A Sparkly New Year's Eve Wedding at Spain Ranch

December 29, 2020 Bronwyn Spain

A wedding with two madly-in-love humans and the most KILLER NYE party in the Black Barn at Spain Ranch.

This wedding is very very close to my heart as it was the first true destination couple to book the Black Barn at Spain Ranch after its completion. Alli and Kyle reside in Minnesota and booked their destination wedding at the Black Barn in Oklahoma. Alli asked my sister Cecily Hunter, Director of Events at Spain Ranch if she had an interest in planning. She said she did and asked me if I would like to assist. Together we planned the only wedding we will ever plan because the couple and evening were simply too perfect for it to be topped; we decided to start and end it on a high note.

Scroll down to read about Alli and Kyle’s love story and see photos from the stunning affair.

photography by jules la

How long have you known each other? How did you meet?

Alli: December 14, 2017. It all started with a DM from Kyle on Instagram, "Hey, you look familiar?". I didn't think much of it and responded with, "I don't know, maybe you know me from the gym? I didn't show much interest since I had just recently become single. We exchanged a few messages and that was about it.

Two days later, I passed by a guy at the gym with my headphones on, listening to music (most likely Post Malone). I noticed this guy looking at me as I walked by him. It only took me a second to look back and realize the guy just so happened to be the same guy that sent me the DM on Instagram two days before.

I remember going up to my friend and saying, " Oh my gosh! That's the guy that sent me the DM and okay... he is hot!"

It didn’t take long until I walked over to Kyle to introduced myself. A few minutes into our conversation we found out that we were neighbors. Our houses were just down the street from one another.

And from that moment on, Kyle was known as the “neighbor guy” and Kyle’s next DM was, “Can I pick you up for the gym tomorrow?”

When did each of you know you wanted to get married? When did you fall for each other?

Alli: It was a slow burn for me, but Kyle's persistence paid off. I specifically remember about a few weeks into hanging out I got really sick, like sore throat, fever kind of sick. Kyle had just gotten home from a 12 hour night shift on the railroad and typically he would go home and go straight to bed. Instead, he insisted on taking me to Urgent Care. It was the moment I came walking back into the lobby after seeing the doctor when I saw him sitting there in a chair with his head back snoring. I knew that moment he was there to support me and care for me no matter what.

Kyle says he knew immediately when he saw me at the gym. I don't think he's kidding.

What was each of your favorite line(s) from the vows?

Alli: It was important to us to write our own vows. Kyle read his first and one line said "I promise to always make you the best breakfast you've ever had." I actually laughed and looked at my sister, who was officiating the wedding, because she knew in my vows that I had written a line just like that. My line read, "You are the best breakfast maker". I absolutely loved that we wrote something exactly the same. Breakfast is our favorite!

Tell us about the top 1-3 moments of your wedding day.

Alli: This is hard, there's so many! It was the perfect day! I would definitely say the first look. It was such a special and intimate moment that felt like it was just ours to keep.

Another very important moment was for us to include my parent’s 47th wedding anniversary. We celebrated this by playing their wedding song and having them take the dance floor after our first dance.

Of course the balloon drop at Midnight for New Years’!

Kyle says seeing me walk down the aisle in my dress and my hair was fire.

Did you incorporate anything nontraditional or quirky that you would like us to note?

Alli: We didn't have a wedding party! It was the best decision ever. I think many people get caught up in traditions and that's great if you want to do them, but if not., then simply don't! It's your wedding and you can do anything you want. We also didn't include ANY flowers except my bridal bouquet. It was also NYE, so we wanted it to be very moody and sparkly.

What were each of your thoughts when you met for the first time?

I thought ok wow he's hot and has a big smile!

Kyle said he remembers my high bun and long legs in yoga pants

What is the kindest thing your spouse has said or done for you?

Alli: Kyle very often comes home with flowers just because and this is so special to me because it doesn't have to be an occasion to be thoughtful.

Kyle says I'm always kind.

How did you feel when you saw your spouse for the first time on your wedding day?

I thought he looked so handsome in his all-black tux! I was just excited to see him finally and spend the rest of the day celebrating with him.

Kyle said he was somewhat overwhelmed and of course, blown away.