Love at The Ranch: Thanks for the Toast (and the Pie)

After dinner (which was a scrumptious barbecue feast), the toasts began. We hadn't made a timeline for all of this but our day-of-coordinator was on top of her game and made sure things flowed smoothly. Everyone faced the front as my dad took the microphone.

I was really nervous for my dad because he has faced serious shyness his entire life but he did beautifully.

He read a story he entitled "Butterflies" about the first time he met Mr. Cowboy Boot.

My dad is an amazing writer and as I listened to him read, I recognized where it is I get my love for writing--and the reason I went into the career field in the first place.

After my dad, Mr. CB's best man, Jeremy got up there.

He mentioned that he hadn't prepared anything and then dove into a story about the first time he met me. We were in Upstate New York and one of their friends had invited me to take a ride on his four-wheeler. Jeremy thought I'd be too much of a priss (I was from LA and had never been on such a vehicle) but I hopped on. That was when he gave his approval of me to Mr. CB.

My maids-of-honor, the girls I've been friends with the longest, got up there and sang their praises of our relationship.

It was so sweet.

Finally, my brother stood up and said a little something. My brother reminds me of Jim from The Office, so sweet and sincere and funny. And just the best guy ever.

I was not expecting him to do that but was thrilled he did.

And then it was our turn.

We got up there and thanked everyone for coming. And then, we made the announcement: We'd now be serving dessert. Our pie bar!

But first, we had to exchange bites.

I think we had some trouble cutting it because something was really funny.

Finally, we got it right, though.

And then we kissed (with cherry pie in our mouths!).

How did we get here?

Mr. CB and I road-tripped it to Colorado.

I spent a peaceful morning with my girls.
Followed by a rowdy bachelorette party.
Two days before the wedding, we fought.
Then, we made up.

On Saturday, Mr. CB recuperated while I hiked with friends.

We celebrated our rehearsal dinner.

Sunday Morning: The girls got ready.

And the guys got ready.

Mr. CB and I had our First Look.

Budget Breakdown: Bouquets and Bouts.

Potraits of the bride and groom.

Our wedding party braved the cold for photos.

We all lined up for the ceremony.

The wedding party walked (and performed hand shakes).

Papa CB walked Ms (soon to be Mrs.) CB down the aisle.

Our ceremony began with a song from Grandma Cowboy Boot.

And ended with a kiss.

We hugged and took some family portraits.

Then our guests to to see The Details.

I broke down our centerpiece budget.

Then showed you our photo booth!

**All images above by the ridiculously talented and awesome Tec Petaja, unless otherwise noted. Head to his blog for some serious eye candy.**

Love at The Ranch: Why I Say Yes to DOCs

I am interrupting my final wedding recap to talk about an issue that is really crucial when it comes to weddings: DOCs (day-of-coordinators). I, like many brides, thought I could go without. But as the weeks neared our wedding date and I started to visualize a timeline for the few days before the wedding, I couldn't figure out when I would have time to set up all of the our DIY projects in our reception barn pre-wedding.

I had two trains of thought: 1) a stressed out bride, racing the clock, delegating projects, and ultimately, barely taking a breath before walking down the aisle, or 2) going hiking with friends, enjoying our rehearsal dinner, waking up rested the morning of the wedding, and possibly having a chance to go for a run or do yoga in the hours leading up to the ceremony.

Needless to say, option 2 seemed much more appealing. Our wedding salesperson at Devil's Thumb Ranch had two recommendations for day-of-coordinators and one, she said, was fairly new to the business. Her name was Danielle Odil of Something Classic Events. We talked a few times for a few months before the wedding and, eventually, I caved. But not without combing through her set package and customizing it to my needs (including slicing the price tag to my budget). To see what I did to her package, head here.

On the day of, Danielle went above and beyond. The best example I can think of was her obliging to my last-minute request to get an off-road vehicle to take our photographer, Mr. CB, and me back on a trail to some old mining shacks. I'd seen them the day before and thought they'd make an awesome backdrop for images. Minutes later, Danielle showed up in a utility vehicle, rambling over log stumps and boulders to make sure we got what we needed.

While watching our wedding video recently, I watched as Danielle ran to make sure a door didn't slam as my dad and I made our way down the aisle. Prior to this, though, she set up the barn to make sure our DIY projects and decor looked perfect. During our cocktail hour, she came to me when we ran out of appetizers to see if we wanted to order more.

The transitions from first dance to father-daughter dance to swapping pie all went smoothly because of her. She also plated my dinner (so I didn't spill on my dress) and made sure I had a delicious beverage with my dinner.

