Welcome Celebrations

The Boulders at Black Canyon Inn

Wedding Day

Our Wedding

It All Started at a Bar

Hunter and Melanie first met on St. Patrick’s Day in 2018 at Old Dominion University. Both had transferred from different colleges and happened to meet at their local bar, where their story first began. Exactly who talked to whom first is still a disagreement they have yet to settle, but one thing is certain: that night would eventually lead them to each other.Although they spent plenty of time together in those early days, the two didn’t officially start dating until they reconnected after college in 2021. Their first date was at Cooper’s Hawk in Virginia Beach, and from there, they quickly became inseparable. They spent every moment they could together, making up for lost time before life once again took them in different directions.Melanie moved to Nashville to attend physical therapy school, while Hunter moved to Boulder for a new job opportunity. What followed was more than four years of long-distance, countless flights back and forth, and a whole lot of miles between them. Through it all, they continued choosing each other and building a relationship that only grew stronger with every trip, phone call, and reunion.After four years of navigating long distance, they finally found their way to the same place and decided to make Colorado home. Together, they began building a life in the mountains, with their dog, Shadow, by their side and plenty of adventures still to come.On June 12, 2026, Hunter popped the question in the beautiful mountains of Crested Butte, marking the beginning of their favorite chapter yet.Through the highs, the lows, the miles, and everything in between, so many people have played an integral part in our story. We are incredibly grateful for everyone who has loved, supported, and been a part of our journey, and we can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with all of you. It is not lost on us the time, travel, and effort so many of you are making to be there with us. We feel incredibly lucky to have the people we love most come together in a place that has become so special to us, and we hope you get to experience and love the mountains as much as we do.

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

In town early? Come find us!

August 20, 2027

If you are in town early, you can find the bride and groom hanging out at Lake Estes Friday night.

The Night Before - Welcome Celebration

August 21, 2027

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Join us for drinks, desserts, and an evening together in the mountains as we celebrate the start of our weekend! All guests are welcome.Attire: Cocktail

Ceremony 

4:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Please arrive at 4:00 PM

The couple kindly requests that guests keep all phones and cameras put away during the ceremony. Please be present and enjoy the moment while their photographer and videographer capture the memories.

Cocktail Hour

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Cocktail hour will take place outside on the patio, weather permitting.

Reception

6:30 PM - 11:00 PM

The ceremony is just the beginning - join us for dinner, drinks, dancing, and a night to remember!

Schedule

Q + A

Recommendations

Where to StayThe couple personally visited the hotels listed below to vouch for them and help make choosing where to stay a little easier. Because Estes Park is a popular tourist destination, lodging can be on the pricier side. We also highly recommend looking into Airbnb and other vacation rentals, as there are plenty of great options throughout the area.

Personal&nbsp;favorite&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;couple,&nbsp;fire&nbsp;pits&nbsp;and&nbsp;picnic&nbsp;tables&nbsp;with&nbsp;an&nbsp;accessible&nbsp;bar&nbsp;make&nbsp;it&nbsp;fun&nbsp;for&nbsp;hanging&nbsp;out!&nbsp;This&nbsp;is&nbsp;where&nbsp;the&nbsp;couple&nbsp;is&nbsp;staying.Lake&nbsp;Estes&nbsp;Marina:&nbsp;you&nbsp;can&nbsp;rent&nbsp;fishing&nbsp;equipment&nbsp;if&nbsp;you&nbsp;wish!Con:&nbsp;$$$Contact:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="tel:(970)-577-6400" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(970)&nbsp;577-6400</a>www.theestesparkresort.com/

The Estes Park Resort

Experience&nbsp;old&nbsp;world&nbsp;charm&nbsp;at&nbsp;this&nbsp;historic&nbsp;hotel&nbsp;that&nbsp;offers&nbsp;luxurious&nbsp;services&nbsp;and&nbsp;fine&nbsp;dining&nbsp;with&nbsp;stunning&nbsp;views&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;great&nbsp;location,&nbsp;just&nbsp;6.2&nbsp;miles&nbsp;from&nbsp;Rocky&nbsp;Mountain&nbsp;National&nbsp;Park&nbsp;in&nbsp;Estes&nbsp;Park,&nbsp;Colorado.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Stanley&nbsp;Hotel&nbsp;has&nbsp;several&nbsp;dining/drinks&nbsp;restaurants&nbsp;located&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;property.Contact:&nbsp;904-402-7226https://www.stanleyhotel.com/&nbsp;

The Stanley Hotel

Located&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;banks&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Fall&nbsp;River,&nbsp;this&nbsp;hotel&nbsp;is&nbsp;3.7&nbsp;mi&nbsp;away&nbsp;from&nbsp;Rocky&nbsp;Mountain&nbsp;National&nbsp;Park.&nbsp;Pro:&nbsp;Downtown&nbsp;Estes&nbsp;Park&nbsp;is&nbsp;walkable&nbsp;~&nbsp;0.5&nbsp;mi&nbsp;away&nbsp;Contact:&nbsp;970-586-6006https://www.silvermooninn.com/

