Devil’s Thumb Ranch Wedding

The second I saw Annaleigh in her blush pink wedding gown, I knew I was in for a treat. Then I saw the ceremony setup, the Colorado mountains, the rustic reception space, and the flowers, and I was completely in la-la land. Really, how could you not fall for this wedding shot by Laura Murray Photography and styled by Love This Day Events?

From the bride, Annaleigh: We wanted the wedding to feel vintage and rustic, but still classy and chic. An elegant vintage sensibility offset by the idyllic mountains of Colorado. Think Anne of Green Gables meets Mumford and Sons meets John Steinbeck. With help from my friend and graphic designer Nicolas Coburn, we designed the stationery. Invites were mailed in gray envelopes calligraphed by Heather Brock of Marcardin Calligraphy. Many of the paper elements for the big day I created by downloading my favorite fonts and illustrating elements myself. The program was painted on large wooden signs flanking the entrance to the ceremony area, which was adorned with a ribbon curtain made by me in my dressing room in NYC. Intertwined barbed-wire hearts were the finishing touch. There was burlap bunting made by my grandparents that hung at the ceremony site and all over the cocktail area.

Bouquet recipe: Peonies, garden roses, astilbe, clematis, and protea.

A family friend made ribbon wands, which were given to guests along with vellum envelopes with sunglasses that read “Don’t get blinded by our love.” Kazoos for joining in as the Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love” played during the recessional were also supplied. With help from cast mates, I made stir sticks for the wedding and rehearsal dinner to garnish the cocktail glasses. The Ranch’s Broad Axe Barn was transformed for the reception, with a mix of long and round tables dressed up with brown apothecary bottles. Kara Delay of Love This Day Events hung a floral and bay leaf garland over the head table and marquee-style letters spelling “LOVE” in front of the fireplace. I also made madlibs and crossword puzzles for each place setting, which were labeled with calligraphed cards displayed in gold animal figurines crafted by a pal. Friends surprised us with custom favors for everyone—wood coasters carved with the invitation’s monogram and the wedding date. A costume rack with Western wear and 10 different wigs were set up next to the photo booth so people could get into the spirit for their snapshots.

See Also

Vail Mountain Wedding With Pheasant Feathers & Pops of Red

Any advice for couples planning their weddings now? Always have a little extra money saved up because things come up out of no where! Pinterest is magic! If you can’t take a honeymoon, at least take a couple days to spend together – you will need a few days to recover!

Wedding Music:
Celisse Henderson, a singer-songwriter friend of the mine, played “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” by Elton John on the ukulele as I walked down the aisle.
Recessional: “All Your Need is Love,” The Beatles

From the photographer, Laura Murray: Annaleigh and Joe planned the most perfect, rustic getaway for their guests. Annaleigh and Joe live in New York and work as actors. So, when planning their wedding they wanted a place that felt like an escape from the hectic-paced city life. Devil’s Thumb Ranch just outside of Winter Park, Colorado was the ideal fit. They chose a Monday for the wedding day — which I love! Who says that a wedding should only take place on a weekend! And Kara Delay with Love This Day Events designed a gorgeous space for both the reception and the ceremony. Their wedding day brought quite a bit of rain — but in between bursts of rain we were able to fit in an outdoor ceremony. However, near their vows their rain picked up quite a bit. It was so romantic to watch Annaleigh and Joe say their vows cuddled under an umbrella.

Wedding Location: Tabernash, CO / Photographer: Laura Murray Photography / Event Design and Flowers: Love This Day Events / Wedding Venue: Devil’s Thumb Ranch / Wedding Dress: BHLDN / Hair: Christina Trostel of The Parlour / Makeup: Craig Jessup / Groom’s Suit: J. Crew / Bow Ties: Tie the Knot / Pies: Costco / Ceremony Musician: Celisse Henderson / Music: Tip Top Entertainment / Wedding Invitations: Bride and Nicolas Coburn / Calligraphy: Marcardin Calligraphy / Photobooth: ear2ear Photobooths