What are you passionate about? What do you stand for?
We’re a creative duo; Teresa is, among other things, a novelist. Neil is a former professional musician with a degree and background in film scoring and arranging. We each brought our own strengths and passions to the project. Teresa did a good portion of the design, funneling her passion for repurposing vintage and antique items into each space. Neil used his expertise in sound and music to design a sound system that delivers a theme park experience. Not only is there a fabulous house sound system, there’s also an outdoor sound system so guests can enjoy music on the patio, at the outdoor ceremony site and throughout the entire entertainment area.
The story of the American bison is both tragic and poignant. While we don’t make a point of that when working with wedding clients, some of our design elements are a nod to that period in history. The oak plank floors in the barn give the feel of an 1800s saloon and the lights were made from old farm implement wheels. The wood fences surrounding the ceremony site and back patio of our lean-to came from a family ranch, a late 1800’s homestead near Deckers, Colorado.
We love giving clients the opportunity to be around our bison herd on their special day. We went all out creating a boutique setting both inside and out so you and your guests will have an unforgettable Colorado experience that won’t soon be forgotten.
Who are you? What is your speciality?
We’re a couple of outgoing bison ranchers who both have a good measure of crazy in our blood. You’ve gotta love adventure and adrenaline if you’re going to raise bison.
Colorado Buffalo Adventure isn’t just another tired red wedding barn. Even before stepping inside, you’ll get that our Something Blue barn is a boutique event space. The front entry is flanked by antique barn doors we bought from an old farm north of us. Inside, antiques and custom finishes you won’t find anywhere else set the scene for unique events and the photographs you’ll remember them by.
We joke that at Colorado Buffalo Adventure, you can have bison as guests at your wedding. No, they won’t be sitting in seats, but they’re not far off the patio and we can move them so they can be seen during your ceremony with panoramic mountain views in the background. Picture that!
When planning our outdoor space, we kept your guests in mind as well, providing fun lawn games they can play while your photos are taken. They won’t be checking their watches because they’ll be having so much fun taking selfies with the bison and playing games in our large grassy entertainment area. Cocktail hour is so much more fun we might just have to rename it! Take out the yawn and bring on the WOW. Your guests will thank you
Who are your clients?
We attract people who love adventure, wild animals, being outdoors, and upscale rustic design. Ours is a unique setting for clients who want a timeless backdrop for life’s precious moments.
When and Why did you start your business?
We began raising bison two decades ago purely for the fun and fascination of the animal. Then as the herd grew, we started a meat business with a direct-to-consumer model. We run a monthly meat club and have close ties with the members. They often ask about coming to see the bison so we decided to take it to the next level and create a space for events on our farm. We’re very social people and love sharing our bison and agrarian lifestyle with others. What better place for a wedding than outside with bison and panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains in the backdrop?
Who or What inspires you?
We are inspired by many people but when it comes to bison, it’s William Hornaday. Hands down. A taxidermist with the Smithsonian, Hornaday, who wrote “the extermination of all the large herds of buffalo is already an accomplished fact,” crossed the country in hopes of finding some specimens for the museum so future generations could see what the extinct plains bison looked like. The horror of the decimation he witnessed prompted him to become a conservationist. He later played a lead role in rebuilding the population of bison, bringing them back from the brink of extinction.
Do you have any advice for newly engaged couples?
Spend as much time and energy investing in your relationship as you do on your wedding.
What is one of your guilty pleasures?
Neil is a coffee junkie and Teresa is an unrepentant chocoholic.
What is one thing newly engaged couples should know about your service?
We understand how overwhelming planning a wedding can be so we created several packages that are loaded with inclusions that will streamline the process freeing you to enjoy your engagement.
What is your favorite part about a wedding?
That magical moment when the couple is introduced to their guests for the first time.
Interested in learning more? Contact Teresa at Colorado Buffalo Adventure she would love to help you with your wedding planning needs.
So Glad that “Bella Vista Bison isn’t just another tired red wedding barn”!!! It is lovely!