When Allison and Zack reached out to me about their wedding at Willow Ridge Manor near Morrison, Colorado it was instant connection. These two love birds are easy to be around and clearly passionate about each other. Getting to know their story has been a favorite of mine, especially since they are huge foodies and love trying new breweries and entertaining their closest friends.
We met in February in Evergreen at a favorite bar (if you missed their session, catch up here!) and walked around Evergreen Lake in the winter cold. It was tons of fun and we talked about their wedding longing for warmer seasons.
Allison and Zack met at The Thin Man bar in Denver. Allison and her friend sat next to a guy at the bar who was there with his two brothers prior to attending a concert. "I guess I caight Zack's eye with my coaster-flipping bar tricks, which kicked off a playful discussion between all five of us, but our chemistry was instant". They spent the next two hours talking to one another while their friends hung out, it was total tunnel vision! Their official first date was a few days later at Mockery Brewery in RiNo to pick up where they had left off a few days prior. Zack's mind was made up quickly about Allison and the two shared vows and exchanged a first married kiss just a few weeks ago.
Zack proposed the day they closed on their house during their final walk through. They were both already so excited to have their own place and complete the somewhat stressful process of buying a home in the Denver area. They both knew early on that marriage was in the cards, but Zack still managed to pull off a huge surprise that day when he got down on one knee in the empty house that they were focused on filling up with their future life together. He obtained Allison's great grandmother's wedding ring from her parents, and then he had two small diamonds from his grandmother's broach added to complete the heirloom piece.
They chose Willow Ridge Manor near Morrison for its picturesque views and quinessential Colorado red rocks. With a ceremony site overlooking the foothills and beautiful patio deck for guests to enjoy cocktail hour, it offers a wonderful value! As I drove up towards the venue on their wedding day, dark clouds were moving in. The rain finally broke loose about an hour before their ceremony, but it didn't matter to these two. They were all smiles, hanging out with their friends and enjoying the day.
During their ceremony, rain drops began to fall again and soon after guests were offered umbrellas, the sun broke free and provided the most beautiful rainbow and sunset!
When asked Allison's favorite thing about Zack, her response was "his incredibly sincere personality. He will ALWAYS go out of his way to help someone who needs it because it is the right thing to do. It was very clear from the beginning that he has a huge heart. He always puts others' needs before his own even if you've just met him". And when asked, Zack replied "she is treats people with kindness and is smart (especially about sports!)."
Their favorite wedding memory was their first look. "With all the craziness of the day, it was so nice to just get back to each other for a few minutes and giggle, smooch, and shed a few happy tears. We will say that a close second was the MOH speech that featured a full-fledged surprise Beyonce parody."
Lastly, their wedding planning advice: "Plan your day to be how you both want it to be. Don't be afraid to do something out of the ordinary like, say, have an ice cream truck instead of a wedding cake. Trust your photographer! Also, be gracious to all of your guests who have traveled, spent money, and maybe even taken off work to be there on your big day. This is probably the only day when you will ever have that exact group of friends and family together in one room at the same time, enjoy each moment."
I'm so happy for you two! Congrats and enjoy your first moments as a married couple!
Venue: Willow Ridge Manor
Flowers: Hawk Flowers Dress: D'Anelli Bridal and Special Occasion Groom's Attire: Joseph A Bank Catering: Fresh Tracks Foods & Catering DJ: Discosapien Hair: XOXO Salon Makeup: Peacock Vanity Bridal Beauty Services Ice Cream: Sweet Cow Ice Cream 2nd shooter: Christina Gonzales
