A unity ritual is certainly not required by any means. Still, there may be a ceremony option that’s the perfect fit for you and your partner, whether you’re looking for something religious, historical, or secular.

Carissa Woo Photography

What Is a Unity Ceremony?

A unity ceremony is a symbolic ritual woven into the wedding ceremony. Among the most common unity ceremonies are handfasting, circling, and the lighting of a unity candle.

One of the most meaningful choices you’ll make is what will be included in your ceremony! Friends, Family, and Coordinators will all be asking what you’ll do to personalize your wedding ceremony. Unity ceremonies are meaningful rituals performed during your wedding to represent becoming a union. Often, a unity ceremony allows other family members to participate and further its meaning and representation of two families joining together. It may also be the perfect way to celebrate your and your partner’s heritage with tradition.

Lighting a Unity Candle

This is definitely one of the most common unity ceremonies performed. The candle-lighting ceremony usually involves the couple lighting one large candle from two smaller family candles. Traditionally, the smaller candles are lit by each of their mothers, representing the merging of two families.

Michelle Dudley Photography

The Lasso Ceremony

Also called “el Lazo,” this ritual—traditional in Mexican, Filipino, and Spanish cultures—occurs after the vows have been said. At that time, the officiant (or whomever the couple has designated) drapes a floral garland or rosary around the couple, twisting it into an infinity symbol. At the end of the ceremony, the bestower of the lasso removes it, and the couple saves it as a symbol of their love and unity.

Anniversary Time Capsule

The time-capsule ceremony is a reminder of the durability of your love and the lifetime commitment of marriage. During the ceremony, all of these tokens of love are sealed up in a box, and the couple can open it on their five-year, 10-year, or 20th anniversary. The time-capsule ceremony can also include friends or family invited to bring photos, letters, or keepsakes to seal in the time capsule.

Before the ceremony, the couple should gather important mementos from their relationship: ticket stubs, hotel room keys, notes, and cards. In addition, each should write a love letter to each other.

Vee Taylor Photography

Wash Each Other’s Feet

While this ceremony has Christian roots, washing the feet is a symbol of love and humanity–we find that purpose is truly universal. It serves as an act of caregiving to symbolize your devotion to each other.

True Photography

Pouring Sand

This is such a fun ceremony idea for a nautical or beach wedding, but any wedding theme can certainly utilize the concept for any wedding theme. The couple takes turns pouring colored sand from personal vases into another vase, where they blend their sand to make a beautiful display. This is one of the best unity ceremony ideas for blended families, as children can also add sand to the family vase.

Morgan McCanne Photography

Wine or Beer Pouring

If you’ve ever stumbled upon the perfect red blend wine that you couldn’t get enough of, this is definitely the unity ceremony for you. The couple chooses two different yet compatible wines, pour them into a glass to create a perfect blend, and then drinks the blend together. Beer can also do this, or it can be done with tea for a dry wedding.

Korina Moore Photography

Tree Planting

This is such a sweet ceremony option for a woodland-themed or garden-inspired wedding. This creative nature-inspired idea is to plant a tree together, adding soil (perhaps gathered from both of your hometowns) to a pot to symbolize your union. Like the tree, your relationship will need love and care to grow and bloom.

True Photography

Wine Box Ceremony

Some things get better with time, like the perfect bottle of wine. And what better way to plan for your anniversary than to bring a love for wine into your ceremony? For the non-religious wine box ceremony, the couple selects a wine that can age well. During the wedding, the couple places the bottle of wine in a box and closes the lid, sometimes including other notes or objects. Once sealed, the box isn’t opened until a specific date chosen, such as a 10th wedding anniversary.

If you choose this unity ceremony option, be sure to consult a wine steward or another knowledgeable wine expert on the best wine to tuck away. Often, white wines don’t age as well as reds. You’ll want to make sure you choose something that can still be enjoyed when you choose to reopen your box.

Michelle Flores Photography

Religious or Cultural Tradition Blending

Intertwine heritages, cultural backgrounds, and religions through unique blended ceremonies. Many cultures incorporate their good wishes on the happy couple through ancient traditions. Please bring them to your ceremony with pride!

Tayler Ashley Photography

Your imagination is the limit!

We’ve seen glass beads be used instead of sand, which is then sent to a professional to be transformed into a one-of-a-kind glass vase or bowl. From Hand-fasting to releasing floating lanterns, ask your venue or event coordination team what they’d recommend!

