The moment Sam popped the question atop a Colorado ski mountain wasn’t just perfectly timed—it was captured by a photographer waiting nearby. That unexpected snapshot kicked off a day full of surprises, including a private chef and an intimate family celebration back at their Airbnb. This proposal set a natural, heartfelt tone that carried through to Sam and Deren’s wedding, held amid floor-to-ceiling glass walls that opened the reception to the surrounding trees.
The setting was Mallard’s Croft, a venue where the outdoors feels like part of the design. The couple wanted their wedding to feel timeless and elegant but relaxed enough for everyone to enjoy. To do that, they chose a soft palette of blush pinks, warm neutrals, ivory, and lots of fresh greenery. This created a light, inviting space that never felt trendy or overdone. Lush florals and textured linens complemented the natural light flooding the room, while warm candlelight added a cozy, classic touch.
Deren’s gown was a custom Justin Alexander, bought from Adorn Bridal in Nashville. She fell in love with the first dress she tried on, but asked for a custom lace bolero to add a personal, romantic flair. The boutique’s seamstress brought that vision to life, making the gown uniquely hers. Her bouquet had a custom wrap embroidered with their "D&S" crest, and tucked behind it was a pin featuring their dog Bitty’s face, weaving their furry family member into the day.
The ceremony mixed tradition and intimacy. Deren’s father walked her down the aisle to Canon in D. Before that, the couple shared private vows away from the crowd, then exchanged traditional ones in front of family and friends. The officiant was John Allen May, and music was provided by Dingo Entertainment.
The reception menu struck a balance between comfort and refinement. Guests enjoyed buffet-style dishes including beef tenderloin with horseradish sauce, shrimp and grits, cheese ravioli in pesto cream sauce, and spinach-stuffed mushrooms. Salt-roasted potatoes with Boursin and prosciutto-wrapped asparagus with lemon dill sauce rounded out the spread. A full open bar featured a signature vodka tea cocktail called “The Bitty,” named after their dog. As the night wound down, pizza arrived in custom boxes stamped with the couple’s wedding crest—a playful late-night surprise.
A five-tiered buttercream cake from The Flour Garden Memphis stood at the center of the dessert table. The cake topper read “I do too! Love, Bitty,” adding a personal touch. The couple also included vintage elements, such as Limoges pieces and their grandmother’s sterling silver hand mirrors, which Deren treasured as a way to include family memories.
Sam and Deren’s story began years earlier in Mississippi. Sam drove from Southaven to Oxford for their first date. Despite Deren preparing to move to Dallas for school, Sam followed his career there too, letting their relationship grow. They eventually returned to Mississippi, ready to start their next chapter together. Nearly four years later, Sam’s proposal on the ski mountain was not only a surprise—it was a shared joy with friends and family who celebrated with them afterward.
The wedding party, the music, the food, and the details all reflected the couple’s desire for a day that felt both elegant and personal. The way the floor-to-ceiling windows brought the outdoors inside made the venue more than just a backdrop—it became part of the experience.
If you’re thinking about how to make your own wedding feel connected to nature without stepping outside, this approach is worth considering. The natural light, greenery, and classic touches make a room feel open and inviting without losing sophistication. And if your dog is part of your family, finding subtle ways to include them can be a meaningful nod that guests will remember.
We’d love to hear what you think about blending indoor elegance with outdoor beauty. Could this be your style? Drop a comment below or share your favorite nature-inspired wedding moments with us.
According to Style Me Pretty.