Silver Moon Inn

Just&nbsp;three&nbsp;miles&nbsp;from&nbsp;Rocky&nbsp;Mountain&nbsp;National&nbsp;Park&nbsp;and&nbsp;close&nbsp;to&nbsp;downtown/Lake&nbsp;EstesContact:&nbsp;970-939-3436www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/estes-park/denep/hoteldetail&nbsp;

Holiday Inn Estes Park by IHG

Estes Park Condos

Estes Park Condos, is 3 miles up the road from Black Canyon Inn and they have 60 different condo-style lodging accommodations.Contact: <a href="tel:(970)%20577-0068" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">970-577-0068</a> www.estesparkcondos.com10% PROMO CODE: "WED"

Lodging

Just&nbsp;minutes&nbsp;from&nbsp;town,&nbsp;Rocky&nbsp;Mountain&nbsp;National&nbsp;Park&nbsp;is&nbsp;absolutely&nbsp;worth&nbsp;setting&nbsp;aside&nbsp;a&nbsp;few&nbsp;hours&nbsp;to&nbsp;explore.&nbsp;Enter&nbsp;through&nbsp;the&nbsp;Beaver&nbsp;Meadows&nbsp;Entrance&nbsp;on&nbsp;Highway&nbsp;36,&nbsp;then&nbsp;turn&nbsp;left&nbsp;onto&nbsp;Bear&nbsp;Lake&nbsp;Road.&nbsp;A&nbsp;1-day&nbsp;vehicle&nbsp;pass&nbsp;is&nbsp;$30.PLEASE&nbsp;NOTE:&nbsp;Most&nbsp;areas&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;park&nbsp;require&nbsp;a&nbsp;timed-entry&nbsp;reservation.&nbsp;Some&nbsp;areas&nbsp;do&nbsp;not&nbsp;require&nbsp;a&nbsp;timed-entry&nbsp;ticket&nbsp;before&nbsp;9:00&nbsp;AM&nbsp;or&nbsp;after&nbsp;2:00&nbsp;PM,&nbsp;but&nbsp;we&nbsp;strongly&nbsp;encourage&nbsp;you&nbsp;to&nbsp;check&nbsp;the&nbsp;current&nbsp;requirements&nbsp;before&nbsp;visiting.Timed-entry&nbsp;reservations&nbsp;can&nbsp;be&nbsp;made&nbsp;on/after&nbsp;July&nbsp;1,&nbsp;2027&nbsp;through&nbsp;https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086910&nbsp;The&nbsp;reservation&nbsp;itself&nbsp;has&nbsp;a&nbsp;non-refundable&nbsp;$2&nbsp;processing&nbsp;fee.&nbsp;Hike&nbsp;Options:&nbsp;several&nbsp;you&nbsp;can&nbsp;hit&nbsp;at&nbsp;one&nbsp;time,&nbsp;we&nbsp;recommend&nbsp;downloading&nbsp;All&nbsp;Trails&nbsp;as&nbsp;there&nbsp;is&nbsp;little&nbsp;service&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;park!BEAR&nbsp;LAKE&nbsp;TRAILHEAD:Bear&nbsp;Lake&nbsp;Loop&nbsp;(~25&nbsp;minutes)An&nbsp;easy,&nbsp;0.6-mile&nbsp;loop&nbsp;with&nbsp;beautiful&nbsp;mountain&nbsp;and&nbsp;Continental&nbsp;Divide&nbsp;views.Dream&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Emerald&nbsp;Lakes&nbsp;(~25&nbsp;minutes,&nbsp;same&nbsp;trailhead)A&nbsp;3.6-mile&nbsp;round-trip&nbsp;hike&nbsp;that&nbsp;passes&nbsp;three&nbsp;gorgeous&nbsp;alpine&nbsp;lakes.&nbsp;Allow&nbsp;approximately&nbsp;2–3&nbsp;hours.-&nbsp;sunrise&nbsp;at&nbsp;dream&nbsp;lake&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;highly&nbsp;photographed&nbsp;spotSprague&nbsp;Lake&nbsp;(~15–20&nbsp;minutes)A&nbsp;flat,&nbsp;wheelchair-accessible&nbsp;0.5-mile&nbsp;loop&nbsp;with&nbsp;beautiful&nbsp;mountain&nbsp;views&nbsp;and&nbsp;benches&nbsp;along&nbsp;the&nbsp;way.Wildlife&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Safety:&nbsp;Please&nbsp;never&nbsp;approach&nbsp;or&nbsp;feed&nbsp;wildlife&nbsp;and&nbsp;always&nbsp;give&nbsp;animals&nbsp;plenty&nbsp;of&nbsp;space.&nbsp;If&nbsp;you&#39;re&nbsp;planning&nbsp;to&nbsp;hike&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;park,&nbsp;familiarize&nbsp;yourself&nbsp;with&nbsp;bear&nbsp;safety&nbsp;and&nbsp;consider&nbsp;carrying&nbsp;bear&nbsp;spray.Please&nbsp;reach&nbsp;out&nbsp;to&nbsp;us&nbsp;if&nbsp;you&nbsp;have&nbsp;questions&nbsp;or&nbsp;are&nbsp;looking&nbsp;for&nbsp;recommendations&nbsp;on&nbsp;other&nbsp;hikes!

