An unforgettable Vernon, BC Okanagan rustic ranch wedding, filled with raw emotion, wide-open skies, and plenty of cowboy boots.
A Love Story Rooted in the Okanagan
Back when Sheena first locked eyes with Cody at the Vernon Winter Carnival amid the crisp Okanagan winter air, she joked he looked like trouble wrapped in plaid; Cody, meanwhile, tipped his Stetson and replied, “Only the good kind.” From that playful spark, their story flowed effortlessly—first over coffee dates at cozy Okanagan cafés, then during horseback rides along sage-scented hills, and later on sunset drives tracing the shoreline of Okanagan Lake—so, with every shared adventure, their bond only deepened. Ultimately, on a golden August afternoon, these two free spirits celebrated their Okanagan rustic cowboy wedding and promised forever on a quiet acreage just outside Vernon, BC, nestled in the North Okanagan ranchlands, surrounded by rolling pastures, grazing horses, and, most importantly, the family and friends who had cheered them forward every step of the way. Their Okanagan rustic cowboy wedding was truly a dream come true.
The Setting: A Rancher’s Dream
- Venue: Cody’s family ranch in Lavington—complete with a weather-worn barn, split-rail fences, and panoramic views of the Monashee mountains, perfect for an Okanagan rustic cowboy wedding.
- Ceremony Spot: A custom-built pine arch in an open field, framed by rolling hay bales and a sea of wildflowers.
- Reception: Inside the century-old barn strung with thousands of Edison bulbs and needle-felted stars made by Sheena’s nieces.
Style Notes: Rustic Cowboy Done Right
| Element | Details We Loved |
|---|---|
| Attire | Sheena wore an airy lace A-line gown paired with a hand-tooled leather belt and pointed ivory boots. Cody sported dark denim, a charcoal waistcoat, and his lucky black Stetson. |
| Bouquet | Dried pampas, eucalyptus, white lisianthus, and prairie thistles—wrapped in rawhide lace. |
| Décor | Actual cattle-branding irons doubled as table numbers; horseshoes were welded into a seating chart; mason-jar chandeliers dangled above rustic farm tables, making the Okanagan rustic cowboy wedding ambiance perfect. |
| Colours | Dusty rose, sage green, and rich whiskey brown—perfect against golden fields and that Okanagan summer light. |
Favourite Moments Behind the Lens
- First Look in the Corral
The couple’s first look happened in a sunlit paddock while Cody’s mare, Luna, curiously snuffled the train of Sheena’s gown—sending both bride and groom into laughter that turned into happy tears. - Cowboy Hat Toss
During portraits, Cody’s groomsmen threw their hats sky-high at sunset, creating silhouettes against the pink blush horizon—pure Western-film magic. - Boot-Scootin’ Entrance
The bridal party two-stepped into the barn to Shania Twain’s Any Man of Mine, kicking up sawdust and setting a high-energy tone for the night. - Fire-Pit First Dance
Instead of a traditional dance floor, Sheena + Cody shared their first dance beside a crackling fire pit under the Milky Way—just the two of them, swaying to Chris Stapleton while guests circled with sparklers.
Tips for Planning Your Own Rustic-Cowboy Celebration
- Lean on Local Vendors: From Okanagan-grown florals to Vernon-roasted coffee favours, local touches keep the vibe authentic and fuss-free.
- Embrace Textures: Denim, lace, leather, burlap, and barn wood layer beautifully in photos and add tactile warmth to every space.
- Golden Hour is Everything: Schedule portraits an hour before sunset; the foothill light in Vernon turns golden wheat fields into literal photography gold.
- Protect Those Boots: Keep a basket of leather wipes and heel guards near the ceremony entrance—your guests (and sunset photos) will thank you.
Final Thoughts
Sheena and Cody’s day was more than a wedding—it was a heartfelt nod to their roots, their families, and their free-spirited love of the land. Every teary toast, every boot-heel scuff on barn boards, every flicker of fire-light reminded us why outdoor ranch weddings hold such enduring charm.
Sheena + Cody, may your life together be filled with the same wide-open joy you shared under that Vernon sky. Thanks for inviting us to capture your best adventure yet.
Planning a Rustic Okanagan Wedding?
If you’re dreaming of a cowboy-chic celebration—or any adventure-filled “I Do” in Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, or beyond—let’s chat. We’d love to document your story, dusty boots and all. Drop us a line here and let’s start planning!
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