Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Anthony and I met in 2013 when I had just moved back to Colorado from Washington. Ive always loved dancing and started going to the Grizzly rose regularly. One night, fate found us both on the dance floor. As Anthony watched me line dance the night away, he made his way closer to me. As I was in my own world of dancing bliss, an older gentleman I’ve never seen before, walked over to me and began yelling at me and calling me names, completely unprovoked and uncalled for. Anthony heard this exchange, and like a true knight in shining armor, threatened to knock the guy out for talking to a pretty girl that way. The gentleman, clearly intimidated by my dance floor savior, realized this was an unfortunate case of mistaken identity (he thought I was the ex wife of a friend of his, already out and on the prowl), apologized and offered to buy us both drinks, and our story officially began. I wish I could say the rest was history, but our story is just too special to end there. We remained friends for a few years, and in 2015 decided it was time to start dating. Our relationship was doomed from the start because unbeknownst to Anthony, I was in the throws of a dark drug addiction which would eventually take my job, my car, my friends, my family, my faith, and eventually him. And the day our relationship ended, my drug addiction took the last piece of light in my life, and I was left in perputual darkness, riding shotgun with the devil, ready to let it take my life as well. By the grace of God, and with the love of my family and new found friends in recovery, I fought and screamed and clawed and crawled my way back to life. I started my journey living my new life minute by minute, and eventually day by day, and before I knew it from one month to the next, and then years had gone by and I had found the light again. During these days, Anthony was never far from my mind or my heart. He would message me at each sober milestone, reminding me to be proud of what I had done. Every year I was blown away he remembered. But like clock work on April 19th every year, I was reminded of the love that was still there, this love that spanned beyond hurt and pain and betrayal and heartbreak. And it wasnt until recently that I realized the word for that kind of love was “unconditional.” God knew our story wasnt done because years later on a random night out at the Grizzly Rose, I saw him and it was like he never left. He hugged me, and I instantly knew I didn’t want to go another day without him, ever again. Over the following months he reintroduced me to his family who welcomed me with open arms. He washed away all my fears around the hurt he may still feel over the things I had done during the day my drug addiction turned me into something I didnt recognize. He reminded me of the power of true forgiveness and its ability to mend a damaged spirit. And maybe most importantly, he helped me find my way back to faith and back to God. On March 17th of this year on a beautiful beach in Maui, he got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. We look at love as the butterflies in our stomach, the way our heart beats out of our chest, the way we smile when we see their face, and while all those things are love, they arent the things that show the parts of love that are unwavering and unconditional in nature. Ive experienced those life changing pieces of love and they are found in forgiveness of the most painful wrongs, and in the compromise of the worst fights, and in the sacrifice even when we have nothing left to give. I dont think theres any other man in the world who could love me so big, to show me the hardest parts of love. So from that day on the dance floor in 2013 when a random country boy became my knight in shining armor, to our wedding day when we finally get to celebrate this beautiful journey we’ve had back to each other, we are honored to have you here, and we are grateful you have been a part of our story.

All in God's Plan

Our Story

Photos

Jon is the man every Groom wants to have as a best man. He's excited when you're ready to celebrate, he's helpful when you have a decision to make, he's loyal when you encounter the inevitable "wedding drama", and last but most definitely not least, he's there to hand you a cold beer anytime, during any occasion. Jon has been a part of Anthony's life for 14 years and has shown what true friendship looks like. In fact Jon and Anthony may have more "love" texts between them then Ashley and Anthony do, but Ashley has graciously allowed this budding bromance to continue. His two kids, Mila and Liam are at the center of everything he does, and Ashley and Anthony have loved becoming a new Aunt and Uncle to these two adorable kiddos. Thank you for the love and friendship Jon! There is no one better to stand beside Anthony on this wonderful day. 

Jon Sheppard

Sheena was doing maid of honor duties before she was bestowed the title, and this is a very small example of the kind of person Sheena is. Sheena has a huge heart and goes out of her way to show those around her how much they mean to her. If you take some time to speak with her and get to know her, you will realize that not only does she have a heart big enough to hold space for anyone in need, she's one of the strongest women you'll have the opportunity to encounter. After being asked if she would stand beside Ashley on this very important day, she quickly jumped into action with an ease and professionalism that makes us think she missed her calling as wedding planner. Even on days Sheena is struggling, she's provided love and empathy and compassion for Ashley when she needs a hug and listening ear. No matter what life throws at her, Sheena continues to love like she's never been hurt, and she's been an angel in human form for Ashley the last year.  Thank you for the endless love and support Sheena! We are thrilled to have you with us on this journey.

