At Leaping Deer Ranch, we love to celebrate our past wedding couples and reflect on their special days. Savannah and Michael’s summer wedding was vibrant and colorful, yet relaxed and effortlessly chic. From their DIY ceremony backdrop to their eclectic bridal party outfits, Savannah and Michael’s wedding reflected not only who they are as a couple, but also the love they share for their family, friends, and each other.

Savannah and Michael’s story began at a renaissance fair in Albuquerque where they both were working. The timing wasn’t great, as Savannah was about to leave for the Peace Corps just before they met, but they made it work: long distance for three years. Coincidentally, it was the pandemic that brought them together. They both sheltered in place in Poland, where Michael was working, until eventually coming back to New Mexico.

With a relationship that had literally taken them across the globe, it only made sense for Savannah and Michael to host a destination wedding. However, they were mindful of guests and the burden travel can be, especially for elderly relatives. They chose Leaping Deer Ranch because it sits far enough in the countryside to feel like a relaxing remote getaway, but close enough to Albuquerque that relatives could conveniently get to the ranch.

They also enjoyed having their bridal party stay with them in the guest rooms at the ranch. Rather than just one night of fun, their wedding was a weekend getaway with their closest friends and family.

Leaping Deer Ranch also allowed Savannah and Michael to show their out-of-state relatives all the beauty New Mexico has to offer. While many view the region as all deserts and cacti, Savannah and Michael’s guests experienced the lush and varied landscape of northeastern New Mexico. Leaping Deer Ranch’s stunning views and greenery did not disappoint.

Throughout their wedding day, Savannah and Michael incorporated several personal touches and DIY elements that made their special day truly theirs.

The vast grounds at Leaping Deer Ranch offer many different locations for your wedding ceremony, and Savannah and Michael picked their ceremony spot after stumbling upon an open area during a tour of the ranch. The spot they picked was impacted by wildfires in the past, but now had new growth, a perfect symbol for starting your marriage together. Their spot also offered amazing views of the landscape and was definitely a highlight of the day.

Their ceremony backdrop included two unique and gorgeous doors. Savannah’s dad and their officiant, a close family friend, built the doors specifically for Savannah and Michael’s wedding. Seeing special DIY elements all come together to create unique and memorable wedding decor was a highlight for Savannah and Michael.

After saying “I do,” Savannah, Michael, and their 70 guests celebrated the night away at the ranch with drinking games, delicious food, and of course, dancing.

Overall, Savannah and Michael’s wedding was as unique and colorful as their own relationship story. They both appreciated that the team at Leaping Deer Ranch was flexible, supportive, and enthusiastic about all their DIY dreams big or small.