Conversations with Christian Marasciullo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Marasciullo. 

Hi Christian, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My husband proposed to me 2 weeks after the day we met. We married 6 weeks after that, and 15 years later, we STILL celebrate our anniversary every month. 

We are in love with being in love. This is the inspiration behind turning our Ranch into a successful wedding venue. This is why we feel so connected to all of our couples, and feel honored to be a part of their amazing journey to “I do!” 

We created Deer Creek Valley Ranch (DCVR) in Bailey, CO to be a boutique wedding venue with an authentic mountain feel, and proximity to the convenience of Denver. 

Spread out on 165 acres, our clients choose from a variety of gorgeous locations for their ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, so no two weddings look alike. Our clients’ guests rave about the “immersive wedding experience” and the stunning beauty of the Ranch. The atmosphere our clients have crafted here is totally lit, while still incorporating the traditional… it’s sweetly rustic, with some modern twists… it’s bohemian and elegant, all wrapped up in one! 

I feel it is a privilege for us to be able to host weddings that are customized to showcase each couple’s unique love story and provide a really unforgettable experience for their guests. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth? No! (laughing) Fun? Yes! 

We are privileged to have been in this industry for over 10 years now. We made our “rookie mistakes” in the beginning, and from them have learned and grown. So, with our expertise, we are now able to confidently provide a smooth and stress-free experience for our clients. 

Struggles? We spent 2019 pouring our money and time into developing a second venue on our Ranch. In March of 2020, we had our big Grand Opening… and 9 days later the pandemic shut down the entire events industry. Wow! That felt like a punch to the gut and was a roller-coaster of emotions and finances. But rather than shying away and dwelling in frustration, we chose to jump into it head-on. We worked to be as proactive as possible with our clients by communicating with them every step of the way, we fine-tuned our business from the ground up, and we really worked to view this upheaval as a much-needed “re-set button”. My biggest lessons from all of this are: 

1) The power of perception. Any upheaval or disappointment can become a tragedy – or an opportunity. It all depends on how I choose to react to it. 

2) The power of self-care. If I tell myself “I’m stressed out and I’m too tired to do anything about it”… then I’ve just programmed myself how to fail. But making a practice to be encouraging, kind, and nurturing to my mind and my body, it allowed me to offer that grace to those around me during those stressful times, and thus become a source of strength to others rather than a drain on others. 

3) The power of planning. Yes, we all know we need to have a business plan or a daily plan. But what I thrived on, was having a vacation plan! Giving myself something to look forward to, with those I care about most, helped keep everything else in perspective. Vacations are a great reminder that I need to work to live, not live to work! 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What I’m most proud of is my toolbox. If there’s a problem or if something needs a repair, I love figuring out how to fix it. It’s proof that you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to. (And if not, then be smart enough to call a repairman!) 

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The big shift I’m seeing in the wedding industry is quality over quantity. We are seeing more and more couples spend the same budget but on half the guest count. So, they can upgrade the entire experience for those they are closest to. More abundant florals and decor, finely crafted menus, and non-traditional activities are providing more of an experience for their guests. It has been a real joy to see the creativity that these couples use to highlight their own individual uniqueness. 

Contact Info:

• Email: weddings@deercreekvalleyranch.com
• Website: www.deercreekvalleyranch.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/deercreekvalleyranch
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeerCreekValleyRanch

Image Credits:
JM Gant Photography
Melissa Sue Photography
Tyler Freear Photography
Jill Houser Photography
Haley Allen Photography
Pure Lee Photography