Sheena Sandoval

Anthony knew it was important to have Robert a part of this day because Robert is the type of friend that will be there for you no matter what time day or night. Stuck out in a snowstorm with no shirt? He will give you his. Stuck on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere at 3am with a flat tire? He will drive entirely too fast to get to you and help you change that tire. Everyone needs a friend like this and Anthony is grateful he has Robert. While his friends are incredibly important to him, no one comes to close to the love he has for his two boys. They are his entire world and he's shown that the best dads work hard and sacrifice, because he does this daily for his sons. Robert, thank you for joining us for our wedding! We are so excited to have you stand with Anthony as we say "I Do." 

Robert Jordan

This day wouldn't have nearly as much meaning without Christina involved. When Anthony proposed, Ashley knew immediately that Christina needed to be a part of the wedding, and Christina was the first person Ashley asked. In this life there's very few people we can count as a true friend, loyal and steadfast no matter what comes our way, and Christina has shown herself to be that person. Christina has been a rock in Ashley's life during some of the worst times, and without that foundation, those days would have been almost unbearable. Christina loves her friends and family fiercely, and provides her love selflessly, never expecting anything in return. She has been a true friend that Ashley knows she can count on no matter what. Christina, thank you for the love and friendship that helped Ashley find her way to this day. We are so happy to have you a part of our wedding!

Christina Trujillo

Ryan is not only a groomsmen, but one of Anthony's brothers. Some of Anthony's favorite childhood memories are playing sports with his brother in the front yard and riding their bikes together up and down the street, surely getting bumps and bruises in the process. Ryan is a shining example of what this day can bring if you put love and work into your relationship and your family. He's a loyal husband, a loving father, and a brother you can rely on when you need it. Anthony stood next to Ryan as he took his vows many many years ago, so we love that this moment has come full circle for them. Ryan's beautiful daughters will also be joining us as the most angelic flower girls you've ever seen. Ryan, thank you so much for joining us on this special day, and for giving us an example of the beauty that can come after the wedding day has come and gone. We are so happy to have you as an important part of our wedding.

Ryan O'Rear

Melanie is not only one of Ashley's bridesmaids, but she's also Anthony's sister. When it was time to choose the wedding party, Melanie was an easy choice. Melanie and Ashley have begun a beautiful friendship, and Ashley couldn't have chosen a better sister in law if she was able to design one for herself. Melanie has a sense of humor and sarcasm that keeps everyone in the room from taking themselves too seriously, and while at times she holds a tough exterior, when you get to know her, her love and care and kindness shine through in a way that makes those around her feel a light, even when things seem dark. The love between Anthony and Melanie is something special, even if they show it by throwing a barrage of insults at each other whenever the opportunity presents itself. This wedding would not be complete without Melanie right beside us. Melanie, we love you so much and are so happy to have you a part of this day.

Melanie Spence

Austin is not only one of Anthony's groomsmen, but he's also Ashley's brother. In addition to being one of the coolest people you'll ever meet, Austin is funny (like belly laugh funny), loving, strong, intelligent beyond his years, and full of heart. Ashley and Austin's relationship is the most important one in her life, and knowing this, Anthony is excited to have Austin join him on their wedding day. Austin is one of the most humble people you'll ever meet, which makes him that much more impressive. During some of the darkest times in Ashley's life, her love for Austin helped pull her through. Out of anyone at the wedding, Austin's presence is the most important and we are grateful beyond words that he will be joining us that day. Austin, we love you so very much and we are so excited to have you join us for our wedding. Thank you for moving mountains to be apart of our day. 

Austin Pearman

Tiffani is the life of the party every where she goes. Tiffani can make you laugh and smile even when you are having a terrible day. There's few people in this world that are as selfless and giving as Tiffani, so when it was time to choose the bridesmaids, Ashley knew Tiffani had to be a part of this day. Ashley and Tiffani have been friends for almost 4 years, spending day in and day out with each other, walking together through all the good and bad that life has thrown their way. Tiffani has helped Ashley find her silver lining in even in the darkest of storms and this wedding is a testament to that. Tiffani is a light to everyone around her. Tiffani, we know how lucky we are to have you as a part of this wedding, and a part of our lives! Thank you for continuing on this journey with us. 

Anthony & Ashley

Anthony & Ashley

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