Eliza and Keaton’s fall Tanque Verde Ranch wedding day was inspired by the soft pastel pinks and blues of the desert paired with the perfect romantic setting. The ranch is huge and gave us lots of places to explore throughout the day.
Their Morning at the Guest Ranch
I was immediately greeted by busy bridesmaids when I walked through the door to Eliza’s Rincon Vista suite. Dresses were being steamed and hair and makeup was well underway. Keaton was only a few minutes away in his room hanging out with his groomsmen, getting ready, and waiting to see Eliza.
I LOVED the soft but vibrant colors in Keaton and Eliza’s wedding invitation. Their invitations were actually designed and hand-painted by Eliza’s sister, Hanna!
After an emotional First Look with her dad in the casita, it was time for Eliza to head out to share more happy tears with her soon-to-be-husband. “I want to just go up and hug him,” Eliza said. And she did. She squeezed Keaton so tightly as he struggled to break free and turn around to see her.
As we walked out to the back lawn, I confessed to Eliza that I was surprised to see her in such a girly wedding dress. “Me too!” she laughed. She said that she tried on lots of simple dresses at first and it took her awhile to realize that the really girly styles were the ones that actually made her giddy. She said the flowy, delicate back of the dress is what made her fall in love with it.
And it’s not just the girls who get excited about their wedding attire! I lost track of how many times Keaton said he loved his suit. As a pilot, he’s no stranger to wearing a suit. So that should tell you how awesome he felt in his special wedding suit! Naturally, he splurged to have his wedding date custom embroidered on the inside.
Portraits on the Front Lawn
After their First Look, we headed back towards the front of the ranch to meet up with their wedding party and family for portraits. Despite it being November, it was still in the 90’s outside! So I found some shade and worked quickly to get everyone back inside the air-conditioned shuttle vans and off to the ceremony at the barn!
I really loved all the different styles, patterns, and textures of Eliza’s bridesmaids’ dresses. I was shocked to hear that they picked out their dresses completely separately from each other! They all went together so perfectly!
Ceremony at the Barn at Tanque Verde Ranch
The setting at the barn for weddings at Tanque Verde Ranch never disappoints. The venue backs up to both Saguaro National Park and Coronado National Park. Guests have a gorgeous, expansive desert view.
I’m pretty sure that all 3 of them were in tears walking down the aisle!
Keaton did a pretty good job fighting off his tears while giving his vows. But Eliza warned all their guests that she wouldn’t be able to hold hers in.
After they exchanged rings, Eliza and Keaton did something else to commemorate their union– a shot of tequila!
And then, time for the post-tequila kiss!
Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Galbraith!
Sunset Portraits at the Homestead
Keaton and Eliza spent a little bit of time visiting with all of their guests immediately after the ceremony. And, of course, getting a drink from and photo with their beer burro was a must! Their dog (and rightful best man, according to, well, everyone) Beaudi wasn’t able to attend. But they were still able to get their furry friend fix with Phoenix the donkey!
As the sun began to set, the shuttle rushed us up the mountainside to the old homestead on Tanque Verde Ranch. Can you believe this home was never lived in? In the early 1930s, this stone building was constructed for the ranch’s owner, Jim Converse and his wife to reside in. She wanted a view overlooking the entire ranch. Beautiful, right? But she later decided it was too buggy out there in the wide open desert, so they never moved in!
I always ask my couples if there is a particular photo that they have in mind for their wedding day. Eliza said she wanted to feature her veil and Keaton said he wanted there to be saguaros. Check and check!
As the sun disappeared, these two had one more request. A playful piggyback ride on the way to the shuttle.
Reception at the Barn at Tanque Verde Ranch
While we were at the overlook, you could see the barn surrounded by glowing string lights off in the distance. “What’s going on down there?” Keaton said, “Looks like someone is having a party!” Now it was time for these two to get back down the mountain and kick that party off!
Following a surprise flash mob performance by their guests, emotions were in full swing when speeches began. One of Eliza’s only concerns on her wedding day was that there would be too much crying. But happy tears don’t really count, right?
Before opening up the dance floor, Keaton and Eliza cut the cake. Their cake topper was so cute and fitting for this competitive bike-riding duo!
I’m always eager to see how the cake cutting is going to pan out. Keaton and Eliza’s expressions were amazing!
Just a few days after their wedding, Eliza and Keaton went on a week-long honeymoon to Bequia, an island in the Caribbean. When I asked them what piece of wedding advice they would want to share with other couples they said to prioritize what is most important to you.
WEDDING VENDORS FROM THIS TANQUE VERDE RANCH WEDDING
Wedding Venue | The Barn at Tanque Verde Ranch
Planner | Liz Barbato with Confetti Event Planning
Photographer | Christy Hunter Photography
Dress Shop | Maya Palace
Invitation Designer | Hanna Hard, the bride’s sister
Florist | Leann Kemp, the bride’s aunt
Hair and Makeup Artist | Kimi Gundersen
Band | Lucky Devils
Donuts | La Estrella Bakery
Groom’s and Groomsmen Attire | Nick’s Menswear
Officiant | Brooke, the groom’s sister
Beer Burros | Dinky Donkey Adventures
Ring Store | McQuire’s Jewelers
