Avery and Cody’s wedding was a true labor of love. Nestled on the side of a mountain in Florence, Colorado, this destination wedding was filled with rustic charm, gorgeous details, and even a burro named Banjo delivering drinks to guests.
We loved our time with Avery and Cody during their engagement session at Red Rocks Canyon Open Space just a few months ago, and couldn’t wait to see all the things they’d been dreaming up for their intimate wedding celebration.
Hosting a wedding at your home can be challenging, but when you live in such a gorgeous location, of course, hosting your closest friends and family members just makes sense. So when Avery and Cody purchased this fixer upper, their forever home would soon be flipped into a resort-like getaway that would eventually host this memorable wedding weekend.
But of course Colorado always likes to throw a few curveballs in the way of weather. With temps in the 100’s and hazy smoke from wildfires filling the air, getting those final touches done outside was tricky. And then in true Colorado fashion, out of nowhere 14″ of snow fell covering the property. So with the help of his Marine Corp buddies who came out a few days early, they shoveled and plowed out all the the snow. And even helped with a few final projects to get the house in tip top shape.
As I wandered around their home, everywhere you turned there were stunning views and decor that made you think you were walking through a show-home. Avery has such an amazing eye for details, and this home was the perfect location to dream and let her eye for design thrive. Cody is incredibly talented too, doing much of the construction himself to update the home.
As we pulled up to the house, the ceremony site was situated just out front, wrapped in amazing mountain views. Avery shared with me that this spot was her favorite view, so it made sense that she would want to exchange their vows here. What a beautiful memory to make. Now each day when they walk outside, they can stand in the very place they said I do. Who else can say that they get to do that? What a beautiful way to remember those promises day after day.
As guests began to arrive for their ceremony, they too were wow’d by the property and thrilled to be greeted by the one and only Banjo, a beverage burro, who provided guests with a refreshing drink as they made their way to the pre-ceremony cocktail hour. It was such a clever way to welcome guests and allow them to relax before the festivities began.
Avery and Cody’s ceremony was sweetly officiated by Cody’s Step-dad, Buck. He included a moving poem that brought everyone to tears. After the two said I do, you could feel the joy and emotion from everyone. As two blended families became one, hugs with tear-filled eyes turned to cheers and excitement, as they kicked off the cocktail hour overlooking the foothills. A highlight of this cocktail hour had to be the spread of food on one of the largest charcuterie tables I’ve every seen. And I don’t know about you, but I love a good charcuterie.
The team from Picnic Basket worked quickly to flip the ceremony site into an insanely romantic farm-table reception. The decor alone was jaw-dropping. With a seating chart written on an antique mirror, guests wandered in and were served glasses of champagne from the custom champagne wall. Surrounded by the alpenglow of the sunsetting to the west, guests were treated to a delicious meal and yummy desserts by Sugar Plum Cake Shoppe.
It was a night to remember for sure. And we felt so honored to be there capturing such a beautiful couple. If I walked away with no other memories, I will always remember the hard work poured into this home, the genuine words spoken of this wonderful couple and crazy in love looks they shared at every turn. Thank you Avery and Cody for allowing us to be there for this special day. And Congratulations!
To see photos from Avery and Cody’s Engagement at Red Rock Canyon Open Space in Colorado Springs jump to their BLOG HERE. Are you looking for a photography team for your upcoming wedding? Let’s chat and see if we’re a good fit for each other!
Photographer | Britni and Jeremy Girard of Britni Girard Photography
Venue | Private Residence in Florence, CO
Cake Artist | Sugar Plum Cakeshoppe
Musician | Scott Warren
Caterer | The Picnic Basket
Florist | Skyway Creations
Beverage Burro | Rocky Mountain Beverage Burro
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