Though this wedding was only 30 minutes outside of Denver, Josh and Lauren decided on a Colorado ranch wedding to feel far from the city. “Spruce Mountain Ranch was the first venue that we viewed. While we liked several others, we felt that Spruce Mountain Ranch fit our desired wedding day vibe of ‘Colorado elegant,’” says the couple.

“The venue itself and the surrounding views are simply spectacular and we felt that it would really feel special to our guests from other states,” says the couple. “As with any outdoor wedding in Colorado, there is the potential for afternoon storms, especially during the summer months, though we were lucky and had a beautiful, sunny day!”

The couple also planned transportation and lodging for their guests. “We booked a block of rooms at the Inverness Hotel that family members could use. There was also a shuttle service that went between the hotel and the venue that was very helpful,” says the bride. The couple had additional transportation for those who lived close enough, but did not want to drive. “We wanted guests to be safe, but also be able to enjoy themselves at the wedding!” say the newlyweds.

Along with budgeting templates and timelines, the couple used some other helpful items. “The most useful tool we used was an online planning tool provided by our wedding planner called Aisle Planner,” says the bride. “We were able to enter vendor information, keep track of RSVPs, and make seating charts, as well as many other things via this website.”

The couple printed all of the wedding day stationery themselves and had a friend help with the calligraphy for their welcome sign. Overall, things ran smoothly even when working with vendors two hours away from the venue.

We asked the couple for any advice for other couples planning a wedding. Here’s what they said: The biggest thing we can think of is to stay organized leading up to the event, enjoy the process and, when the day comes, soak it all in. It goes by incredibly fast!

Vendors: Photographer: From the Hip Photo, Wedding Planner: Sarah Viera Events, Ceremony/Reception Site: Spruce Mountain Ranch, Florist: The Fresh Flower Market, Cake: Buffalo Gals, Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Liz Boyle, Hair by Melissa Healey, Gown Designer: WToo by Watters, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Kenneth Cole, Bridesmaids/Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: Jenny Yoo, DJ: FUNction Pro, String Quartet: Cheza String Quartet, Caterer: Buffalo Gals