When your future father-in-law is an amazing florist, your close friends offer to DJ, your hilarious friend steps up to officiate and so many other roles are filled by those who care deeply for you… what you have is a wedding made with love and custom created by your tribe.

It takes a village is a saying that was never truer during this rustic fall wedding at Rist Canyon Inn in LaPorte, Colorado. Surrounded by their closest friends and family, Stephanie and Austin tied the knot and that day experienced what it looks like to be selflessly taken care of. Every person who was there played a part in creating this spectacular wedding. Friends took care of each other’s hair and makeup, bridesmaids created lovely chalkboard art, a close friend made sure everyone had their custom Koozie and beverage of choice as a bartender for the day. It really was so fun to see the little ways everyone had a role. And as I overheard two people at the wedding say, “And that’s the way it should be. We should all step up and take care of one another.” I was reminded that we all need a strong community around us to be there for us through the good times and the bad.

Now that’s not to say this sweet bride hadn’t done her fair share of planning and creating. From the sweet bridesmaid’s gifts to the custom beer Koozies they gave to their groomsmen, there were little details everywhere that you know took time and love. You can tell that gifts were important to them both, as Stephanie had a special necklace made for her mom. When she gave her the meaningful gift it was just the sweetest moment of the afternoon.

Perhaps the most popular wedding guest of the day was the bride and groom’s little boy Theo. This little guy has my heart and with just one look with those big blue eyes, he has the keys to the kingdom. Everyone at the wedding took turns playing with little Theo and even his grandpa got to hold him during the ceremony as he took a quick snooze. You can just tell he is the absolute light of their lives and the wedding would not have been complete without him.

ink one of my favorite moments of the day was the first look shared between Austin and Stephanie before the ceremony. It’s no secret that I’m a massive supporter of this special moment. But beyond that, I’m an even greater supporter of a bride and groom taking a moment to just be together. The day goes by so fast and I just think that gifting yourselves 30 minutes to an hour is necessary. A moment that’s just about the two of you goes a long way in calming nerves and reminding yourselves of the total joy you’re about to experience.

For those of you who haven’t had a chance to drop by Rist Canyon Inn, it’s the sweetest venue, nestled at the foot of the Colorado Mountains. From it’s a romantic white farmhouse to the picturesque ceremony site, it really is a dream for all you Joanna Gaines fans out there. Large trees surround the property with the perfect locations for portraits and moments to slip away from the crowds. It was so fun to even see wedding guests roll up to the venue on bikes and totally embrace this mountain retreat.

The cake was provided by Nothing Bundt Cakes and with a variety of flavors, everyone was thrilled to dig in. Even Stephanie got a mouth full as she and Austin enjoyed their cake cutting together. They say the way you feed each other during that part of your wedding is telling of the kind of marriage you will have. I think it’s clear these two love to laugh and take on the unexpected. It was another one of the moments of their day that spoke well of who they are.

Stephanie and Austin shared an adorable first dance to a song no one really knows… not even Stephanie and Austin. But just when you’d think most brides would be upset, Stephanie and Austin just laughed and rolled with it. I think it was honestly the most perfect reaction they could have had. Getting to know these two over the past 6 months has been so awesome and their easy-going personalities are such a good reminder that in the midst of the unknown is where memories are made. I hope they continue to adventure together into the unknown and I look forward to seeing where the road takes these wanderlust lovebirds.

Congrats Mr. and Mr.s Fessenden! Jeremy and I are so grateful for your friendship and for allowing us to be alongside you for this adventure.

Lead Photographer | Britni Girard of Britni Girard Photography

Ceremony & Reception Venue | Rist Canyon Inn

Brides’ Dress | Lulus

Cake | Nothing Bundt Cakes

Catering | Piggin Out Smokehouse

Florals | Mark Fessenden- 5th Avenue Florist

Wedding Coordinator | Jen from A Pink Diamond Event

Second Shooters | Jeremy Girard

Are you looking to get married soon? Be sure to jump over to our Wedding Experience and see all the amazing details we share and how to become a member of our BG Bride Tribe!