Third Floor Foyer, Escalante Hall -  Colorado Mesa University

Wedding Day

Ceremony

"social hour"

Reception

Couple Send Off

Our Wedding

The Meeting

Like something you would see on a TV movie, Ryan and Cierra met by a beautiful "chance" moment. While some would call it "luck" or "chance" we all know that it was only the hand of God. Ryan and Cierra were both walking their dogs (individually) at dusk on a Thursday evening, when Ryan's dog Maya came up to Cierra's dog, Bella, to play. What began as a simple, friendly conversation between two dog parents became a beautiful love story worth telling on the Hallmark Channel.

The Beautiful Whirlwind

It did not take long for Ryan and Cierra to know that they were brought together by God for a very on-purpose reason. After their meeting, they spent almost every single minute of their free time together because they just couldn't get enough of each other's presence. Cierra fell in love with Ryan's heart for his children and his steadfast love for Jesus shown through his unceasing prayer and passionate worship. Ryan fell in love with Cierra's "sunshine" and love for Jesus shown so beautifully through powerful prayers and her heart poured out in singing to the Lord. Their love of dogs, their ownership of chickens, the country-raised upbringing, and the downright crazy-silliness of them both, were just all the beauty added on top.

Delight in the Lord

From the very beginning, the most important driving factor for Ryan and Cierra's relationship has been their love of The Lord. Both of them have been radically transformed by the love and grace of Jesus. HE is the thing that holds their feet to the ground, HE is what gives them the breath in their lungs to pray and sing praises. HE is the one who brought them together and holds them tightly in his arms. This has ALL been on Gods timing; his ways are much higher than ours and his plans, significantly better than our own. So while this relationship is grounded in faith, has been prayed for and prayed over by MANY people, the couple acknowledges that it is also a leap of faith and obedience to the Creator of the Universe. Will you please join with the family and loved ones in praying for Ryan and Cierra's relationship and their new family?

A beautiful new family

It took absolutely no time at all for Cierra to fall in love with Ryan's children, Addie and Easton. From the first taco night, to pumpkin patch family days and bedtime prayers, Cierra is like a perfectly fit puzzle piece into the young Downs family. Coming together to build a new life is the most beautiful thing for every member of this family. Both Cierra and Ryan could not be happier to embark on this incredible parenting journey together.

Our Story

Photos

The bride's Sister-in-Law - Megan and Cierra have known each other since middle school and serendipitously became related 10 years ago when Cierra's brother, Alex fell in love with Megan. The couple have four beautiful children, two of whom you will see in the bridal party as junior attendants. Cierra and Megan's relationship has grown in depth and devotion exponentially in the last couple of years, and Jesus has been at the center of all of it. This wedding would not be taking place if it weren't for the love, advice, prayers, conversation, support, AND planning execution from Megan.

Megan LeVan

Adriana is Cierra's best friend. The two met in a church small group and quickly bonded. Jesus has been the foundation of their friendship and it has been a joy for both of them to support and cheer on each other in these incredible life journeys. Through great seasons of life growth, God has only brought them closer together. As each woman met the man they each would fall in love with and end up marrying, the other woman stood by her side in prayer, in conversation and support, and also on the day of the wedding. It will continue to be a beautiful journey as they both enter into their new life seasons of motherhood.  Adriana  and her husband, David, currently live in Aurora, Colorado with their dog, and are excitedly expecting their first child.

Adriana Harthan

Elissa and Cierra have been best friends for a very long time. They met in a young adult small group at their church when they were only 19. They became fast friends, roommates, and life long sisters in Christ. The steadfast bond of this sisterhood is not seen in many friendships. It has been such a joy to watch Elissa become a wife and a mother and grow into and in those roles over the last 10+ years. Cierra and Elissa have been confidants, armor bearers and the sharpening iron for each other through love, loss, great celebrations, graduations, on-stage and living room performances, the passing of their 20s and the journey into the new seasons and life journeys before them. God brought them together, and he continues to shower their friendship in love and grace. Though separated by many miles for the last handful of years, their friendship has never faded. Elissa and her husband Jason, currently live in the Denver area with their two sons.

