A Love-Filled Weekend in Salida: Nate & Abby’s Wedding at Everett Ranch
There’s something magical about a wedding in Salida, Colorado. Maybe it’s the mountain air, the peaceful hum of nature, or the way the sun seems to shine just a little brighter. For Nate and Abby, it was all of that and more. Their wedding at Everett Ranch in July was a celebration of love, family, and the wild beauty of Colorado’s great outdoors. Taylor and I were lucky enough to spend the weekend up there, camping in our camper and soaking in every perfect moment of this unforgettable celebration.
A Weekend Escape in the Mountains
Salida has always been one of our favorite places for weddings, and this trip was no exception. Surrounded by towering peaks and wide-open skies, Everett Ranch provided the perfect setting for Nate and Abby’s big day. The weekend felt like an escape from the everyday — a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the beauty of nature and love combined.
We set up camp in our camper nearby, a cozy home base for the weekend’s festivities. There's something special about waking up to the crisp mountain air, brewing coffee with a view of the valley, and knowing that a day of celebration awaits.
The Wedding Day
The wedding day itself was nothing short of breathtaking. Everett Ranch’s natural beauty did most of the work, but the thoughtful details from Nate and Abby brought it all together. The ceremony took place under an open sky with the mountains as a natural backdrop. Guests were seated in rows of wooden chairs, and as Abby walked down the aisle, the sunlit glow made everything feel surreal. It’s moments like these that remind you just how powerful love can be.
Their vows were personal, heartfelt, and filled with the kind of joy that’s contagious. Family and friends wiped tears (of joy) as Nate and Abby’s words echoed through the mountain air. As photographers, it’s moments like these that we live for — those unfiltered emotions that remind you why we do what we do.
A Reception Full of Joy and Laughter
After the ceremony, the celebration moved to a rustic reception space on the ranch. String lights hung overhead, casting a soft glow as the sun dipped behind the mountains. Long family-style tables were adorned with wildflowers and earthy tones that perfectly complemented the natural surroundings.
Dinner was a feast that brought everyone together. Laughter echoed from every corner, and it felt like one big family reunion. Speeches from loved ones brought out both tears and belly laughs — a perfect balance that spoke to the love and support surrounding Nate and Abby.
Dancing Under the Stars
When it was time to hit the dance floor, this crowd did not hold back. With the stars twinkling overhead and the mountain breeze swirling around us, the party felt electric. Guests of all ages danced with abandon, feet kicking up dust as the music played on. There’s a freedom that comes with dancing outdoors under an open sky, and everyone embraced it fully. Taylor and I even snuck in a few dances of our own.
Reflections on the Weekend
By the end of the weekend, it was clear that this wedding was something truly special. It wasn’t just about two people getting married — it was about family, friends, and the shared experience of love in its purest form. Salida has a way of making everything feel more grounded, more connected, and more meaningful.
Spending the weekend at Everett Ranch, camping nearby, and getting to witness Nate and Abby’s love story was a reminder of why we’re so passionate about capturing weddings like this. It’s not just about the pretty photos (though, trust me, they’re stunning) — it’s about capturing the heart of the experience so that it’s never forgotten.
Congratulations to Nate and Abby on a wedding as beautiful as the mountains themselves. Your love is radiant, and your celebration was one we’ll never forget. Here’s to a lifetime of joy, adventure, and dancing under the stars.