Chris and I met in Steamboat Springs, CO about 5 years ago. I moved there to enjoy the snow after college, and Chris was living with his sister and brother in law, ski patrolling and perfecting the art of mountain living.
Ski towns are often synonymous with 2nd (or 3rd, or 4th) jobs. We both happened to have 2nd jobs in a group home caring for adults with developmental disabilities and it didn’t take long for Chris to work up the courage to ask me out on a date.
That was October 2006. For the next 4 years I tried my best to keep up with Chris on a mountain bike, he converted me from snowboarding to skiing, we adopted the most lovable dog in the universe, and we dove headfirst into the incredible world of rock climbing!
Describe the proposal. The week of our 4 year anniversary, Chris and I were climbing at one of our favorite spots called the Monastery near Estes Park, CO. It was an unseasonably warm fall day, and we were surrounded by huge granite walls and awesome views of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Our last climb of the day was a 125 foot pitch called Goin’ to the Chapel. I had been looking forward to this last big climb and had been singing (yes, out loud) “goin’ to the chapel and we’re, gonna get married” since 9am that morning. We both successfully completed the climb, and at the top I asked Chris to hand me the camera he’d tied to his harness so we could document the day’s beauty, but instead… he pulled out a ring.
I was shocked and elated to say the least. Teton, our witness, was expectantly waiting at the bottom of the climb to celebrate with us. What a great day!
Walking to the bridge with my new husband was the most memorable moment of my wedding day. We asked the photographer, Craig Wolfrom, if we could shoot a few photos from this awesome bridge at the end of the street, so Chris and I crept away from the crowd just after the wedding ceremony and snuck over to the bridge with Craig.
It was so peaceful there. We climbing up a steep embankment to the trail’s edge (me in my puffy dress, Chris in his suit), I kicked my shoes off, and we strutted off to the bridge together, hand in hand. We cherished every moment of the serendipitous “alone” time.
Taylor Sturges took care of all the flowers for the wedding. We gave her a very general, non specific idea of what we liked and she and her team created something wonderful.
Bright and festive pinks, oranges, and yellows in mason jars and galvanized buckets. Stunning.
Amy of The Sweet Crumb made a delicious carrot cake with cream cheese frosting for us.
She also created wonderful, rustic, individual berry and apple pies in little, teensie tins for our guests. They were scrumptious!
Ziplining mid-wedding reception would have to be the #1 new tradition we created that night.
Karen, Chris’ sister, was insightful enough to relocate a tiki torch the moment before I began soaring through the air so my dress wouldn’t catch on fire… thanks again, Karen!
The location was, by far, our favorite detail of the wedding. My cousin graciously offered to allow us to use her SV home for the ceremony and reception, and it meant the world to us!
We already had such happy memories here from family reunions and gatherings throughout the past few years. What could be more special than to be married in this extraordinary place, on the banks of the Big Wood River, with views of the Sawtooth mountains, and with all our closest friends and family surrounding us. It was so meaningful.
Photography: Craig Wolfrom Photography
Caterer: CK’s Real Food, Hailey, ID
Wedding Planner/Florist: Taylor Sturges of Taylor’d Events
Rentals: That’s Entertainment
Cake: The Sweet Crumb, Ketchum, ID
Hair and Makeup: Jamilynn at Vertu Salon
