Diamonds in the Rough
What do you get when you combine a rustic ranch, red roses and an internet savvy couple in Tennessee? If you are Charlotte Fleming and Jason Lawless, this recipe yields one simply romantic destination wedding.
“We decided to have a quiet, peaceful and very small wedding outside in the desert,” says the bride. “We wanted to be away from everything and just enjoy spending time with our families.”
The pair set about researching venues and vendors online, and relied on Jason's family in Arizona to help with some of the planning. They ultimately decided on a remote ranch. “We chose Juniper Well Ranch after finding the website online. It is very rustic and way out in the desert,” explains Charlotte. “Once we decided on something, we just went with it. We had to go by our instincts since we live so far away.”
This remote location, replete with picturesque vineyards, provided an oasis for the wedding party of 30. All the guests enjoyed bonfires, home made food and music during their stay in the ranch cabins. “It was so much fun being with just family and friends; there was no one else there except the ranch owners, and workers, horses, dogs and other pets.”
Says Charlotte of the wedding planning, “We didn't worry about traditions, being perfect, or overly formal.” While she chose a traditional white wedding gown and the men wore tuxedos, there were the occasional stamps of the casual in different elements of the celebration. The groom and the groomsmen, for example, wore black Chuck Taylors to the wedding.
“A family friend made our cake and was brave enough to drive it down those washboard roads in her car!” exclaims the bride, who styled her own hair and did her own makeup. Guests helped with the decorating the morning of the wedding.
“The pictures were one thing we spent a lot of our budget on, and I am really glad we did,” reflects the bride, looking peaceful and relaxed in her wedding photographs. “I could not imagine not having a record of the memories from our wedding. The pictures help you remember little details of the day, and how you felt at each exact moment.”
Reception Site:
Juniper Well Ranch
Photographer:
Capture this! by Brooke
Florist:
Allan's Flowers of Prescott
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