Elissa Farley

Ethan is Ryan's only brother. The two grew up in the country life of Southern Arizona. Both with a love of the outdoors, hunting and family, God has been so faithful to grow them into the incredible men that they are.
Ethan lives in Arizona with his Fiancée, Raven and her two kids. 

Ethan Downs

Rob and Ryan have known each other for over 10 years! They met working in the oil field, and were reunited through an "only-God" encounter on Facebook marketplace. Ryan quickly became a part of Rob's small group at church and found a new church family. Rob's friendship, light-hearted fun, and advice have been such a blessing to Ryan throughout the years. Rob, his wife Felicia and their beautiful family live here in the Grand Valley.

Rob Walz

Ryan's father: friend, hunting companion, teacher, mentor, and joke-partner. 

Tim Downs

Emily (9) and Michael (7) are Cierra's niece and nephew (their sisters Aailyah and baby Ellie Sue will have other roles for this wedding).

Emily and Michael LeVan

Addy (5) and Easton (2.5) will support their father and new step-mom as flower girl and ring bearer for this wedding.

Adalynne and Easton Downs

Wedding Party

This hotel is run by Colorado Mesa University. It is on campus and only a short on-campus walk to the venue.

Hotel Maverick

Travel

Hiking

There are many GREAT hiking trails in the Grand Junction area! Most of the trails are dry and hikable throughout the winter months. <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/us/colorado/grand-junction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Some of our favorites are listed at this link.</a>

Great Restaurants

Grand Junction has a bunch of great restaurants. Here are some of our favorite local (near downtown) options: Coffee Shops: - <a href="https://www.kilncoffeebar.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kiln Coffee Bar (craft coffee - minimalist aesthetic)</a>,- <a href="https://www.copekacoffee.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Copeka Coffee (craft coffee - eclectic &amp; free aesthetic)</a>,- <a href="https://mountainairroasters.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mountain Aire Roasters (supports veterans, Christian owned)</a> Pastries:- <a href="https://www.bistro317.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bistro 317</a> (handmade french pastries and breakfast/lunch)-<a href="https://www.kulinalani.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Kulina Lani Sourdough Bakery</a> (handmade organic sourdough bakery / pastries) Breakfast:- <a href="https://www.dreamcafegj.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dream Cafe</a> (modern, creative and delicious)- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Pufferbelly-Restaurant/100054798438634/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pufferbelly Station</a> (classic and homestyle) Lunch: - <a href="https://thehogandthehen.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Hog and Hen </a>(craft sandwiches &amp; candy shop)- <a href="https://www.cafesolgj.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cafe Sol</a>- <a href="https://gjmainstreetbagels.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Main Street Bagels</a> Dinner: - <a href="https://www.devilskitchenrestaurant.com/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=business_listing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Devils Kitchen</a> (on the CMU campus, pricy but amazing!)- <a href="https://www.626onrood.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">626 on Rood</a> (near downtown, curated menu, pricy but incredible)- <a href="https://www.bin707.com/eat-together" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bin 707</a> (feels like you are in the Big City)- <a href="https://suehirosushigrandjunction.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Suehiro</a> (best sushi in town)- <a href="https://www.tacopartygj.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Taco Party</a> (handcrafted and delicious bougie tacos)- <a href="https://alehousegj.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Ale House</a> (good american faire)

Things to Do

There are two best parking lot options to access this venue.

Option 1:When approaching from 12th street (East) you can park in the CMU University Center parking garage (highlighted green on the annotated map). You can go through the university center and out the west side doors (or you can take the elevator to the bottom floor of the parking garage and exit the garage at the south exit and head westward around the university center building) and follow the walking path (highlighted pink) to Escalante hall. Option 2: When approaching from the west or the south, you can park in the green-highlighted lot labeled CP9. You just follow the pink-highlighted walking path northward between the fields and make a right at the path intersection. Escalante hall will be just ahead. Here is the <a href="https://www.coloradomesa.edu/campus-info/documents/parkingmap.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link to a PDF version</a> of the parking map.

Getting To The Venue

questions About the wedding

Questions for/about Ryan and Cierra

"The Knot" Registry

Why not a "traditional" registry?

