An Intimate Ceremony in the San Juan Mountains

Tiffany & Ryan

From the bride: We love being in the mountains and under the trees. We wanted that intimate elopement feel surrounded by our family and close friends.  We got married on Lime Creek Road in the San Juan Mountains, which  is one of our favorite places to hike around, and the views are just perfect for a romantic mountain ceremony. Purgatory Resort is close by so all of our guests stayed in condos there.

Our dog passed away a few days before the wedding. She was the best ever and was supposed to walk down the aisle with her own flower crown. She was supposed to walk down the aisle with our daughter. We attached a beautiful photo of her to Maxine’s flower girl basket.

FIRST LOOK

When our daughter found her flower girl dress, she decided to “hide” it from Daddy (just like I did) so she could have her own “first look” with him.

The morning of our wedding, my grandmother and I picked all the Hollyhock flowers around my home to place in the flower girl basket. My grandmother said this was a memorable moment she will cherish forever.

THE CEREMONY

It rained all morning, poured all day, and my mom was concerned it was going to be too much for our guests. But, when it came time for the ceremony, the rain stopped for the full two hours of the ceremony and photos, and then started raining and lightening as soon as we were finished. It was perfect! I would have kept it the same even if it poured the entire time.

We had our really great friend marry us. He quoted the Apache Wedding Blessing and kept it about our love and our journey together.

The Apache Wedding Prayer

Now you will feel no rain, For each of you will be shelter to the other. Now you will feel no cold, For each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there is no more loneliness, For each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two bodies, But there is one life before you. Go now to your dwelling place, To enter into the days of your togetherness. And may your days be good and long upon the earth.

My favorite memory was getting through my vows without losing it!

ADVICE

Plan together! It’s more special knowing you worked on everything together and that there are touches of each of you on your day.

THE RECEPTION

We rented out a condo at Purgatory Resort to have everyone back to after the ceremony for dinner and cake.

The Wedding Team

Reception Site & Lodging: Purgatory Resort
Photographer: Tara Shupe Photography  |  Hair: Autumn Pierce, Shampoo  |  Ceremony Site: San Juan National Forest  |  Wedding Gown Designer: Essense of Australia  |  Flowers: City Market

The Honeymoon: Our family spent the week after the wedding exploring our favorite places in Durango!

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