Grand County, Colorado Wedding Guide 2021

WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE

grand county, colorado

wedding tips & inspiration

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Grand County 2021

digital publication editor Savannah Reynolds

graphic designer Jessica Goldy

u.s. editorial

& sales staff

COLORADO & NEW MEXICO Brit Tucker-Kline IDAHO, MONTANA & WYOMING Mackenzie Stevens UTAH Heidi Zeh

canadian editorial

grace gatto photography

UTAH SALES Hannah Wollenzien

& sales staff

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Celynn Bowman ASSISTANT Carly Cooper

COPYWRITER Lily Harris

digital team

DIGITAL EDITOR - Laura Osborn SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER - Bailey Jameson STYLE EDITOR - Tasha Tagliani CONTENT CURATOR - Lauren Phillips

operations ACCOUNTING Lynn Kieffer PUBLISHED BY RMB Media, LLC

PUBLISHER Erika Oltmann

DISTRIBUTION Disticor Magazine Distribution Services Storefronts in the U.S. & Canada or online at shop.rockymountainbride.com

Grand County is home to some of the best skiing and mountain views in the Colorado Rockies. It’s no wonder these sleepy mountain towns are some of the most photographed and sought after wedding destinations. This Guide is meant to encompass and enhance your Rocky Mountain wedding experience with only the best resources.

From a stunning styled shoot at Devil’s Thumb Ranch to a quaint mountain-top elopement, the inspiration created by local vendors is endless in Grand County.

My hope is that you find a little adventure and a lot of love when planning your Rocky Mountain I do’s in Grand County. Whether you’re in the throes of wedding planning or waiting for the start of your forever, always remember that love conquers all.

contact INQUIRIES - hello@rockymountainbride.com ADVERTISING - rockymountainbride.com/advertise SUBMISSIONS - rockymountainbride.com/submissions proudly printed in the rockies

Happy Planning! xo

Rocky Mountain Bride Magazine is published by RMB Media, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion may be duplicated, in whole or in part, without the written consent of its publisher. We greatly appreciate those who have contributed to this publication. Contributors’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Rocky Mountain Bride.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. The publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy of information or omissions from the material provided.

Rocky Mountain Bride cannot be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services rendered by the advertisers published in this magazine. We reserve the right to refuse advertising.

Savannah @savannah_rockymtnbride

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Table of Contents LOVE STORIES weddings

&

engagements

12.

amy + kolby - Grand Lake

22.

jenna + randy - Grand Lake

26.

lexi + luke - Grand Lake Lodge

14.

I N S P I R AT I O N 14.

modern & wild in the rockies

I N F O R M AT I O N 6.

grand lake - Seasonal weather and activities

11.

make it official - Where to get your license

30.

essentials - Local places to stay & getting around

32.

restaurants for rehearsal and dinner

36.

venue guide - Top spots to tie the knot

from top to bottom: ryse photo, jennifer morgan photography, bonnie sen

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Your Grand Wedding Awaits…

Featuring award-winning views since 1920.

GRAND LAKE LODGE · GRAND LAKE, CO GrandLakeLodge.com · 970.627.3967 · 15500 US -34, Grand Lake, CO 80447 M.Stevens@highwaywestvacations.com

jennifer morgan photography

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Grand county Grand County boasts towering peaks, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and the unspoiled beauty and serenity of Colorado.

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inside scoop what to do, weather to expect & what to pack

BREAKD OWN OF TH E CITY

FA S T FAC T S

Home to Granby, Grand Lake, Hot Sulphur Springs, Kremmling, and Winter Park/Fraser, the beautiful Rocky Mountain experiences are endless in Grand County. This wedding destination is ideal for those looking to adventure across mountain peaks, fish in glacial fed rivers or spend time exploring Rocky Mountain National Park.

Enjoy your wedding weekend at 8,000’ in the natural beauty of Grand County, Colorado!

• • • • • •

Population: 15,303 Elevation: 8,367’ 129 average inches of snow per year 240 days of sunshine per year July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 75° January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 5.8°

HOW TO GET TH ERE

From Denver by way of eastern Grand County: US Highway 40 from I-70 west, cross the Continental Divide over Berthoud Pass to enter through Winter Park and Fraser Valley.