Expected Duties, Planning, and Etiquette 

Vee Taylor Photography

Whether you have tons of experience being part of a bridal party, or it’s your first time, we’ve collected all you need to know about the roles and duties that they come with. In general, the wedding party–meaning the people the happy couple chooses to stand up with them during the ceremony–is responsible for helping the happy couple plan, stay sane, and cheering them on during the big day. The wedding party’s most commonly known duties include taking photos with the bride and groom on the wedding day, planning special pre-wedding events like the bridal shower or bachelor/bachelorette parties, and helping the bride and groom get ready before the ceremony. They also usually have a special seat at the reception. We understand that every wedding is different depending on how involved family members are or how large the bridal party ends up being. So as a party member, always reach out to the happy couple to offer help!

General Bridal Party (Bridesmaids/Groomsmen/Maid of Honor/Best Man)

Each couple will customize their bridal party to fit their ideal group’s idea for their big day. It’s up to the party members to be available to help make the magic happen as smoothly as possible and offer their services in any way they can. Most couples tend to worry about burdening their friends with the planning details, but if you feel comfortable offering an extra hand anywhere, they’ll be forever grateful. Below, we’ve gathered the general responsibilities expected of all members of the bridal party.

David Manning Photographer

• Offer to help with wedding planning and pre-wedding events.
• Be knowledgeable of, spread the news about, where the happy couple is registered, when and where the ceremony will be taking place, and where to send gifts.
• Help choose wedding day attire and accessories if asked.
• Help the Maid of Honor and Best Man with details to plan the bachelor/bachelorette party.
• Pay for own wedding attire and travel expenses.
• Attend any pre-wedding events. (Depending on if they’re co-ed or not.)
• Purchase wedding day attire and accessories promptly as requested by the couple.
• Attend the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
• Offer the happy couple and their families help and emotional support on the day of the wedding.
• At the reception, help make sure everything goes according to plan.
• Being social and helping make guests feel welcome.
• Getting the party started on the dance floor.
• Decorating the getaway vehicle to help give the happy couple a proper send-off.
• Attend the send-off or post-wedding brunch.

Maid of Honor

Being chosen as Maid of Honor (MOH) is an incredible honor. Essentially, the bride is asking you to be her go-to for anything she might need, from engagement to the final send-off. Not only are you head of the bridesmaids, but duties also include planning the bachelorette party and being the bride’s right-hand woman on the big day. The bride usually gives this role to a sister or her closest female friend. Before accepting this honor, check out the duties listed below that rest on your capable shoulders. (Anything we’ve italicized is uncommon, although considerate, duties to offer to the bride but can vary depending on the situation.)

Singler Photography

• Manage the bridesmaids and mediate any conflicts that may arise.
• Maintain a level head throughout the bride’s wedding planning.
• Oversee and keep track of pre-wedding expenses for the bridesmaids.
• Help the bride shop for her wedding dress and bridesmaids’ dresses.
• Coordinate any necessary bridesmaid fitting and ensure bridesmaids are getting their dresses and accessories on time.
• Offer to address wedding invitations and assist with miscellaneous wedding projects. 
• Organize and host or co-host the bridal shower.
• Organize and plan the bachelorette party.
• Offer to help the bride pack for the honeymoon.
• Make sure the bridesmaids all arrive at the wedding on time with everything they need.
• Assist with the bride’s appearance during the ceremony and rehearsal. (Keep an eye out for smudged makeup or stray hairs and help her with her veil, dress, and arranging her train during the ceremony.)
• Hold the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony.
• Hold the groom’s ring during the ceremony if asked.
• Sign the marriage certificate.
• Give a toast to the happy couple at the reception.
• Make sure the bride eats and drinks water.
• Help transport wedding gifts from the reception.

Best Man

According to history, the best man was a groom’s kidnapping accomplice and willing to fight to the death for the bride’s honor. These days, kidnapping is thankfully off the agenda, but the best man still has many important responsibilities. Serving as the groom’s right-hand man throughout the wedding planning process hasn’t changed. He’s also in charge of wrangling the other groomsmen during wedding planning and on the big day. This role is usually filled by the groom’s brother or closest male friend. Below, we’ve listed some of the other duties that come with this title. (The duties in italics are optional and vary depending on the happy couple and their family’s traditions.)

