An Elegant, Rustic Destination Wedding at Devil's Thumb Ranch in Tabernash, Colorado

Hailing from South Texas, Rachel Scott (25 and a wedding photographer) and Holt Mendleski (27 and a nurse) knew they wanted to escape the heat for their wedding. “I always dreamed of a winter wedding in Colorado, and that’s exactly what we did,” Rachel says. No stranger to the industry, the bride called on her contacts and family to pull their destination wedding together. “Instead of having ring bearers, we had two ‘ring bears,’ ” Rachel says. “They roared their way down the aisle.” Her cousin, an opera singer, belted “Ave Maria” as the pair lit a unity candle at their ceremony. And Rachel’s dad? He’s the one to thank for the snow, or so he claims. “It started snowing as soon as we started saying our vows to each other,” Rachel says. “The entire night was a winter wonderland.” Rachel and Holt wed beneath a hanging installation of dahlias, roses, peonies, ranunculus, scabiosa and carnations. A boutonniere of bold dahlias and ranunculus complemented the groom’s velvet burgundy jacket. For the reception, copper chairs and flatware, burgundy napkins and wood chargers set a cozy scene. Dinner ended with a savory finish—a “cheese cake,” made from stacked wheels of cheese. Guests also snacked on Rachel’s mom’s homemade specialty, Czech kolaches, which she brought all the way from Texas.