| Home on the Ranch
Laura Purtzer and Kelton Smith wed on a breezy autumn day under a spectacular Cottonwood tree in a celebration that combined rustic elements of the Southwest with traditional elegance.
Although the pair became engaged in Maui, they chose to return to their Western roots for their wedding. The bride is a sixth-generation Arizonan, and the groom is an Arizona transplant raised in Texas.
They exchanged vows at a gorgeous private ranch in Tubac, which featured duck ponds, horse pastures and stables. Horses could been seen in the background in many of their wedding pictures, bringing a little bit of the country into their celebration. Out-of-town guests were greeted with specially prepared gift bags waiting in their rooms at the nearby Tubac Golf Resort.
The wedding party was definitely "Texas-sized," featuring eight groomsmen and twelve bridal attendants. Dressed in champagne-colored raw silk gowns, the attendants carried stunning bouqets of red roses, chocolate cosmos and fragrant herbs. The bride was lovely in her traditional white gown and a veil hand-made by her mother. Laura showed off a surprise "something blue" -- bright blue slingbacks, hand-adorned with Swarovski crystals.
Uncle of the bride Gary Brasher performed the personalized ceremony, while the autumn sun set behind the rolling hills of Tubac. Tones of the Spanish guitar blended beautifully with the sounds of nature at the ranch.
During the reception, an extensive menu of upscale barbeque and Southwest cuisine was served. Family and friends offered toasts from the silly to the sentimental. The meal culminated with a four-tiered cake with layers of red velvet, chocolate and vanilla, elegantly decorated with cream and champagne icing and fresh floral accents.
One of the couple's favorite memories of the evening was their first dance. As Laura and Kelton took to the dance floor, their guests surrounded them with twinkling sparklers that lit up the night sky.
Location:
Private Ranch in Tubac
Floral Design:
In Full Bloom Floral Studio
Photographer:
Kelly Rashka
Videographer:
Visual Images Productions
Invitations:
Page & Mason
Caterer:
Tubac Golf Resort
Cake:
Ambrosia of Tucson
Entertainment:
Windy City DJs
Transportation:
Integrity Transportation
Hotel Accommodations:
Tubac Golf Resort
Bridal Gown:
Pour Moi
Rentals:
PRO EM Party Concepts |
