Taharaa Mountain Lodge

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Story

Our Wedding

Rocky Mountain National Park

Hiking

To enter the park, you can purchase a one-day or seven-day pass. One day is $20 and seven days is $30 (per vehicle, not per person). You can buy those online ahead of time at the link below or in the moment as you're driving into the park.<a href="https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fees.htm">https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fees.htm</a>Rocky Mountain National Park offers some of the most impressive hiking this great nation has to offer. It's beautiful landscapes formed the backdrop to some of Kristin &amp; Charlie's best memories. If you find yourself needing to stretch your legs before or after the wedding, below is a list of the bride and groom's favorite hikes. The list has the easiest hikes first, and proceeds to the more difficult hikes towards the bottom. Anyone in decently good shape (and not having specific elevation struggles) should be able to complete the most difficult on this list. We've left any hikes that would be considered dangerous, technical, or extreme off of this list. If you're a seasoned hiker and are up for a serious challenge, get in touch with Kristin for custom recommendations! Sprague Lake (0.9 miles) - Beautiful scenery with next to no work to attain it. Sprague lake is surrounded by a paved walkway and is even wheelchair accessible. The views are spectacular none-the-less with pristine water wonderfully reflecting the surrounding mountains. <a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/sprague-lake.htm">http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/sprague-lake.htm</a> The Alluvial Fan - A short trail will lead you to this open area of rivers, small waterfalls, and huge boulders. Many people climb all around the boulders and see how high up they can go, others like to stop at a lower spot and enjoy a picnic among the scenery. Once in this area, it's a "choose your own adventure" type of place. Through the Fall River entrance station of RMNP you'll see signs leading you to the Fan about 3 miles in. <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g143048-d527222-Reviews-Alluvial_Fan-Rocky_Mountain_National_Park_Colorado.html">https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g143...</a> Bear Lake Loop (0.8 miles) - The Bear Lake loop is just under one mile in length. A nice hike for beginners. Wonderful views, of course, still abound. This is one of the more popular spots in RMNP and becomes crowded on weekends. <a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/bear-lake-nature-trail.htm">http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/bear-lake-nature-trail.htm</a> Nymph Lake (1.1 miles), Dream Lake (2.2 miles), and Emerald Lake (3.5 miles) - All three of these can be reached via the same trail, each lake slightly higher than the last as you go up. The hike will start at the base of Bear Lake. It was on this trail that Charlie and Kristin's life changed forever. At the base of Dream Lake, Kristin said "yes" this past October. <a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/emerald-lake.htm">http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/emerald-lake.htm</a>Mills Lake (5.3 miles) - The ultimate goal on this hike is Mills Lake, a peaceful mountain lake nestled in the Rockies. If you endeavor to reach the final destination, make sure to give yourself several hours to accomplish the task. The journey does offer plenty along the way, however. There will be several smaller waterfalls and other amazing natural overlooks before you reach the top. Starting the hike without any desire to actually reach Mills Like is still a perfectly viable plan. Not quite one mile in, you'll pass the popular Alberta Falls. Kristin and Charlie did this hike with her bridesmaid Lindsay and her fiancé Stuart the first time Charlie had ever been to Estes. It was so good that they did it again when Kristin's mom and stepdad (Ted) came out a few months later. It's one of their top favorites.<a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/mills-lake.htm">http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/mills-lake.htm</a> Ouzel Falls (5.4 miles) - The Ouzel Falls hike will take a good chunk of the day, but boy is it worth it. The majority of the hike will be under luscious tree cover, and at the end you will be rewarded with a spectacular mountain waterfall. Similar to the Mills Lake hike, this is still worthwhile even if you elect to not go all the way to Ouzel. On the journey to Ouzel falls, you'll pass Copeland Falls and Calypso Cascades. Much of the trail follows along a river. Kristin led Charlie on this hike during the weekend celebrating his 33rd birthday. A couple months later, Kristin's brother (Kyle) proposed to Becca at the final waterfall while on this hike! <a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/ouzel-falls.htm">http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/ouzel-falls.htm</a>