Rocky Mountain National Park

Inspiration for The Shining, tour the beautiful and historic hotel! Grab food and a cocktail!

Enjoy&nbsp;a&nbsp;3.7&nbsp;mile&nbsp;walk&nbsp;that&nbsp;takes&nbsp;you&nbsp;around&nbsp;all&nbsp;of&nbsp;Lake&nbsp;Estes,&nbsp;this&nbsp;trail&nbsp;is&nbsp;also&nbsp;walkable&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;riverwalk&nbsp;in&nbsp;Downtown&nbsp;Estes&nbsp;(&nbsp;~&nbsp;1&nbsp;mile)&nbsp;where&nbsp;you&nbsp;can&nbsp;grab&nbsp;all&nbsp;sorts&nbsp;of&nbsp;food&nbsp;and&nbsp;enjoy&nbsp;the&nbsp;scnenery!Ember&nbsp;Restaurant&nbsp;at&nbsp;Lake&nbsp;Estes&nbsp;Resort&nbsp;and&nbsp;Spa&nbsp;is&nbsp;an&nbsp;elevated&nbsp;favorite&nbsp;for&nbsp;happy&nbsp;hour!

The Estes Park Resort & Spa

Wandering&nbsp;down&nbsp;the&nbsp;Riverwalk&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;wonderful&nbsp;way&nbsp;to&nbsp;spend&nbsp;a&nbsp;few&nbsp;hours.&nbsp;With&nbsp;shops,&nbsp;restaurants,&nbsp;bars,&nbsp;and&nbsp;more&nbsp;all&nbsp;along,&nbsp;it&nbsp;is&nbsp;the&nbsp;perfect&nbsp;way&nbsp;to&nbsp;experience&nbsp;the&nbsp;serenity&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;river&nbsp;and&nbsp;all&nbsp;Estes&nbsp;Park&nbsp;has&nbsp;to&nbsp;offer.Parking:&nbsp;there&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;free&nbsp;parking&nbsp;lot&nbsp;but&nbsp;it&nbsp;fills&nbsp;up&nbsp;very&nbsp;quickly.&nbsp;There&nbsp;is&nbsp;paid&nbsp;parking&nbsp;available&nbsp;downtown&nbsp;as&nbsp;well&nbsp;or&nbsp;you&nbsp;may&nbsp;be&nbsp;able&nbsp;to&nbsp;snag&nbsp;a&nbsp;side&nbsp;street&nbsp;parking!

Riverwalk/Dowtown Estes  Park

Some of our favorite's we've had:Ice cream: Laura's Fine Candies - THE best ice cream, we don't take that rec lightlyLunch: Riverwalk Cafe - mom/pop style with really good paninisBar: The Wheel BarCoffee: Coffee on the RocksBrewery: The Barrel

Things to Do

Registry

Transportation from Denver to Estes 

The Black Canyon Inn is a 90 minute drive from Denver International Airport (75 miles). Depending on the time of day, it could be ~20 minutes less.We recommend either renting a car at the airport, or using the Estes Park Shuttle service. Please check their website for availability as they run at certain times of the day generally from 7am - 7 pmContact: https://estesparkshuttle.com/ , 970-586-5151For peak season: Denver International airport one way is $85.00, round trip is $155.00.

Wedding Shuttle

A shuttle service will be provided to and from the wedding, with stops at the Holiday Inn and Estes Park Resort &amp; Spa. Even if you are not staying at one of these hotels, we strongly encourage you to plan to park your car at one of the shuttle locations or arrange an Uber and take the shuttle to the venue.Please plan accordingly! Parking at the venue is extremely limited—there are fewer than five parking spots available (yes, we’re not kidding!). We want everyone to be able to enjoy the evening without having to worry about parking or transportation.

Uber/Lyft Alternatives

Please note there are no ubers/lyfts.Explore EstesContact: Exploreestes.com - 970-235-1156Call for availability &amp; hours/schedule onlineTakes you a variety of places including in Estes and to/from RMNP10% PROMO CODE: "EPCBCI"EPX RideshareContact: www.EPXrideshare.comTo/from airport services as well as in townEstes Park RideContact: https://estesparkride.com/970-586-5151, push #3

Melanie & Hunter

Melanie & Hunter

Photos