Brittany & Joe | July 2, 2011 | Steamboat Springs, Colorado
From the bride:
We knew that there was no other place that we would want to get married than in Steamboat. 4th of July in Steamboat is so much fun and we knew that it would make our wedding weekend even more memorable to partake in the festivities (rodeo, parade, fireworks, etc). We couldn’t have asked for a better place to kick off our wedding weekend!
Photography by Shane Macomber Photography
Our first look was staged in a beautiful aspen grove. My stomach was turning upside down in anticipation of Joe seeing me in my wedding dress. As I approached the grove, I saw Joe crouched down holding a bunch of wildflowers he’d picked for me. I’ll never forget the way he looked at me when he saw me in my dress. It was such a special moment where we got to pray, laugh and relieve some pre-wedding jitters.
To make sure guests knew how to navigate around the property we made directional signs out of old barn wood. It was a fun “vintage” touch that I loved. 
Though we did do a first look, walking down the aisle with my Dad towards my waiting fiancé was nothing short of spectacular. Not only was it a special time for me and my dad, but I also love the symbolism of giving me over to the trusting hands of my fiancé.
Our ceremony took place overlooking Catamount Lake. Our guests watched us exchange vows while seated on hay bales covered with quilts my Mom and Grandma handmade. The quilts are such a wonderful memento from the day.
We stood beneath a beautiful arbor that Joe’s brother designed and built especially for us.
It was extraordinary to have one of our favorite songs performed during ceremony by four of our best friends. It was such a special and personal gift to us on our wedding day.
We decided to build our own centerpieces using natural resources from Joe’s parents’ property. Joe cut fallen down aspen trees into pieces and drilled holes into their centers. We then cut down willows and put them in the drilled holes.
Joe and I danced a 2 Step to one of our favorite country songs. Mid song amongst the spins, Joe got “super strength” and unexpectedly lifted in me in the air high above the crowd. I like to say it was our version of the climactic scene in Dirty Dancing.
We danced the night away with our family and friends. The end of the night came way too fast, but in the spirit of Independence Day we were sent off with fireworks! 
PERSONAL TOUCHES – Little homemade personal touches were really important to me. I worked hard to make sure the whole day just “felt like us.”
- We had a photo wall documenting photos of us over the past 10 years. Needless to say we are looking a little less awkward every year we’re together. We have wonderful examples of marriage in our family, so we also featured wedding photos from our family members.
- In leu of traditional ring bearer pillows, we decided to combine that with cowboy hats that our nephews could wear later. We sewed pillows to fit inside the hats, tied them up with ribbon and topped them off with a ring pop to enjoy during the ceremony.
- We had a “mad lib” for every guest to fill out at their tables. After the wedding, we loved reading what everyone wished to us on our wedding day and laughed at some creative answers that people came up with.
- We had a “wedding tree” for our guest book where our guests were asked to “leaf their finger print and sign their name.” We have a beautiful canvas to hang in our home that reminds us of everyone that was there to celebrate our special day with us.
- I found old vintage chalkboards and wrote the menu on them. We displayed them with easels at the front of the buffet line and at the bar.
- During the reception Joe’s siblings and cousins interrupted the dancing for a special performance. They had re-written the lyrics to the John Denver song “Rocky Mountain High” and serenaded us with their rendition titled “Rocky Mountain Bride.” Their thoughtful and personal lyrics were something that we will never forget.
RECOMMENDED VENDORS
Photographer: Shane Macomber Photography // Ceremony Site: Catamount Heritage Cabin // Event Planner & Florist: One Fine Day Productions // Wedding Gown: Alvina Valenta from Anna Be // Shoes: Old Gringo Cowgirl Boots // Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew // Men’s Wear: Men’s Warehouse // Caterer & Cake: Drunken Onion // Tent & Party Rentals: Colorado Event Rentals // Guest lodging: Steamboat Grand Hotel
Honeymoon Location: St. Lucia