Trail Ridge Road

While in Rocky Mountain National Park, don't miss the opportunity to take a half-day roadtrip on the famous Trail Ridge Road! There are a number of optional scenic stops, pull-offs, photo opportunities, and short hikes along this drive. You'll drive across the continental divide through alpine tundra reaching a height of 12,183 feet above sea level making it the highest road in the United States. Near the highest point there's a visitor center with some food, souvenirs, restrooms, etc. This is a good place to turn around and head back to Estes. If you keep going, you'll eventually find yourself in Grand Lake, Colorado which is a whole different set of wonderful alpine adventures! Block off around 3 hours to get from Estes to the Alpine Visitor Center and back, this builds in time for many stops along the way. **This is a safe and well-paved road, however, if driving on narrow roads with significant drop offs on either side is a fear of yours, consider avoiding this.** https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g143048-d1946612-Reviews-Trail_Ridge_Road-Rocky_Mountain_National_Park_Colorado.html

Dining

Estes park is full of amazing dining options. Yelp and TripAdvisor are full of excellent recommendations. That being said, here are some of our personal favorites:Twin Owls Steakhouse - Located in a 1920s log cabin at the Black Canyon Inn, this is one of the premier choices in Estes. A carnivores dream, this fine dining establishment offers the best in authentic game, beef, chicken, and seafood. It's a bit pricier than some of the other options, but absolutely worth every penny. Charlie and Kristin enjoyed a wonderful, romantic fireside dinner here on the weekend they chose the Taharaa as their wedding location.Rock Inn Mountain Tavern - Great spot to get a local feel. The historic Rock Inn spares the frills and focuses on good ol' Rocky Mountain comfort food. Inside feels like an old wooden longhouse, and they get right down to the good stuff - strong cocktails, live local bands, and some of the best meatloaf you will ever eat. The first night of Kristin's 30th birthday weekend celebration was spent at this amazing hole in the wall spot. Smokin' Dave's BBQ &amp; Taphouse - Three words "dang good BBQ". Like seriously. Charlie doesn't mess around when it comes to smoked meats, and he gives this place two BBQ sauce covered thumbs up. Great for a quick sit down, or to-go platters to share (with maybe some leftovers for later). Charlie and Kristin chowed down late into the night on their wonderful brisket and pulled pork the last time Kenna and Ted Frink were out for a visit. Nepals Cafe - "Indian food in Estes Park? You gotta be kidding me" I hear you saying. I'm not, I'm really not. It's THAT good. Charlie loves Indian food, and this place holds up against the best he's had anywhere. Be prepared to give up your steak and potatoes for a night, this place is as ethnic as it comes. For his 33rd birthday, Kristin treated him to a combination of chicken tikka masala and saag paneer that he didn't soon forget.Poppy's Pizza - A great option if you're craving some good, solid 'Za. Located right along the pedestrian river walk, this is the perfect choice for something more casual. They have all the classics a pizza lover would want, but also get creative with some globally inspired flavors. Their Rocky Mountain Pizza features smoked trout and cream cheese, a creative and unique taste for anyone wanting to branch out from the classic cheese. Kristin and her family have enjoyed many a night eating pizza on their patio as the river trickles by. **Five star recommendation** The Dunraven Inn - No trip to Estes is complete without a meal at the Dunraven. Kristin's grandmother (Ahma) introduced the family to this amazing spot decades ago and it's been a staple ever since. With a warm, quirky ambiance that always generates a smile, and Italian food that makes you set your fork down and say "oh my god!", it's simply the best. After their engagement at Dream Lake, this is the restaurant Charlie and Kristin went to with Nikki and Sean Roessetter to celebrate the once in a lifetime occasion.

