A Rustic Outdoor Destination Wedding in Colorado

Laura Murray

Annaleigh and Joe left New York City for their big day for an elegant vintage-inspired wedding offset by the idyllic mountains of Colorado.

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Annaleigh and Joe

Laura Murray

Annaleigh and Joe chose July 29, 2013, for their destination wedding—a Monday, which may sound odd, but it fit their schedule as actors since the theatres are "dark" this day each week. Despite their profession, they left the grand theatrics back home in New York City when it came to the big day, and instead opted for an elegant vintage sensibility offset by the idyllic mountains of Colorado.

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Crafted Invites

Laura Murray

With help from graphic designer Nicolas Coburn, the bride 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 Annaleigh created by downloading her favorite fonts and illustrating elements herself.

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Horsing Around

Laura Murray

When photographer Laura Murray was taking the couple’s portraits, one of the horses wouldn’t leave Annaleigh alone, following her around everywhere she went like a puppy. When Laura told the duo that she’d photographed the horses before and they’d completely ignored her, Joe’s response was truly endearing. “He said it’s exactly the effect Annaleigh has on people, that they just have to be around her as much as possible,” Laura said.

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The Fashions

Laura Murray

The groom was dapper in a navy J.Crew suit and the bride opted for a blush pink BHLDN gown. "Every time I tried on a white dress I wanted to take it off for some reason," Annaleigh recalled. She changed the bodice of the gown and accessorized with a floral crown and pearl earrings. A veil and pearl bracelet were planned for, but even though the bride was calm about the rain, it made her forgetful about a few of her accessories.

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The Bouquet

Laura Murray

Annaleigh's bouquet included the last of the season's peonies with garden roses, astilbe, clematis, and protea.

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A Lively Lapel

Laura Murray

Joe sported a boutonniere of thistle and wheats.

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The Ceremony Set Up

Laura Murray

The program was painted on large wooden signs flanking the entrance to the ceremony area, which was adorned with a ribbon curtain made by the bride ahead of time. Intertwined barbed-wire hearts were the finishing touch.

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The Grand Entrance

Laura Murray

Celisse Henderson, a singer-songwriter friend of the bride, played "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" by Elton John on the ukulele as Annaleigh and her father walked down the aisle.

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The Ceremony

Laura Murray

Annaleigh and Joe got hitched under burlap bunting made by her grandparents.

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Random Rain

Laura Murray

A friend of Joe's led the ceremony, and one of his mentors read from Corinthians before the rain started. The bride's friend was going to recite from Shakespeare but it started raining, so it was held for the reception and the ceremony concluded under an umbrella. Even though it kept alternating between sunshine and rain, “the day was filled with laughter and love," Annaleigh said. "It felt like it was God's reminder that everything is not supposed to be perfect."

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Ceremony Revelry

Laura Murray

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.

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Party People

Laura Murray

The lively bridal party consisted of nearly two dozen gals and guys (some gents were in the bride’s co-ed mix) wearing different combinations of lace, ivory, vintage-style dresses and navy and gray menswear with Tie the Knot bow ties.

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Weather Or Not

Laura Murray

The venue's front porch offered coverage from the passing rain—and fit the entire bridal party and immediate family—for a few photos.

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Dressed-Up Drinks

Laura Murray

With help from cast mates, Annaleigh made stir sticks for the wedding and rehearsal dinner to garnish the cocktail glasses.

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The Rustic Reception

Laura Murray

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.

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DIY Decor

Laura Murray

Annaleigh made madlibs and crossword puzzles for each place setting, which were labeled with calligraphed cards displayed in gold animal figurines crafted by a pal.

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Natural Favors

Laura Murray

Friends surprised the bride and groom with custom favors for everyone—wood coasters carved with the invitation’s monogram and the wedding date.

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The Dessert Spread

Laura Murray

A simple white cake with raspberry filling and buttercream frosting was set out on a tree slice along with a selection of pies from Costco—a favorite of the bride's.

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Fun Photos

Laura Murray

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.

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Sources

Laura Murray

Photography: Laura Murray

Event Planning, Flowers, and Event Design: Love This Day Events

Location, Catering, and Cake: Devil’s Thumb Ranch

Calligraphy: Marcardin Calligraphy

Music: Tip Top Entertainment

Hair: Christina Trostel of The Parlour

Photo booth: Ear2EarPhotobooth

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