“Writing that I absolutely adored Stephanie and Colter’s wedding… would be an understatment. Every detail was thoughtfully planned. From the crazy amount of beautiful signs created by none other than the bride and her mother, to the homemade wine, and jam jar favors, I was in total awe at how much time and creativity this couple and their loved ones placed into their wonderful wedding day. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect location than the HR Thornton Ranch for their rustic ceremony. It was the perfect canvas for them to start their forever. I found myself smiling the whole day at the love these families brought for the happy couple on the first day of their beautiful marriage. There was a first for me on this day as well. When Stephanie told me should would love to share a first look with her father, I was so excited! But that excitement did not prepare me for just how much I would love that beautiful and sweet moment.

Once the ceremony started, the bride and her father rode in on a horse drawn wagon. You guys, when Colter saw his bride… Wow! Thats the moment that stuck with me. They looked at each other tears welling, so in love and happy to marry their best friend! Between noticing the care that the bridal party took to creating the floral arrangements themselves, to witnessing the signing of the marriage license on an old rusty truck, everything about this day was unique and rustic in the best way!

Stephanie and Colter, thank you both. I was so blessed to get to play my part in your special day. You both share a unique and loving bond that I know will fill your lives with happiness for years to come. You two were a joy to work with, through both winter engagement photos in a blizzard, to a windy wedding day! So one last time, thank you both! And congratulations!!!” –Hayden Esau Photography

What is your favorite wedding day memory?

This day was seriously the best day ever! Picking a favorite moment is so hard. My favorite wedding day memory is riding in a wagon with my dad being pulled by horses to the wedding ceremony. We had arrived at the wedding in front of our friends and family with my future husband standing at the end of the aisle, waiting to start our lives as husband and wife forever and ever!

What did you DIY for your wedding?

We did alot of DIY crafts for our wedding because we could get the right amount of things and get the perfect color. We made our table runners with burlap, lace and ribbon. We made all the different signs for the wedding from the ring bearer signs, the smore sign, bar sign, games sign, direction signs and a few more. We make the cupcake stands out of wood and our wedding cake stand. We put together our table center pieces with wood and succulents and lanterns. Our guest book was corn-hole boards we made and had people sign instead of an old fashion book. All the flowers were ordered in bulk and we put together the arrangements for the center pieces, bouquets, boutonniere, and alter decorations. The boutonniere’s we used bullet cases, baby’s breath, small roses and eucalyptus. For the past loved ones we used an old screen window and put chicken wire on it, painted it and put the saying “Those we love don’t go away they walk beside us every day…unseen, unheard, but always near still loved still missed and very dear.” My mom and I made peach jam for wedding favors. The birdseed bags were stamped to add color to the boring burlap. I made both the keep and toss garter. My bridesmaids got a glass that I made out of a blue mason jar and a short glass candle stick and some twine for decoration. For our unity ceremony we made a cross and shadow box that we attached rope to and braided together. I would not be able to have anything accomplished without the help from my mom, sisters, bridesmaids, and my groom.

Did you have a something old, new, borrowed or blue?

Yes! My something old and borrowed was a handkerchief from my grandpa with his initials on it For my something new and blue, I wore a blue necklace from my mom.

Any advice for brides currently in the planning process?

The most important advice that I could give is that even with all the ideas from Pinterest or other where ever else, the to do list tends to add up. It is okay if something’s do not get done. For one, the guests will never know and two, at the end of the day the most important thing will be done and that’s marrying your best friend. Have fun planning your wedding and it is so fun doing your own crafts for it as well! -Stephanie, the Bride

Event Credits

Photography: Hayden Esau Photography // Venue: HR Thornton Ranch // Catering: Caputa Catering // Cake: Frosted Tops // Invitations: VistaPrint // DJ: Rocky Mountain Sound and Light // Bride's Attire: Dora Grace Bridal // Bridesmaid's Attire: DressCulture // Groom + Groomsmen's Attire: Laneige