1. Real Weddings

A Rustic DIY Wedding at Ralston Crossing in Arvada, Colorado

Kaitlyn Strate (26 and a proposal manager) and Ryan Triplett (29 and department of defense security specialist) met on a Carnival Cruise. Ryan propose

Kaitlyn Strate (26 and a proposal manager) and Ryan Triplett (29 and department of defense security specialist) met on a Carnival Cruise. Ryan proposed while they were on vacation in Cocoa Beach, Florida. “We took an early morning walk on the beach so I could look for shells,” Kaitlyn says. “It started to get cloudy, and I was ready to head inside, but Ryan kept insisting on 10 more minutes. Soon an airplane flew over the ocean with a banner that read, ‘I love you, Kaitlyn, will you marry me?’ I was so excited that I forgot to say yes.” Although the couple lives in Virginia, Kaitlyn grew up in Colorado and wanted to be true to her roots and to exchange vows in her home state. They chose Ralston Crossing in Arvada, Colorado, and got married in a restored 100-year-old chapel before their pavilion reception. “I spent my summers growing up at the ranch my grandparents own in southern Colorado,” Kaitlyn says. “That really served as my inspiration.” Really wanting to keep everything simple, they made a lot of the details themselves including the lush branch-wrapped hydrangea bouquets and vintage tea pot centerpieces. They created a romantic feel with soft shades of white, blush and brown. Not afraid to break tradition, Kaitlyn had one male bridesmaid who fit perfectly into the wedding party, and her family’s dog, Zoey, served as the flower girl. They even had southwestern food, such as chips and salsa, at the reception.

Kaitlyn carried a white bouquet of only white hydrangeas, which she made herself. The long stems were wrapped in branches for a rustic twist.
The bridesmaids wore their own blush cocktail dresses with cowboy boots. Kaitlyn had a male bridesmaid, as well, who wore his own pink shirt and jeans.
The groom and groomsmen wore jeans, cowboy boots, white button ups and brown suede vests.
Kaitlyn’s family dog, Zoey, was the flower girl. She was dressed with pink bows on her ears and a dog collar covered in small pink flowers.
“We had our ceremony in the restored 100-year-old chapel,” Kaitlyn says.
Kaitlyn and Ryan at Ralston Crossing in Colorado
Kaitlyn and Ryan had their reception in the outdoor pavilion at Ralston Crossing. They loved the natural, rustic feel and vineyard-inspired arbors.
The reception tables were decorated with taupe table linens and pink linen napkins. The centerpieces included wood rounds and baby’s breath in mason jars.
The centerpieces included vintage silver tea pots filled with white hydrangea and baby’s breath to play up the rustic vibe.
Guests were able to hula hoop at the reception for a little extra fun entertainment.
Das Meyer created a simple, chic three-tier white buttercream wedding cake adorned with an white aster flower.
Kaitlyn and Ryan First Dance
Kaitlyn and Ryan in Arvada, Colorado