As a wedding photographer, it’s not everyday that a venue owner contacts you about shooting her wedding. It’s also not everyday that the groom is heavily connected to the racing world and has a classic car. Also, it’s not everyday that they have a fun “Ducky Derby”, where yellow rubber ducks race down the river! (And yes – I’m a big advocate of LNT aka Leave No Trace, so every single one was caught so it didn’t pollute the gorgeous water). So, it’s safe to say that this wedding was far from typical, but pulled together in the BEST WAY! Every single event Courtney planned for her and Jake’s Dallenbach Ranch wedding was perfect and unique!

Keep scrolling to see epic mountain bridal portraits, a beautiful riverside ceremony, and a fun rubber Ducky Derby at this Dallenbach Ranch wedding! 

 

 

They started the day getting ready in their own gorgeous cabins on site. The cabins are available to rent, so you can stay on location for your wedding or a personal retreat! The morning of the wedding, Jake was staying out of sight of Courtney. They were waiting for their first look together before the ceremony.

I love how much space there is at Dallenbach Ranch to “hide out” until magical moments like a first look on your wedding day.

One of my fave things at Dallenbach Ranch? The VIEW.

The ceremony site at the riverbank is so gorgeous, and there’s something so peaceful about listening to rushing water as you sit under the trees.

Not sure if you should have a first look on your wedding day? 

A first look allows you to have a few private moments with your partner before the ceremony, and away from the chaos of a busy day.

It also frees up more time to hang with guests later in the day because you can do bridal portraits before the ceremony. The photo above may be one of my favorite images I’ve ever taken. Jake was standing in this large, open field, waiting to see the love of his life for their first look. I had him turned around facing away from Courtney. He was anxious, and running blades of tall grass through his fingers in anticipation of seeing her. 

Of course I had to stop and grab this moment, and I love the outcome of it! The photo right after this shows them hugging and embracing immediately after we told them they could see each other! I always love it when couples schedule in time for a first look on their wedding day. 

The Dallenbach Ranch is a premier wedding venue in Basalt, a town close to Aspen, Colorado.

I refer to Jake + Courtney as “The Dallenbach Sweethearts” because Jake’s family owns the amazing ranch and they are the first Dallenbach couple to marry there! I think they were worth the wait, judging by this!

I was so fortunate to book with these two because I know how many talented photographers they know of in this valley. They were the most fun, down to earth, epic couple I could have ever asked for, and they planned a stunning day!

From the intimate ceremony down by the river, to the florals created by my friend Ali over at Indigenous Design… the entire day was so gorgeous!

An old car, a cute cabin, and a cozy ceremony location right on the River at the Dallenbach Ranch was a dream come true. Honestly, I’m still daydreaming about and reliving this day over and over again! I am so excited to share this gorgeous Dallenbach Ranch wedding in Basalt, Colorado! 

If you love this Colorado ranch wedding, you may also love this Colorado wedding at White Owl Ranch! 

Are you planning your own Colorado wedding or elopement?

Contact me and I can help you get started with your planning!