From Denver by way of western Grand County: I-70 west to Silverthorne, go 38 miles north on Highway 9 to enter through Kremmling

From western Colorado: I-70 east to Wolcott, north on 131 to State Bridge, turn right. Take Trough Road 25 miles to Kremmling.

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Denver International Airport (DIA) The Granby (Grand County) Kremmling (McElroy Field)

Take the California Zephyr to the Grandby or Fraser/Winter Park stations.

AV E R A G E T E M P E R A T U R E S

SUMMER

SPRING

24° | 4°

11° | -6°

AU T U M N

WINTER

13° | -5°

1° | -15°

RMB Tip: The Rockies are known for their unpredictable weather. Make sure to pack a waterproof jacket for your visit - even if it’s summer!

rocky mountain bride grand county wedding guide / rockymountainbride.com bonnie sen

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jennifer morgan photography

W H AT T O D O F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N O N G R A N D C O U N T Y , V I S I T W W W . V I S I T G R A N D C O U N T Y . C O M

R E L A X AT I O N

ADVENTURE

FOOD & DRINK

POLE CREEK GOLF CLUB www.polecreekgolf.com

DOG SLEDDING AT SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH www.snowmountainranch.org/activities/ dogsledding

VERTICAL BISTRO & TAP www.verticalbistro.com

GRAND ELK GOLF CLUB www.grandelk.com GRAND LAKE GOLF COURSE www.grandlakerecreation.com/ golf-course HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS RESORT & SPA www.hotsulphursprings.com

SHOPPING LAVENDER ELEPHANT www.lavenderelephant.com ALTITUDE JEWELRY www.altitudejewelry.com SIMPLY LAVENDER www.simplylavenderchalet.com STUDIO 8369 www.studio8369.com

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MILE HIGH RAFTING www.milehirafting.com JEEP OR WHITEWATER RAFT WITH TIMBERLINE TOURS www.timberlinetours.com ADVENTURE THROUGH Rocky MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK www.nps.gov/romo BOOK AN ADVENTURE TOUR WITH ADVENTURE AWAITS www.coloradorafting.net SOAR OVER WINTER PARK WITH GRAND ADVENTURE BALLOON TOURS www.grandadventureballoon.com

ELEVATION PIZZA www.elevationpizzaco.com ROCKY MOUNTAIN ROASTERY & COFFEE CO. www.rockymountainroastery.com ULLR’S TAVERN www.ullrs-tavern.com SHREDDY’S TACOS www.shreddystacos.com

Make it official 308 Byers Ave. Hot Sulphur Springs, CO www.co.grand.co.us HEADS UP! • •

•

•

Complete the application online and call for an appointment to obtain the license. Call 970-725-3064.

Obtain the license in person for $30 at the Grand County Clerk and Recorder’s Office located in the Grand County Administrative Building at 308 Byers Avenue in Hot Sulphur Springs.

Both parties must present a valid government-issued form of photo ID. (Valid forms of ID include: A current US passport, current foreign passport w/ valid visa and any current state-issued ID or DL) The license will be issued over the counter and is valid for 35 days - including the date of issuance – for use anywhere in the State of Colorado.

Return the completed marriage / civil union certificate to the Grand County Clerk and Recorder’s office within 63 days of the marriage to be recorded. Certified copies can be requested at grandclerk@co.grand.co.us. The fee is $1.25 per certified copy.

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beginnings

beginnings

Amy + Kolby grand lake

Amy and Kolby have been adventuring together since the day they met. In fact, Kolby bought Amy her first pair of hiking boots and they’ve been hitting the trails as a team ever since!

At the time they got engaged, Amy was working for a ski resort where she helped gather content as part of the marketing team. Kolby worked with Amy’s co-workers at the ski resort to plan a surprise proposal! Amy’s co-workers told her she had to organize a photoshoot in Rocky Mountain National Park to help market an upcoming guided hiking program hosted by the ski resort. While at the Park, Amy thought she was posing for a promotional photo when she was surprised to find Kolby down on one knee!

Photographer: Ryse Photo | www.rysephoto.com Rings: Big Sky Brilliance | www.bigskybrilliance.com

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inspiration

MODERN & WILD IN THE ROCKIES The inspiration started at the venue, Devil’s Thumb Ranch, located next to Rocky Mountain National Park in a large basin. The local vendors were inspired by the traditional ranch atmosphere with horses, cattle and lots of wild land, mingled with the refinement of a modern venue.

