1. Real Weddings

A Rustic Ranch Wedding in Parker, Colorado

 Kaci Young (31 and a clinical exercise specialist) and Matt Hudson (35 and a sales and marketing manager) are both originally from Colorado, yet had

 Kaci Young (31 and a clinical exercise specialist) and Matt Hudson (35 and a sales and marketing manager) are both originally from Colorado, yet had to go to Missouri in order to meet (at a college banquet). “I knew I had found the woman that would change my life forever,” Matt says. Nearly 10 years, a few moves, and a breakup later, they reunited and fell in love all over again. This time their reunion was for good—Matt proposed after a sunrise paddle. True to their style, their wedding at Arrow C Ranch in Parker, Colorado was not only a celebration of love, but fun for guests and vendors alike. “The bride was easygoing, the groom was patient, kind, and charming,” explains photographer Shannon Von Eschen. “The couple was over-the-top in love with each other. They made my job easy.” Decor for the mountain-style outdoor ceremony was simple: Ribbons tied around chairs, a simple floral arrangement on the arch, and rose pedals lining the aisle. Kaci bucked tradition and paired an elegant lace fit-and-flare gown with worn-in cowboy boots—more her style than heels. Matt splurged on a custom grey pinstriped suit, purple shirt, purple tie, and brown wingtips. Purple, or more specifically, shades of lavender, orchid, and boysenberry, was also carried in the bridesmaids’ floor-length, flowing gowns; while the groomsmen wore mismatched three-piece grey suits, purple ties, and brown shoes. And forget about throwing rice or blowing bubbles—this back-to-basics couple had a celebratory bird seed toss after the ceremony. Other unique elements included readily available golf carts for guests to drive from the ceremony to the reception site, a whiskey barrel table for displaying desserts, painted fence signage welcoming guests on their way in and thanking them on their way out, and having guests sign a barrel rather than a guestbook. Guests dined on flank steak, Cajun mac and cheese, and duck fat chicken, sipped on Moscow Mules, and enjoyed cheesecake before dancing the night away. “We are so blessed to have such amazing families and friends who have been on the long ride with us,” Matt comments. “We could not be happier.” 
By Chrissy Sorenson

Kaci paired cowboy boots with her elegant lace fit-and-flare wedding gown, the perfect accessory for an outdoor Colorado wedding in the mountains. Kaci didn't think she'd be comfortable in a form-fitting bodice, and was surprised that this dress was different. "I was so comfortable and felt beautiful in my dress."
Kaci designed the invitations, going for a fall-theme of apple green and ivory.
Angela, of Bella Lu Floral, created the bride's whimsical and lush bouquet using burgundy dahlias, deep purple lisianthus, burgundy amaranthus, deep red roses, jacopia pods, Italian ruscus vine, willow eucalyptus, burgundy ranunculus, burgundy clematis, purple kale, deep purple scabiosa, Juliet garden roses, and kangaroo paw accents. Bridesmaids carried bouquets that were similarly striking.
Table numbers and names were strung on a reclaimed fence, serving as the escort cards.
Every place setting was set with vintage glassware, silverware wrapped in a bow, and a heartfelt thank you note.
The couple garnished their signature drinks with mint sprigs and lime wedges, and served the popular cocktail in a signature copper mug.
Two whiskey barrels and a board held mini cheesecake, bundt cake, chocolate cake, brownies and lemon bars.
Bite sized desserts were the perfect treat.
Guests were asked to "leave their best wishes for the new Mr. and Mrs."—not in a traditional guestbook, but on a whiskey barrel.
Matt’s cousin married the couple under a simple ceremony arch adorned in flowers.
Big fans of music, it was challenging selecting the perfect first dance song. In the end, Kaci and Matt chose Luke Bryan’s “To the Moon and Back.” She comments, "It was so fitting for us."