This is a funny entry: one where I went on a vacation and came back with wedding photos to edit!  I think this might be one of my favorite vacations ever, being gaga over all things weddings.

My dear friend invited me on a dream vacation that’s been on my bucket list for ages: a visit to a real dude ranch!  I could bust out my vintage cowboy boots!  I could bust out my cowgirl snap shirts!  I could bust out my big silver belt buckle! Being a Colorado native, one must keep up appearances…

Anyhow, we had been high up in the mountains at Sundance Trail Guest Ranch for three days, and on that particular Wednesday during dinner in the dining room, in walks a couple looking tired from travel–and the woman is carrying a big white garment bag!!!!  Whaaaat!?!?  Oooooh!!!  Ahhhh!!!  Could it…. could it…. be… A  WEDDING  DRESS?!?!  Never being a person ever to shy away from the possibility of talking to a couple about a wedding, I blurted out, “Are you guys getting married?!”  Most likely I resembled that emoji with hearts in its eyes, my hands clasped in prayer, fingers wiggling underneath my chin.

Upon hearing her say, “Yes we are!” in an Australian accent, that was it!  It was all over!  My besty is an Aussie who lives with her lovely family in Melbourne.  I’ve visited three times; she’s visited me three times.  I almost feel like I’ve got duel citizenship. I’m all about Australia!

So long story short, I curled the bride’s hair, photographed their dream elopement high in the Rocky Mountains and came home with a wedding to edit–along with some bruises and epic stories of bravery, pushing myself outside of my comfort zones multiple times on this adventurism vacay.

A big shout out to Sundance Trail Guest Ranch’s Ellen and Dan. This Aussie couple found them after looking in multiple American states for the perfect dude ranch (even Texas!!!). All the other ranches were so rigid with their rules, but Ellen and Dan gave them free range with their plans, most likely knowing it’s more about the couple’s experience than trying to cast them into the same experience everyone else has.

So if you’re looking for an amazing vacation filled with wild abandon and adventure, or a great place to get married, this is it: Sundance Trail Guest Ranch in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. https://www.sundancetrail.com