Lovely Colorado Ranch Wedding

Paradise Gown in a Ranch Wedding | Claire + David

Senior year at Notre Dame was a big one for Claire and David. They were both graduating, and their close friendship turned into something much more. After college, they did the long distance thing, but, says Claire, “It kept getting harder and harder to leave him as he was the only person I cared about spending time with.” Things took a forever turn when, while visiting David in Boston, she realized that “I didn’t want to leave and decided to move from Chicago! He was my best friend, and I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him!”

Later, while on a trip to London and Paris, David asked Claire to be his wife at the Palace of Versailles. But not before they went to the Eiffel Tower, where David “accidentally did a fake-out proposal at the Eiffel Tower, setting up his selfie stick-turned-tripod for what I thought would be THE moment. Instead, he just posed for silly photos ‘holding’ the Tower. He will forever say he was not kneeling!”

A Princess Moment in Paradise

When Claire went shopping for modern wedding dress that made her feel beautiful and went with their planned romantic, vintage Ralph Lauren vibe. As far as dress design elements went, she knew she wanted it to de strapless and made of lace.

The instant she slipped on Paradise, one of our bridal ballgowns, she thought it might be perfect. But then her stylist brough out Paradise’s matching long-sleeved lace topper, and “fell in love. I honestly didn’t think I would like a lace topper, but it really made me feel like a princess and that’s all I wanted on the day!”

Get all the details about their Colorado ranch wedding (which included their adorable Dachshund puppy, Stanley!) and David’s sweet, mishap-fraught Versailles proposal below.

Could you share your engagement story?

In fall 2023, we embarked on our first international adventure to London and Paris. I secretly hoped for a proposal, however David’s poker face was surprisingly good. In Paris, he accidently did a fake-out proposal at the Eiffel Tower, setting up his selfie stick-turned-tripod for what I thought would be THE moment. Instead, he just posed for silly photos “holding” the Tower. He will forever say he was not kneeling, rather just squatting, but you see the picture and decide!

The actual moment happened at the Palace of Versailles on our final day. After touring the castle, David’s multiple attempts to capture the perfect moment in the gardens led to a series of endearing mishaps – a wind-toppled tripod that cracked his phone and an unfortunate encounter with bird poop on a bench. Undeterred, he suggested a romantic boat ride on the palace lake. As we rowed our final lap, reflecting on our wonderful trip, David said, “There’s only one thing that could make this trip more enjoyable,” and produced the ring. I was so overwhelmed with joy that I forgot to say ‘yes’ even after putting on the ring!

What feeling or atmosphere did you want to create for your celebration?

We were going for a romantic, vintage Ralph Lauren vibe. The ceremony was in a Catholic Church and the reception was at a Ranch in Colorado. Our colors were sage and white.

What little detail or decision are you especially glad you included?

My favorite part of the day was the drive from the Church to the reception that was just me and my new husband. We just laughed and drank champagne realizing we were finally married. Having that special moment just us two was such a highlight of the day.

What part of your wedding celebration felt most meaningful to you both?

I would say the first look when we read our private vows to each other. It was such a special moment we shared just us.

Any advice for couples currently planning their wedding?

Savor every moment! The day flies by so find small moments to share with your new husband as well as family members throughout the day. Take a minute to pause and feel all the love and joy around you as well!