Estes Park Details

The Moment that Started it All

I will forever believe that the romance of Kristin and I was written in the stars. From the moment I met her, life seemed to be continuously hinting at how important she would be. The winks of fate were everywhere - she was born in Minnesota, she vacationed in Clearwater Beach as a child just as I had, her favorite color was purple (the color of my favorite football team), she grew up spending summers on the lake, and her whole life she had been inexplicably drawn to Colorado and the mountains. The way our life histories and personalities mirrored each other went far beyond mere coincidence. It has become clear to me that my whole life was really just preparing me to meet her. She is now, and has forever been my destiny.I loved her immediately. She is a shooting star, lighting up a world too filled with monotony. Her energy, her laugh, her spirit made me unable to wipe the smile from my face. I had never met anyone like her. The first occasion we really spent time together was spring skiing at Arapahoe Basin. It was a perfect blue sky day, and we had it all to ourselves. During a break for lunch, we both laid back on the benches where we had been sitting, and closed our eyes with faces to the sun. She didn't notice as I peeked to steal a glance at her. Her eyes were still pleasantly closed and she had this subtle smile of complete contentment. My heart filled in a way I had never felt before. The moment shouldn't have been spectacular, but it was. Simply getting to sit by her on a day like this, as the sun washed over us, made me feel like I was the luckiest person in the entire world. I was lost in her and everything else just melted away. It was the most perfect slice of time. Our day ended and she dropped me off at my apartment, but my mind raced. "Wow, what the heck was that?!?" I kept thinking. My brain struggled to categorize what had just transpired. It was as if after 30 years of life, she had swooped in and showed me a color I had never before known existed. I couldn't fully explain why being around her felt that good, I just knew that it did. We had known each other for two weeks, and already I was completely hooked. We have shared a million more moments since that day, and each of them still make me feel as lucky as that first one. In our time together I have been happier than at any other point in my life. I know with absolute certainty I will spend the rest of my days loving her. It is meant to be...it was always meant to be.

Our Story 1

Photos

Neal is one of my oldest friends. We originally met each other at the age of four, but our friendship truly came to be as freshmen in high school. He's been my right hand man for more adventures than I can count. We joke and laugh like best friends, and compete and argue like rival brothers. No matter what though, we've got each other's back. Our time together is frequently spent trying to unravel the mysteries of the universe. From world history to Vikings roster moves, there is no topic too large or too small for debate. He has made me think as much as he's made me laugh …and he's made me laugh a lot. 

Neal Busdicker

Best friends? You could certainly call us that but I think we are more like sisters. If friendship soulmates exist, Nikki and I epitomize the concept. We go all the way back to kindergarten, although our friendship didn't skyrocket into the BFF status that it is today until about 7th grade. We landed on the same "team" in middle school and the rest is history. By a stroke of  luck, we now both live in Colorado and enjoy all the wondrous delights of being driving distance from each other while surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. I can't even begin to imagine how I would've made it through all these years without Nikki- her friendship, influence, and our countless memories are invaluably woven into the tapestry of who I am today. 

Nikki Rossetter

My days at the University of Denver were some of the best of my life. Gordon was a huge part of that. We met at a house party the first week of school, not realizing we were actually dorm neighbors. What we did realize was that we were kindred spirits. He is simply a master of fun. Relentless in his pursuit of a good time, his energy and enthusiasm for people and experiences is unmatched. Whatever crazy idea you have in your head, you best believe Gordon is "in". His zeal is infectious. You want to be around him as he's a constant reminder that this ride called life is meant to be enjoyed as much as possible. 

Gordon Tarola

Jessica and I found each other on the paint easels and playground of our  kindergarten classroom. Little did we know, we had commenced what would turn into a 25  year long (and counting) incredible friendship. Together, we have gone through everything life has thrown at us. Whether she's surprising me at the airport when my red-eye flight home for Christmas lands in Indy, laughing &amp; sipping high tea at the Brown Palace, or talking through life's tricky curve balls with pizza and wine, we're ALWAYS there for each other.  No time, distance, or circumstance will ever rock this boat. Cheers to 25+ more years of doing life together!  

Jessica Monteith

Joan Rivers once said, "Either everything is funny, or nothing is." With Mike Larkin, everything is funny. He is my comedy soul brother. I've never seen someone dedicate so much of their life to studying the comedic arts. He basically owns a Masters in Jokery. In high school, we would spend hours trying to out-pun each other at the local Perkins (to the joy AND disgust of those around us). He helped me write the only song I've ever composed, which was a ballad about slipping on a banana peel. I never know where a conversation with Larkin will take me, but I know it will end with my cheeks hurting. 

