Meet Spruce Mountain’s Event Professionals!

At Spruce Mountain Ranch we believe that every aspect of our business should be top notch. That is why we not only take pride in our beautiful venue, but we also take pride in all of our wonderful staff.  We asked each member of our team to answer a few questions about themselves, in order to give our wedding couples an opportunity to get to know the team they will be working with throughout their wedding.

 

Tara Ames: Owner 

What’s your role at Spruce Mountain?

I am the founder, owner, and operator of Spruce Mountain Events.  I handle all day to day operations, wedding sales, marketing, and management of the events business.             

You had your own wedding as Spruce Mountain. Tell us what it was like having your wedding at the venue you own and run? What was the best part of having your wedding at Spruce Mountain?

Having my wedding at Spruce Mountain was so special in so many ways. I met my husband David at Spruce Mountain while working a wedding at the ranch. He was a guest. It truly was love at first sight, for David. I have to admit, I was just too busy at this time of the event to fall in love. After all, it was a Spruce Mountain wedding, the stakes were high, and I had to make sure it was perfect for my bride and groom! 

When I met David he was helping the family set-up and carrying in flowers for the bride.  David always jokes and says that he will never forget the first words I ever said to him “Are you the florist?” Albeit a very handsome florist….

Later that evening, David approached me to tell me what a beautiful venue we had, that is when I fell in love. I didn’t let him get away without saying thank you and, “let’s keep in touch.” 

A week later, I received an email on our general website email account, in the subject line it read “Tara”. The message: “Hi, I attended Mike and Lizzie Fassel’s wedding at the Spruce Mountain Ranch last Sunday (gorgeous venue btw), and I am seeking to follow-up with Tara, but I am not sure if this email is the correct one.  If whoever receives this email can forward her email to me, or forward my email to her, I’d appreciate it.” I responded with. “You found me.” We got engaged a year later, and were married 2 years to the day we met, at Spruce Mountain.

We were married under the tree at Grace’s Chapel. I had no worries in the world. I had the best team in the business taking care of every detail to perfection, and I was at the most beautiful venue in Colorado, which was built upon the dreams of my mom and dad. How could I ask for anything more?

What advice would you share with other couples planning their wedding at SMR?

My advice for anyone getting at Spruce Mountain….Trust that you are in good hands, and enjoy every moment. We care deeply about what we do, and want you to have a perfect wedding day.  When you pass through those front gates, let go of all the stress. The day will go by so quickly, and you don’t want to miss a thing!

 

Brus Osborne: Direct of Business Development - North Region

Tell us about your role at Spruce Mountain Ranch.

I am the Director of Business Development at Spruce Mountain Ranch.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My interaction with our clients – they are wonderful!

What makes Spruce Mountain different than other venues?

We are a family owned property. We want everyone that enters Spruce Mountain Ranch to feel like they belong and are part of the family. The property itself is an idyllic mountain setting with 3 stocked fishing lakes and 450 acres. I’ve heard it described as “Ralph Lauren-esque!”

 

Jen Sasser: Director of Business Development- South Region

Tell us about your role at Spruce Mountain.

I am the Business Development Associate for the Southern Region. I work with all of the Southern corporate, social and non-profit events at Spruce Mountain. I am also in charge of building relationships and pouring into our community of Southern businesses and organizations.

What's the best part about your job?

There are so many things, what to choose?! I love that I am a part of such a wonderful team, I love that it feels more like a family than anything else, I love the beauty of the Ranch, I love sharing about Spruce Mountain to others but most of all, I love that I am so blessed to be a part of people’s special moments and celebrations. I am spoiled in that, as a job, I get to share in the joy people experience at the Ranch, whether it is a wedding, a company picnic, a prom or any of the other wonderful events we have here, I am able to experience it as well.

What's your favorite thing about Spruce Mountain Ranch?

I don’t think I can choose just one thing about the Ranch that is my favorite. I will say though, ONE of my favorites is, at night, as an event is winding down and there’s some small crackling and popping noises from fresh wood  burning in the fireplaces while a smoky scent lingers on the air. And the night train on the tracks across the road is quietly clacking along and guests voices are still laughing and talking with relish about the fun they’ve had. I love those moments when I look up at the stars, numerous and unimpaired by a big city’s lights and it is just a perfect night.

 

Erin Mondragon: Director of Operations & Marketing 

Tell us about your role at SMR.

I get to work in a couple of different roles at Spruce Mountain Events. As the Director of Marketing and Director of Operations I am able to create relationships with staff, vendors and clients.

What's your favorite part about your job?

 I have been given the opportunity to create the Santa Brunch and Easter Brunch that are hosted at the ranch. Not only are these events wonderful ways to connect with our community but they are also wonderful fundraising events for Mount Saint Vincent Home, a facility for abused and neglected children.

If you could get married at any location on the ranch where would it be?

