The accommodations for the wedding were so unique as we actually stayed in Mountain Village at Hotel Madeline (amaze), which is located above the town of Telluride, therefore, we had to take the gondola down the mountain to explore and enjoy. The most spectacular views can be seen while riding above the ski slopes, including a view of Ralph Lauren’s unreal ranch.
Upon arrival, we received the cutest welcome bags filled with adorable hats, snacks, an itinerary and more that went along with the bride and groom’s blue, cream and white theme and motif of their first name initials, P&A, set in antlers. Below is an image of what was printed on our tote bags, a map of the wedding weekend festivity locations, and a pic of some of my college pals and I sporting our P&A caps.
The trip was kicked-off by taking the gondola to the Thursday night welcome BBQ at one of Telluride’s restaurants, Oak, located at the base of chair 8 and the gondola in the historic ski resort town. We enjoyed great bar-b-que which included brisket, ribs, the Oak chopped salad, and homemade peach cobbler with ice cream of couse… and it was the perfect start to the weekend. I recommend this restaurant for a casual night of eating, drinking and sports watching. Another great spot for a similar atmosphere is Brown Dog Pizza… it’s a must. They are literally world famous as Brown Dog’s pizza was judged as the World’s Best Pizza in the traditional division with a 1st Place finish at the 2014 International Pizza Expo. This follows a 1st
place finish in 2013 for the American pan division. Delish!
Friday began with a VERY cool bridal party open air jeep tour by Telluride Outside through the San Miguel mountains. This was a very special activity given by the mother of bride; just your average morning of traveling to nearly 12,000 feet… inches away from startlingly steep drop offs… in luncheon attire… right! It was a total blast, and so many fun memories were made as we bumped along cracking up and screaming our heads off. Here’s a few snap shots. Pretty? I think yes.
The jeeps dropped us off for the bridal luncheon at 221 South Oak, a bistro set in a charming refurbished historic home nestled in the trees on South Oak Street next to the gondola. This quaint little restaurant was ideal for a ladies lunch. We sampled cherry tomatoes stuffed with white beans and basil, delicious deviled eggs topped with crispy bacon, and asian shrimp spring rolls as we sipped on rose wine and mimosas. Lunch started off with a choice of gazpacho or goat cheese & spinach salad followed by two types of delicious sandwiches, and we finished with platters of mini dessert samples. The bride’s colors tied into the place settings at the luncheon (pictured below).
As we were returning to our rooms to rest before the rehearsal, we ran into a group at the hotel bar & restaurant indulging in the BEST bloody mary cocktails that I think I have ever seen! You can find these double slider marys at SMAK located in the bottom of the Hotel Madeline with a patio on the Mountain Village square. I mean two mini and delicious cheeseburgers as the garnish of one of my favorite bevs, enough said. Mouth watering yet?
That evening was celebrated with a gorgeous rehearsal dinner for all guests hosted by the parents of the groom at The Peaks Resort, Spa & Golf Club. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres were served out on the deck with spectacular mountain views followed by a lovely seated dinner where we listened to some really impressive toasts honoring the happy couple. We ended the night with late night drinks at Tracks Bar in the village square where they have an extensive list of local Colorado beers. What a background for a rehearsal dinner… unreal!
Saturday flew by while getting our hair and make up done with the bride in her suite. It was so fun to spend time some quality time with her as she primped for one of the biggest and most special days in her life. After we were dressed and ready we took a few shots down by the hotel entrance… and yes… most Texas brides do like to roll with large wedding parties.
Then it was up the gondola to the San Sophia Overlook for the most gorgeous marriage. It was a surreal atmosphere and a super sweet ceremony. Mr. & Mrs. looks pretty great for these two!
She’s a Hinton now! And how cool does that lucite look with those gorg white arrangements?!
After a quick round of photos we were transported to the reception at Gorrono Ranch. Greeted by a 3-piece blue grass band, light bites and lots of bubbly we started the night off with a festive cocktail hour. Not to mention the backdrop was a view of the actual mountain range pictured on the Coors Light beer cans.
We were then escorted into the main building for a beautiful seated dinner surrounded by tons of blue and white ginger jars… it was such a magical night!
After the cake was cut and the bouquet was tossed from the upstairs balcony we moved into the tent for the first dances of the evening. That followed with four hours on non stop dancing to Perfect Ten, an Atlanta party show band. Late night Brown Dog Pizza was passed and we capped off the night with a sparkler send off of the bride and groom as they left the party in a Telluride Outside open air jeep. The weekend couldn’t have been more perfect.
cookingandaconvo 
Truly magical!!!!!!