She supplied the pens when we forgot our own for the guestbook. There were moments when I still felt like I needed to take care of things (like when the playlist was on its last song with time to spare), but every time I went up to Danielle to nudge her about something, it was already taken care of.

We only had her stay until 8 pm (once everyone had enough booze and food to feel like all was going smoothly regardless) but, in the end, I'm thrilled we had her at all. The level of stress that would have been there without her would have been through the roof. Thus, I urge all of you to book a DOC. It may sound frivolous, like a wedding-factory thing, or unnecessary but it did not make our wedding feel like it came off of a conveyer belt at all.

The only thing it did was act as insurance to make sure that we had the best time we could.

Are you booking a DOC?

Love at The Ranch: The Rehearsal Dinner

Around 5:30 the night before the wedding, we all started to congregate inside of Winter Park's Hernando's Pizza Pub, the site of the rehearsal dinner Mama and Papa CB were throwing us. This was the first time the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and families really got together since we decided that we weren't going to have a rehearsal.

All photos by Amanda Wilson unless otherwise noted

Recognize those pomanders? Mrs. D'orsay graciously shared them with me after her wedding and they added just the right amount of wedding-bell decor to our otherwise rustic-and-fun pizza place.

While we couldn't invite all of our wedding guests to the dinner--the back area of Hernando's only seats about 40--we made sure that all those who were in the wedding and their significant others/families could come.

The night started off with a quick welcome from my mom, beers in ball jars, and salads all around.

Gifts were opened. We gave everyone a different gift depending on what we thought they'd like. Our junior bridesmaid, Ariyahna, got a reusable, eco-friendly water bottle and a chiffon hair clip for the Big Day, among other things.

We ate ridiculously good pizza--I mean look at that crust.

Our flower girl preferred red cabbage, I guess.

The bridesmaid and I took about fifty pictures that all look just. like. this.

Photo by Tim Carr

And then one with the family, of course.

Aunt, Dad, Me, Mom, and Bro CB

And one of my favorite pictures from the whole weekend is this one with my grandpa, one of the most talented musicians I know. He is a jazz flutist who played with all the Big Band guys like Miles Davis and the Charlie Parker Band back in the day.

Photo by Tim Carr

I can't remember what my mom said right here, but it was something shocking based on our faces.

Then the speeches began. This is number two on my list of memories I adore from the weekend. Number one being my dad crying earlier in the day and number two: the daisy-chain of friends and family who stood up and toasted us and our happiness.

First, my mom, who talked about how there was no changing my mind when it was set on something.

Then my aunt, who Mr. CB and I are very, very close with. She gives her whole heart to everything and never shies away from emotion.

Next up, Mr. CB's sister and ten-year-old niece cried their way through their toasts.

My grandmother stood up next and gave an animated speech. Followed by two of my bridesmaids.

One of Mr. CB's groomsmen followed suit. This was a "How Mr. CB changed my life..." moment.

Everyone was smiling and enjoying themselves.

Including us (with a few tears in our eyes)...

Mr. CB's aunt gave it a go with tips on a long, happy marriage.

Mr. CB's uncle started taking notes in the middle of it. We couldn't stop laughing.

Some of our friends from Santa Fe jumped on the bandwagon next. They got the entire restaurant clinking their glasses in our honor.

And finally, if you hadn't noticed yet, the walls in Hernando's are covered in dollar bills that are signed by the restaurant's patrons.

So, we left our mark. It's the bottom middle one that says "Go Troxell" (my new last name).

The night ended with our bridesmaids and groomsmen heading to the bar across the street. We followed suit for one drink (a glass of water, I was so thirsty) before vanishing for the night back in our cabin.

We broke the rules and stayed together the night before the wedding. If anything, I think it helped us sleep better.

How did we get here?

First, Mr. CB and I road-tripped it to Boulder, CO.

Then, I spent a peaceful morning with my bridesmaids and maids-of-honor.
Followed by a rowdy bachelorette party that night.
The next morning, two days before the wedding, we fought.
Then, we made up.

On Saturday, Mr. CB recuperated from his bachelor party while I hiked with friends.

What do you have planned for your rehearsal dinner?

Love at The Ranch: The Cowboy Boots' Granola Recipe*

*This recipe actually belongs to Bridesmaid Georgia's mom and was only featured in The Cowboy Boots' out-of-town bags. Luckily, The Georgias were generous enough to share it with us! Believe me, this is good, people! There were trades going on like taffy for more granola because people loved it so much.

