We often hear that our couples come to visit our charming town of Buena Vista, Colorado for a weekend getaway…and then decide to get married here / move here / make babies here. And we certainly can’t blame them! In 2016 Mike and I were staying at the Surf Hotel, right on the edge of the Arkansas River, for a weekend getaway when we decided we were going to purchase 43 acres and a run-down ranch house. Complete with moving into our camper and bringing home 5 alpacas and a few goats. This place is pure magic, and anyone who comes to visit feels it from the moment you pull into town. So it was no surprise when we learned that Kim and Chris had spent a very special weekend getaway here in the valley when they decided that they were going to get married here.
The Surf Hotel is the perfect combination of nature and luxury and is the ultimate destination for couples looking to be close to nature, but scream luxury on their big day. Whether you want to exchange your vows outdoors, by the riverside, or in a beautiful chapel down the street, this wedding venue truly has it all! Kim and Chris opted to have their ceremony in the intimate space by the hotel’s outdoor fireplace, right outside of the infamous Ivy Ballroom. Surrounded by the 14,000ft Collegiate Peaks and Arkansas River, this truly set the tone for a day to remember in the fall. The leaves were just starting to peak in their color here in the mountains, and the dark ivy color palette these two chose popped on the bright yellow aspen leaves.
Kim and Chris opted to see each other first at the altar. Surrounded by family and friends, it was certainly an emotional moment when these two saw one another for the first time. Not only for them, but for parents, siblings, and best friends. The energy at the Surf Hotel on this beautiful fall day was intoxicating as Kim and Chris vowed to spend the rest of their lives together. From there, we quickly went into party mode and spent the rest of the evening dancing the night away and of course, eating incredibly prepared food from the venue!
One of our favorite elements about the Surf Hotel’s weddings is that your guests are welcomed to stay right on site. This means everyone can get their party pants on and then safely, albeit maybe a little lopsided, get to their room at the end of the night. No driving after drinking at nearly 8,000ft in elevation, and no need to rush out in the morning once all the wedding festivities dust has settled. We also just love all of the amenities and entertainment your guests can partake in on the days leading up to your wedding day. Imagine your family members rafting down the Arkansas River as a way to bond before the big day. Or checking out all the amazing local breweries and adorable, Hallmark movie-worthy, coffee shops. This area boasts incredible hiking and mountain biking trails literally steps from the Surf Hotel that your guests won’t want to miss. Not to mention, world-class catering and eats right downstairs at Wesley and Rose. It’s probably needless to say that although Kim and Chris are only living one and a half hours from Buena Vista, they gave their guests, and themselves, the wedding memories of a lifetime! Continue reading about their love story below.
Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Wangerin!
Taylor
- Tell us about how you decided on having your wedding at the Surf Hotel?
We took our first weekend getaway together to BV and we loved it. Chris had been many times but it was one of Kim’s first- it because sort of “our” place as a couple, any time we went we had an amazing time. Kim always loved the look and vibe of The Surf Hotel and always thought it would be the perfect wedding venue. When it came time to choose, while we looked at others, there was really only ever one option!
- Tell us your love story! How did the two of you meet?
We were introduced to each other by our mutual friend, Joe (who would become our officiant), he interned for Chris at Chris’ distillery and they became close friends. Joe and Kim knew each other from school (Johnson & Wales) and helped Kim get that same internship. The rest is history!
- Tell us all about your proposal!
We had backpacked up to one of our favorite high alpine lakes. It’s a very special spot to us both. After a grueling all-day hike we settled in by the lake as we always do, drank wine and ate dinner. The next morning, we climbed out of the tent to enjoy coffee and watch the morning sun hit the peaks. It was then and there that Chris popped the question! Chris set up the phone on a tripod to take a “Timelapse”, something we’re known to do. But instead he recorded the proposal
- What was your favorite part of wedding planning?
Cake tasting/ selection with QT Cakes, her cakes are amazing and made my dream cake vision come to life! Also, dress shopping with my mom and friends- it’s something I’ve always dreamed of and had so much fun.
- What was your most memorable moment from your ceremony?
Our officiant’s amazing “sermon”/speech. He did such a great job, had the room both laughing and crying. And of course seeing each other. For Kim, also walking down the aisle with her dad.
- What are you most looking forward to in marriage?
Continuing our many adventures together, and trying new things by each other’s sides.
- What advice do you have for couples planning their wedding now?
Have fun!!!! Also, get a day of coordinator to help your day run smooth so you can be in the moment. EAT! And take a short moment just you two and soak it all in.
- Please share you wedding vendors!Photos: Taylor Jones PhotographyDress: Something New BoutiqueFlowers: Rancho VerdeHMU: A Vow to ArtistryDay of coordinator: Brandi Geiser (Spiro Events) Cake: QT CakesCannoli: Sorelle Delicatessen Venue: Surf Hotel
