Blackstone Rivers Ranch Wedding | Rachel + Michael

The first time we met with Rachel and Michael we knew immediately we were going to be planning a unique and fun wedding.  They wanted to mix a very traditional Jewish ceremony with a non-traditional wedding reception and we were here for it! Finding them a mountain wedding venue that had the perfect casual mountain vibe to accommodate amazing ceremony views, and a Grateful Dead dance party, was so important to creating the overall wedding vision. Rachel instantly fell in love with the riverfront ceremony site and pristine white tent surrounded by wildflowers that are iconically Blackstone Rivers Ranch weddings. An added bonus is that it is only 45 minutes from Denver!

Blackstone Rivers Ranch Riverside Ceremony

Rachel and Michael honored their Jewish heritage by incorporating many Jewish traditions into their wedding, starting with getting married on a Thursday in consideration of Shabbat. In addition, they incorporated the signing of the Ketubah, circling of the groom, reading of the Ketubah, the 7 Blessings, wine tasting, breaking of the glass and Yichud into their wedding day. Being always thoughtful of their guests, they provided a program for those guests unfamiliar with these traditions, making their ceremony one to remember for all. While Rachel’s biggest concern on her wedding day was weather, she didn’t miss a beat and never stopped smiling, despite the 30 minute downpour that started as soon as she was under the Chuppah. The placement of the Chuppah under the trees and the Chuppah covering amazingly kept the couple dry the entire ceremony. In hindsight, Rachel’s advice is “don’t worry about the weather, it’s the one thing you have zero control of. Enjoy your special day because it goes quickly!”    

It was important to Rachel that her bridesmaids all be comfortable on her wedding day, so she asked them to pick a little black dress of their choosing. They all understood the assignment and showed up in the perfect black bridesmaid’s dresses. While Michael knew he wanted his groomsmen to wear classic black suits, what he was most excited about were the blue and purple Jerry Garcia ties. We couldn’t think of a better way to bring in the couple’s love for the Grateful Dead to the wedding attire!

Blackstone Rivers Ranch Tented Wedding Reception

When the ceremony ended and the rain cleared, the formal portion of their wedding day was officially over! The couple had been very clear about wanting this to not only be a celebration of their love and marriage, but a celebration of those they loved and who supported them. While the ceremony was full of traditions, the reception was intentionally crafted to be far from traditional. Instead, it paid homage to Rachel and Michael’s love for attending Grateful Dead shows. They didn’t want it to feel formal or stuffy and instead wanted it to feel more like a dance party. With that in mind, no formal seated dinner was served. Instead stations were created that encouraged guests to enjoy the properties outside spaces, visit, and most importantly dance! While there was no cake cutting, the Grateful Dead sugar cookies were truly the hit of the night.

Personalized Wedding

As we look back at Rachel and Michael’s wedding, it has become one of our favorites. Not just because they were truly the most lovely couple, but because they made their wedding their own. Rather than worry about the most recent Instagram or TikTok trends, they focused on making their wedding unique to them and their guests. When we asked them what their favorite part of the day was, they said “marrying my sweetie and seeing all of our friends and family have fun and enjoy themselves!” This truly is what your wedding day is about. We are so honored we were able to help them create their unique wedding day at Blackstone Rivers Ranch.

What Rachel said about working with us!

“I knew TeNeil prior to hiring her and knew she would be the perfect person. Her attention to detail and her ability to listen and find exactly what you want is absolutely amazing. She leaves nothing to chance.”

Contact us today so we can start working with you to create your memorable, uniquely YOU wedding day!

The incredible Vendors who made this day possible & their Instagram handles

Colorado Mountain Venue: Blackstone Rivers Ranch | @blackstoneriversranch

Full Planning & Design: TeNeil Hartley Events | @teneilhartleyevents

Colorado Mountain Wedding Photographer: Tayler Carlisle Photography | @taylercarlislephotography

Florist: Floral Wild | @floralwild_designs

Catering: Biscuits and Berries | @biscuitsandberries & East Side Kosher Deli | @eastsidekosherdeli

Rentals: Colorado Party Rentals | @copartyrentals

Hair & Makeup: Matthew Morris Salon | @mmsalonweddings

Bridal Shop: LUV Bridal | @luv_bridal

Suit: State and Liberty | @stateandliberty

Band: High Five

Transportation: Arrow Stage Lines | @arrowstagelines

Accommodations: Monarch Casino Resort | @monarchcasinoresortspa