Marissa McBride Photography

• Help manage groomsmen and mediate any conflicts that may arise.
• Oversee and keep track of pre-wedding expenses for the groomsmen.
• Coordinate suit or tuxedo fittings for all groomsmen and ushers.
• Organize and plan the bachelor party.
• Offer support to the groom and groomsmen during wedding planning and on the day of the wedding.
• Help orchestrate toasts at the rehearsal dinner.
• Make sure all groomsmen and ushers arrive at the wedding on time and with everything they need.
• Hold the bride’s wedding ring during the ceremony if asked.
• Sign the marriage certificate.
• Give a toast to the happy couple at the reception.
• Coordinate with the happy couple’s parents to ensure all service providers have received the necessary payment and tips.

Other Party Members

Parents of the Groom: The Engagement Party and Rehearsal Dinner are usually the groom’s parents’ responsibility in Western Cultures. Depending on the cultural traditions of each family, this may change.

Parents of the Bride: As mentioned above, in typical western culture, the bride’s parents are the designated Wedding Reception Hosts. Recently, we’ve seen more happy couples become their own reception hosts, so this tradition of “who pays for the wedding” can be adjusted accordingly.

Vee Taylor Photography

Junior Bridesmaids and Groomsmen: Typically, junior bridal party members are do not attend the Bachelor/Bachelorette parties, but for young adults between 9-15, including them in the bridal party is a great way to get them involved in the big day. They usually stand up with the happy couple during the ceremony and are included in any engagement parties or co-ed bridal showers.

Ring Bearers and Flower Girls: This role is usually reserved for children between 4-8 years old, and responsibility for attendance and attire goes to their parents. It’s recommended to include them in the wedding rehearsal to get a little practice for the big day. Flower Girls traditionally walk right before the bride to scatter petals while ring bearers can be fit into the processional wherever the happy couple sees fit.

Final Notes

The responsibilities we’ve listed usually come pretty naturally since you’re there to support your friends in their love story. So enjoy the day, and always remember to offer your help wherever you can! Being part of this big day is a ton of fun! Planning a wedding isn’t for the faint of heart, and your friends will be forever thankful that you’re there to lean on.

Our Ranch is overflowing with unique and gorgeous locations that are perfect for must-have moments!

Tucked away between the Hacienda Courtyard and the Washhouse Patio, where we have our ceremonies, there’s a quiet garden featuring charming original architecture and an array of natural beauty.

Singler Photography

Perfect for photographers to grab multiple angles and quick-action approach shots, this secret location is ideal for the couple who want as much detail of this must-have moment recorded.

Singler Photography

Just through the gate seen in the pictures before, classic desert foliage unique to our Ranch’s rustic vibe frames the front of our stunning Hacienda.

Madeline Barr Photography

Through the front entry to the Hacienda, the courtyard hosts a spectacular stone arch draped in vibrant burgundy bougainvillea.

A perfect spot for those with lots of pinks and warm tones to their overall event motif!

Singler Photography

Crazy for more wild desert beauty? On the way to the historic Caretaker’s Cottage, check out the enormous Blue Agave plants on the right!

These plants create the most stunning boho backdrop for a First Look.

Joe & Kathrina Photography

It’s nearly impossible to miss our lovely restored Stables.

This space has two sides that are shaded and have lots of space for photographers to find those dramatic angles.

Phil Chester Photography

On the Stable’s side closest to the visitor’s Center, this intimate hall is striking and perfect for an artsy couple with a love of bright colors and a right eye for contrast!

(We like to imagine you could almost pass this off as a private villa on the cliffs of Greece.)

Madeline Barr Photography

There are countless locations around the Ranch for your perfect First Look!

No matter where you turn, gorgeous rustic architecture, natural wild desert beauty, and opportunities for must-have moments are all around!

We’ve been pretty vocal about how much we live for this defining moment during our weddings here at Leo Carrillo Ranch.

Singler Photography

There’s a certain magic that happens at the end of each ceremony that we wish we could bottle and share with the world.

Davin Lindwall Photography

After the happy couple says their vows, a new tension starts to build.

Madeline Barr Photography

They have their Big Kiss, everyone cheers, they turn to the crowd…

Joseph McCalment Photo & Video

And BAM!!

Mike Thezier Photography

Striking everyone in the crowd, that indescribable tidal wave of incandescent bliss pours out of the faces of the newlyweds as they walk back down the aisle, hand in hand.

