Simple & Natural at Gateway Canyons

Brooke & Dustin | October 30th | Gateway Canyons, Colorado

From the bride, Brooke:
I’m a laid back, quirky, slightly tomboyish Southerner.  I didn’t grow up planning my wedding or have unrealistic expectations of a “perfect” day.  We tried to keep it simple and let the gorgeous scenery speak for itself.  It’s hard to design/style nature. I wanted to use colors that would play off and compliment the beautiful fall colors.

We took a chance picking a date so late in the Fall in Colorado but the weather was utter PERFECTION. Sunny, breezy and 70 degrees…AMAZING! It was cloudy and cold the night before so we were concerned that our outdoor wedding would not be outdoor, but the weather cooperated.
To honor my Grandmothers (both of whom have passed away) I had their pictures tied into my bouquet. 

While we were grateful for the gorgeous weather, the wind wreaked havoc on the borrowed cathedral length veil as I walked down the aisle with my Dad.  It got stuck on some rocks and shrubs, I didn’t want to forcefully rip it so there was a delay as we tried to free it, without tearing it.  I made a few jokes to try to cover the awkwardness.  It was funny and actually it helped me relax some. Looking back, I would not wear a cathedral length veil.  I would have given ourselves more time to plan (got engaged 8/13, got married 10/30…of the same year).

My advice: Take your time planning, don’t try to please everyone because it won’t happen, do what is best for you and your fiance’, ask your friends for help if you need it, make it your day (personalize the day to you and your fiance’)…even if you think it might be silly or crazy it will probably be memorable to your guests.

RECOMMENDED VENDORS
{Rockstar} Venue, Food & Lodging: Gateway Canyons Resort {more info | website}. The food is amazing!! Dustin and I were so excited to have our wedding at Gateway because we knew to plan the menu for the reception we would have to sample the cuisine.  People are still talking about the Corn and Crab Chowder. Gateway Canyons has beautiful scenery, gorgeous accommodations and the staff were so helpful and went above and beyond to help make our day perfect.

Photographer: Cat Mayer Studio  //  Groom’s Cake: The Cake Cottage  //  Florist: Flowers by Lorraine  //  DJ: DJ Ryan Grizz