Buckle up because we’re about to enter Netflix-romance-movie level with this Colorado ranch wedding! First, let’s set the scene. Shelby + Trevor handle daily operations on the family’s 30,000-acre private cattle ranch in Colorado. Already, all the elements are there: you’ve got a beautiful couple in love, who live on a dreamy ranch, and are surrounded by animals. (Admit it, you’d watch that.)
Jokes aside, these two had the most beautiful wedding with 10 guests right there on the ranch. Shelby reached out to root + gather events just about 2 months before the wedding date, already months into the pandemic. Planning the wedding on their private property meant full reign to customize the day:
Shelby wanted their wedding to be an eclectic mix of boho and western but gave us complete creative freedom and trusted our vision. We joked about the idea of incorporating ‘pretty dead things’ into the design (dried, foraged grasses + florals, skulls, etc). We wanted the color palette and design to complement the natural surroundings and feel like they belonged there. Though 2020 presented many challenges, this small celebration was a bright spot in the year and a testament that opting for a small wedding doesn’t have to mean compromising.
Among the vendor dream team, Alicia D’Elia Photography showed up camera in hand! We open on a glowing bride in a field of gold…
All the Bell Sleeves + Whistles
Hello! Love this bridal look! Shelby wore an Inbar Freiman bell-sleeve wedding dress from Little White Dress with the most beautiful Heritage Style turquoise jewelry,
And she carried a lush fall bouquet by Emma Lea Floral — SO stunning!
Colorado Ranch Wedding Ceremony
For the ceremony, the exterior stone wall of the home served as the focal point. Next, a custom-painted longhorn skull by Wanderlust Skulls was hung in the center. Finally, the stone was flanked by floral pillars that felt as if they were naturally growing in the space.
Even though the wedding was small, there was no lack of attention to detail—or joy, for that matter!
There were several personal details through — like the couple’s personal cowhides at the altar!
Yay!
Now presenting, the newlyweds — and Donna the dog!
*When the ladies match the florals.* LOVE IT.
Newlyweds on the Ranch
Shelby + Trevor arranged for one of the ranch hands to drop feed for their herd of cattle because these amazing golden hour portraits were necessary!
Shelby’s boho braid and loose curls by Wedlocks Bridal are SO good. And don’t even get us started on those bridal boots because you know we love them.
Such a beautiful shot by Alicia! (But this would totally be the cover art for the movie, right?!)
Most importantly, Garrett the Horse made an appearance. What a beauty!
The Cozy Tented Reception
The reception was set in a Nordic-style tent from Under the Sky Event Rentals. Guests enjoyed a cozy lounge area through a floral-adorned entrance.
Beautiful pieces from Wallflower Rentals filled out the space and set the table for dinner to follow!
As the sun began to set, GB Culinary served a farm-to-table dinner with beef sourced right from the family ranch.
Our story ends with the happy couple surrounded by their closest loved ones! Congrats to Shelby + Trevor!
photography: Alicia D'Elia Photography // venue name: Private Cattle Ranch, Fort Morgan, Colorado, USA // event design: root + gather events // planning: root + gather events // florals: Emma Lea Floral // wedding dress: Inbar Freiman // wedding dress boutique: Little White Dress // hair stylist: Wedlocks Bridal // makeup artist: Wedlocks Bridal // paper goods: GB Culinary // handmade details: Wanderlust Skulls // catering: GB Culinary // cake: GB Culinary // desserts: GB Culinary // tabletop rentals: Wallflower Rentals // furniture rentals: Wallflower Rentals // specialty rentals: Under the Sky Event Rentals // music: By The Lee // lighting: Under the Sky Event Rentals // cocktails: GB Culinary // turquoise jewelry: Heritage Style
