Shannon and Andrew’s Colorado Destination Wedding
Venue | Three Peaks Ranch
Event Design | Shannon Shows
Photographer | Ashley Medrano Photography
Videographer | Dynamic Films
Florist | Southern Charm Floral Colorado
Coordination | The Perfect Touch
Bar | Urban Cowgirl Mobile Bar
Wedding Dress | Brickhouse Bridal - Martina Liana Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses | Revelry
Hair & Makeup | Taylor Olson & Danea Sutton
Debating on whether a destination wedding in Colorado is right for you? Here is your sign!
From Fredericksburg, TX to Westcliffe, CO
When the planning began, Shannon and Andrew were originally set to have a large wedding in Fredericksburg, Texas. They were far into the process and everything had been booked and chosen for their big day until one day the decided to make it a more intimate celebration with their closest family and friends in Colorado! You all probably know by now that Colorado is one of my favorite places so it didn’t take me more than 5 seconds to get on board. And let me tell you, it was gorgeous. They had the chance to celebrate all weekend long with their guests and you could just feel the love and joy surrounding them.
Starting the Weekend with a First Look
We started their destination adventure with a first look TWO days prior to the wedding day. This included a first look for the bride and groom, private vows and so much time us to adventure around the town of Westcliffe, CO capturing the sweetest and most memorable photos of the soon to be husband and wife.
Wedding Day at Three Peaks Ranch
After two relaxing days of soaking in time with each other and their guests during their welcome dinner, it was finally wedding day! Three Peaks Ranch not only has an amazing view of the Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges that can be used as your ceremony backdrop but also offers the cutest lodging for you and your guest. I had so much fun capturing Shannon and her girls getting ready in the bridal cabin as well as Andrew and his guys in the grooms cabin and they enjoyed chilled beverages and played a few rounds of corn hole before it was game time.
Getting Ready in the Bride and Groom Cabins
Outdoor Colorado Wedding Ceremony
My absolute favorite part of the day was when Andrew saw Shannon walking down the aisle. Although he had already seen her two days prior, in the exact dress with her hair and make up done, he still teared up seeing his soon-to-be-wife coming down the aisle. This is why I love first looks, it doesn't always mean you won't get a second solid reaction from your groom - because this time it's the real deal about to happen!!!
Once the Ceremony was over we did family and bridal party portraits in the fields of the Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges followed by a few more bride and groom photos. Then it was party time!!
First Dance as Husband and Wife
Shannon and Andrew enjoyed their first dance on the outside dance floor deck as the sun set behind the mountains. I couldn’t have planned a more beautiful moment for this setting if I tried.
Reception at Three Peaks Ranch
They spent the rest of the night enjoying drinks and cocktails crafted by the Urban Cowgirl Mobile Bar and dancing the night away with their family and friends under the stars of Westcliffe.
Capturing the Perfect Starry Night Photos
When it was time for their exit the fun didn't end there. Shannon and Andrew got married on the most perfect evening for night photos.
Fun Fact, Westcliffe, CO is considered a Dark Sky Community (Colorado's 1st, and 9th in the world). This means that you can see stars for days and the Milky Way with your naked eye.
It's not always milky season and you need a clear, completely dark night (no moon light is best). Because all of the stars aligned (literally) we were able to capture a few Milky Way night shots. These photos are not photoshopped to add the Milky Way back in whatsoever and Shannon and Andrew had to stand super still for at least 20 seconds each photo to capture the night sky. It was breathtaking.
Before heading back to Texas, they spent one last morning with their guests at their farewell brunch. It was the most amazing, fulfilled and loving weekend celebrating these two become one. I would do it all over again!
Read more about Shannon and Andrew’s Three Peaks Ranch wedding on Rocky Mountain Bride.