Courtney and Dave got engaged on Christmas Eve during a hike at Bear River. Dave had arranged a proposal message out of rocks saying, “Courtney Will You Marry Me?” “In the past, Dave has surprised me by leaving flowers in special spots with sweet messages in river rock. It was a very sentimental gesture,” says Courtney, who immediately said yes.

  The couple, who met through a mutual friend when they were in high school, married six months after their engagement under a willow tree at Barns at Willow Creek. Courtney says the venue was perfect for what she had envisioned. “We had a very relaxed, family-oriented ceremony. Our dog trotted down the aisle with our favorite friends and family following behind,” she says. “My daughter, Amalie, joined Dave and me in a sand ceremony,  and it was the perfect conclusion to an unforgettable moment.”

Before the ceremony, Courtney was overwhelmed with emotion. “Walking down the aisle was exhilarating, but seeing Dave at the end of the aisle getting emotional really tipped me over,” she says. “It was a very moving moment for me.”

She loved standing under the willow tree, exchanging vows with her best friend. “Hearing Dave read his vows to me really moved me and it was a very special, emotional moment I will never forget,” says Courtney.

She says the wedding style was “forest meets chic,” complete with dark green dresses and ties, eucalyptus pieces and succulents, accented with small hints of glitter. The bride’s favorite detail was their custom cake topper, which featured a silhouette of Dave, Courtney, Amalie and the couple’s dog, Rome.

The reception was at the white barn on the property. The couple displayed family photos on an outdoor mantel; a sentimental touch.

The wedding day was hot with a high temperature of 105, but that didn’t prevent more than 80 guests from attending the important event. The couple is grateful for the friends and family who celebrated with them. “It was a really great night to share with the people we love,” says Dave.

Sparklers at the end of the evening were a special touch. “The night truly flew by, and I felt like I didn’t have enough time to interact with our guests,” says Courtney. “It’s over before you realize it.” 

—Kristen Castillo