David Manning Photographer

It’s one of our favorite parts of our Special Events and keeps us doing what we love most: making your dream event come to life.

Madeline Barr Photography

So, Reach Out to us!

See what our talented Coordination Team can do to make “The Glow” happen for you!

But, in honor of Cinco de Mayo, we thought we’d bring back one of our most festive weddings from last year!

Claudia and Reggie were a DIY decor inspiration.

Their attention to detail left no spot on our Ranch untouched by their heritage. These paper decorations on the ceremony arch were incredible, and the happy couple decorated it themselves!

Each of their tables had adorable miniature pinatas, customized maracas, and hand-planted cacti and succulents as their centerpieces!

We barely recognized our humble Cabana once Claudia’s beautiful paper flowers and Mexican Candy buffet were all displayed!

Are you looking for more pictures of this festive event?

Check out the full gallery on the blog post that we dedicated to them here!

From all of us here at Leo Carrillo Ranch, Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Unfortunately, guests’ reactions to this tradition can be an unpredictable mixed bag, potentially throwing off the mood of your event.

We got our experts together to cook up some fresh twists to help rejuvenate this wedding ritual, so old customs can be tailor-fit to you as a couple on your big day!

Give New Life to an Old Custom!

Consolation Prizes

-Kids Prizes: Weddings with lots of children might want to encourage a separate kids-toss with fun prizes so the adult toss can be ore traditional. This way, everyone feels included, and nobody accidentally gets stepped on during the excitement!

-Cash Incentive (AKA Singles for the Singles): Placing a bit of money on the bouquet, or with garter, before the toss can add a little motivation for your guests to claim the prize! Gift cards are a fun alternative as well and could encourage future romantic dates for the lucky winner.

-Bottle of Booze: Winning a bottle of something nice to accompany the bouquet or garter might also promote a little more interest from guests!

New Methods: Fresh perspective on old fun!

-Hot Potato: (Similar to musical chairs, but with fewer chances for accidental injuries.) While a song plays in the background, guests can pass the garter or bouquet around in a circle until the music stops. The one left holding the prize is the lucky winner!

-Box of Treasure: Have guests pick a key out of a mixed pile to unlock a box or birdcage with the award.

-Ribbon Pull: An old European version of this tradition. Many false ribbons are held in the Bride’s hands above her head, with one secret winner tied around the bouquet. Everyone pulls at the same time and the winning ribbon reels in the prize!

-Toss the Boutonniere: If you still want to throw something to the single men, but you don’t want the scandal of the garter toss, then toss the boutonniere – but take the pins out first!

-Football/Three Flies Up: Easier to throw and catch–especially concerning the garter, a football can be an easy alternative. This saves the integrity of the bouquet and modesty of the Bride.

Pranks: For couples Who Love to Laugh Together.

– Blindfolded “Quick Switch”: Groomsmen can throw on a thrift store wedding gown and swap out with the Bride in the chair. The blindfolded Groom will be none the wiser when he goes for the garter, and guests will be on the floor rolling with laughter. The topic of family gatherings for years to come!

-Magic Trick: Pull random items from beneath the dress stashed out of sight behind the Bride. She’ll be shocked as everything, but the kitchen sink comes out from under her skirt!

-Breakaway Bouquet: Why battle over a single bouquet? Throw a “Breakaway Bouquet” made of separated flowers, so everyone in the crowd gets one!

-Gender-Bend: Surprise unsuspecting guests by swapping outfits, and reverse the garter retrieval! Hilarity is sure to ensue.

Or, Toss the Tradition Entirely.

-Anniversary Dance: Honor the longest-married couple by giving them the bouquet.

-Cake Pull: Many variations of this technique exist, but it is popular in Southern traditions and similar to a “King Cake” from Mardi Gras celebrations. Small charms placed in a cake or cupcakes for participants indicate different types of prizes, such as good fortune in money or love. By either pulling a ribbon to extract the charm or eating the cake, guests can see what they’ve won. Be sure to warn guests before they take a bite!

-Pass The Torch: Give the Bouquet to the next Bride-to-Be with a wedding coming up. The ribbon or other decoration from that bouquet can be for “something borrowed” on her wedding day.

Have fun with the tradition and make it fit your personality however you see best!

Guests will be delighted by any efforts to keep it alive in your special way.