Greenie's Granola: The Cowboy Boots' Special Batch


Makes 8 cups of Granola

Ingredients:
6 cups old fashion rolled oats (no quick cook)
2 cups honey (we like Colorado Madhava Ambrosia Honey)
1 cup good oil
3 cups raw sunflower seeds
2 cups sesame seeds
3 cups almond slivers
2 cups Cranberries, Regular & Golden Raisins (**Note: Add at end, Do not cook fruit in oven!)

Place oil & honey in saucepan on very low heat. Mix oats, nuts & seeds together in large bowl, and add honey/oil to bowl and mix well.

On a large cookie sheet, cover with granola about 1/2 inch thick cover entirely, try to keep granola spread evenly across cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes until golden, DO NOT LET BURN.

Once out of the oven, scoop granola into bowl and stick in refrigerator til mostly cool (its helpful to place wax paper in bowl, as granola will harden in fridge). Add dried fruit to cooled granola and bag!

Enjoy with yogurt & fresh fruit, oatmeal, milk or even all alone.

Recipe courtesy of Coleen Green Petrey.

Did you use any homemade goods in your wedding? Share the recipe with us!

On This Harvest Moon

It started out completely unplanned. It involved cooking dinner in our new kitchen, one glass of wine, two handfuls of sage from our greenhouse, and Neil Young playing on the stereo. The song Harvest Moon came on and we started dancing a little, the harmonica sailing away in the background. We started thinking, this could be our first dance song. We both love it, the lyrics make me sigh, and it's easy enough to sway around to for three-and-a-half minutes or so. And it's the kind of song that makes me want to get lost in Mr. CB's eyes forever.

After a couple more minutes of both of us crooning in the kitchen, I started wondering "When is the full moon around our wedding date anyway?" I pulled out my crack-berry and got to work. The first calendar pulled up a full black circle over our date with a full grey circle over a few other dates. "I think it's the full moon," I said,"Oh, no, wait. Maybe it's no moon."

The Harvest Moon

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Mr. Cowboy Boot took a look. "Nope, that's the full moon," he assured me. I couldn't believe it. The full moon on our wedding date. The barn's floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking that gorgeous valley and the mountains that surround it, completely white-washed with moonlight. If you've ever been at a high altitude on the full moon, you know how magical it is.

Moonlight over Colorado
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Then I got even more curious. What's the actual "Harvest Moon"? I googled to find out it's the full moon closest to the September Equinox. It provides farmers with extra light as the days grow shorter so they can finish up harvesting their crops for the season.

More Moonlight over Colorado
(source)

So, when's the September Equinox? September 22nd. That makes the full moon on our wedding date the official Harvest Moon. I've been in shock since I found this out, completely in awe of the coincidence. I love it. And, yes, Neil Young's Harvest Moon is fated to be our first dance song. With lyrics like this, how can it not be?

Come a little bit closer
Hear what I have to say
Just like children sleepin
We could dream this night away.

But theres a full moon risin
Lets go dancin in the light
We know where the music's playin
Lets go out and feel the night.

Because Im still in love

with you
I want to see you dance again
Because Im still in love with you
On this harvest moon.

When we were strangers
I watched you from afar
When we were lovers
I loved you with all my heart.

But now its gettin late
And the moon is risin high
I want to celebrate
See it shinin in your eye.

Because Im still in love with you
I want to see you dance again
Because Im still in love with you
On this harvest moon.

To find out if what stage the moon will be in at your wedding, head here.

What's your first dance song? How did you pick it? Did you have any random coincidences happen with your wedding?

Beer. Beer. Beer.

Mr. Cowboy Boot and I have an appointment with Devil's Thumb Ranch to suss out our catering contract over Memorial Day weekend. It's got my wheels spinning. While I should be thinking about our BBQ menu and whether we want braised collared greens or bison rustic chili, I've only got my mind on one thing. Beer. No, this is not Mr. CB writing in place of Miss Cowboy Boot. 

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I love beer. That's right. After a long hike, while paddling down a river, around a campfire, or at the end of a ski day, there's nothing better than an ice cold brew. This favoritism over other, more girly beverages could be a result of the fact that I live in a mountain town. Everyone here drinks beer. But I'm also a bit of a beer snob--I can't reach for the cheapest case in the grocery store fridge. In fact, I'm drinking a Santa Fe Brewing Company Nut Brown Ale right now. When I'm not, I reach for an New Belgium's Fat Tire or Organic Mothership Wit. 

