Autumn & Yancy

We have both been very competitive during our relationship regarding who loves who more. I had always joked that I would be the first to propose and the first to say I do. We had both casually looked at rings and discussed marriage very early in the relationship. During the summer of 2020, we decided to take a quick trip to Breckenridge, CO, just to get away. I had already chosen and ordered a ring for Yancy when the trip was planned. Weeks leading up to the trip, Yancy became very protective of her phone, and I immediately knew she was planning her proposal. We each tucked away each other’s rings unknowingly in our carry-on bags and flew to Colorado. The first morning there, I woke up early and reached into my bag to get Yancy’s ring. I quietly slipped the ring on her finger and asked her, with the permission of our kids, that she be my wife. She cried. I won. The following two days, we explored Colorado and hiked our little hearts out. On our last evening there, she drove us to Twin Lakes, where she had a violinist playing our song and a photographer hiding. I cried. We both ultimately won.

Any Stories From The Lead-Up To The Wedding, Stressful Or Funny?

A few days before the wedding, we realized we had overlooked a critical part of our contract with the venue. We would only have thirty minutes before the ceremony to get ready at the venue. That would never work! We hastily booked a gorgeous, historical Airbnb in the next town over and had a perfect location to get ready and to have our first looks. We live by the motto that everything works out the way it’s supposed to. And my, oh my, it sure did. We couldn’t have asked for a better location.

What Led You To The Venue?

We both knew we did not want a religious ceremony in a church. We love the idea of being in nature. That led us to finding our venue. They hosted “dinners in the garden”, and we attended one, and we immediately knew it was where we wanted to hold our nuptials.

Did You Undertake Any DIY Projects For The Big Day?

We chose to make our own seating chart. We finalized our chart on an antique mirror with wax seals the morning of our wedding. It was special because both of our kids could light up the wax and pour it on to create the chart. A little family project the morning of made for a nice bonding moment for us all.

Talk To Us About The Big Day!

Our day was absolutely perfect from start to finish. We had an incredible planner, Julia Stone, who took care of all of the details, so Yancy and I were truly able to soak in every moment of the day. One of the things that stood out to us was just how every single person we looked at was smiling the entire time. Everyone was just so happy. We love looking back at our photos because the joy was palpable.

What Are Your Favorite Moments?

One of my favorite moments from our day was actually after the wedding. Yancy and I did the traditional exit, but we whipped back around to the venue after everyone left to get into our own car and take ourselves to Whataburger for our favorite fries and milkshakes. We were hyped up by the employees and guided back to our Airbnb.

What Does Marriage Mean To You?

For us, marriage is the stability of having your lover, your best friend, and your confidant always at home, waiting with open arms at the end of the day. To have a lifelong travel partner. To have a help mate to help one another grow together and to encourage one another to grow as individuals.

Advice For Other Couples Planning A Wedding?

Leave the stress behind you! There will undoubtedly be unexpected things coming your way. Just remember why you are getting married. Only invite those who genuinely love and support you. Do not invite out of feelings of obligation. If you can, have a coordinator. Best. Decision. Ever.