about three years! We’re doing things a little backwards by having our honeymoon before our reception but we can’t wait to share all of our experiences with all of you when we get home to Denver.
We will still have so much to look forward to while we are on our honeymoon. After many picture perfect days in Atlantis we will be returning to Colorado to celebrate with all of you! Our reception will be taking place on August 16th at the luxurious 4 star Brown Palace at 8 pm. The Brown Palace is located on the corner of Broadway and 17th street in Downtown Denver. We thought the Brown Palace would be a perfect place for us since it is where I proposed and it is one of the most historic hotels in Colorado. Having a sit down dinner isn't our style so we decided to do a cocktail style reception with hors d'oeuvre a prime rib bar followed, of course, by free flowing drinks. We will get right to the dancing with the party lasting till around 12:30am for anyone who is in the mood to celebrate all night!
Cocktail attire is requested.
We can't wait to see everyone and hope that we get to spend a little time with you all!
For our out of town guests we have reserved rooms at the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa and the modern Comfort Inn next door. The two hotels are directly connected via skybridge and are one block from the Sixteenth Street Mall and Denver Pavilions, within walking distance from the convention center and state capitol and just minutes from major sports venues, museums, and attractions.
To arrive from DIA the are a few options…
SUPER SHUTTLE - $21 per person per trip.
TAXI - $46 Flat fee to downtown.
PRIVATE TOWN CAR - $50 Flat fee which includes complimentary beverages of your choice. Car fits 2-3. Contact Mahad in advance of arrival or departure at 303-931-2277. All major rental car companies do business out of DIA – Valet parking is available at the Brown Palace.
Rooms are set aside at each hotel Brown Palace and Comfort Inn at a discounted rate. Brown Palace is $189 per night.
Brown Palace Hotel
www.brownpalace.com
321 17th St
Denver, CO 80202
(800) 321-2599.
COMFORT INN
www.denvercomfortinn.com
401 17th St
Denver, CO 80202
(800) 237-7431
Comfort Inn is $109 per night.
Reservations must be made over the phone and please let them know that your are here for the Ervin/Papantonio reception.
Jill and I want to thank everyone for visiting our website and being a part of our lives. We thought this website would be a perfect way for you all to share in our honeymoon experience and we can't wait to post all our pictures. Please check back to see all of our moments! Thank you all so much!
