Under the Mistletoe--A Holiday Wedding Story
December 2009

As the Colorado sun set behind the mountains on December 20th, a storybook wedding unfolded at Spruce Mountain Ranch. Sharing their love for Colorado and their love for each other, Niesa and Cody Bartley were wed amidst the crisp Rocky Mountain air and amber sunset.

Before the celebration began, the wedding party spent time together getting ready. In the Bridal Lounge the bride-to-be dressed with her maid-of-honor (who was also her new mother-in-law); and in the Groom’s Vestibule the groom enjoyed his last moments of bachelorhood. Pre-wedding photos were then taken on Angus Lake, which was iced-over - fitting for a winter wedding. Finally, the wedding party explored the Ranch in a horse-drawn carriage.

Meanwhile, guests arrived for the wedding ceremony on Ames Patio. The patio was alight with candles and embellished with greenery and berries emitting a festive holiday spirit. Hand-crafted wooden swings hung on either side of the pergola, where the grandparents were seated during the ceremony.  And to add some Colorado flair, a natural wood fireplace stood in the center. 

The bride and groom arrived in their horse-drawn carriage as the setting sun cast a warm light over the ranch. Friends and family watched as they said their ‘I Dos’ in front of the fireplace which was flanked by bouquets of wildflowers. Unity candles glowed on either side of the couple, who shared their first married kiss just as the first few stars began to shine through the fading daylight.

As the guests moved into the Colorado Room for the wedding reception, the newlyweds spent some quality time together roaming the grounds in their horse-drawn carriage. When they arrived at the reception, they were welcomed by a floor-to-ceiling holiday tree, decorated with red ornaments, ribbons, and white lighting. Adding a rustic, Colorado charm, a western motif complemented the festive atmosphere. Reception tables were set with denim napkins and featured centerpieces of hand-painted cowboy boots adorned with bandanas and fresh wildflowers. A wood fireplace radiated a cozy warmth and rosy glow to complete the classic Colorado style.

Friends and family enjoyed one another as they talked, laughed, and ate in celebration of new beginnings. Staying true to their Colorado theme, the reception featured a BBQ dinner including a Santa Maria Tri Tip cooked over red oak. The mingling smells of BBQ and a roaring fire enveloped the celebration. Finally, as the festivities faded, guests left the ranch under a dark blue sky studded with stars.