Brides and Venues Choices

Brides have so many choices nowadays when planning their wedding. They have to choose everything, from the perfect wedding location to what to do if the weather turns bad. I can’t even begin to list all of the decisions a bride will make from the time she is engaged to that special someone to the day of matrimony.

The same goes for wedding locations. We have to make choices daily and yearly to help brides take personal tours of the facility, and to keep the gardens beautiful year-round. One of the hardest decisions I feel we have to make is which magazines and websites to advertise with.

Without the proper advertising and marketing that will drive brides and grooms to our venue, none of the other decisions will exist.

We could use a little help from all brides, mothers of brides or friends helping plan the wedding. Where do you find yourself spending most of your planning time? Looking at magazines or websites? And which ones? If you have a moment, we sure could use some help in making decisions about where to invest our time to be most helpful and accessible to you. Please feel free to comment and tell us which resources you use. Knowing this will help with our marketing, and also help you secure the type of venue that you are looking for.

To thank you for sharing your opinion, we will send you a beautiful custom-made string of pearls. After commenting, please e-mail us your address, so we know where to send the pearls. E-mail info@ellisrancheventcenter.com, with the subject line “Pearls.”

Photos and links to the magazines listed are only examples. If you have another web site or magazine please state those sites too in your comments.

Wedding Sites and Services
Perfect Wedding Guide
The Knot
Bridal Guide

People Places and Things to Love About Loveland, Colorado

Time is running out to order your personal book about Loveland. For only $20 you will get a life time of memories to give your Mom for Mothers Day. We ordered three and can't wait to have them on our coffee table.

A group of Loveland, Colorado residents and business people who want to share all there is to love about Loveland. The project will focus on one positive person, place or thing each day for 365 days that help make Loveland Colorado, America's Sweetheart City.All Loveland residents are encouraged to send their ideas, photos or stories which they want to be considered for inclusion in the final book.

Mission:To promote Loveland, Colorado, and showcase the stories of the people, places and things that make it a great place to live or visit. All net proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the purchaser's choice at time of purchase.

Products: The 365 day project will culminate in the publishing of a book titled "Loveland 365, the people, places and things that make us America's Sweetheart City." The book is currently estimated to be available by Mother's Day 2011. The book is being ONLY pre-sold until April 1, 2011 at www.Loveland365.com. It is not expected to be available for retail purchase.

Description: "Loveland 365, the people, places and things that make us America's Sweetheart City," is a 365 day project that began January 1st 2010 and recently ended on December 31st 2010. All topics in the book, all writers, all volunteers, all photographers, the printer, and participating organizations are from Loveland. All photographt taken is from 2010. All net proceeds from the sale of the book will be distributed to each purchaser's favorite charity or non profit at the time the book is produced. At the time of purchase, the purchaser chooses which participating charity they want the net proceeds from their book to benefit. The net proceeds from the sales of the books will be determined by the number of books which are sold. With 3,500 books sold, the net proceeds from each book will be $20 per book. If less books are sold, the net proceeds for each book will be less. (read less)
Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/Loveland365

Weddings with Pizazz

Weddings with Pizazz

We host more than 100 weddings per year, and we get so excited when we hear one of our brides talking about a themed wedding.

Weddings entail such a mixed group of family and friends of all ages and personalities. When one of our brides chooses a themed wedding, you know that when the guests arrive, they all get into a totally different mood.

The options are endless: beach/tropical, Western, vintage, music-themed, Mardi Gras, Vegas, Irish. Themes are so much fun to plan.

Our son and his fianceé wanted to go to the beach to get married, but with the cost involved in getting all of their family and friends to a fun, exotic location, they decided to host a beach party for their wedding instead.

They are having a blast together searching for decorations and tasting food that will be different from the normal wedding meal.

Having a theme does not take away from your sacred vows. It only enhances the experience, by allowing you to incorporate more of your individual preferences and style. Weddings, after all, should be a great experience and memories made for a lifetime.


Here is a great site to look at for themed wedding ideas. WeddingThemesIdeas.Net

Also check out Electric Frog for great themed idea: There is a wishlist www.eclecticfrog.com

Marriage Licenses in the "Sweetheart City"

Marriage Licenses in the Sweetheart City
Where to Get Your License
Larimer County Clerk's Office
205 E. 6th St, 1st Floor
Loveland, CO 80537
970-679-4526 ~ M-F 8-5

Marriage licenses in Colorado are available at various locations. The $30.00 fee MUST BE PAID IN CASH, and is valid for 30 days. Both parties need to be be present and must sign at the time of filing for a marriage license, and must present valid ID and proof of age.

