A local couple who met and became engaged at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) will receive the royal treatment October 20, 2012 when they welcome 125 of their family and friends to their wedding reception at the historic Highlands Ranch Mansion. John Kiaha and Savannah Johnson were engaged on the fourth anniversary of the day they met at her UNC sorority house, and recently became the first couple to reserve the historic Mansion for their special celebration.
A Highlands Ranch native, Savannah attended elementary school at Bear Canyon and Summit View Elementary Schools, where she sang holiday songs in the choir in front of the Mansion during the Highlands Ranch Metro District’s Holiday Celebration years ago. She graduated from Mountain Vista High School in 2006.
Always impressed with the location, Savannah said she loved the views and fell in love with the Mansion again while touring it as she considered it for her wedding reception venue. “At the Mansion, we feel we can spread out and enjoy the history. The space was impressive. It’s nice to rent the whole Mansion for our guests to enjoy, she added. “I think the location and space makes it a great place for our reception.”
They plan to host their reception in the Carriage House Pavilion, which is currently under construction. Dancing will be in the Solarium, a historic room in the Mansion. John and Savannah plan to shoot their engagement photos there too after the renovation work is complete.
John graduated from UNC last year with a History degree, and is a student teacher. He plans to be a teacher in the Cherry Creek School District, where he attended school and graduated from Eaglecrest High School. He describes his first visit to the Mansion by saying, “I was impressed with how lovely everything was and how well the grounds were maintained. I loved the idea of having the grand ballroom. We wanted a place with history and a bit of culture. We also liked the scenic background.”
Savannah graduates from UNC later this month with a Nursing degree. She also holds a Dietetics degree from UNC.
Having access to the entire Mansion was also a plus for the couple. Savannah added that they are excited to see the Mansion after the renovation is complete.
Appreciating the history of this grand building, John said the Mansion sits at the center of the community, so where better to have an event this significant than in the heart of the community.
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