A Rustic Outdoor Destination Wedding in Colorado

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Joe sported a boutonniere of thistle and wheats.

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.

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.

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

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."

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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