If either party is divorced, the county will require the date and place of the divorce. The divorce MUST BE FINAL. Widows or widowers need to supply the date and place of death of their former spouse.

The legal age without parental consent is 18 for both persons. For marriages of age 16-17, consent of BOTH parents or parent having legal custody (or guardian or judicial approval) is required.

Blood tests are not required in the state of Colorado.

The license must be used within 30 days of the date of issue, and used only in the State of Colorado. License must be recorded within 60 days of marriage date or a fine will be imposed when recorded. The statute DOES NOT allow a friend or relative to solemnize the marriage unless they are either a judge or clergy.

It is best to obtain a copy of your marriage license (or your marriage license application,) to carry with you as proof of marriage for changing your name on your State ID, Driver's License, vehicle registration, insurance documents, and Social Security card. It is best to get your driver's license updated first, as many offices will require documentation and a state ID with your new name before processing a change request.


Thanks My Loveland Wedding and Events for making this information available.

Every Venue has it's own style and grace.

Every venue has its own style and grace, just like every bride is not the same. When choosing the location for your special day, you need to consider what kind of wedding you are looking at hosting and, more importantly, what kind of bride are you.

Today, couples have so many choices to make when planning their wedding, but the first decision to make is where do you want to have your wedding?

Before you get in your car and start driving around, we would recommend you do a little homework beforehand. With the Internet, you can almost have a your site chosen before leaving the house -- or at least have your options down to three or four.

Here are a few ideas that are important when deciding to book your venue:

1. Be sure not to set a date before viewing several venues. This will take so much stress out of your decision, and you will not have to just settle for a venue because they are the only place with your date available.

2. Ask yourself: What kind of couple are you and what are your needs? Are you hands on? Do you want a wedding that is all-inclusive, formal, outdoors, destination, church or themed? Brides nowadays are very lucky to have the choice.

3. Set a budget. Ask your parents if they plan on helping with the cost and have them specify the amount. That way, if you spend all of the money they plan on giving you on your wedding dress, you know you will have to cover the rest of the costs involved.

4. View several venues before deciding on one. We always recommend that you set an appointment with a venue. This way, the venue will be able to give you undivided attention. Our venue does give showings to drop-ins, but sometimes we have to cut those unscheduled tours short because of other appointments. Always be on time for you appointment.

5. When viewing a venue, take into consideration who will be your go-to person during your year of planning. We have heard many brides say they never know whom they will be talking to during the planning process, often due to employee turnover. This can be very stressful, and many times the wedding day does not go as planned. At the Ellis Ranch, we are family-run. We pride ourselves with more than 47 years of business success and one-on-one customer service.

6. Take into consideration if you have family and friends who will be traveling to your wedding. Does the venue have relationships with area hotels and transportation?

7. You will need many different vendors to help make your day special. A venue comes into contact with more vendors then any other person you will work with during your planning process, so truly listen to their advice. Every venue wants to make your day the best it can. Without happy brides, we will not stay in business very long.

These are seven important considerations to think about before booking your venue. There are many others, as well, which a good venue planner can help you with in order to create your dream wedding.

Free String of Swarovski Crystal Pearls

Free string of Swarovski Crystal Pearls when you schedule a showing at the Ellis Ranch Event Center Wedding Parks. Schedule your show during the Rocky Mountain Bridal Show. Receive the beautiful pearls during your personal showing.
Sunday, Jan. 09, 2011, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Colorado Convention Center - Korbel Ballroom
700 14th St.
Denver, CO 80202

Why Get Married in Loveland

Why Get Married in Loveland?

Known affectionately as "The Sweetheart City,"
Loveland, Colorado offers many treats to the wedding couple.

In this day and age when you can hop on a plane and be married anywhere in the world, why would you choose Loveland Colorado? Maybe it’s because you love the idea that your marriage license will read, “'The Sweetheart City' Loveland Colorado”.

Maybe it’s all the friendly people you met when you vacationed here as a child. Perhaps you have seen our gorgeous lake in the middle of town with the majestic Rockies as a backdrop, or you know that a honeymoon in the inspiring Rocky Mountains is only a short drive away (that's why we're known as "The Gateway to the Rockies".

If you love bronze sculptures, then you already know that Loveland is world-renowned for our art and hosts the largest outdoor sculpture show in the world. We have adorned many of our parks and businesses with beautiful works of art, it's hard to go anywhere in town without seeing it. Loveland has 13½ miles of paved trails including a delightful section that follows the Big Thompson River as it winds its way through town. Between our 27 public parks, dozens of lakes secluded or populated with picnic areas, and romantic venues, Loveland offers many scenic locations for places to get married as well as a host of photographic opportunities.

Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a small town with the amenities of a bigger city. We are only 50 miles north of the hustle and bustle of Denver and just minutes from Fort Collins or Greeley. The Loveland Wedding Professionals have the experience needed to provide you with the stress free and enjoyable day you deserve.

Why choose Loveland for your wedding? The country! We have a dude ranch for all you cowboys at heart. (It was also the place where “The Bachelor” contestant, Noelle Drake, took Matt Grant to meet her parents.) Camping and hiking, boating and fishing are only moments away. Where else can you combine the romance of a wedding with the practicality of an adventurous honeymoon?

The city! Tour one of our bronze foundries or visit the many art galleries in town. Shopping for ladies and gents alike is waiting for you in historic downtown Loveland, the outlets, and the lifestyle malls. If golfing is on your agenda Loveland has three great courses including Marianna Butte, designated a 4½ star course by Golf Digest magazine. Do you love music? The city of Loveland sponsors a series of free concerts throughout the summer as well as a Cherry Pie Festival. The local chamber of commerce organizes a Corn Roast Festival every August.

Special Valentines Opportunities! If all that isn’t enough to get you thinking about Loveland for your wedding try this: Every year we hand stamp and mail over 200,000 valentines with the Loveland “Sweetheart City” postmark. Send out your wedding invitations before Valentines Day, and it can include our Valentine Cachet printed on the envelope. Then have a heart hung around town with your names and wedding date. And don't forget our annual Valentine Balloon Rally - get married at 150 feet!

Bikers! We can't forget the annual Thunder in the Rockies motorcycle event. Do the two of you share a passion for riding? Get married at the Rally or anywhere in town - our Loveland Wedding Professionals have the experience you need to make it fun, casual, and still the wedding of your dreams.

Where else can you find an entire city with that much love and romance in their hearts, waiting to share it with you?

This post can also be found on the My Loveland Wedding web site.

http://www.mylovelandwedding.com
Ellis Ranch Event Center & Wedding Park

Late? No Shows?

What happened with arriving on time or calling? I was taught when you have an appointment to always show up on time. In fact showing up 5 minutes early is even better! If you are going to be late be sure and call that person or place as soon as you know you are running late. Remember your schedule is not the only one affected when you are a few minutes behind and it’s considerate to be conscious of that when you are scheduling your day. It seems here lately that engaged couples, guests attending a wedding and/or family members, feel that this considerate behavior is not something that they have to abide too and that drives me crazy. The wedding day is the bride and grooms very own special day but respect and basic courtesy should never be thrown out the window!!! No matter what is going on in your life. If you schedule an appointment for a showing or for a final walk through please show up and show up on time!! As a venue all we ask is if you are running late please call. Also be understanding if the venue needs to reschedule because of other couples arriving for their appointment on time. Remember you are not the only wedding going on this year!!! Never ever make an appointment and just not show up. Please show respect to the venue and call and just let them know your plans have changed and you will no longer be coming.
Thank you for listening and you better get running now so you won’t be late!

Respect for the Bride and Groom

What happened to the wonderful weddings when guest came to the weddings to honor the Bride and Groom?

We host over 120 wedding per year and with that many weddings we have seen everything you can think of.

Respectfull Guest

. RSVP when asked.
. Arrive to the wedding early enough to be seated before the bride walks down the aisle.
. If you haven’t given a gift bring a gift for the couple, it doesn’t have to break the bank but something to show a nice gesture.
. Dress appropriately.
. Plan on spending time at the reception long enough for the meal and all formal dances and cake cutting.
. Guest stay in the building where the bride and groom are.
. Find a baby sitter for the evening or if you bring your children watch them and make them behave.
. Don’t arrive drunk.
. Know directions to the venue prior to leaving your house.
. If it is non-alcohol weddings don’t bring your own alcohol, respect their choices.
. Decorate the couple’s car respectfully.

Un-Respectful things we have happen during a wedding.

. Arrive drunk
. Bring their children and just turn them loose with no supervision.
. Get extremely drunk during the wedding.
. Do property damage; the bride is grooms are responsible for paying for any damage.
. Dress in appropriately.
. Stand out side the building and smoke all evening.
. Tailgating and the bride and groom are in the building dancing.
. Guest who do not respect parking signs.
. Brings guest that where not invited.
. If there is livestock at the venue do not get in the pens.
. Offer alcoholic drinks to minors.
. Decorate the couple’s vehicle to the point there is damage.

I truly could go on and on but after all this is a blog not a book.

