Carrie + Darren @ Purgatory Ski Resort

Real Weddings

Feb 23

Written By Amber Andrew

WHAT: All aboard for a joyful day

WHEN: August 7, 2025

WHERE: Paradise ceremony site and Purgy’s reception

COORDINATORS: Taylor, Stella, and Lexi

VIBES: Intimate, Durango, Trains, Lounge

These are a few of my favorite things:

An epic train shot

Darren has always had an interest in trains, which is the reason that this sweet couple was drawn to Durango to celebrate the blending of their families. One fun priority for the day was to get a picture with one of the locomotives while in their wedding outfits. The timing worked out wonderfully to stop at the Rockwood Train Station just after they said “I do” and snap a picture with engine #493…which just happened to be Darren’s favorite engine! In addition, Carrie knew exactly what would make her future husband joyful and surprised him with personalized train whistles as their guest favors! These were a blast as they replaced cheers for train sounds during dinner and toasts.

A meadow for a tablE

Cinder & Pine’s tablescape florals were literally what all wedding dreams are made of. The tables were transformed into living meadows complete with rows of green moss down the center of each table, adorned with florals in pink, peach, and white. It was the perfect setting for their intimate dinner party.

Cigar + campfire afterparty

Did you know: you don’t have to have a dance floor at your wedding? Not your idea of a party? Find something that IS! Carrie + Darren perfectly made the evening their own as they gathered around Purgatory’s outdoor fire pits. String lights hung above, creating the perfect backdrop for meaningful conversations and plenty of laughter from all their friends and family. The couple busted out their favorite cigars and even got a cute picture with them while signing their marriage license.