Marisa + Gabriel @ The Rochester Hotel

Nov 13

Written By Amber Andrew

WHAT: An intentional day in the town they call home

WHEN: September 28th, 2024

WHERE: Lion’s Den Ceremony + Rochester Hotel Secret Garden Reception, Durango, Colorado

GUEST COUNT: 36

COORDINATORS: Rose, Molly, Neal + Nate

VIBES: Local, Intimate, Thoughtful, Casual, Intentional

These are a few of my favorite things:

family unity ceremony

Gabriel and Marisa included their sweet daughter in their ceremony, having a special floral unity ceremony to symbolize the creation of their new family. This day wasn’t just the union of Gabriel and Marisa, but of their whole family too. Talk about special.

Here’s Gabriel’s sweet review that is one of our fave’s we’ve ever gotten:

“Rose was amazing. She was super helpful in organizing the planning, and pointing out our blindspots. But, man, Rose really shined on the day of our wedding. First off, neither my wife nor I had to handle any logistics or details. Rose just ran it. This found its crescendo when Durango Party Rental completely failed to show up, and Rose handled it before my wife or I even knew there was an issue. She's like that character, The Wolf, from Pulp Fiction, but for weddings. What's more, Rose's presence, just as a kind, pleasant, enjoyable human added value; she was another guest, contributing with good vibes and congeniality, and warm and welcome addition to our gathering.”

Intentional toasts

When we asked what the couple wanted to prioritize for their day, they responded with “toasts.” It’s not often (or ever maybe) that we hear this answer, but I’m telling you, there was not a dry eye in the house during those toasts. It was abundantly clear how much their people love them and how much they love their people.

impromptu dance party

Originally, their party was going to wrap up after dinner and toasts, but with the night still young, we decided to break out the speakers, pop on a funky playlist, and kick off our shoes. Every single person found themselves dancing on the grass in the Rochester Secret Garden until it was time for the party to continue across the street at Lola’s Place.

postcard guestbook

Instead of a guest book, Marisa and Gabriel pre-addressed dozens of postcards for their guests to take and send to them at a later date. That way, they get to enjoy fun notes from their family and friends all year long.