The New Wedding Industry

Kim Ingino had done everything right. For months before her oldest daughter’s wedding, she vetted vendors carefully, calling references, and asking all the right questions. She felt confident until the morning of the ceremony. Then, the hairdresser simply flaked.

There was no apology or last-minute explanation. There was just a complete lack of response to calls, texts, or emails. In a matter of hours, a day defined by meticulous planning dissolved into what Ingino calls “unnecessary stress” as her daughter was forced to fix her own hair for one of the most important moments of her life.

It was a disaster that shouldn’t have happened. But for Ingino, it crystallized a gap in the Colorado market: While there are magazines for celebrities and A-listers, there wasn’t a dedicated community for the local wedding professionals who are creating incredible experiences for their couples.

“I wanted to promote professionals that won’t do that—true experts who will provide five-star service and show up for their couples,” says Ingino. “Helping them relax and know they are in good hands allows them to truly enjoy their day and celebrate their love.”

Beyond the “A-List”

Ingino has always loved weddings. She even enjoyed the chaos of planning for her two daughters. However, she realized that the photographers, florists, and planners who spend their careers making magic happen are often the creative talent of the event. They are always on their feet, managing everyone else’s emotions, and rarely celebrated themselves.

In the summer of 2024, she discovered Wed Society. Founded in Oklahoma nearly 20 years ago, the company has expanded to 30 markets nationwide by focusing on the top third of the market: trustworthy professionals who take their craft seriously. By curating this elite tier, Ingino is transforming these often “invisible” creators into celebrated leaders recognized for their technical genius. By that fall, she launched Wed Society Denver + Front Range to give these local small-business owners a platform to be seen.

Print as Validation

As this magazine reaches readers in mid-March, the industry is shifting gears. Engagement season, the rush of holiday proposals, is winding down. Meanwhile, Colorado’s true wedding season is preparing for its May takeoff, heading toward the now-peak months of September and October. This is when couples want the changing leaves and natural decoration of the mountains.

To bridge the gap between digital scrolling and real-world planning, Ingino released the inaugural “Colorado Book of Weddings.” It is a curated collection of 50 real Colorado weddings, ranging from rugged ranch views to sleek industrial spaces and even castles.

“40% of couples still want to see something in print when they’re planning,” says Ingino. For the vendors, seeing their work in a tangible book provides a level of validation that social media can’t always capture.

Lifting the Veil

On Feb. 6, the wedding industry showrunners finally got to put down their clipboards. Ingino hosted a cover reveal party at The Jacquard in Cherry Creek, a venue chosen specifically for its ability to transform from a corporate space into something “soft and beautiful.”

The atmosphere was dim and cinematic, reminiscent of a 1920s flapper cocktail lounge. Guests were greeted with a personalized welcome as they entered the first of three distinct spaces. The evening’s energy was fueled by a large sponsor list of a tight-knit business community, pulsing with loud music and spotlights as the crowd moved through the venue.

The event utilized the second-floor space where the walls disappear into the main room, creating a seamless flow for networking. Halfway through the night, a second room opened to reveal an incredible catering spread and a lavish dessert bar. It was here that Ingino and Wed Society co-founder Kami Huddleston delivered speeches leading up to a grand reveal of the inaugural cover.

The experience culminated in a third space: a hidden speakeasy serving martinis and hosting a photo booth. Every attendee walked away with their own copy of the book, a rare opportunity for these professionals to unwind and be the guest of honor.

“They’re always working, and then there’s a lot of work after the event, too,” says Ingino. “This was about letting them have a great party where they are celebrated in print.”

Building Trust for the Big Day

What Ingino is building is less about a publication and more about a standard of respect. She’s creating a network where professionals can build their own preferred lists of trusted peers. This ensures that no family has to experience the no-show disaster her daughter did.

“They’re all small business owners,” Ingino says. “We get to be their biggest fans because we see their work all the time and we get to promote it.”