An Elegant Mountain Lakeside Wedding at Grand Lake Yacht Club in Grand Lake, Colorado
Dallas-based couple Arden Elliott (27 and a managing director of a PR firm) and Brock Hensarling (27, a director of research and land manager at an energy mineral investment firm) chose Grand Lake, Colorado, as a destination because Brock’s family has spent their summers there for five generations. There’s even a waterfall named after his great-great grandfather. With a sunset-pink palette for the ceremony and a nautical-inspired reception, they put together a fun day that never lost its elegance. Arden’s look set the tone for their day: The engagement ring, a mine-cut diamond originating from the 1800s, had been passed down in Brock’s family, and her blush-colored gown’s versatile styling options allowed for dancing (of which there was plenty). The couple had the privilege of being one of two weddings conducted on the private dock—the other being actor Tim Allen’s. Postceremony, the couple took a lap around the lake on a vintage boat. Fresh local greenery helped create the A Midsummer Night’s Dream atmosphere. During cocktail hour, an oyster shucker roamed among guests, and one wedding crasher—a moose!—had to be escorted out by animal control. Later, the couple took their first dance to “Forever and Ever, Amen” by Randy Travis, a song they both grew up listening to. “The lyrics are silly but also incredibly romantic,” Arden says. “The intimacy of the evening is something I’ll cherish forever.”