June 2014 seems like a long way off, but not when you have a wedding to plan. My daughter’s engagement was lovely, romantic occasion, but I knew the peace and tranquility wouldn’t last and a tidal wave of venues, dates, tastings, ideas, disagreements, tears, smiles and endless check writing would soon follow. I can handle it and I hope the happy couple will take it in their stride.
Yesterday we traveled to Estes Park and looked at some wedding venues. First of all we visited the beautiful Della Terra Mountain Chateau.
Who wouldn’t want to get married here? I have to say the photos do not do it justice. This place resembles a Tuscan Villa. It is absolutely breathtaking.
Following our visit to the Della Terra, we went to another venue, which I won’t even mention. The photos on the website were beautiful, but when we arrived, it was nothing more than a seedy hotel. The staff was pleasant and helpful, but the place was AWFUL, and just as expensive as the beautiful Tuscan Chateau.
The Stanley Hotel was next on our list. We were a little early and had time to stop in the bar and enjoy a glass of champagne before meeting with our host. The Stanley Hotel was delightful. I felt like I was stepping back in time, and I won’t even pretend it didn’t feel haunted. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that there was at least one spirit accompanying us on our tour. I managed to snap a couple of photos while we were there. (of the happy couple not the spirit).
This really would be a dramatic and wonderful place for a wedding. We were even shown the ‘Stephen King‘ room, where the great man stayed while he wrote ‘The Shining‘. I will definitely stay at this lovely hotel at some time in the future.
After the Stanley Hotel, we made our way to the Taharaa Mountain Lodge.
The mountain lodge was delightful, and the owner who showed us around was a GEM. Originally from New Orleans, she had Southern Charm and Hospitality that made us immediately warm to her. The views from the lodge were incredible, and I am sure in many cases, would clinch the deal.
The last venue of the day and the last photo……..
Exhausted after a long day, we drove to Boulder, and stopped in Mountain Sun Brewery for a cold beer and some sustenance. Although we were all tired, we were happy that we had booked a venue and had a wedding date at last.
Which of these beautiful locations took our fancy? The Tuscan Villa of course.
In 2014 my only daughter will have a fairytale wedding at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau.
On another note, check out my other blog…STOP TALKING TO ME to keep up to date on my other endeavor, the launch of my first full length novel ‘Dead of July’. This book will be released in July of 2013 and maybe, just maybe, it will help me pay for the wedding. One can only hope. Preview Dead of July
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