On August 11, 2018, 50 of Holle Anderson and Todd Hartis’ closest family and friends made the journey to San Sophia Overlook to be a part of their day in Telluride. With Holle from Dallas and Todd from Houston, the pair side “I do” surrounded by the picturesque Colorado topography.

Holle and Todd met at a bar at the University of Texas, on dollar wells night. The drinks flowed, the conversation was continuous, and the rest is history. Five years later, they travelled to scenic Venice, Italy. While exploring, Todd stopped, got down on one knee, and proposed. “It was sweet and romantic,” says the bride. “We spent the rest of the afternoon excitedly drinking champagne at various cafes along the streets of water in Venice.”

Holle and Todd did not envision a traditional ballroom wedding or reception. Rather, they opted for a destination wedding and employed a simple wooden stage and grass aisle, set against the mountains. The couple kept the focus on their guests by using two subtle floral arrangements and simple wooden chairs.

With seated guests and a blue sky, the ceremony began only to find that the rings were forgotten. Quick on her feet, Holle’s maid of honor slipped off her own ring and gave it to the minister to use during the vows. “I got married in my maid of honor’s ring, which was really cool,” Holle says. “While my own ring is really special, I thought it was symbolic of our friendship and always being there for one another.”

Continuing to the Tomboy Tavern, the newlyweds and guests celebrated for the rest of the night. The bones of the restaurant needed little enhancing, so greenery was added to the chandeliers and candles to give it a little extra life. Amid the elegant and quaint evening, tears were brought to everyone’s eyes as the bride and her father spun across the dance floor, commencing the celebrations.