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Alana & Michael | September 29, 2018
From the bride… Mike’s family is from Montana, Idaho, and Texas. Mine is in New Mexico and California. We looked at several venues in New Mexcio, Idaho, and Colorado. Durango was beautiful, River Bend Ranch was perfect, and owners Jenny and Dan were amazing. So, we picked River Bend Ranch for our wedding.
THE VISION
We wanted our wedding to be us. We love the outdoors, and we’re both from smaller towns. We wanted our wedding to be sweet, relaxed, and beautiful. We also wanted to keep a tight budget. I really wanted to wear boots (Macie Bean Rose Garden Boots) with my wedding dress. Our colors were variations of each of our favorite colors- peach, and navy.
THE FLOWER GIRL
The daughter of one of bridesmaids decided she was going to be my flower girl (we did not arrange for this), but she found her own basket and petals so that she could.
THE CEREMONY
We held the ceremony outside at River Bend Ranch surrounded by a pond, beautiful trees, and the afternoon sunlight. My son, Noam walked me walked me down the aisle and then stood with Mike’s groomsmen.
I loved that everyone laughed when we played the Imperial March (Star Wars) just before playing the processional.
My son decided that he should be in the middle holding our hands instead of me just holding Mike’s hand after the ceremony. He loves Mike.
THE RECEPTION DECOR
We had fairy lights, logs, peach flowers, and lots of smiling people.
THE DANCING
My favorite reception memory was our first dance.
ADVICE
We ignored (for the most part) what everyone else wanted and put together a day that would make us happy. We planned this together. I think that is the best way to do this.
THE WEDDING TEAM
Venue: River Bend Ranch. The property is beautiful and the owners are amazing and helpful.
DJ: Mr. Soul Entertainment | Photographer: Monika Leopold
Jordan & Lukas | April 4, 2018
From the bride… We wanted to keep everything simple and classy but very much us. We felt that everything we put in place truly reflected our relationship and wishes.
A SPECIAL GIFT
I had suddenly lost my grandfather, whom I was very close with. Lukas surprised me the day of our wedding with a gold aspen leaf necklace. In Celtic culture and tradition, a gold aspen leaf is believed to be a gateway to your ancestors. I wore it that day in memory of my grandfather.
THE CEREMONY
We were married outside on the lawn at Ridgewood Event Center. It was a little chilly, but the sun was shining and the sky was clear. The ceremony was super windy, making it a little hard to hear. As we prepared to say our vows, the wind just suddenly stopped, and you could hear perfectly. As weird as it sounds, I truly believe that was so my grandfather could hear us dedicate our lives to each other. It was sooo special!
The toasts and dancing were our favorite parts of the evening! Our first dance with each other and our parents are moments we will not forget!
THE FAVORS
Everyone loved the Honeyville party favors!
ADVICE
Do as much as you can planning wise early, and make sure to soak it all in. Enjoy the day with your family and friends, and make sure to look at your bride or groom as they walk down the aisle- it is the most special view in the whole world.
THE WEDDING TEAM
Venue, Flowers, Event Design & Planning: Ridgewood Event Center. Joan is absolutely AMAZING. Use her, you will not regret it!!!
Photographer, Photo Booth & Video: Shutterfreek
Favors: Honeyville
Taco Bar: Serious Texas Bar-B-Q. We did a “Make your own taco” bar with Texas taco fixings.
Caterer: CJs | Honeymoon Location: St.Lucia!
If Halloween is your holiday and you love gothic glam, skeletons, black, and the vibrant colors of Day of the Dead celebrations, then these creative ideas will inspire you to plan a frightfully fun evening your guests will never forget.
1.
Set the tone with a deathly invitation.
2.
Have your wedding photos taken in a spooky graveyard. See more from this wedding >>
3.
Carry a sugar skull ring box down the aisle. See more of this Day of the Dead wedding >>
4.
Exchange eulogies instead of vows as this couple did. See more from this wedding >>
5.
Decorate your tables with black florals, skulls, tarot cards, and spirit boards. See more from this wedding >>
6.
For dessert or as seating cards, serve voodoo gingerbread cookies.
7.
A bride & groom or bride & bride skeleton cake topper is a must-have!
8.
For entertainment, hire a fortune teller and a tarot card reader.
9.
Wear stylish leather jackets professing your love for each other.
10.
Drive off into the sunset in a vintage hearse. See more from this wedding >>
We have been busy reading wedding blogs, magazines, and following the top industry pros on Instagram and Pinterest looking for wedding ideas we’d love to see in Durango. Here are a few of the trending styles we’ve spotted this month.
1. Layered Plant Entrances with Floral Lined Aisles and Statement Trees
Mother Nature is the stage when you create an organic greenery-inspired entrance overflowing with potted flowers and plants leading to a majestic statement tree.
Photo by Michelle Beller via Source // Photo by Melia Lucida via Source
2. A Windy Entrance
We love this use of grass, ferns, and greenery to create a natural and organic yet defined aisle. All eyes are guaranteed to be on the bride with this entrance.
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Photo by Jose Villa, designed by Jenna Lam Events
3. The Reception Reveal
Move all those potted plants from your ceremony entrance to the reception, then add in lots of candles and florals, and close the drapes. Your guests will spend the cocktail hour wondering what’s behind the curtains. As an added bonus, this gives your photographer time to capture all the pretty detail shots.
Photo by Michelle Beller via Source // Photo by Katie Stoops via Source
4. Layered Table Decor
From the chair selection to the dinnerware to hanging chandeliers, creating layers adds dimension and interest to your reception. Mix high and low centerpieces on the tables with various heights of candles then add overhead florals layered with strings of lights, Edison bulbs, and more candles.
Photo by Marie Sundan via Source // Photo by Greer Gattuso via Source
5. Grazing Tables
Move over boring cheese platters and passed Hors d’oeuvres. This Australia trend is all about the food and conversation. These beautifully styled tables are overflowing with foods meant for grazing: fresh fruits, veggies, breads, dips, sweets and more. Make sure you snap a pic before everyone digs in.
Via source
6. Floating Cake Displays
From floral swings to rustic arches, couples are finding creative ways to showcase their wedding cake. It is after all, probably the most expensive dessert you’ve ever ordered so give it the spotlight it deserves.
Photo by Michelle Beller via Source // Photo by Alexandra Vonk via Source
See more stylish Wedding Ideas >> // Pinterest inspo >>
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Durango, Colorado Wedding Guide. The #1 resource to plan a destination wedding or elopement in Southwest Colorado. Find amazing wedding locations, fabulous wedding vendors, local wedding inspiration, tips, and advice to plan the perfect Durango area wedding. Durango Weddings Magazine is a planning resource guide, print magazine, wedding blog, and producer of the annual Durango Wedding Expo. Read more
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