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inspiration

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS Balancing between traditional and modern, they chose dried flowers mixed with fresh, locally grown blooms. They balanced a traditional wedding dress with a fashion-forward rehearsal dinner dress paired with a cowboy hat and clean lines. Then menswear was also modernized by using pink tones in the three-piece suit.

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DECOR INSPIRATION The table and lounge decor used natural elements like fur and hide, and was paired with modern gold flatware and clean line stemware. The cake was inspired by a landscape sunset and accentuated with florals to tie it all together. The paper goods are a modern and clean option with earthy colors and gold type, once again balancing traditional and modern.

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creative team Planner/Designer: Enjoué Event Design & Decor House | www.enjouestudio.com Photographer: Bonnie Sen | www.bonniesen.com Videographer: Studio Milavec | www.studiomilavec.com Bridal Boutique: a&bé Bridal Shop | www.aandbebridalshop.com Gown Designer: Rish Bridal | www.rishbridal.com Bride’s Veil: Sara Gabriel | www.saragabriel.com/collections/veils Models: Tobi + Kevin

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LO C A L W E D D I N G I N S P I R AT I O N

Jenna + Randy grand lake

Jenna and Randy’s love story began in a pizza parlour and the two have been inseparable ever since. Randy has always talked about the two of them planting a tree together while they were young so that they could watch it grow together as they got older. It would outlive them and remain on their family’s property for their children and future generations to see.

On a beautiful day in October 20217, they decided to plant their tree. Randy took Jenna out to his property where they had a picnic in the woods and went on a walk in search of the perfect tree. Randy was set on a white oak tree, Jenna wasn’t sure why at the time, but decided to follow his lead. They found a sweet little oak tree and decided that it was the one. As they were planting the little tree on it’s new home ground, Randy began telling her how the white oak tree resembles their love. He talked about how he specifically wanted a white oak because it comes naturally in their hometown, just as their love has always come naturally. He talked about how the oak tree is strong and can stand up against strong winds and storms, just as they can.

As he spoke those words to Jenna, he got down on knee and asked her for forever. Their proposal was the sweetest moment in Jenna’s life.

Their vision for their wedding from the very beginning was to celebrate their love with something intimate and extremely meaningful. Jenna and Randy planned a fall wedding in Grand Lake, Colorado on a sunny fall day surrounded by their closest friends and family. Their wedding day was filled with light, laughter and endless amounts of love.

real wedding

ADVICE TO FUTURE COUPLES “My advice to couples planning their wedding day now is to remember what the day is all about. Don’t let traditions keep you from trying something unique or different.”

-VENDORSPhotographer Jennifer Morgan Photography | www.jennifermorganphotography.com Gown Designer Daughters of Simone | www.daughtersofsimone.com Veil Indie Knot NY | www.etsy.com/shop/indieknotny Bride’s Ring Shane Co. | www.shaneco.com Bridesmaids’ Attire Altar’d State | www.altardstate.com Groom’s Suit Men’s Wearhouse | www.menswearhouse.com Cake The Cake Maker Colorado | www.thecakemaker.us Catering Sagebrush BBQ | www.sagebrushbbq.com Venue Private Residence Officiant Patricia Eagle | www.patriciaeagle.com Invitations Minted | www.minted.com

Lexi + Luke grand lake lodge

Lexi and Luke met at a “preview weekend” for their college in California. Luke is from Denver, so when he found out that Lexi was from Colorado, he was eager to introduce himself! Over the next four years, their friendship grew. Their senior year of college, Luke finally took the leap and asked Lexi out. It’s all history from there!

During a day trip to Breckenridge, Luke and Lexi went on a short hike up to Sapphire Point to soak in the views. While they were there, a small wedding was happening in the main lookout area. While Lexi was feeling honored to be a witness to the beautiful ceremony, Luke, who already planned on proposing in that spot, was feeling flustered. Without knowing how long the ceremony would be, he pulled her to the side and got down on one knee. Overwhelmed with joy, and slightly embarrassed, she started crying and happily said yes! They went back down the mountain to a cabin full of their friends and family, waiting to celebrate their engagement.

