Location: Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA
Setting: Ranch
Wedding season: Winter
Wedding theme/style: Natural romance and classic elegance.
Jessie and Sam’s wedding story began with a chance meeting at Culture Brewery in Solana Beach back in 2018. Bonding over their love for the great outdoors, their journey took a significant turn when they stumbled upon La Joya Dulce Ranch in Steamboat Springs. It was clear from the get-go that this was their dream wedding venue, thanks to its stunning scenery and ample space for guests.
“My family, Sam’s family and our wedding party arrived in Steamboat Springs on the Sunday before the wedding to ski all week! After a few days on the mountain, we welcomed the rest of the guests at Slopeside Grill on Thursday for dinner and drinks.
On Friday evening, after rehearsing the ceremony at Holy Name Catholic Church, family and friends had a wonderful night on the top of the mountain. The guests took the gondola all the way up and enjoyed a delicious meal at Hazie’s while taking in the amazing the view of Steamboat Springs.” Jessie shared her memories.
La Joya Dulce was an ideal backdrop for their winter weddings with its postcard-perfect views and cozy barns. The couple’s love for nature and the outdoors was mirrored in every aspect of their celebration, from the snow-covered fields that greeted them to the rustic elegance of the barns that hosted their reception.
Jessie’s wedding look was the epitome of tenderness and romance. Her stunning dress exuded elegance and beauty, with an intricately embroidered top and a voluminous tulle skirt. Shoes from Badgley Mischka complemented the ensemble, adding a touch of glamour to her bridal attire.
Given the early spring timing and the snowy backdrop of the ranch, the wedding decorations featured vibrant colors that made striking statements. The wedding stationery, executed in deep burgundy and blue tones, beautifully accentuated the bold style choices made by the bride and groom. These elements highlighted the seasonal context and added a layer of warmth and depth to the overall wedding theme, making Jessie and Sam’s special day uniquely theirs.
The morning of the wedding dawned sunny and splendid. Jessie spent these precious hours with her bridesmaids. The room where they prepared for the day ahead was filled with cheerful laughter and joyful chatter, a testament to the excitement preceding the upcoming ceremony. This lively atmosphere was not just about getting ready; it was about sharing moments of genuine happiness and anticipation, making the beginning of Jessie’s big day as memorable as the event itself.
A particularly touching moment was Jessie’s first look with her bridesmaids. When the bride entered the room, her friends couldn’t contain their excitement! Jessie seemed to radiate, stunningly beautiful in her bridal attire.
Jessie’s bridal look was timeless – her hair was styled in soft curls, and her makeup enhanced her natural beauty with a classic elegance. The bridesmaids’ dresses, in a deep shade of burgundy, stood out strikingly against the white landscape. This bold color choice was a visual delight and added an incredible layer of beauty and contrast to the wedding’s overall aesthetic.
At the same time, the groom, Sam, and his friends were also getting ready for the wedding. Their morning was filled with lively conversations and laughter. Sam’s friends provided not just moral support but also practical help, assisting him in donning his wedding attire. He opted for a classic black three-piece suit paired with a bow tie, a choice that underscored elegance and timelessness. His friends matched his sophistication, dressed in similar suits.
The wedding ceremony occurred in the beautiful Holy Name Catholic Church, setting a solemn yet joyous tone for the day.
Sam waited eagerly at the altar, his anticipation was palpable. As Jessie walked down the aisle, escorted by her father, it was a poignant moment, symbolizing the transition from her family to creating a new one with Sam.
Throughout the ceremony, the bride’s uncle and cousin performed enchanting melodies on the violin and guitar, adding a deeply personal touch to the occasion. This musical accompaniment was delightful and incredibly meaningful for both the bride and groom.
The guests witnessed a lovely ceremony with the heartfelt vows exchanged between the couple. This exchange culminated their journey, a promise of their commitment and love for each other, making it an incredibly touching highlight of the day.
After the ceremony, the photographer, Caitlin Steuben, captured stunning portraits of the couple against the snowy landscape. Each photograph reflected the couple’s love, showcasing the depth of their connection amidst the breathtaking winter scenery
While the newlyweds were away for their photo session, guests gathered for a cocktail hour filled with pleasant conversations and camaraderie. This interlude allowed guests to enjoy a selection of cocktails, mingle, and revel in the joyous atmosphere of the day. The cocktail hour served as a perfect bridge between the solemnity of the ceremony and the upcoming reception, allowing guests to relax, connect, and prepare for the continued celebration of Jessie and Sam’s union.
The reception venue was like a fairytale came to life. Hanging greenery installations adorned the ceiling, seemingly floating in the air, adding an ethereal touch to the decor. Round tables offered a classic reception style, while rectangular wooden tables echoed Jessie and Sam’s love for nature, blending elegance with a rustic charm.
The tables were beautifully decorated with floral arrangements, abundant greenery, and candles, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Giant glowing LOVE letters infused the space with a playful romance, adding a whimsical element to the evening. Additionally, each napkin was adorned with guest names carved out of wood, a detail that complemented the event’s natural styling and provided a memorable keepsake for attendees. This thoughtful touch underscored the couple’s attention to detail and desire to make the celebration memorable for everyone involved.
The couple’s grand entrance on a horse-drawn sleigh was an unforgettable highlight. It captured the attention and admiration of all the guests and set a joyful tone for the rest of the evening.
The reception started with dancing, as Jessie and Sam took to the dance floor for their first dance, officially opening the evening’s festivities.
This was followed by equally touching moments: Jessie shared a dance with her father, and Sam danced with his mother.
The entire reception was filled with heartfelt moments as guests delivered congratulatory speeches, infusing the atmosphere with joy and laughter. These personal tributes added a layer of warmth and intimacy to the celebration, allowing friends and family to share their happiness and well wishes for Jessie and Sam.
Following the speeches, Jessie and Sam cut their wedding cake, a moment always filled with symbolism and anticipation. Adding a personal touch to this tradition, the cake was adorned with a figurine of their beloved pet. This detail showcased their love for their furry friend and added a unique and heartwarming element to the celebration, further personalizing their special day.
The remainder of the evening was a lively blend of fun and dancing, with an extraordinary moment standing out. The Raising Cain Band provided the soundtrack for the night, ensuring the dance floor was never empty. Jessie’s grandmother’s fur coat and hat were brought into play during the dances. This unique touch brought a sense of nostalgia and family heritage to the festivities and added fun and playfulness to the dance floor. Incorporating these cherished items was a heartfelt nod to Jessie’s family history, making the celebration even more memorable.
The video created by the talented Mika Ellen Films captures the beauty of this day in all its glory. The charm and love of the couple, their beautiful wedding, stunning views of the snow-covered nature, and the exquisite venue La Joya Dulce are all showcased.
VENUE La Joya Dulce Ranch | PHOTOGRAPHER Caitlin Steuben | CEREMONY VENUE Holy Name Catholic Parish | FLORALS Wild Hare Floral CO. | MUA Caroline Lalive | CATERING Local Flavor | CAKE Steamboat Baker | BRIDESMAID DRESSES Baltic Born | GROOMSMEN ATTIRE Generation Tux | VIDEOGRAPHY Mika Ellen Films
