Sam and Kate’s micro wedding in the Colorado mountains was a beautiful reminder of why I love being a micro wedding photographer. Their entire day was filled with heartfelt moments and meaningful authentic touches like the adorable cocktail napkins featuring their pup, the soulful acoustic music, and the stunning sunset cake-cutting moment. It truly embodied the essence of a Colorado micro wedding. Today, I’m genuinely excited to share their heartwarming love story at The Spires Ranch.
A Unique Love Story
I first learned of Kate and Sam’s journey to this incredible day when we were neighbors at the same apartment complex. It was fate that brought us together, and our friendship was instant. I still recall meeting Sam by the pool, as he excitedly shared his plans to propose to his wonderful girlfriend, Kate. I couldn’t have been happier for them!
Their shared passion for the great outdoors was apparent from the get-go and further proven by their rooftop tent on their SUV and Halloween costumes as Epic and Ikon ski passes. Sam even embarked on a solo mountain biking journey for his bachelor party, showing his adventurous spirit. Now, let me tell you about Kate; she’s truly remarkable. As an architect, she has a talent for flipping houses, and the strength to move mountains (or at very least boulders… as an avid weightlifter, she slays it in the gym)!
Dreaming of an Intimate Mountain Wedding
Kate and Sam envisioned a wedding that would be a perfect reflection of their deep love for the Colorado outdoors and one another. They longed for an intimate celebration nestled amongst the mountains, surrounded by the beauty of nature and their closest loved ones. With a guest list of about 30 cherished family members and friends, their day promised to be a warm and love-filled gathering. Of course, their sweet pup, Abe, played an adorable role in their joyous celebration too!
Wedding Venue Tours and Good Conversation
About six weeks before their big day, I had the pleasure of joining Sam, Kate, and Abe on a carpool journey for their venue tour. As soon as I set foot on The Spires Ranch, I was mesmerized by the 360-degree mountain vistas enveloping the property. With panoramic mountain views, every backdrop was guaranteed to be breathtaking.
Afterward, we decided to cap off the evening with a visit to The Golden Mill, and let me tell you, it was an absolute blast! Sharing laughs and stories with this incredible couple and their sweet pup was a delightful part of the planning process, and I couldn’t have been happier about it.
A Seamless Planning Process
Kate and Sam were true trailblazers, wholeheartedly embracing my revamped wedding planning workflow, and the results were an easy, personalized, and high-touch experience. They diligently filled out a timeline planning questionnaire, allowing me to craft a personalized plan that catered to their unique vision. We hopped on Zoom to meticulously refine the finer details, leaving no stone unturned.
Once we had everything perfected, the plan was swiftly dispatched to Sam, Kate, and their trusted vendors. Thanks to their proactive mindset and impeccable communication, both the planning journey and the actual wedding day unfolded seamlessly, making it a joy for everyone involved.
A Picture-Perfect Day
Mama Earth blessed us with spectacular weather for their cozy microwedding. Although some mischievous clouds teased us with the possibility of rain, they kindly held off, giving us a picture-perfect day. The persistent afternoon clouds turned out to be a blessing in disguise, casting a soft, flattering light that made our photos shine even more. And as the day slowly transformed into evening, a jaw-dropping sunset unfolded before us, painting the sky with fiery hues. It was truly a gift from nature on this special day.
Capturing Priceless Moments
Sam and Kate made the brilliant choice to prepare for their big day right at The Spires Ranch, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. In the true spirit of a micro wedding, the morning was filled with relaxation and pure enjoyment for everyone involved. Sam had the opportunity to get ready, have some portraits taken, and simply unwind with Abe, all while taking in the breathtaking Colorado mountain vistas. Meanwhile, inside the cozy cabin, Kate was busy with her hair and makeup preparations. The atmosphere was brimming with excitement and fun, setting the ideal tone for their intimate celebration.
Capturing those getting-ready moments with Kate in the cabin was an absolute delight. She looked stunning as a bride, and her whole vibe was classic glam – simply breathtaking! But what added an especially delightful (and practical) twist to her classic glam look was her choice of footwear – sneakers!
Yep, you read that right. Instead of “traditional” bridal shoes, Kate rocked a pair of sneakers, allowing her to navigate the mountainside terrain with ease. I couldn’t help but appreciate how they added a touch of whimsy to her classic glam attire. And, of course, we made sure to capture these fabulous details in some unforgettable bridal portraits.
