One of our favorite quotes is a quote by Henry David Thoreau “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined”. We like this quote at Antler Ridge Weddings and Events because it is a great reminder to know what your dreams are, to be focused on the life you want and to have the courage to go after those dreams. We know all about dreaming big and going after those dreams, in fact that is how the rustic barn and the wedding venue at Antler Ridge Weddings and Events came to be! It started with a dream and a big leap! Because Linda had the guts to go after something she wanted to try and believed in, you are reading this blog and hopefully have big plans to celebrate in our beautiful rustic barn in 2025!
A life without dreams is pretty boring, and dreaming as a couple is so important. And maybe even more important than just having dreams, is making sure that you are on the same page and supporting each other in your goals as you start your life together. Here are some tips from us on how to dream big together as a couple and create actionable plans to make those dreams a reality.
And here is a tiktok with some visions of how Antler Ridge Weddings looked as the dream unfolded....
The Power of Shared Visions
Take time to listen to each other and hear what your partner's dreams and goals are! It's funny how life can get so busy, especially during wedding planning season, where we can forget that we have a life outside of the wedding! Remember to listen to each other and plan for life after the wedding and hear each other's hearts. Not just now, but for your entire marriage. No better time to start then when engaged.
Encourage each other to share without judgment. Take notes on what resonates with both of you. This process fosters unity, making it easier to embark on this journey together.
Setting Effective Goals
Once you have outlined your dreams, it’s time to turn them into actionable goals. Effective goal-setting can help you map out the steps to realize your aspirations.
Start by dividing your dreams into short-term and long-term goals. For instance, if your dream is to travel worldwide, consider saving $400 a month as a short-term goal and plan for your first international trip within the next 12 months. This practical approach allows you to stay focused and make real progress.
Utilizing SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—serves as a helpful guideline. When both partners agree on these goals, accountability increases and the journey becomes more manageable.
Aligning Individual Goals
While working on shared goals, remember that each partner should have personal aspirations too. Balancing shared and individual goals is vital in a relationship. Discuss your individual dreams openly, whether they involve career ambitions, personal hobbies, or personal development.
For example, if one partner wants to pursue a master's degree while the other dreams of taking cooking classes, explore how these individual goals can complement your shared ones. This alignment creates a supportive environment, ensuring both partners feel respected and valued.
Creating a Vision Board
A fun and engaging way to visualize your goals is by creating a vision board together. This activity not only helps clarify your aspirations but also serves as a visual reminder of your objectives.
Gather magazines, photos, and art supplies, and set up a creative space in your home with a view of Colorado's stunning mountains. As you cut, paste, and discuss the images that represent your dreams, you’ll share insights that deepen your connection.
Once finished, hang your vision board in a place where you’ll see it daily. This tangible representation serves as a motivational tool, reminding you to take steps toward your goals.
Regular Progress Check-ins
Setting a beautiful vision and creating goals is just the beginning. Staying on course involves regular check-ins. Create a routine to openly discuss your progress and any challenges you might face.
These discussions allow you to celebrate small wins, which are essential for maintaining motivation. For instance, if you successfully saved money for a weekend getaway, take time to acknowledge this success. It also provides both partners an opportunity to reevaluate the plan if someone feels disconnected from a goal. Adjusting your approach when needed helps maintain harmony in the relationship.
Infusing Fun into Your Goals
As you pursue your goals, make sure to have fun along the way! Life is about enjoyment, and incorporating joy into your journey can strengthen your bond.
Plan activities that align with your goals while being enjoyable. For example, if your aim is to lead a healthier lifestyle, try new recipes together or explore local weekend hikes in Colorado's breathtaking landscapes.
The road to achieving dreams will include challenges, but intentionally seeking moments of joy will enrich the experience.
Seek Inspiration from Within Your Community
Dive into community events, workshops, and local culture to fuel your shared dreams. Connecting with like-minded couples can bring fresh perspectives and foster growth.
If you are local, you may uncover local events in cities like Grand Junction, Montrose, or Delta that support your aspirations. Whether it’s a cooking class, an art workshop, or a community cleanup, engaging with your surroundings can ignite new ideas and reinforce your goals.
Embrace the Journey and Build Together
Dreaming big together as a couple creates a future filled with love, purpose, and shared inspirations. Enveloped by the beautiful landscapes of Colorado, couples can find motivation to set confident goals and weave unique stories together.
By fostering open communication, supporting each other's individual dreams, and regularly checking in on progress, you can build a resilient partnership that thrives on collaboration and shared ambitions.
Remember, the adventure of dreaming big isn’t solely about end goals but rather about the experiences you create together along the way. Embrace each moment, commit to each other wholeheartedly, and watch your dreams transform into reality.
Location, Location, Location
Antler Ridge Weddings is the perfect wedding venue for Colorado Brides. We have the best location in Montrose, CO near Grand Junction, Telluride, Gunnison and Delta, Colorado. Montrose is known for being the playground of the western slope. Montrose has a top of the line airport which makes it an easy wedding venue for any guest to get here. There are many hotels, restaurants, golf clubs and every outdoor activity you can think of near by. Our Colorado elegant mountain wedding venue just outside of Ouray Colorado is unique for many reasons...including the elk that roam and bugle in our pastures! The wedding venue offers privacy with mountain views and city lights. The natural setting offers natural beauty and relaxation. Our Bridal/Honeymoon suite is a 3 bedroom suite with lots of room for all your bridesmaids and their acceessories. Contact us for more information on all our packages including our weekend wedding package.
We guarantee your guest will love our area and will talk about your wedding and the location for years to come. So, If you are a bride looking for a Colorado mountain wedding, a Premiere barn Wedding Venue, a Colorado Destination wedding venue that has weekend wedding packages. Please follow us on Instagram and Tiktok. To schedule a tour contact us at www.antlerridgeweddings/contact.
Antler Ridge Weddings is a locally owned wedding venue located 60 minutes from Grand Junction Co .We would like to shout out to other locally owned wedding venues Nation Wide.
Did you know…when you choose a locally owned wedding venue you are helping to develop and improve the local economy? It’s true, your locally owned wedding venues are small business owners who not only create hundreds of jobs for the local wedding industry every year, we actively support our local economy. Please consider a locally owned venue, you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.Cold Spring Farm
Love the antlers on the arch!
Wow, what a gorgeous spot! If I were planning a wedding in Grand, Junction, CO, Antler Ridge would be top of my list! From one venue owner to another... well done! PS, I found you in Didi's group, weddingvenueowners.com
Shannon, Owner Talula Mesa Glamping, Austin, TX in Marble Falls, TX
www.talulamesa.com