A Winter wedding at The Stanley Hotel


Sometimes, fate works in mysterious ways. For Lauren and John, destiny brought them together in more ways than one. Not only is "Destiny" the name of the online game where they first met, but it also describes their journey perfectly. After connecting online, John was so drawn to Lauren that he drove over seven hours to meet her in Texas, and he never left.

Lauren’s dream of a winter wedding came true in spectacular fashion. The day before the wedding, Colorado was blanketed by its first winter storm of the year, covering the landscape in a breathtaking layer of fresh snow. The conditions created a magical setting, though not without a few surprises along the way.

The original plan included taking wedding photos in the iconic Rocky Mountain National Park, but the heavy snowfall made many areas inaccessible. Undeterred, the couple and I took advantage of the beautiful Airbnb where Lauren and John were staying.

Surrounded by snow-laden trees and with wildlife wandering nearby, the setting was nothing short of enchanting. Capturing moments with a family of deer became an unforgettable highlight of the day.

After their snowy photo session, it was time for the ceremony at the iconic Stanley Hotel. Lauren and John exchanged heartfelt vows on the private patio, just off the library, surrounded by friends and family who traveled from Texas. One of the sweetest moments was when their beloved dogs, who made the trip with them, served as ring bearers and even "signed" the marriage license with their paw prints.

Weddings at the Stanley Hotel are always magical. The venue’s historic architecture and enchanting, slightly eerie ambiance make for an unforgettable setting. Lauren and John even added a playful nod to the hotel’s legacy by referencing The Shining in their wedding invitation.

The celebration continued with fun reception activities, including karaoke and a Just Dance competition, classic cake cutting, and a cozy hot chocolate bar a perfect for warming up after a chilly day. Lauren and John’s creativity and joy were evident in every detail, making their winter wedding truly unforgettable.

A close-up view of blue and white flowers with evergreen sprigs arranged with delicate rings and jewelry pieces.
Person in black suit jacket bends forward in sequence of motion across wooden room with large windows.
Black and white photo showing someone tying their shoes while sitting on a chair by a window.
A person in a black coat adjusts their collar while standing by a window with mountain scenery in the background.
Blue high heel shoes adorned with rhinestone embellishments peek through green pine tree branches in sunlight.
Black and white photo series showing a person with headphones listening to music with closed eyes and peaceful expression.
Professional makeup artist applying cosmetics to model's face during beauty session at studio.
Healthcare professional in white coat works with medical equipment in examination room setting.
A couple embraces tenderly in a rustic wooden cabin setting with natural light streaming through windows.
Close-up view of hands adjusting a white corset-style wedding dress with delicate lacing details.
A group of bridesmaids in white dresses gather together in a row showing details of their matching gowns.
Person in blue gingham shirt writing notes on paper with pen at wooden table.
Black and white photos show intimate moments during wedding preparations on a rustic porch.
A series of emotional moments captured in a white lace wedding dress against wooden interior walls.
Wedding ceremony moments captured in a snowy mountain setting with scenic winter views.