A Chance Meeting At A Concert Led To This Classic Rock-Inspired Wedding In Colorado
Since a chance meeting at a concert brought them together, it's only right that music played a big role in their wedding. Courtney and Ben share a love of classic rock and paid homage to some of their favorite songs and bands throughout their wedding, from their festival-worthy wardrobe to their custom neon signage. The bride rocked a killer bell-sleeved dress with thigh-high blue velvet boots and a hat that would make Stevie Nicks jealous. Her hubby-to-be wore an equally daring look–a blue velvet blazer.
They put their day in the hands of A Bride's Best Mate and Do Great Projects who totally got the vision! You can see bits and pieces of the inspiration woven in throughout the entire wedding design, including The Barn At Sunset Ranch, the perfect boho venue for this peace, love, and music-loving couple. Vanilla Alpine Floristry created beautiful festive arrangements that complemented the natural beauty of the blue mountains and surrounding ranchland. Josie V Photography took these vibrant photos that capture the love of the moment and the feeling in the air beautifully! Keep reading to hear more from Josie Skinner of Josie V Photography about all of the fun music-related details that made this wedding so unique and make sure to check out the full gallery to see all of the photos from this wedding!
A FATEFUL GLANCE
Courtney and Ben locked eyes at a concert with friends, and the rest is history. They both appreciated each other's dance moves, carefree attitude, and pure hearts. Ben didn't wait long to pop the question to Courtney, and she emphatically said yes! As soon as they started planning their wedding, they knew they wanted to incorporate their love of live music and festivals. They decided to create a mini music festival in the valley of Buena Vista, Colorado. The morning of the wedding, Settings Event Rental set up a three-pointed tent on the grounds of The Barn At Sunset Ranch.
STYLE ICONS
Inspired by 70's rock legends like Fleetwood Mac, the bride and groom's style featured a stunning bell-sleeved dress by Calla Blanche and a velvet suit from Balani Custom Clothiers. Her thigh-high boots and hat reflected his jacket's lush blue velvet details, creating a unique rock and roll vibe. Florals by Vanilla Alpine Floristry lined the aisle and the ceremonial arch, fresh blossoms mixed with dried elements to create a contemporary bohemian atmosphere. The couple's favorite lyrics lined the aisle with the intricate floral arrangements. Late summer wind moved through the valley as clouds floated between the towering blue mountains that served as the backdrop for the ceremony site.
A POWERFUL PLAYLIST
Ben works in music production and events in Denver, so naturally, the guests at the wedding were all very musically inclined. Their talented friends came together to form "The Homegrown Allstars," performing live throughout the day. As guests took their seats, the peaceful guitar cords of "Wildflowers" by Tom Petty set the mood for the ceremony. A powerful wave of bittersweet emotion moved through the crowd as Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" was played in tribute to those there in spirit. And finally, the bride walked with her father down the aisle to "Cortez the Killer" by Neil Young, as a huge smile spread across the groom's face.
PARTY LIKE A ROCKSTAR
Their ceremony was full of love, laughter, and a handful of tears, ending with the bride joyfully throwing her bouquet up in the air as friends and family let out a chorus of whistles. After venturing out to the nearby mountain lake for some photos, signing their marriage license in the woods, and dipping their toes in the freezing alpine river, the wedding party returned to the festival for tacos and barbecue. The couple cut their cake under the neon lyrics of Widespread Panic, "Ain't Life Grand." The crowd teared up as the bride and groom danced to "Leather and Lace" by Don Henly and Stevie Nicks, and the mountain wind swept through the tent. The Homegrown Allstars finished the evening with a raucous concert, euphoria, and love filling the air.
SOME TIPS FROM THE PRO
1. When planning a wedding that includes a lot of rentals, like large tents, etc. make sure to book these as soon as possible! It can become hard to find what you need closer to the date.
2. Start brainstorming the music you love and want to use early on. This will help you create a story and know what vibe you want, and take pressure off of last-minute decisions!
3. Make sure that you have a friend who can go between the two of you to make sure that your outfits coordinate, even if you don't want to see what the other person is wearing.
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- Band: The Homegrown Allstars
- Cakes & Catering: The Cake Maker
- Cakes & Catering: Rolling Smoke BBQ
- Cakes & Catering: Mcdevitt Taco Supply
- Cakes & Catering: The Desert Stand
- Cakes & Catering: Full Pour Bar Catering
- Couple: Courtney Kiser
- Couple: Ben Manley
- Dress & Apparel: Calla Blanche
- Dress & Apparel: Blue Bridal Boutique
- Event Planning & Design: A Bride's Best Mate
- Event Planning & Design: Do Great Projects
- Flowers: Vanilla Alpine Floristry
- Getting Ready Location: The Inn At Railroad And Main
- Groom & His Men: Balani Custom Clothiers
- Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Cedar Hair Denver
- Rentals: Settings Event Rental
- Rentals: Wallflower Rentals
- Travel & Transportation: Colorado Adventure Tours
- Venues: The Barn At Sunset Ranch
- Wedding Photographers: Josie V Photography