I was actually married at Spruce Mountain Ranch almost 7 years ago! I was married here before I found employment at the ranch. I fell in love with it so much on our wedding day, I had to find my way back. I was married at the ranch before many of our current ceremony sites were established, so if I were to get married here again, I would get married on Trey's Vista! I love the views, the quiet serenity and there is something about the tall grasses blowing in the background that is just so romantic!

What make SMR different from other venues?

The ranch is privately owned. The family that owns the ranch is truly dedicated to the beauty and operation of the ranch. They also strive to ensure that everyone who enters the gates feels like it is their home away from home.

 

Skyeler Sheveland: Administrative Assistant and Property Manager 

Tell us about your role at SMR.

This season will be my 4th season at Spruce Mountain Ranch. Every day that I come onto the property or get to go to events with our team, I get that same exciting, jaw dropping feeling I had when I first came on to property, as a guest, for my high school prom! CRAZY! That feeling will never go away for me.

I recently got promoted to Administrative Assistant. So, when I am not working as a Property Manager, I am usually running errands and making sure that we have the inventory that we need to make our events go smoothly. I really enjoy the time that I am at the ranch when there are not any events going on. That organic "noise" really puts you in a relaxing and peaceful mood. There aren't many places that can make a person feel that way-- especially a work place. So I cherish those moments.

With that being said, I also enjoy the hustle and bustle of events. I love getting to talk to and connect with new vendors and guests that come on to the property. When I am in the Property Manager role, I am making sure that the property is perfect for our clients and guests, helping wherever I am needed to make the event run as smoothly as possible.

What is your favorite location at SMR?

Oh man, that is a hard one. Though I think the buildings are absolutely beautiful and so unique, I certainly do have a few favorite places. In general, my favorite time of the day (during the summer season specifically) is around dusk, so around 5:30-6ish. The sun is just going behind the mountains and there is that beautiful golden sunlight that just hits the grassy pastures perfectly. You can really enjoy this time anywhere on the property, but I LOVE to spend a few minutes on the Mountain Side ceremony site or at Treys Vista and just capture the beauty that surrounds the event.

Sometimes when we don't have events, I like to just go up and enjoy that time by myself (with the cows)!

What is your favorite hobby when you are not working?

When I am not at work, I am, unfortunately, at school or doing school work. I am a full time student at UCCS studying Communications. It really makes me happy when I get to apply what I have learned in school into my communication at work. Since our peak season is mostly during our summer months, I do not take summer classes. I think it is healthy to take breaks and be able to work in activities that you want to do. (School is not my favorite hobby, in case you haven't noticed) :).

I love being outdoors and being active. I love to go hiking, rock climbing, camping, you name it-- I'll probably say "yes please".

When I am not doing either of those things, I love to go out with my friends, whether that be to coffee shops, restaurants downtown COS, shopping, listening to music and or going to concerts, or painting (I love watercolor painting).

What advice would you give to a couple planning a wedding at SMR?

It is expected that planning will probably be stressful at some point throughout the process, there are going to be outside influences that are going to add to the stress.  So, my advice for our couples is to embrace and enjoy those crazy moments and remember that the planning, set up, and tear down is all for YOU! Our job is to provide our couples with the best service, and your job is to enjoy your special day. This day only comes around once, and we want you to look back and remember every moment of it. Make your event yours.

 

Hanna Freitag: Property Manager

Tell us about your role at Spruce Mountain Ranch.

My role at Spruce Mountain Ranch is property manager. I love working with all the vendors to make sure everything runs smoothly.

What is your favorite location at Spruce Mountain Ranch?

There are so many amazing spots on the ranch but my number one favorite is Trey’s Vista.

What is your favorite hobby when you are not working?

When I am not working at Spruce Mountain I am usually at my other job working for a chiropractor, but I enjoy attending sporting events, movies, and shopping.

What advice would you give to a couple planning a wedding at Spruce Mountain Ranch?

To enjoy every minute of their special day! And even though it can seem like a lot, try not to get too caught up or stressed during the planning process, it's exciting!

You have most likely seen tons of SMR weddings, what makes a wedding truly stand out?

Good people! We have absolutely the best couples and families at Spruce Mountain and that is by far my favorite part and makes my job so enjoyable. I also am a sucker for the gorgeous flowers!

 

Raquel Howes: Property Manager 

Tell us about your role at SMR.

I am a property manager at Spruce Mountain. My main role is to ensure everyone that visits the ranch has the best experience possible and leave feeling like they're a part of the SMR family!

What is your favorite location at SMR?

First, I love this question but it's SO tough to answer! I mean how can you pick from so many gorgeous locations? If I had to choose, I think I would say the patio area outside of The Ponderosa Room, especially at night with the stringed lights on and the fireplace roaring on a warm summer night!

What is your favorite hobby when you are not working?