Intimate Moments: First Look, Private Vows, and Portraits
Once the final touches of getting ready were complete, we ventured to a different part of the mountain for a moment that always tugs at my heartstrings – the first look and private vow reading. Let me tell you, I absolutely adore these intimate moments. They allow the couple to step away from the hustle and bustle, creating a sacred space just for them.
Their first look was absolutely precious, and Sam’s emotional reaction upon seeing Kate said it all. It was an honor and pure joy to capture that memory in photographs. Their private vows were equally beautiful and moving, filled with deep sentiments and personal stories that brought along some tears with it.
Following these intimate moments, we seized the opportunity to capture some wedding portraits with the breathtaking Colorado mountain backdrop. With the relaxed timeline typical of micro weddings, Sam and Kate even had some downtime to savor these precious moments before moving on to the signing of their marriage certificate, Ketubah, and ceremony.
Embracing Tradition and Furry Friends
Before the wedding ceremony, they took part in the important ritual of signing their marriage certificate and Ketubah, a significant tradition in Jewish weddings. What made this moment even more special was the participation of their beloved pup, Abe, who left his adorable pawprint as a witness. While Abe may not have been entirely thrilled about completing the paperwork, his participation added a unique and genuine touch that will be remembered fondly by all. This is just one of the countless reasons why I adore Colorado weddings.
The Mountain-Top Ceremony
Sam and Kate’s ceremony was a heartfelt stunner. The weather was great with clouds providing soft, flattering light. The love and support from their nearest and dearest loomed joyous in the air with live acoustic music further adding to the mountain magic.
An Emotional Aisle Walk
Now, let’s talk about raw, unfiltered emotions. Despite having a first look with Kate earlier in the day, Sam’s eyes were still brimming with tears as she walked down the aisle. His emotion further proves that a first look doesn’t steal the thunder from that magical moment of meeting your partner on the aisle. The authenticity and intensity of emotions were undiminished, making for an incredibly touching and unforgettable moment.
Adding to the personal charm of their wedding and in keeping with Jewish tradition, Sam and Kate incorporated a wine ceremony into their special day. Now, I have to confess, Kate wasn’t exactly a fan of the ceremony wine’s taste, but, hey, that’s all part of the adventure, right? It gave us some hilarious and genuine moments to capture, and I couldn’t help but smile as I photographed Kate’s amusing reactions. It’s these distinct and candid moments that make each wedding so uniquely beautiful.
Family Moments and a Family-Style Dinner
Following their mountaintop ceremony, it was time to capture some family photos before heading inside the ranch for an intimate dinner. The team of vendors truly outdid themselves, creating a fantastic atmosphere that embodied their boho micro wedding. The florals and colors perfectly complemented their earthy fall palette, featuring rich reds and burnt oranges that added to the cozy and inviting ambiance.
For dinner, Cranelli’s from Lone Tree catered a delightful Italian spread, featuring salads, garlic knots, eggplant parmesan, and chicken pesto that lined the plates on the long dinner table. I adore the single-family-style dinner table at micro weddings. It creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a lively and intimate family dinner that’s hard to surpass.
A Moment for Abe
And let’s not forget about their adorable pup, Abe, who was an integral part of the whole celebration. The thoughtfulness that went into including him was evident, from his smiling face on the cocktail napkins to his moment of stardom as the cake topper. It was a precious touch that brought smiles to everyone’s faces, and he even reveled in his elite spot set beside the newlyweds at the dinner table. It’s these little details that make a wedding so uniquely special and memorable.
Capturing Colorado’s Beauty at Sunset
As the day slowly neared its end, we made our way to the mountain’s peak to capture some gorgeous sunset portraits. This location, overlooking the Cathedral Spires, proved to be nothing short of perfection—a spot that not only embraced the beauty of Colorado but also embodied the essence of the mountaintop micro wedding Sam and Kate had dreamed of.
Cake-Cutting Under the Vibrant Sky
While they were getting ready for their cake-cutting, I couldn’t help but notice how the sunset had transformed the sky with its vibrant hues. Without hesitation, we seized the opportunity to bring the cake outside, setting up a table under the colorful Colorado sky for this special moment. The scene was simply too extraordinary to miss.