Mother Nature Rears Her Ugly Head

Being a venue that host weddings, it is our responsibility to pull off the most beautiful wedding come rain or shine.
Rain and not much shine has been plaguing us a lot this summer. Don’t get me wrong we love the rain. With a wedding park you need lots of grass and flowers that need watering and Mother Nature has been giving us a helping hand.
Wedding days are stressful in it’s self but when you add the tricks of Mother Nature you are sometimes presented with challenges.
Let me describe one of our typical bad weather days. First thing in the morning the phones start ringing (if not several days prior to the wedding) from brides wanting to know what we can do about the rain in the forecast. We claim to be the best at what we do, but telling a bride we can make the weather a perfect 80 degrees and sunshine and no wind is impossible.
We first tell the bride to go about her day as if the weather was a perfect 80 degrees and full of sunshine. After all today is her special day and it is not her responsibility to worry about things, it is ours, and we will do our best to make it just the way she wants it.
We are very fortune enough to have a facility that can host indoor or outdoor ceremonies and that alone makes the stress meter go down.
As the day goes by the gazebo and chairs are all decorated and the reception hall is beautiful just waiting for the guests to arrive. Once the guests begin to arrive we have them take a seat in the reception hall and keep them posted on the weather and when the bride will be arriving in the carriage.
98% of our brides book with us because they want our horse drawn carriage, so most weddings are reserved to be held out doors. Every bride wants the day to be perfect and you can still have that beautiful perfect day on a rainy day we just might have to turn to plan B, which may mean moving the ceremony inside, but that is not a bad thing because our inside facility is just as beautiful!!! It is just important to know that the option is available for the bride….. the wedding will go on no matter what and will be just as comfortable and memorable for her and all her guests. Discuss what your options are head of time with the venue
This summer has been our most challenging due to rain and wind but we have been very fortunate and have not had to move one single wedding inside. We just took our time and watched the weather and had our guests take a seat in the reception hall and most of the time those silly clouds moved on and we are able to move all the guests outside and proceed with a beautiful outdoor wedding!!!

Nashville Floods

This blog isn't about weddings, vendors or fun times. I was in Nashville during all the terrible flooding. I am fine along with my daughter and her family. We were lucky we had no damage to her home or our motorhome. Please take a few minutes and watch this video of the flood. I am so sadden by all the destruction and lives lost. When saying your prayers please keep the residences of Nashville and the surrounding town in your prayers. Twenty beautiful people lost their lives and uncountable livestock. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFjaQoOdJvI

Arriving To The Alter In Style

Dance The Night Away

Vendor of the Week

You can serve a delicous meaty meal to your guests without breaking your wedding budget! Albert Pit Barbecue smokes beef, pork and chicken meat over hickory wood, makes great side dishes and a homemade sauce served on the side and can set up a buffet for your guests for $8.99 to $14.99 per guest. The professionally dressed staff sets up a sharp, clean white clad buffet with silver servinig pieces to which you can add the details to match your wedding style of simple or more elegant. To help brides and grooms decide on a menu and to allow Albert Pit Barbecue to put together a proposal, Brides and Grooms that are considering barbecue for the reception or rehearsal dinner are invited to a free tasting at the Albert Pit Barbecue Catering Kitchen on April 28th, drop-in between 5:30 and 7:00. RSVP to korey@albertpitbbq.com.

Albert Pit Barbecue's Free Wedding Tasting for Brides and Grooms
3201 E Mulberry, Unit F, Fort Collins
Wednesday April 28th 5:30-7:00
RSVP by email to korey@albertpitbbq.com

Destination Choices for Brides "Sweetheart City" Loveland, Colorado

As women, we have thought about our wedding day from the time we were little girls. Now the time has come to choose the perfect wedding location.

In my opinion the perfect location to share your sacred vows would be the romantic town of Loveland, Colorado, the gateway to the Rocky Mountains. A small sweetheart city romantically nestled in the heart of the foothills.

I couldn’t have said this any better than a quote I read from the website of The Loveland Wedding Professionals; “Looking for a wedding destination that has the services you need to help you create the wedding day you have always envisioned? Have you dreamed of a mountain wedding? A wedding ceremony by the water or in a park? A reception in a beautiful garden or an elegant ballroom? http://www.lovelandweddingprofessionals.com

So when considering sharing those scared vows I would recommend the "Sweetheart City"

Cater VS Self Catering. Which is the best choice?

At our venue Ellis Ranch Event Center & Wedding Park we are a facility rental only. Which means to allow self- catering. There are pros and cons on self -catering.

