Falling for You

"Fall is our favorite season," says bride Christina Furrier, who became engaged to Scott Geare last autumn. A lovely autumn theme was incorporated into their wedding, from the champagne, black and orange decor to the prickly pear margaritas.

"After looking at dozens of places, we were so happy to find Tanque Verde Ranch. It had the exact feel we wanted and the outdoor setting was beautiful." The couple wed on a lush green lawn strewn with white rose petals, surrounded by a gorgeous wedding party dressed in champagne and black. Christina's three sisters served as her maids of honor: "I couldn't pick just one!"

A bridal arch decorated with curly willow and fall flowers created a striking backdrop. Following the ceremony, the couple's 200 guests were treated to margaritas and other cold beverages in the indoor-outdoor reception.

Mini pumpkins, acorns, cinnamon sticks and fall leaves complemented calla lilies, roses, hydrangea and daisies in the reception decor. The couple chose an autumn feast to kick off the festivities, including salad stations, a made-to-order pasta bar, and carving stations.

After the newlyweds' first dance, the bride and her dad took to the floor with some surprise entertainment. They choreographed a dance together, performed to a mix of songs including "Walk Like an Egyptian," "Kung Fu Fighting" and "Greased Lightning." "We somehow pulled it off without anyone knowing, including my mom," smiles Christina.

Dried leaves extended beyond the fall decor. A professional cigar roller entertained the men and women alike, by skillfully preparing custom cigars outdoors at the Ranch.

Cutting the cake turned into a humorous play on the firefighter groom, as the bride handed him a bright red axe instead of a traditional fancy cake knife. At the end of the night, the couple served homemade pumpkin spice cookies to their guests.

Reception Site:
Tanque Verde Guest Ranch

Florist:
SavOn Flowers

Photographer:
Roni Ziemba

Cake:
Busy B's Bakery

Entertainment:
Classy Dee Jays

Bridal Gown:
Laura's Bridal

the wedding insiders
Newlyweds share their experiences...

Kerri Strug & Robert Fischer
Laura Purtzer & Kelton Smith
Kelly Sotomayor & Chris Wainhouse
Cynthia Sandoval & Merwyn Pereira
Julia Kusian & Joe Armbruster
Jessica Straub & John Tsai
Kathryn Cross & Makko DeFilippo
Christina Furrier & Scott Geare
Loni Carrillo & Ben Girdler
Andrea Espinoza & Joey Aguirre