For Starr and Will, having a wedding that paid tribute to the beauty and landscape of New Mexico was not only important, but personal. They both work in environmental conservation in New Mexico–in fact, their passion for the environment and New Mexico brought them together.

This passion also brought them to Leaping Deer Ranch when planning their wedding. Leaping Deer Ranch was the first and only wedding venue Starr and Will visited after finding the ranch on The Knot. It was love at first sight.

They both appreciated Leaping Deer’s ample accommodations for their guests. They wanted their guests to feel like they could enjoy the ranch and have a private space for a weekend away. They also loved how they could transform the ranch however they saw fit, as Leaping Deer’s team encourages creativity and DIY when planning your wedding’s decor. The laid back attitude of LDR’s owner, Colin, sealed the deal.

In fact, Starr and Will are fairly laid back themselves. After discussing marriage, the couple picked out Starr’s engagement ring together pre-proposal. But when Will’s grandmother, who has been happily married for 60 years, gave Will her ring for Starr, Will wasn’t sure if they would use it. After showing Starr his grandmother’s ring in none other than Target, Starr immediately fell in love with the ring. It even fit perfectly, as if it was meant to be. Their engagement in Target proved this isn’t a couple who needs anything elaborate or over-the-top. Simple and sweet was the way to go.

Sweet also describes the couple’s laid back, outdoor, ranch wedding. They kicked off the celebrations with a first look in the labyrinth. Not only did this give the couple a private moment alone before the big “I dos”, it also allowed them the chance to relax and enjoy their guests’ company before the day turned into too much of a whirlwind.

Starr and Will’s ceremony took place in LDR’s intimate backyard surrounded by their 50 guests. Their officiant, a family friend, was a true highlight of the wedding day. She captured their love for each other so well that multiple guests commented on how amazing the officiant was.

Other wedding highlights included getting ready at the ranch with their groomsmen and bridesmaids. Having the entire ranch to themselves allowed Starr, Will, and their guests to relax and enjoy the getting ready process instead of feeling rushed and cramped. And of course, getting to celebrate their wedding with their dog, Layla, was a highlight, too.

Starr and Will’s ceremony ended with a fun and romantic bubble machine that of course lended itself well to their pictures. Their reception included plenty of southwestern, DIY decor. LDR’s laid back DIY policy allowed Starr and Will to create a rustic and personal wedding aesthetic, complete with DIY signs, romantic string lights, and a custom table setting.

Starr and Will’s wedding celebrations lasted the whole weekend, as they stayed with family and friends at the Ranch. They watched the stars at night and admired the hummingbirds and wildflowers during the day. All in all, it was a romantic, memory-filled weekend and the perfect start to Starr and Will’s married life together.