A Whimsical & Joyous Wedding Day

Whitney & Nick | June 23, 2018

From the bride… Our wedding day theme was color and bloom. We urged guests to dress in floral prints and bold colors. The theme represented what our wedding day was like: whimsical and fun with summer vibes and lot of laughter and joy. We kept our wedding guest list small – at only 70 guests – to keep it intimate and personal.

PERSONAL TOUCHES

We hand designed the wedding from scratch and called on everyone we knew to help! Our bar was custom made by a local Durango friend, all with free pallet boards we found around town. The paper flower installation on the pergola was hand-done by a group of about 15 of my best friends. Our friend sang and played the ukelele during processional. The lighting installation was done by the groomsmen and groom. The cake was baked by a friend from high school. All of the pies were homemade by guests attending.  I hand-crafted all the cocktails and then made them with my cousin’s distilled vodka and bourbon from Cutwater Spirits. We also had friends help in making the event happen – hair and makeup were done by two best friends, we were married by a groomsman, and our bartender was another long-time friend. It was so special to have so many people we knew play a part in putting our wedding together for us. It took a village!

THE CEREMONY

Our ceremony was outdoors underneath a giant willow tree. The backdrop was a pond and the Colorado mountains. The pergola was dressed with giant handmade paper flowers in all different colors. Highlights were the intimate setting, our dog being in the processional, ordainment done by a friend, and vow exchange. And the kiss!

I now understand why people say that their wedding day is one of the best days of their lives – it’s truly a un-describable moment when you profess vows to your best friend and partner and hear them in return.

THE RECEPTION

Everything was outdoors in a wide, open meadow with a gorgeous red barn in one corner and a pond in the other. We had a ceiling of lights above the dance floor.

THE FIRST DANCE

Our first dance was beautiful. We were unable to do sparklers as planned due to the 416 fire, but we improvised and did bubbles instead. We danced under the lights with bubbles everywhere and at the very end our guests popped rainbow colored confetti, a complete surprise to us. We danced to the first song we said “I Love You” to: Zac Brown Band’s “Free”.

ADVICE

Plan, Plan, Plan! Then, when the time comes, call upon every friend you have. They want to help – are honored to help – and you will need all the hands you can get. Then, make sure to thank them when the day is all done. Lastly, hire a day-of coordinator. It’s worth the money and takes the stress off of the bride and groom.

THE WEDDING TEAM

Photographer, Video & Photo Booth: Shutterfreek
Rentals: Durango Party Rental
Caterer: Strater Catering
Hair & Makeup: Holly Whatcott & Taylor Woolverton, Hair Fusion

Venue: Wagon Road Ranch / Day of Event Planner: Emily Spencer / DJ: DJ CodeStar / Musicians: Bailey B Sings / Wedding Gown Designer: BHLDN. Altered by Durango Couture / Bridesmaid Dresses: Plum Pretty Sugar / Men’s Wear: H&M with custom floral Etsy ties

Honeymoon Location: Barcelona, Spain