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Get to Know the Bride & Groom

What would you consider to be your guys’ first date?

Nate: I know Abby is going to say that our first date was at Top Golf, but it is undeniable that our first date was when we went skiing together at Winter Park on January 7, 2023. It was a bit risky having a 12+ hour first date but hey, it worked great in my favor! It also helped that Winter Park had six inches of fresh powder, so we were bound to have a great day together.

Abby: Nate and I’s very first date was when we went to Top Golf together, a day I still consider one of the best days of my life. I will truly never forget the feeling I had, and the laughs we shared, it was the most fun I had in forever! His smile was just so contagious I could not help but come out of that date BEAMING from ear to ear. Plus, it didn’t hurt that he was amazing at golf and did quite the number to impress me!

What was the first thing you noticed about each other?

Nate: The first thing that I noticed about Abby was how fun, outgoing, and bubbly she is. On our first few dates we never ran out of things to talk about, and they were quite honestly the most fun that I had in a long time. She can start a conversation and be friends with anybody, so hanging out with her just felt natural.

Abby: I immediately gravitated towards Nate because of his kindness, and his ability to make anyone feel welcome and seen in a room. He immediately sparked conversation with me, and man did he have me hooked! His energy was so captivating and fun, I just couldn’t break away from it! After seeing him later at a graduation celebration in Fort Collins and suggesting we go skiing, Nate was becoming one of my best friends. We went skiing together with a couple of my friends and had an absolute blast! Then we went just the two of us to Winter Park which he for some reason thinks was our first date! He upped the romance the time we went to Top Golf, and the rest is history!

What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?

Nate: For anyone who knows us well it is clear that my favorite thing to do with Abby is go skiing. If I had to guess, we have had over 30 “ski dates” in the last two years and I always enjoy having her as my passenger princess (meaning that I have driven us at 5:00am every single time).

Abby: That’s a tough question, because I truly can’t decide on a favorite! We could go from adventuring the coast of California to skiing down the slopes of the Rocky Mountains and have enough memories and laughs to last a lifetime! I will say that even just spending a nice relaxing dinner together or a nice little bike ride around the town with Nate, are some of the sweetest moments we’ve shared together.

Who is the spender and who is the saver in the relationship?

Nate: I would definitely say that I am the saver and Abby is the spender! However, Abby is very open to learning about saving, investing, and budgeting, and I am so eager to teach her everything that I know. Although, she’s going to teach me to have fun with our money and how to buy better outfits – which is desperately needed.

Abby:  No doubt I am the spender in the relationship, but it is always for a good cause I will say. Either for a ticket to the zoo or seats to a Broncos game, I truly enjoy spending on experiences. Although, wedding planning has definitely taught me a lot about budgeting and the consideration of our financial position as a married couple. It might have come as a scare to Nate, but hey, I like to have some fun with my hard-earned money!

What is your favorite memory together?

Nate: It might be cliche but my favorite memory with Abby was the day of the proposal. I put countless hours into making that day perfect and it was a surreal feeling leading up to the moment. It will be a memory that I will hold on to for the rest of my life (and yes, I cried).

Abby: I honestly would say one of my favorite memories with Nate was when he drove up to Fort Collins when we were first dating! I took him to Brother’s Bar & Grill to watch an NFL playoff game and then drove us up to Horsetooth Reservoir to enjoy some nice views together. It was such a simple day, but meaningful in the memories we got to share together!

Things to do in Estes Park

Explore the Stanley Hotel Property

Established in 1909, this historic property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Beyond its charmingly appointed rooms and suites, the hotel boasts a well-stocked whiskey bar, several restaurants, and captivating historical tours that reveal hidden secrets about its founder, F.O. Stanley, and intriguing connections to The Shining. 

The Park Theatre

The Park Theatre is America’s oldest operating single-house movie theater, built-in 1913. While it takes a break from feature-length films beginning in the fall, it’s a fantastic spot to enjoy a cocktail and soak up the Old West ambiance.

Elkhorn Avenue 

Stroll down Elkhorn Avenue, where unique boutiques offer clothing, handmade accessories, and gifts. If you’re an art enthusiast, explore the numerous galleries showcasing everything from jewelry and bronze sculptures to photography and stunning oil, acrylic, and watercolor renditions of local wildlife and landscapes. In addition to local boutiques, Elkhorn Avenue is home to several hidden gems such as The Old Fashion Candy Store, our personal favorite.

For the Foodies

If you visit any of the restaurants below, you won’t be disappointed!

Bird & Jims
Ed’s Cantina & Grill
Smokin Daves BBQ
The Post Chicken & Beer
Antonios Real New York Pizza
Twin Owls Steakhouse
The Egg of Estes

Places to Stay in Estes Park

The Stanley Hotel offers five of Estes Park’s best places to stay

  • The Stanley Hotel: the historic hotel which first opened in 1909 (rooms starting at $329/night)
  • The Lodge at the Stanley: a modern-day replica of the historic hotel but known for its boutique feel (rooms starting at $329/night)
  • The Residence at the Stanley: fully equipped private condo residences on the property – this option is perfect for large groups or families (starting at $409/night – 4 people)
  • Aspire Hotel & Spa: apartment-like suites on the property (starting at $359/night)
  • Fall River Resort: luxury riverside condo / apartment-like suites within walking distance to downtown Estes Park (starting at $379/night – 4 people & 1 mile away from the Stanley Hotel property)

More Information

  • Making a Reservation: Please make your reservation for any of the hotel options by visiting the Stanley Hotel website or call (970) 577-4000.
  • Discounts: Unfortunately, the Bride & Groom do not have any discounts or deals in connection with this event. Please visit the booking website for all prices.
  • Room Blocks: Our event will not have a “specific” block of rooms for any of the hotel options. However, you can request that your room is next to another guest by calling the front desk.
  • Early Check-In: Our guests can request early check-in within 1 to 3 days before their stay. While this option is not guaranteed, the winter time is typically slower and provides greater accommodations.