Thanks to True Photography for the fantastic pictures!

We asked these newlyweds a couple of questions to help us navi-gate this post.

They had so many beautiful details to share, we figured, “Why try to force it?“

So, we pass the mic to the love birds, Daniel and Breanna, as they reminisce about their wedding here at the Ranch!

(What could goron?)

How did you both choose your wedding day look?

 

Breanna: “Daniel knew he wanted a lighter colored tuxedo to stand out from the crowd while also fitting the outdoor, afternoon setting. He found a grey tuxedo he liked at Men’s Wearhouse and looked no further.”

Daniel: “Before she knew anything about what kind of dress she wanted, Breanna knew she wanted to wear white boots to the wedding. The dress was a surprise find from Anthropologie[…] Not expecting to find anything, she stumbled upon the perfect dress—comfortable, simple, elegant, and the last one was in her size!”

How did you decorate your space for the ceremony and the reception? Was any part of the decor DIY?

 

Both: “We mostly left the decor in the hands of Adina (we used Simply Adina Floral Design for all our flowers) to decorate the space with flowers and other plants. She did an amazing job carrying out our visions for the day, and it was a beautiful surprise on the wedding day to see what she had done. We also bought a few decorative signs from Michael’s and Hobby Lobby and bought chalkboards to write rules for the board games on.”

What was the most anticipated or special moment of your wedding day?

 

B: “Daniel’s most anticipated moment was seeing [Breanna] for the first time as [I] walked down the aisle. Of course, he hadn’t seen the dress before, only heard from everyone else that it was absolutely beautiful and perfect.”

D: “It probably seems silly, but I was nervous about having no participation in such an important part of the wedding. When I finally saw her coming down the aisle, with curled hair, light makeup, and an incredible dress with a floral pattern, she was beautiful far beyond my expectations. Obviously, I had nothing to be nervous about in the first place.”

Did you personalize the day in any way (food trucks, guest entertainment, etc.)? What were some of your favorite parts of your wedding?

D: “Probably our biggest personal touch was in the music. We’re huge nerds for the Legend of Zelda video games, so we selected beautiful orchestral arrangements of two pieces from the Zelda series for our biggest moments. Breanna walked down the aisle to a piece called ‘Zelda’s Lullaby,’ and the music for our first dance, ‘Gerudo Valley,’ is also from that series. We took a couple of private ballroom dancing lessons, and our instructor choreographed an exciting Paso Doble full of passion. The music perfectly fit the occasion and provided a fun Easter egg for the few who recognized it. Those moments—the ceremony and the first dance—were absolutely our favorite parts of the wedding.”

D: “The ceremony was personalized in a couple of ways as well. Since Breanna is really close to her brothers, they stood on her side as bridesmen.”

B: “Daniel’s brother was also the officiant for the ceremony.”

Tell us about your wedding! What was the inspiration behind your day?

B: “I’d say Leo Carrillo Ranch itself inspired several aspects of our wedding. While we didn’t adhere too closely to any specific theme or traditions, we embraced the outdoor, southwest desert setting and Spanish cultural influence of the ranch. For example, we felt dressy casual attire was best for an outdoor, summer afternoon wedding. Many of the flower arrangements were accented with succulents and blue thistles (our color palette was dusty blue and sage green, not too different from the ranch itself). Our first dance was a Paso Doble, and the accompanying music, ‘Gerudo Valley,’ has Spanish influences and was even written to represent a desert region.”

D: “Breanna’s most anticipated moment was the first dance. We’d worked hard on practicing it, and it was exciting and thrilling to be doing something so complex and elaborate. It felt like an encapsulation of who we were—it was the kind of fun adventure and new experience that we like to do with each other, and the music meant so much to us.”

How did you meet? Tell us about the proposal.

“Having all but committed to each other long ago, Daniel proposed in June 2018. Breanna had gone home to visit her parents while Daniel stayed in Boulder, secretly preparing the engagement. He decorated the coffee table with tealight candles arranged in a heart and the dinner table with new napkins, a new tablecloth, apple pie from a local bakery, and a bouquet of flowers. Best of all, he adopted a fluffy orange and white cat; how could Breanna say no to that? The plan was to have a friend prepare a special Spiegel-family salmon recipe while Daniel picked Breanna up from the airport, but at the eleventh hour, the plan was ruined: Breanna’s flight had been canceled, and she would be coming back the next morning. With the new cat, Daniel knew he had no choice but to propose as soon as Breanna got home. As a ruse, he told her he had to work, and she would have to bus home. When Breanna got there, she was greeted to the aforementioned decorations and a trail of rose petals leading to the bedroom, where Daniel awaited with cat and ring. Of course, Breanna said yes and with perfect timing, for not a minute later did the tealight candles set off the fire alarm! Daniel made omelets for brunch and salmon for dinner. In the end, it was a proposal neither of us will ever forget.”

