Location-wise, Logan van Meter and Conor Farley's love story is a bit all over the place. The pair first met at a party on St. Patrick's Day in 2008 when they were both students at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Nearly seven years later, Conor proposed at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, where Logan was studying for her MBA. And their first home together was in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
Still, choosing where they'd eventually tie the knot was a total no-brainer. Logan's family visited the Steamboat area every year when she was a kid, and Conor's family owned a ranch there when he was growing up. "We couldn't imagine getting married anywhere else," Logan says. So on June 29, 2019, the pair exchanged vows in front of 135 guests at Bella Vista Estate in—where else?—Steamboat Springs, Colorado, with a party that hit the just-right note of laid back and chic. "We're pretty easy," Logan says. "We wanted something simple and elegant that celebrated what we love most—the outdoors."
To do that, the pair used wildflowers as a jumping-off point, and everything from the bridesmaids' dresses to the dining tables reflected the outdoorsy theme—as did the bright palette of poppy red, blush, golden yellow, blue, white, coral, and green. And even though they loved the details, Logan says they knew what mattered most: "After seven years and multiple moves, it was wonderful to have all of our friends and family from different phases of our lives all together in one place."
Rocky Mountain Highs
The pair had both spent time in Steamboat Springs, so they knew it was just the place to exchange their vows—all they needed was a venue. "Once we saw the view at Bella Vista, and found out they could house our entire wedding party, we were sold," Logan says.
Western Wear
For his big-day look, Conor donned a linen Suitsupply suit, Tecovas crocodile boots he'd gotten from Logan as a 30th birthday present, and a Lucchesse belt.
All in the Details
On his collar, Conor wore a boutonnière made of protea, herbs, and greenery. The finishing touch? His late grandfather's watch, which he received as a college graduation present.
Stand By Me
Conor asked each his groomsmen to wear to wear a blue suit by any designer. "I had full confidence in my inner circle to be able to find a navy suit for a wedding day," he says.
Forest Fashion
Logan wore an A-line Willoby by Watters wedding dress from BHLDN that fit the day's natural vibe. "Originally, I didn't want to wear a wedding gown," Logan says. "I wasn't really sold on white. But it turns out, it's the groom's wedding, too, and he might also have a vision for how the bride looks. I knew I wanted it to be flowy and suit the outdoor, flowery vibe we were going for. This one fit the bill."
Flower Power
So that their attire would nod to Colorado's wildflowers, Logan sent her bridesmaids her wedding color palette and asked her attendants t0 choose whatever they felt best in, from long dresses to short numbers and even a jumpsuit. Her sister, the maid of honor, wore a dress with wildflower embroidery to bring all the colors together.
Bouquet Beauty
Logan carried a loose, freshly-plucked-inspired collection of garden roses, peonies, and ranunculus in muted tones of blush, yellow, and green—and tied together with a silk ribbon by Linden Co. Floristry. The meaningful finishing touch?A felt medicine bag filled with her father's ashes that she tied to her bouquet.
All Smiles
The pair met outside for their first look. "I was excited," Logan says. "As soon as he turned around, though, it was back to normal—in a good way. He just said, 'Nice.' Happy, but chill. Typical Conor."
Aisle Views
Instead of individual chairs, the pair chose wooden benches for their ceremony; brightly-colored flowers and greenery were arranged like they were growing along the aisle.
Programming Notes
Forgoing programs, the pair listed the ceremony details on one big cowhide sign by Elisabeth Rose.
In the Key of Love
Logan's friend and country music singer Lockwood Barr played a version of Chris Stapleton's "Millionaire" to start the ceremony.
- What Kind of Music Should You Play During Your Ceremony?
Together in This
Bucking tradition, Logan and Conor walked each other down the aisle. "We felt that we were going into the marriage together, as a team, rather than having either of us given to the other," Logan says.
Lots of Laughs
A close friend officiated the non-religious ceremony, which was full of sweet laughs and included self-penned vows; they included a teasing reference to Conor's love for Theodore Roosevelt. "We had fun with it," Logan says. "Though I am quite serious about my love for Conor, it was fun to tease him a bit and enjoy the process."
Rustic Details
The cocktail hour and reception space included cozy wooden and leather seating options for guests as they sipped organic, biodynamic wine from Dry Farm Wines.
Saddle Up
Like the ceremony program sign, the custom seating chart, also by Elisabeth Rose, featured cowhide—as a nod to Conor's family ranch in Colorado.
Rustic Details
To drive home the romantic mountain feel, the tented dinner area featured crocheted chandeliers, wooden chairs, and tons of candles. Mix-and-matched gold and blue patterned linens and (of course!) wildflower centerpieces brought a whimsical vibe to the party.
Dinner Is Served
Wooden chargers and a knot-tied napkin set the scene for an epic meal by Drunken Onion: spinach salad, grilled asparagus, poached Scottish salmon, and blackened chicken breast.
A Blooming Dessert
Real pressed flowers decorated the wedding cake; the four-tier buttercream-covered almond cake, filled with fresh strawberries, was created by Babycakes.
Say Cheese
Also on offer were three cheesecakes (blueberry, key lime, and classic New York), Conor's favorite dessert.
Stay Hydrated
Guests went home with custom water bottles by Elisabeth Rose.
Sources
Photography, Rachel Havel
Venue, Bella Vista
Event planning, Katrina Hutchins Events
Catering, Drunken Onion
Flowers, Linden Co. Floristry
Stationery, Minted
Cake, Babycakes
Music, Lockwood Barr and Russell Sutton (ceremony); Buffalo Commons (reception)
Rentals, Colorado Event Rentals
Bride's gown, Willowby by Watters via BHLND
Bride's shoes, Valentino
Hair, Heather Mahoney and Jamie Hartman, H2O Salon
Makeup, Life Essentials Day Spa
Groom's suit, Suitsupply
Lighting, Little Mad Events
Transportation, Storm Mountain Express
Favors, Seating Chart, and Program, Elisabeth Rose