My favorite hobby would be working out! I love playing any sports or going to the D1 Sports Training and getting a good workout in! I grew up playing sports and played softball at EKU for 4 years, so I just grew up on it!

What advice would you give to a couple planning a wedding at SMR?

To enjoy every second of it! It's such a special day and there are so many people working hard to ensure they have the best day ever, so I would tell them to not stress, sit back and take it all in!

You have most likely seen tons of SMR weddings, what makes a wedding truly stand out?

I truly think it's the people who make the wedding. In my mind, the couple won't remember what glassware they picked out, but they'll remember who was there, the experience and laughs that were had. Oh, and pretty flowers never hurt :)

 

Madison Sheveland: Property Manager

 

Tell us about your role at Spruce Mountain Ranch.

 I am a Property Manager at Spruce Mountain Ranch.

What is your favorite location at Spruce Mountain Ranch?

My favorite location at Spruce Mountain Ranch is the lit courtyard of Albert Lodge when the event attendees are enjoying the summer weather. 

What is your favorite hobby when you are not working?

My favorite hobby when I am not working is to play Rugby for the Glendale Merlins

What advice would you give to a couple planning a wedding at Spruce Mountain Ranch?

The advice that you give to a couple planning a wedding at Spruce Mountain Ranch is not to stress because they have the best of the best working with them before, during, and after to make their day the day to remember.

You have most likely seen tons of Spruce Mountain Ranch weddings, what makes a wedding truly stand out?

A wedding that truly stands out is when the bride and groom are happy and the wedding attendees are showing their excitement and joy for the couple by dancing on the dance floor.

 

Ivy Compton: Property Manager

What is your favorite location at SMR?

My favorite SMR location is the Spruce Room. I love the full length glass windows, and the beautiful fireplace.

What is your favorite hobby when you are not working?

My favorite hobby when I am not working is coaching/playing soccer.

What advice would you give to a couple planning a wedding at Spruce Mountain Ranch?

Feel confident in your style, and taste. Spruce Mountain Ranch is a gorgeous canvas just waiting for you to put your personal touch on it.

You have most likely seen tons of Spruce Mountain Ranch weddings, what makes a wedding truly stand out?

Style and Attention to Detail!

 

Bailey Gent: Property Manager 

Tell us about your role at Spruce Mountain Ranch.

I will be starting at Spruce Mountain Ranch in May, and will be working as a Property Manager for Spruce Mountain.

What is your favorite location at Spruce Mountain Ranch?

I look forward to discovering my favorite spot, however I have attended numerous events at Spruce Mountain Ranch in the past and I love the outdoor lighted courtyard with the fire place between The Ponderosa and Spruce Room.

 

What is your favorite hobby when you are not working?

Traveling and exploring new places. I love to experience the food, culture, and people in new places. I also love hiking and yoga when I have access to the Colorado Mountains.

What makes a wedding truly stand out?

What makes a wedding truly stand out to me is bearing witness to all of the relationships playing during the wedding. Weddings offer this beautiful, once in a lifetime moment where all of the people who have been a part of your journey up until this point and who love you deeply are coming together to celebrate your marriage.  There is such joy and beauty in that moment where all of your family and friends come together to celebrate a new adventure in your life. Sure, the love a couple shares has an air of immense beauty, but the experience of everyone else who loves you, joining your celebration, makes the day magic.

 

Jen Shabeck: Property Manager

Tell us about your role at Spruce Mountain Ranch.

I am a Property manager at Spruce Mountain Ranch.

What is your favorite location at Spruce Mountain Ranch?

I truly love Albert's lodge and The Mountain Side.

What is your favorite hobby when you are not working?

Playing softball and being outdoors with my kids!

What advice would you give to a couple planning a wedding at Spruce Mountain Ranch?

Enjoy the current moment.

What makes a wedding truly stand out?

A wedding stands out when you can see the love and humility of the Bride and Groom.

 

Taelor Burhoe: Spruce Mountain Ranch Blogger

Tell us about your role at Spruce Mountain Ranch.

I am the Spruce Mountain Ranch blogger. This means that I create all of the blog content about Spruce Mountain.

What is your favorite hobby when you are not working?

When I am not working on work for Spruce Mountain I am typically working on blog content for my personal blog. I love all things fashion and health. I also love spending time with my fiancé.

What makes a wedding truly stand out?

I think that a wedding truly stands out when you can see love radiate through the bride and groom. I think this love can be shown through their love for one another, as well as by showing love and thoughtfulness towards all of the guests they have invited to be with them on their special day. Guests will know when you have thought about all the details! The Spruce Mountain Ranch team is great at helping accomplish this.

 

We hope that you loved meeting our team! We truly love each and every one of them, and greatly appreciate all they do for Spruce Mountain Ranch. We can’t wait to make the wedding of your dreams come true!