An Outdoor Autumn Wedding in Mancos

Joanna & Max  | October 14th

 

From the bride: My inspiration was outdoor elegance with light toned autumnal colors and dark accents. My family owns the property we were married on so much of the design and inspiration was related to the aesthetic of the land. The bridesmaids wore a range of champagne and blush dresses and the groomsmen wore matching grey suits.

 

Florals - An Outdoor Autumn Wedding in Mancos, Colorado

 

THE FLOWERS

We picked and made the bridal bouquets from a combination of foraged plants, lavender we grew specifically for the bouquets, and a few select flowers from April’s Garden.

 

Bride - Florals - An Outdoor Autumn Wedding in Mancos, Colorado

Flowers | An Outdoor Autumn Wedding in Mancos, Colorado

Rings | An Outdoor Autumn Wedding in Mancos, Colorado

Flowers | An Outdoor Autumn Wedding in Mancos, ColoradoFlowers | An Outdoor Autumn Wedding in Mancos, ColoradoFlowers | An Outdoor Autumn Wedding in Mancos, ColoradoFlowers | An Outdoor Autumn Wedding in Mancos, ColoradoBridesmaids | Outdoor Autumn Wedding in Mancos, ColoradoBride & Groom | An Outdoor Autumn Wedding in Mancos, ColoradoFall wedding ceremony in a field in Mancos, ColoradoFloral covered ceremony archFloral covered ceremony arch

 

THE CEREMONY

Our ceremony was located in a field that guests had to cross a bridge to get to. The altar was made from aspen trees and decorated in a beautiful garland made by April’s Garden. The ceremony was officiated by a dear friend. Our dog, Akela was our ring bearer. We had a Persian rug for Max and I to stand on. We crafted our own vows, it was an absolute highlight of the ceremony.

 

Fall outdoor ceremony in a field in Mancos, ColoradoFall outdoor ceremony in a field in Mancos, ColoradoAn Outdoor Autumn Wedding in MancosAn Outdoor Autumn Wedding in MancosAn Outdoor Autumn Wedding in Mancos

 

THE RECEPTION

The reception was located in a tent in the adjacent field. We ate an incredible meal by Durangourmet of elk tenderloin and salmon. Our band, The Diamond Empire Band, put on a classic, creative, and upbeat show!

 

tent wedding in Mancos, Colorado

 

THE DÉCOR

Barn wood tables, eclectic floral patterned plates, a range of silk napkins that were my grandmothers, numerous candles of various sizes and centerpieces with fall foliage adorned every table.

 

tent wedding in Mancos, Coloradofall reception centerpiecetable numbers and all reception centerpiecefall reception centerpiecefall reception centerpiecefall reception centerpiece

 

THE FAVORS

Our favors were bundles of garlic grown in our garden and handcrafted olive oil from friends in Tuscany.

 

homegrown garlic wedding favros from the gardengarlic wedding favorsOlive Oil wedding favorsOlive Oil wedding favorsTent weddingTent reception

 

THE WEATHER

The reception was insanely cold, somewhere around 23 degrees that night. I would say the ONLY regret I have is not making the tent warm enough. After dinner everyone put on square beanies from the 80s and danced like crazy to keep warm. It was pretty hilarious.

 

Dance party under a tent

 

ADVICE

Wedding planning is stressful and is all too easy to lose sight of how important and celebratory this transformational ritual is. Don’t wish the engagement period away or become fixated on little details. Be present in the process so when the best day of your life comes, you will be better prepared to stay present in the moment.

 

outdoor fall wedding in a field in Mancos, Colorado

 

THE WEDDING TEAM

Photographer & Video: Illuminarts. Drew went above and beyond to help me create the day. In many ways he was our wedding planner as well.

Flowers: April’s Garden. They really pay attention to your creative vision.

Caterer: Durangourmet. Jimmy is hands down amazing. Everyone devoured the delicious late night barbeque ribs.

Rehearsal Dinner: Ridgewood Event Center. I highly recommend for its rustic elegance and outstanding fall views.

Tent & Rentals: Durango Party Rental

 

 

 


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