From a Hinge Swipe (or Three) to “I Do”: Emily & Monica’s Micro Destination Wedding

Some love stories start with fireworks. Others start with margaritas…and a third attempt at swiping right.

Meet Emily and Monica, a couple whose destination wedding this past July was intimate, joyful, and overflowing with personality. And who was there to capture it all but a little green rotary phone from yours truly. 😉

A Modern Love Story (with a Slight Delay)

Emily and Monica met on Hinge after Monica relocated back to her hometown of Ohio. Fun fact? It took Emily three tries to swipe right on Monica. (Proof that sometimes the universe really needs you to double or triple check your choices.)

After about two weeks of chatting, they met in person for their first date at a Mexican restaurant. Monica arrived late (iconic), margaritas were ordered, and somewhere between the chips and salsa…they fell in love.

Emily came into the relationship as a proud boy mom, divorced and raising two incredible sons. And together, Emily and Monica built a love story that felt deeply intentional, honest, and uniquely theirs. 

Professional photos by Be Boulder Photography

Why They Chose a Small Destination Wedding

Last summer, Emily and Monica said “I do” at Wedgewood at Boulder Creek in Colorado, surrounded by just 43 of their closest people. This was a true micro wedding, and a masterclass in doing things your own way, with solely the people who matter most.

Because it was so intimate, they actually got to talk to everyone. No rushed hugs. No table hopping. Just real conversations, bonding, and memories that felt meaningful.

And since it was a destination wedding, the celebration didn’t stop at the ceremony. The vibe?
✨ Party from the moment they landed until the moment they boarded the plane home. ✨

They hosted a “Welcome to Boulder” welcome dinner on Saturday, tied the knot on Sunday, and offered a pro tip we fully endorse: Plan your wedding over a holiday weekend. With the 4th of July falling on a Friday, guests had extra time to travel, relax, and celebrate all weekend long. Absolutely genius.

Enter: The Audio Guest Book 

Emily is the self-proclaimed keeper of memories. She knew she wanted a wedding guest book, but Monica was firmly anti-clutter.

Then Monica discovered After The Tone on Instagram about six months before the wedding.

• A wedding guest book without pages.

• A keepsake without clutter.

• A way to hear the voices of the people you love forever.

Sold.

The green rotary phone audio guest book fit their vibe perfectly and became a favorite detail of the weekend. Guests picked up the phone, left heartfelt messages, funny stories, and words of love, capturing the energy of the weekend in the most authentic way possible.

And in the ultimate romantic move? Emily gifted Monica the vinyl of their recorded messages as a wedding gift. 💚

Favorite Moments They’ll Never Forget

When we asked each bride about their highlight of the day, their answers said it all:

Monica: Seeing Emily in her dress for the first time during their first look.

Emily: Her boys walking her down the aisle, and her 9-year-old asking “Mommy, is that really you?” upon first seeing her. OK TEARS!

Oh, and because Emily and Monica don’t do boring: There was a drag queen surprise at the reception. Obviously.

These are the kinds of memories that hit differently when you can hear them again years later.

Advice from the Couple:

Emily and Monica’s wisdom is gold, especially for couples considering a small wedding or destination wedding:

• Keep it intimate. Fewer people = deeper connections.
  

• Hire good vendors and trust them.
  

• Pay for quality. You truly get what you pay for, and great vendors take care of you.
  

Final Thoughts

Emily and Monica’s wedding was proof that love doesn’t need a massive guest list to be monumental. Their destination micro wedding was intentional, inclusive, wildly fun, and filled with moments worth remembering forever.

We’re so honored that After The Tone could play a small part in preserving their story, one voicemail at a time.

Planning your own destination wedding or small celebration? An audio guest book might just be your favorite detail.

Vendors

Venue: Wedgewood on Boulder Creek

Photographer: Be Boulder Photography | @beboulderphotography

Content Creator: Amanda Korb, Wild Vow Content Co | @wildvowcontentco