A Fall Ceremony at Engineer Meadows

Jamie & David   |  October 5th

 

From the bride…

We chose Purgatory Resort because of the opportunity for an outdoor ceremony and Purgy’s mountain cabin resort look. We love Purgy’s big open space, the wall of windows, and the wall of wood rounds. The space feels intimate and warm, and also open and bright. We wanted our guests to stay close to the reception venue for safety and comfort. As we went through the process of working with Purgatory we knew we made the right choice, the staff was helpful and the food was amazing!

 

Bride Tribe in yellow

 

THE PLANNING

We looked through several issues of Durango Weddings Magazine for inspiration. It was very helpful and fun to see how others created their ideas and themes. It gave us the encouragement to do what we truly wanted.

 

Walking down the aisle

THE CEREMONY

I’ve known, since I was a kid, I wanted to be married in an Aspen grove. Durango was just the place! We picked the ceremony site with Aspens and mountains in the background. It was so perfect to be set in our own little hideaway. I just know fairies live there and it’s pretty magical. David’s step-dad built the arch and we added big, beautiful floral swags to the top. As the crier in the relationship (I cry at everything) I was overjoyed to see David crying.

 

 

Engineer Meadows ceremony site, Durango Colorado Engineer Meadows ceremony site, Durango Colorado Engineer Meadows ceremony site, Durango Colorado Bride & Groom in the San Juan Mountains in the fall

THE RECEPTION

Our reception was at Purgy’s Restaurant. We loved the big, open space and wall of windows. It felt cozy and bright at the same time.

 

Bride & Groom in the San Juan Mountains in the fall

 

My favorite décor element was the bunting that my grandparents made. It was so extra special they were able to finish the bunting before the wedding as they both passed away a month before the wedding. I felt like they were with us.

 

Purgatory Resort wedding venue, Durango Handmade bunting

 

LOOKING BACK

We would have made a point to soak up more of the day together. With all the partying it was too easy to get pulled away from each other to talk or dance with friends and family. I wish we had more time during the reception to dance together and greet our guests together.

 

Purgatory Resort wedding venue, Durango

 

We made our table numbers from our favorite TV show posters: The Crown, The Big Bang Theory, Stranger Things, etc.

 

Tables named after fave TV shows

 

A family tradition, we asked guests to bring their favorite cookies along with the recipe to share.

Advice: Take time and effort to include the pieces of your lives that are important to you. Do something because you want to do it, decide and agree on why it is important. Have the type of fun that is important to the two of you.

 

Reception cookies

 

THE WEDDING TEAM

Venue, Caterer, Lodging: Purgatory Resort

Hair & Makeup: Hair Fusion

Photographer: Ginger Moose Photography

As seen in 2020 Magazine

Wedding inspiration from Southwest Colorado delivered to your inbox!

DURANGO WEDDINGS MAGAZINE

The wedding planning guide for Durango-Southwest Colorado highlighting LOCAL venues + vendors. 

Durango Weddings Magazine is a curated event planning resource guide, print magazine, wedding blog, and producer of the annual Durango Wedding Expo.