Sometime self catering does save you some money and then I have seen families by the time they rent all the equipment needed, left over food, stress and clean up they wish they had just hired a cater, the liability of self-catering. We have seen Mothers sweating in their beautiful gown, crying minutes before the wedding trying to get everything ready for the reception instead of being in the dressing room with their daughter and having a good time.

We would always recommend a bride to hire a professional cater for their reception. Most caters can customize menus and generally can design a fit to meet your budget and style. They take the stress out of your day. You will be able to enjoy you daughter or son’s wedding. This is a time to celebrate.

If you still feel self-catering is the way you want to go for your wedding you should always do a walk thru with the facility prior to your wedding date. They can show you where and how many pug-ins they have for roasters, where you can do the food preparations, clean up requirements, where and how you need to set up the food line. Every venue has rules and regulations to follow. If organized properly and kept simple self catering can work.

Making a statement with Jewelry Accessories

When one thinks of accessories you generally think of buying jewelry and I’m sure that is what you thought this topic was about. When I think of accessories I think of diamonds, pearls and gems to help bring out the pizzazz to your decorations.

Every bride wants her wedding decorations unique and memorable to you and your guest. If your wedding dress has pearls or diamonds sewn on the gown I would follow thru with attaching some in all the corsages, add some to your bouquet, cake, favors, and centerpieces. Please take note of the beautiful pearls being used in this brides centerpieces.

It is the little details that make your wedding stand out in our guest minds.








Headpiece photo was taken by the very talented Sarah Lee Welch Photography http://www.sarahleewelchphotography.com

The beautiful centerpiece was sent to me from FLEXX Prouductions http://www.flexxproductions.com

Receptions Are Not The Wild Kingom

Children's Play Area at the Ellis Ranch Wedding Park


This is a very touchy subject for couples and will spark so many emotions. In my writing this blog remember I am thinking strictly from a venue’s point of view.

We have heard of wedding facilities that do not allow any children to attend the wedding or reception. This is very sad when a venue feels they have to implement this regulation but I do totally understand and respect their decision. This is a time for two families and friends to join as one. The Ellis Ranch has always been a child friendly facility and always will be but would like all couples, family members and guests to keep a few thoughts in mind when deciding to or not to have children attend.

First and foremost parents need to be responsible for their children. Remember the venue is not their babysitter. For some reason parents think when attending a wedding or reception that the facility is the Wild Kingdom, especially after a few drinks.

Parents need to keep in mind SAFETY for their child. Many venues have ponds, rivers, stairs and livestock. We have seen very small children standing on the edge of a river and not parent in site.

The Bride has paid a damage deposit to the venue and will be charged any damage to the facility or property. We have seen unattended children, throwing rocks at the cars in the parking lot, stuffing objects down the toilets, running their fingers thru the wedding cake even before it has been cut. I truly could go on and on.

Even the best of best parents seem to forget about their children. We recommend that when going to a wedding or reception that you should make this a date night so you can enjoy your evening. Believe me your kids will love you for it.

If you do decide to take your children with you please remember you are the parent and drink wisely, and keep you children by your side.

So Many Bridal Shows - What Do I Do?

Brides from the Northern Colorado region must be going out of their minds. I know of 20 bridal shows you can attend from January thru May 2010 and that doesn’t even count the individual venues that host their own in house show.

This can be a blessing or a nightmare depending on how you look at the whole process. I would first take time before I go to any bridal show and write down what do I want and expect to get out of attending anyone show.
When most brides go to a show they eat lots of food, pick up lots of printed material, try to visit with the vendor that catches their eye. After the day is over you feel bloated and your head is spinning from over load of information.

I recommend attending several shows but dividing up each show into what I want to accomplish. The very first thing you must do is finding your venue you want to host your wedding, tour several before attending any bridal show. If you haven’t reserved one before the bridal show I would concentrate on visiting with all the venues at the show first. After you have decided where you want your dream wedding to be held you can now go forward with the planning of the details.

Go to a show with only a couple of goals in mind. Let’s say we are going to visit shortly and I mean shortly with photographers and cake vendors. Be ready for them to give you just a brief answers to your questions. The vendors at show have 100’s of brides wanting their attention. Have your calendar ready to set a future appointment with your top three vendors you like that day. Your appointment can be in person or just a phone conversation. Plan your next show and find your DJ and florist. We are blessed with so many shows to help us make so many decisions.

If you will do this process you won’t have that feel of being over whelmed by whole planning process, slice your cake and choose one vendor at a time. Planning your wedding is supposed to be fun and an over whelming process.
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Here is a list of up coming shows; http://colorado.perfectweddingguide.com/events/bridal-shows