The pair planned a mountain rustic wedding with greens, grays, blues and touches of copper throughout their day. One of their favorite moments of the night was when they were taken away for the sunset photos. It felt like time had stood still while they were standing on the cliff, overlooking Grand Lake, taking time to appreciate the day.

ADVICE TO FUTURE COUPLES “Some of the most memorable moments during our wedding day was when we snuck off to get some alone time with each other.

Your wedding day should be something you celebrate together; it’s easy to get caught up in the party and forget to appreciate the gravity of the day.”

-VENDORSWedding Planner SK Event Specialists | www.skeventspecialists.com Photographer Nicole Henshaw | www.nicolehenshaw.com Videography Backcountry Vows | www.backcountryvows.com Venue & Catering Grand Lake Lodge | www.grandlakelodge.com Sweets Whole Foods | www.wholefoods.com Florals Fox + Flower | @foxandflowerco Music & Entertainment Diamond Empire Band | www.diamondempireband.com Bridal Boutique Something New Boutique | www.somethingnewboutique.com Gown Designer Brooklyn Grace Bride’s Ring Revolution Jewelry Works | www.revolutionjewelryworks.com Hair Abby Mrazek Hair | @abbymrazekhair Makeup Kim Clay Artistry | www.coloradospringsmakeup.com Rehearsal Dinner Cork on the Water | www.facebook.com/corkonthewater Honeymoon Divi Aruba | www.diviaruba.com

essentials local places to stay & getting around

A C C O M M O D AT I O N S

T R A N S P O R TAT I O N

WILD HORSE INN www.wildhorseinn.com

M O U N TA I N T R AV E L E R S 970 235 2350

NORTH SHORE LODGE www.grandlakerentals.net

VA L L E Y TA X I 970 726 4940

GRANBY RANCH www.granbyranch.com

H O M E J A M E S T R A N S P O R TAT I O N S E R V I C E S 800 359 7503

G AT E WAY I N N www.gatewayinn.com

AVA L A N C H E C A R R E N TA L S 970 887 3908

S N O W M O U N TA I N R A N C H www.snowmountainranch.org

WESTERN MOTOR COACH 303 298 158

W I N T E R PA R K R E S O R T www.winterparkresort.com

TA I L O R S

DEVIL’S THUMB RANCH RESOR T & SPA www.devilsthumbranch.com

L AV E N D E R E L E P H A N T

BAR LAZY J GUEST RANCH www.barlazyj.com

PIA DESIGN 720 308 6268

WESTERN RIVIERA LAKESIDE LODGING www.westernriv.com

NAIL SALONS

W I N T E R PA R K M O U N T A I N L O D G E www.wpmountainlodge.com WOODSPUR LODGE www.woodspur.com EMERGENCY SERVICES I N C A S E O F E M E R G E N C Y, D I A L 9 1 1 M I D D L E PA R K H E A LT H www.middleparkhealth.org

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www.lavenderelephant.com

A’ L A M O D E S A L O N & D AY S PA www.facebook.com/alamodesalongranby GRAND HAIR DESIGN www.facebook.com/grandhairdesign T H E S A L O N AT W I N T E R PA R K www.winterparksalon.com

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dining rehearsal dinner & day-after brunch

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SAGEBRUSH BBQ & GRILL www.sagebrushbbq.com

CARVER’S BAKERY CAFE www.facebook.com/carverswp

BRICKHOUSE 40 www.brickhouse40.com

GR A N BY R A N CH A N D GR I L L E www.granbyranch.com/dining

M AV E R I C K ’ S G R I L L E www.mavericksgrille.com

WINTER PARK WINERY www.winterparkwinery.com

R ANDI’S GRILL & PUB www.randiswinterpark.com

DENO’S MOUNTAIN BISTRO www.denoswp.com

VOLARIO’S www.volarioswinterpark.com

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Q + A with

Margaret’s Garden What is your favorite part of the job?

Designing with flowers.

Do you have a favorite tool of the trade?

Oh yes, but it is my secret!

What is one thing you wish you could educate your clients on?

That there really is a quality difference between florist grown and box store grown flowers.

this or that

What is your dream creation?

Designing something compared to the Rose Bowl Parade or the Kentucky Derby winners circle flowers.

What is your best hidden talent?

Knowing flowers and the care of each type of flower.