TL: DR

They met in high school and survived a long-distance relationship for four years through college, across the country from each other before finally reuniting in CO. Daniel’s first try at proposing, (like any true romantic, with all the flowers, candles, and a new cat for good measure) failed, because planes. Second attempt the next morning: success! But he set off the fire alarm.

 

Unforgettable.

 

Throughout this eventful day-wedding, vendors were executing moves behind the scenes in a symphony of flawless movements thanks to our fabulous Coordination Team.

 

True Photography was capturing priceless shots of perfect candid moments, while DJ Mike Hogan was a master MC and dance-floor wizard!

Personal Touch Dining served up amazing meals, and no guest left unsatisfied.

Do you have any wedding planning or marriage advice that you’d like to share with other couples planning their day?

 

D: “I think it’s important to plan the wedding in a way that feels special and right to the couple. Don’t be afraid to deviate from tradition when you have a better idea!”

One Last Tip!

 

B: “At the wedding, ask a few guests to take at least a couple of pictures! It was fantastic to have True Photography taking such amazing photos of our event, and I’m so glad that we didn’t have to worry about capturing the moments and could just enjoy the day. However, afterward, it was hard to wait so long for the photos to be edited and finalized, so we’re glad that a few friends took photos by themselves. Those casual photos from friends helped tide us over until we got the full set of professional photos from the day.”

When we initially asked this happy couple to answer some quick questions, we never expected this kind of response!

They said they felt “honored to be the subject of [our] blog,” but we are the ones genuinely privileged to be part of your big day.

We’re so glad this magical day was everything they dreamed it could be, and we wish these two all the best in their bright future together!

 

Thanks to all the incredible vendors who helped us, but especially Personal Touch Dining for the Catering, Coordination, and Venue Management of our beloved Ranch.

True Photography

Personal Touch Dining

Mike Hogan (DJ)

Simply Adina Floral Design

Roarke and Stephanie brought all the colors of their love to our Ranch for their wedding and reception.

Adore Folklore provided the fun rugs that went down the ceremony aisle, further incorporating the southwestern vibe of our beautiful patio area into their motif.

Tiny Victories was responsible for the incredible florals placed all over the Ranch.

They helped knit together all the different parts of decor that brought vivacity to the event, and we were so taken by Stephanie’s stunning bouquet!

Personal Touch Dining greeted guests to the ceremony area with Cucumber Watermelon Mojitos!

Nick Weiss not only sang and played guitar during the ceremony, but he transitioned effortlessly into the cocktail hour, where he continued singing and playing in the background until the grand entrance!

Personal Touch Dining served appetizers and provided the bar service, with more of those delicious mojitos, as guests enjoyed the casual atmosphere.

Adore Folklore finished off the rest of the tablescape with their amber goblets, chargers, plates, and festive napkins.

The sweetheart table had an exclusive table setting, while the family and head tables had less extravagant similar versions.

Personal Touch Dining served another bountiful buffet with their fresh Mahi Mahi and addicting Mashed Potatoes!

We love the look of this long feasting style head table where the Bride and Groom sit like royalty in the middle of their friends and family.

We wish these two all the best in their bright future together!

Thanks to all the vendors who helped us make the magic happen, we couldn’t do what we love without you all!

Turquoise Turtledoves in Love

Emily and Amanda wanted their special day to be colorful, celebrated with a close-knit group, and all about love!

Here we see the girls anxiously awaiting their first look!

Each Bride got ready in our separate private rooms to keep the surprise for as long as possible.

Guests were received by the adorable welcome table as they arrived, sweetly adorned in the bright turquoise accent runner and seating sign.

The peaceful ceremony was in our Wash House Courtyard in front of our grand Pepper Tree.

The intimate group had a perfect view of the detailed speeches and customized traditions that Amanda and Emily incorporated into their service.

Finished with their vows, the brides celebrated their union with a big kiss, and let the party commence!

