1. Real Weddings

A Rustic Outdoor Wedding at La Mesita Ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Rosalyn Saiz (24 and a photographer) and Aaron Moorehead (34 and wide receivers coach for Texas A&M) knew they would marry at La Mesita Ranch from the

Rosalyn Saiz (24 and a photographer) and Aaron Moorehead (34 and wide receivers coach for Texas A&M) knew they would marry at La Mesita Ranch from the moment they arrived at the venue. And it's easy to understand why: The private Santa Fe retreat features an old equestrian barn, giant cottonwood trees, colorful flowers and rows of alfalfa on its 144 acres of land. "It is truly a magical venue," says Rosalyn. "It was love at first site with a venue, if that's possible." 

The couple decided to play up the completely outdoors setting with a soft, natural palette of white, sage and blush alongside rustic-chic decorative accents. "We wanted to keep decor simple since the beauty of La Mesita Ranch was so rich," says Rosalyn. She chose whimsical, free-spirited floral arrangements that included her favorite flowers, roses and peonies, paired with salad leaf, limonium, alstroemerias and eucalyptus. After saying their vows beneath the giant cottonwood trees, the newlyweds moved on to a Southwestern-inspired dinner of fajitas and dancing on the lawn under strings of bistro lights. Their infant son napped in a portable crib nearby while the couple and their loved ones danced til the very end. —Michelle Thomas


Satin wedge sandals fit in with Rosalyn's palette of white and pale pink.
The couple's wedding stationery was custom-designed by Paper & Honey and that complimented the day's colors and florals.
The bride loved the delicate fabric and open back of her Katie May wedding dress.
Aaron chose Rosalyn's engagement ring, which features three diamond eternity bands and a princess-cut center stone.
Rosalyn and her bridesmaids donned matching floral robes while prepping for the wedding.
Rosalyn loves roses and peonies, so her pink and white bouquet featured the blooms along with limonium, larkspur, alstroemerias and eucalyptus in a whimsical arrangement.
The couple's young daughter helped Aaron propose to Rosalyn on Christmas Eve.
Wood signs hand-written in calligraphy shared details about the ceremony and described the reception menu.rn
The couple's three-year-old daughter was a flower girl in the wedding ceremony.
One of the couple's friends hand-made the cedar wood altar for the ceremony, which was officiated by a family friend.
The programs doubled as fans to cool guests during the hot Southwest summer ceremony. Oyster Pearl
Rosalyn's bridesmaids chose their own style of chiffon dress, all in the same mint green hue from J.Crew. The groomsmen wore light gray suits.
Rosalyn and Aaron fell in love with their ranch venue from the moment they saw it.
Rosalyn loves roses and peonies, so her pink and white bouquet featured the blooms along with limonium, larkspur, alstroemerias and eucalyptus in a whimsical arrangement.
This hand-lettered sign helped decorated the head table at the reception.
The green and white ombre escort cards were created by Brittany Viklund Designs.
Gold vases and arrangements of pink-and-white flowers decorated the reception tables.
Rosalyn, a photographer, wanted something a little different for her guestbook—so the couple asked their guests to snap polaroid photos and write an accompanying message.
The couple's two children participated in the day from start to finish, with their young son sleeping in a portable crib while the rest of the wedding danced.
A cake topper included a pun on the couple's newly shared surname, which Rosalyn had custom-designed by Etsy vendor Better Off Wed.