Which occupation would you like to try for a day?

Ballroom dancer Where do you come up with your ideas?

Everywhere What trend do you wish would disappear?

Green and white flowers, mason jars and burlap What is the last concert you’ve been to?

Willie Nelson What is your biggest indulgence?

Champagne What is your favorite wedding season?

Fall What is your Astrology sign?

Sagittarius

EARLY BIRD

NIGHT OWL

AUDIBLE

REAL BOOKS

MOUNTAIN LOVER

BEACH BUM

SPRINGTIME

AUTUMN LEAVES

BAND

DJ

SOUP

SALAD

DONUTS

CAKE

HAIR UP

HAIR DOWN

NATURAL MAKEUP

BRING ON THE GLAM

DOG

CAT

ROCKY MOUNTAIN

Wedding planning guides

photo by kaylee chelsea photography

wedding tips & inspiration

50+ dedicated guides to our favorite cities & towns ACROSS THE ROCKIES LOCATED ONLINE AT ROCKYMOUNTAINBRIDE.COM/LIBRARY

Autumn Cutaia Photography

THINKING BEYOND THE BOUQUET An innovative full service floral design studio outside of Fraser CO. We have been specializing in mountain weddings from small intimate gatherings to large extravagant events for over 20 years.

970-531-8127 /Margaret’s Garden

@margaretsgardenco

RE STA URA NT

INN

COUNTRY CL UB

THE ATRE

PA RK

ES TATE

MUSE UM

GL A MPING

U RBA N

L ODGE

HOTE L

RANCH

SKI A RE A

L UXURY RES ORT

CO Ro ute

G RAND COUNTY

B ARN

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Meadowview Mountain Lodge

Grand Lake Lodge

The Winding River Ranch rsta

te 3

4

Gateway Inn Western Riviera Lakeside Lodging

Int e

Shadow Mountain Guest Ranch

Shadowcliff Mountain Lodge

C Lazy U Ranch

e 40 stat ter n I

River Run RV Resort Strawberry Creek Ranch 9N The Lodge at Crestview Ranch

Granby Ranch

Snow Mountain Ranch Casa Vista Colorado

Wild Horse Inn

Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa

B Lazy 2 Ranch

Headwaters River Journey

Winter Park Winter Park Resort Mountain Lodge

Wild Basin Lodge

grand county V E N U E S

c lazy u ranch

meadowview mountain lodge

western riviera lakeside lodging

3640 co-125 granby, colorado 970 887 3344 www.clazyu.com

grand lake, colorado www.facebook.com/ meadowviewmountainlodge

419 garfield st. grand lake, colorado 970 627 3580 www.westernriv.com

river run rv resort casa vista colorado

687 517 county rd. fraser, colorado 347 572 3320 www.gocasavista.com

1051 summit trail granby, colorado 970 557 0200 www.sunvresorts.com

wild basin lodge

1130 county rd 84 allenspark. colorado 303 747 2375 www.wildbasinlodge.com

snow mountain ranch devil’s thumb ranch

& resort 3530 county rd. 83 tabernash, colorado 970 726 7000 www.devilsthumbranch.com

1101 co rd 53 granby, colorado 970 887 2152 www.snowmountainranch.org

wild horse inn

1536 co rd 83 fraser, colorado 970 726 0456 www.wildhorseinn.com

strawberry creek ranch gateway inn

200 w portal rd. grand lake, colorado 970 627 2400 www.gatewayinn.com

2690 co rd 60 granby, colorado 970 531 2479 www.strawberrycreekranch.com

winter park mountain lodge

81699 us-40 winter park, colorado 970 726 4211 www.wpmountainlodge.com

the lodge at crestview ranch granby ranch

1000 village rd. granby, colorado 888 850 4615 www.granbyranch.com

1463 co rd 608 granby, colorado 970 364 0131 www.crestviewranch.com

winter park resort

85 parsenn rd winter park, colorado 970 726 5514 www.winterparkresort.com

the winding river ranch headwaters river journey

730 baker dr. first floor winter park, colorado 970 300 3337 www.headwatersriverjourney.com

1471 co rd 49 grand lake, colorado 970 629 0173 www.thewindingriverranch.com

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plan your escape!

featured image: umaya resort and adventures, honeymoon collective resort