The couple has been exceedingly blessed in life to have all of their needs provided for in their own individual houses. As they are combining two households, many of the typical "wedding registry" standard items are not needed during this time. This being said, Ryan and Cierra are committed to financially making the wisest, and most family-forward decisions with their income. There simply are no official registry options for things like gift cards for gas, groceries, kids clothes, adult clothes, or even date nights. If you want to gift something that would support Ryan and Cierra the most... a gift card to support every day living would be the greatest help during this time if you are so inclined.&nbsp; Thank you for your generosity and all of your love. Some ideas of the items/gifts most "hoped for" are listed belos:

<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O4-2p7es6vl04aW_VYDFNqyKb1i0YtdeSscx2ahnEFo/edit?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">click this link to see the B&amp;G contact and mailing information</a>

For the family:

Gift Cards to places like: - Walmart- Sam's Club- Carters (children's clothing)- Kohls- Banana's Fun Park- Angelo's Pottery- Get Air <a href="https://gominno.com/gift/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=sembrand&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiA88a5BhDPARIsAFj595hh3Sxp4X_QcWHMpj7ZTXjhJQODGV1s1Rs03qNL-U8i8CGMNT1wgmwaArhlEALw_wcB" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Year subscription to Minno</a> (kids Jesus-focused entertainment)

Special for the B&G

Gift Cards for things and experiences like: - Airbnb / VRBO / Hotels. com- Restaurants for Date Nights- Movie Dates- Coffee Dates- REI / Cabela's / Sportsman's Warehouse- Honeymoon fund

Prefer physical gifts?

<a href="https://levoit.com/products/vital-200s-smart-air-purifier" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Air Purifier (best for pet owners)</a> <a href="https://corkcicle.com/products/pure-taste-mug?srsltid=AfmBOoopAvi200HJKN-DIK4RxGD-6dHkoc14bjsshuC5VAm__2wOMR-w" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Coffee Travel Mugs</a> <a href="https://www.rei.com/product/186918/kelty-low-loveseat" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Camping Chair for Couples</a> <a href="https://www.rei.com/product/217591/rei-co-op-siesta-hooded-20-double-sleeping-bag?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-133155-_-160935-_-NA&amp;avad=160935_b3d4738bd" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Double Person Sleeping Bag</a> <a href="https://slashop.com/products/quilt-set-pet-hair-resistant-for-dogs-cats-family?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=19636780543&amp;campaignid=19636780543&amp;device=c&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiA88a5BhDPARIsAFj595hT8UCvTtuqzelQRnufqX2yqVVCA7XCJaMKEur7U75rhlzqfgutJL0aArSgEALw_wcB&amp;variant=42026587979972" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dog Hair Resistant Bed Quilt/Comforter</a> <a href="https://underthecanopy.com/products/organic-cotton-sateen-sheet-set-slate-gray?variant=42657961312420" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bedsheets</a> x2 <a href="https://www.rei.com/product/204931/coleman-cascade-3-in-1-camp-stove?sku=2049310001&amp;store=&amp;CAWELAID=120217890013807919&amp;CAGPSPN=pla&amp;CAAGID=102333396633&amp;CATCI=aud-1396942688155:pla-1252914967397&amp;cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C21700000001700551_2049310001%7C92700061898466798%7CTOF%7C71700000066695699&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiA88a5BhDPARIsAFj595jor4hb3YkbzRCtILqicbeptE4QZpiqtJ9iOBakIpaBguZnSRSRwvMaAhXYEALw_wcB" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Camp Stove for Family Camping</a>

General Needs

Gift Cards for things/places like: - grocery stores- gas stations-Auto Zone / O'Reilly's (for when stuff pops up)- Oil Change gift certificates- Walmart- Sam's Club- Chewy.com (online dog food ordering)- Murdoch's Tractor Supply (dog/chicken food / other needs)- <a href="https://levoit.com/products/vital-200s-smart-air-purifier" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Air Purifier</a>

Gifts/Registry (preferred)

Wedding RSVP

<a href="https://forms.gle/RaAPduDy9GF84Ter9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Please follow this link to RSVP for the wedding if you have received a physical invitation!</a>

Wedding Shower RSVP

<a href="https://forms.gle/KdG8JVVPwEPi994EA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Please follow this link to indicate if you will be coming to the wedding/bridal shower!</a>

Cierra & Ryan

Cierra & Ryan

"The Knot" Registry