A Relaxed Reception With Live Music
The reception was a truly memorable event. Instead of a traditional dance floor, they curated an experience that authentically represented them as a couple. Their reception overflowed with yard games, stunning vistas, and ample opportunities for meaningful connections with their guests. All of this was beautifully accompanied by the soothing melodies of acoustic music.
Acoustic jams hold a special place in my heart when it comes to micro weddings; they effortlessly complement the intimate atmosphere, and who can resist the charm of live music? It was indeed a wonderful way to conclude their special day.
Exploring The Spires Ranch: A Picturesque Micro Wedding Venue
Reflecting on that beautiful ceremony, I have to take a moment to gush about this incredible place. The grounds, the location, and the venue itself were nothing short of perfection for a mountain micro wedding. To enhance the ceremony’s natural beauty, they had a stunning Aspen-crafted arch adorned with beautiful florals, offering panoramic mountain views in every direction. While the ceremony space was undeniably breathtaking, the entire property at The Spires Ranch is a gem in itself.
Embracing Sustainability
Nestled atop a breathtaking mountain just south of Denver in the Front Range, The Spires Ranch stands as a truly remarkable wedding venue, fulfilling the dreams of anyone seeking an intimate mountain wedding. This spectacular ranch not only provides a stunning backdrop for celebrations but also serves as a testament to responsible land stewardship.
The dedicated team at The Spires Ranch has meticulously cared for their acreage in accordance with the Colorado State Forest Service Agricultural Plan. Their unwavering commitment to environmental conservation is evident in their efforts, including the planting of thousands of trees to rejuvenate the land following past fires.
Moreover, The Spires Ranch goes above and beyond in caring for its wooded terrain. They’re not just about planting trees; they take meticulous steps to reduce fire hazards, ensuring safe tree harvesting practices with the right spacing between crowns. Their commitment to responsible land management, along with their dedication to recycling and repurposing wood materials, truly struck a chord with me as someone who values sustainability.
I must admit, this aspect of The Spires Ranch made my heart swell with appreciation. It’s essential to keep in mind that they only host a limited number of weddings each year. So, if you’re dreaming of your own micro wedding at this exceptional venue, be sure to plan ahead and secure your spot.
Celebrating Intimate Mountain Micro Weddings
Kate and Sam’s micro wedding serves as a shining example of the allure of intimate mountain micro weddings. Typically hosting fewer than 50 guests, micro weddings seamlessly blend the best elements of traditional weddings with the intimacy of elopements. What truly stands out is their incredible flexibility. Micro weddings can be hosted in a variety of settings, including Airbnbs, VRBOs, private estates, intimate venues like the one here, or even conventional wedding venues.
The smaller guest count of micro weddings provides the opportunity for a more personalized location choice. With about 30 guests joining them, Sam and Kate had the freedom to select a venue that held profound personal significance. It’s a beautiful reminder that weddings are not just about the size of the guest list but about the depth of love between the couple and their closest friends and family.
In capturing Sam and Kate’s micro wedding, I was reminded once again of the profound beauty that lies in the intimate celebration of love. Their day, set amidst the breathtaking Colorado mountains, was a genuine testament to what a micro wedding embodies – an authentic union of two souls, embraced by their dearest loved ones, in a location teeming with deep personal significance.
Your Unique Adventure: Planning a Colorado Mountain Micro Wedding
As you embark on your own wedding planning journey, keep in mind that your wedding day is a page where you write the story of your love. Whether it’s read by a crowd or just a few cherished souls, its significance remains immeasurable.
If you’re considering a micro wedding, take inspiration from Sam and Kate’s beautiful day. Embrace the freedom to choose a location that speaks to your wild hearts and infuse every detail with personal significance. Your wedding is your unique adventure in the making, and there’s no greater joy than sharing that story with those who hold a special place in your heart.
Thank you for joining me on this journey, and may your own wedding day be filled with love, pure happiness, and cherished moments that will live in your hearts forever. If you’re ready to start planning your own micro wedding, reach out, and together we can begin this exciting process towards your intimate day.
Vendors:
Hair + Makeup: https://www.hautebyelisa.com/
Florals: https://floralartistryco.com/
Catering: https://cranellis.com/
Music: https://mikemasse.com/
Videography: https://wolfsvideography.com/portfolio/
Leave a Reply
Stress-Free Planning Unlocked!
Subscribe for your free microwedding + elopement planning timeline.