These flirty and fun floral arrangements from Honeysuckle & Ivy were all over the property, and we love the wildflower, “fresh-picked from the field” look!

The Brides made sure to let their guests know how much they all meant to them with touching Thank You Notes lovingly folded into each guest’s napkin!

Personal Touch Dining kept the guests well-fed with their delicious assortment of appetizers!

Pictured below are the Baked Brie Bites with Apricot Sauce and fresh Blueberries, and the Coconut Shrimp with a Mango Puree.

The Photo Bus also helped keep guests busy during cocktail hour with pictures inside and out of their adorable vintage VW Bus Photo Booth!

True Photography captured the Brides snagging a ride in the front seat of this little love mobile!

Personal Touch Dining served up an incredible plate for Emily and Amanda’s seated dinner.

These hungry Brides chose to start with the fabulous Watermelon Caprese Stack Salad.

For their entrees, guests either had the Filet Mignon with Caramelized Onions and rich Garlic Butter or White Seabass with Mediterranean Spices and a fresh Lemon Butter Sauce.

All this goodness was over the Truffle Mashed Potatoes and Petite Carrots!

Flour Power baked and decorated a simple, yet lovely, personal-sized cake to showcase the custom made cake topper silhouette.

It fits these love birds perfectly!

We’re so excited to follow these two as their beautiful future together unfolds.

And we’re so honored they chose our humble Ranch to be part of their celebration of love!

Thanks to all the incredible vendors who helped us create another magical event!

Special recognition goes to Personal Touch Dining for the Catering, Coordination, and Venue Management of all our special events.

Vendors:

DJ: Mike Hogan of Entertainment at Large

Florist: Honeysuckle & Ivy

Photography: True Photography

Photo Booth: The Photo Bus

Cake: Flour Power

Catering, Coordination, and Venue Management: Personal Touch Dining

Love as Colorfully as You Can!

This gorgeous artist always knew she wanted her special day to be as bright and lively as possible.

Our humble Ranch, with its soft tans, white, and gentle blues, was the perfect blank canvas!

Every color of the rainbow represented proudly by Claudia’s bridesmaids glowed through their assorted retro dresses and complimentary shawls.

We can’t think of a better photographer for such a vibrant arrangement than True Photography!

They spent the whole day with the happy couple capturing the essence of their special day.

But the fun wasn’t only for the ladies!

Reggie had his groomsmen all decked out in matching vests and ties to their partnering bridesmaids.

This gorgeous one-of-a-kind arch was assembled and decorated off-site,

then carried down to the ceremony location by loving family and friends eager to help with the day’s preparations!

During the ceremony, Reggie and Claudia made sure to personalize their vows by symbolically uniting their pasts to their shared future.

A sapling lime tree lovingly sprinkled with soil from each love bird’s childhood home, represented the future growth of Claudia and Reggie’s family and love.

After the tree-planting ceremony, the happy couple sealed their vows with a kiss, and were pronounced Husband and Wife!

Guests were encouraged to enjoy cocktail hour where Personal Touch Dining refreshed thirsty guests with craft cocktails,

and Can Ham Photobooth helped continue the retro flair and entertained with wild props for the best photos!

This glamorous couple left no detail untouched and personally crafted the centerpiece decor for the dining tables!

Each lantern, succulent pot, mini pinata, and personalized maraca was meant for the guests to take home as favors!

Everything was color coordinated, as you could have guessed, and our fantastic team of coordinators helped arrange everything exactly how they wanted it.

After the toasts, Personal Touch Dining dished out some amazing authentic Mexican cuisine, complete with every imaginable taco topping!

The floral accents and Claudia’s incredible bouquet were from La Belle Bloom, and we are so impressed with how well everything fit together with their wild decor!

Our little cabana never looked so vibrant!

Between the decorations provided by Reggie and Claudia, to the spectacular cake from Flour Power, the motif blended effortlessly.

The happy couple also provided some of their favorite sweets for guests to accompany the cake!

While these two escaped the party for a romantic photoshoot, DJ Bill Calhoun kept the guests rocking on the dancefloor the rest of the night!

We are so excited about this lovely couple, and we know their future will be as bright and full of life as their wedding day.

Thanks to all the fantastic vendors who helped make this day flow so effortlessly!

Special thanks go to Personal Touch Dining for the Management, Coordination, and Catering of all our special events!