So why am I going on and on about beer? Because it's been one of our favorite details of our wedding. As one of our beverage options, we can pick from six kegs of local beers. Since we're doing a BBQ dinner we figure that beer will be a big hit. And, Mr. CB and I wish we could call ourselves locavores which makes this so appealing to us. Throughout the past few months, we've been scouring liquor stores to find the six beers on the menu so we can taste them and see which we like. If we like all six, we might just do quarter kegs of each kind of beer.

Now for the beer list:

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Wild Creek Brewery's Three Pin Jack Pale Ale made in Winter Park, Colorado, just nine miles down the road from our venue. They also serve beers called: Breakaway Blonde, Gear Jammer Amber, Wee Heavy Lassie, and Plain Jane.

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Easy Street Wheat Beer (one of my faves) is brewed by Odell Brewing Company out of Fort Collins, Colorado, which is about two hours from our venue. 

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Coors and Coors Light have to be on the list. They're the one recognizable brewery but, they're brewed just sixty-six miles from our venue in Golden, Colorado. 

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We also have another beer by Odell Brewing Company called 90 Shilling. It's Odell's flagship beer and it's basically a traditional Scottish ale, unlike Easy Street which is an unfiltered wheat beer.

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If you didn't catch the name yet it's Wooly Booger. Ha. Every time I say this to people, they have to bring up the beer Moose Drool from Big Sky Brewing. Not brewed as far as Montana, though, Wooly Booger (try saying that six times fast) is created by Grand Lake Brewing Company which is only twenty-seven miles from Devil's Thumb. 

What did you have the most fun trying out before your wedding?

Part Two: The Search Continues.

It wasn't until we were back in New Mexico, feeling more unsure than ever about where we wanted to get married, that we found it. I was reading my Real Simple Weddings book late one night when I came across a wedding in a barn in southern Colorado. Light. Bulb. We were only two hours from Southern Colorado. The weight of planning a wedding from afar lifted from my shoulders. I Googled, and Googled, and Googled. Blue Lake Ranch in Durango looked nice, but Durango is really too remote for our traveling guests. It's about a six-hour drive from the Denver airport and a five-hour drive from the Albuquerque airport.

Dunton Hot Springs near Telluride, CO

Dunton Hot Springs near Telluride (pictured above) is even more remote but almost seemed worth it: You can rent the entire town (it's an old ghost town) including the multiple hot-spring pools. But the price proved it too remote in more ways than one. One night for $18,000--given it includes lodging and organic meals for 42--practically our entire wedding budget.

The Meadow at Devil's Thumb Ranch, Tabernash, CO thanks to Laura Dombrowski

Third time's a charm. I stumbled upon Devil's Thumb Ranch. Five-thousand raw acres of mountainous Colorado with a renovated barn on a completely, sustainable ranch. Whew. That's a mouthful, but that's because it has a lot to offer.

People ask me why Colorado? One, it's in between both of our families. But it's also a place Mr. Cowboy Boot and I steal away to for long weekends in the mountains, so we associate it with fun, adventure, and relaxation.

Devil's Thumb Ranch Broad Axe Barn (on right, above) thanks to In Photography

The site fee includes the ceremony and reception sites, tables, chairs, linens, dishes, glasses, silverware, servers, a bartender, a sound system, and even, a beautiful deck for a cocktail hour. They have several locations on the ranch to hold events: an outdoor BBQ space; a 40-person, all-glass house with views for miles; a wine cellar for private meals; and the Broad Axe Barn, where our reception is taking place. Their off-season, starting October 1st (three days before our wedding), reduces the price by nearly half. Score.

The Broad Axe Barn: Our reception space (that's our wedding coordinator during our tour)

The ranch does all of the catering which is completely fine with us--the food is drool-worthy. And, the menu options are limitless: seasonal tasting menu; elk steak with mashed potatoes; or gourmet BBQ, which is what we're doing. (Honestly, the ribs were better than the bacon-glazed salmon).

In the end, we decided on what felt right. We knew that traveling would be involved for at least half the guests so we decided to make it a destination wedding for everyone. Luckily, the ranch has around 50 guest rooms in the lodge and 11 private cabins snugly in the woods. It feels unique, is filled with one-of-a-kind antiques, has local, delicious food, and, most importantly, has an inclusive-package that fit our budget. Now, I leave you with a little bit of the ranch's character: their version of  a "Do Not Disturb" sign.

How many venues did you look at before you found the one? Did you always know what you were looking for or did you stumble upon it, unexpectedly?