CHERRY CREEK FASHION — Planning For The Future With Katie Wafer Of Hydrate IV Bar

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ESTHER LEE LEACH AT THE JACQUARD HOTEL & ROOFTOP

WRITTEN BY ANNIE BLOJ // CULTURE & STYLE EDITOR

GOWNS: LITTLE WHITE DRESS BRIDAL

MAKEUP: AMY DICKERSON FOR LIVE LOVE LASH // HAIR: MACKENZIE DAVIS FOR KENZE HAIR STUDIO

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Katie Wafer, owner of Hydrate IV bar is as busy in her professional life as she is in her personal life. Engaged to Carl Gillberg, we wanted to find out more about their love story and see what this experience, particularly during this year has been like for her. Planning a wedding during a pandemic as well as growing an increasingly successful business is sure to be a unique challenge, and we couldn’t wait to find out more about her plans.

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The Hildie Dress by Carolina Herrera at Little White Dress Bridal Boutique

Annie Bloj: Katie, first off, Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Can you share how you and Carl met?

Katie Wafer: Carl & I met at our friend’s wedding in Mexico! We lived on the same street in Denver, practiced at the same yoga studio, and have mutual friends, but had never crossed paths until then. It was the perfect timing for both of us!

AB: How did you know that Carl was going to be your partner for life, and how did he propose?

KW: From day one Carl has put a smile on my face and has given me a sense of peace. I love spending time with him and am fortunate that we share so many of the same interests. Two of our favorite past times are traveling and snowboarding, which made Carl’s proposal absolutely perfect! We had just arrived on top of a mountain in Telluride when Carl got down on one knee. Our close friends were with us to document the special moment. As if our adrenaline wasn’t already pumping, we heli-skied to make the vacation even more memorable!

AB: What have you had to consider this year when thinking about planning your wedding, how has it all come together?

KW: Planning a wedding in these times comes with its challenges but at the end of the day this moment is for Carl and me and no matter what happens we are so excited to marry each other. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with ever-changing plans, finances, and other's opinions. It hasn’t been easy but he and I remind one another of what we can control and what is absolutely out of our control. We’ve considered relocating venues and changing the date and have had to adjust our guest list. Fortunately, we have supportive friends and family who understand the circumstances and ultimately want the day to be as special as possible for him and me. The good news is, we are very hopeful that our dream wedding will look as close to what we imagined it would as restrictions are lifting and we are fortunate that we did not relocate or change our date!

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The France Gown by Naeem Khan at Little Whire Dress Bridal Boutique

AB: As the owner of Hydrate IV bar, you are personally and professionally invested in wellness and health. What are you doing to prepare for the big day? Have you made any changes?

KW: I’m extremely fortunate to work alongside the most amazing people and businesses to help me prepare for the big day. They have all helped take my day-to-day self-care to the next level so I look and feel my best. You can find me frequenting businesses like CYL Sauna Studio, RISE Nation, Lagree Luxe, and Clean Juice. My favorite one-stop-shop for all beauty needs is Live Love Lash where I can enjoy a massage, facial, wax, lashes, spray tan, and nails, as well as get my hair done by Kenze Hair Studio. Hydrate IV Bar shares a building with these amazing practitioners and I love the convenience of having an IV or injection administered while I’m in an appointment for any of the above. Lastly, Michael Moore at Moore For Life provides me with the most amazing, customized skin and makeup products!

AB: How do you see Hydrate IV Bar assisting brides-to-be in their bridal journey?

KW: Proper hydration and nutrition are essential, especially when you’re on the go and planning a wedding. The services at Hydrate IV Bar can help manage stress, boost immunity, increase energy, all of which I have found crucial during this time! Our medical team can also travel off-site to help with the recovery process for all wedding festivities- engagement parties, showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and of course the wedding weekend. There’s so much to celebrate and a hangover is the last item on the agenda. Carl and I are getting married in Aspen and don’t want to risk altitude sickness for those who are traveling and not accustomed to the elevation. Having our nurses on site to assist during the week will be a huge relief!

AB: What are you most looking forward to as you begin your life together?

KW: Carl and I are thrilled to start a family together. We both come from large families and having (lots) of babies has always been the plan! He and I both own businesses, have two dogs, and active lifestyles, and learning how to navigate a new life with children in the mix is both exciting and scary. Family will always be the priority though!