Mike Larkin

Upon arriving in Santiago, Chile to begin my journey as an exchange student, I knocked at the hotel room door to see if my pre-assigned roommate had arrived. Unbeknownst to me, I was about to meet one of the most remarkable and inspiring people on my life journey. The door swung open and there stood Lindsay. Hundreds of (mis)adventures and nearly ten years later, this incredible friendship is still going strong. You might find us backpacking through Patagonia, hiking up Colorado's tallest mountain, or sometimes we're just playing phone tag on a mundane Monday. No matter what's going on, we're always excited to connect and pick up right where we left off.     

Lindsay Hebert

I have not known Collin as long as my other groomsman, but he still feels like one of my oldest friends. Through a twist of fate, we became roommates a few years back with our mutual friend Scott Miller. I quickly became aware of how awesome he was. It turned out he loved BBQ, football, skiing, competitive games, and making fun of Scott as much as I did. My nickname for him is "Bulls-eye". While many in this world play it safe, Collin truly goes for it. He hits for power, not average. Life's a game, and Collin loves making that winning shot no one saw coming. Some may call him risky, but to those people he'd just say "you gotta spend money to make money!" My time with him is never bland. He charges headlong into life, knowing that with the right moves and a little bit of courage, things might end up better than you ever thought possible.

Collin White

Megan and I met at work in our licensing exam class to become stock brokers. Our unique and instant connection led us to have way too much fun together amidst the most tedious study process we'd ever encountered. We bonded over extended study breaks in the bathroom and nights on the town followed by early morning ski trips. Megan's friendship was a priceless anchor for me during the growing pains of moving to a new state and beginning a new career. We've been through more in these several years than some friendships encounter in a lifetime. Megan now flies the friendly skies as a flight attendant so although we no longer get to see each other everyday at work, we cherish any and all free time we get to spend together! 

Megan Womeldorf

Wedding Party

Registry

Q + A

If you're coming from afar, the Denver International Airport will be the best place to fly into. Estes Park is about a 90 minute drive from DIA unless you're making the traverse at rush hour, in which case, build in some extra time.Estes Park Shuttle is a quality service that will get you from the Airport to town if you decide not to rent a car. <a href="https://www.estesparkshuttle.com/DIA-airport-shutt">https://www.estesparkshuttle.com/DIA-airport-shutt...</a> Keep in mind that a car is the most convenient way to venture into Rocky Mountain National Park as there are some exceptionally scenic drives which are a great complement to any hikes you may plan.*We've been monitoring flight prices and they're quickly on the rise so consider booking very soon if you haven't yet.*

Getting to Estes

We highly recommend looking into any place located right on one of the two rivers that intersect in Estes Park (Big Thompson and Fall River). We've spent many wonderful summer nights by a fire as the river rushes by. There are more riverside accommodations than we can possibly mention here. For recommendations beyond our website, tripadvisor.com is a great resource. Air B&amp;B and VRBO also offer many privately owned riverside places to rent in Estes. Our wedding leads into July 4th weekend so if you haven't booked yet, please consider doing so ASAP. Here are some great choices to get you started: <a href="https://www.estesparkcondos.com/bugle-point-condos/">https://www.estesparkcondos.com/bugle-point-condos...</a><a href="http://www.riverstoneresorts.com/">http://www.riverstoneresorts.com/</a><a href="http://www.idlewilde.net/">http://www.idlewilde.net/</a> <a href="http://silvermooninn.com/">http://silvermooninn.com/</a> <a href="http://www.paradiservcolorado.com/">http://www.paradiservcolorado.com/</a> <a href="http://www.stonebrookresort.com/">http://www.stonebrookresort.com/</a>The historic Stanley Hotel is also located in Estes Park. See below for reservations or a haunted historic tour. <a href="http://www.stanleyhotel.com/">http://www.stanleyhotel.com/</a>

Kristin & Charlie's Recommendations

Climb aboard the charming Estes Park Trolley the day of the wedding. It will be picking up guests from two centralized locations, and also will transport everyone back to town after the night comes to its end. Stay tuned to this website closer to the wedding day for specific pickup location details. If you prefer, you're welcome to drive to Taharaa and park in their parking lot.Estes Park Taxi is also a great option for getting around. They can be reached at 970-372-9888 to schedule rides.

Day of the Wedding

Travel

We encourage everyone to take some time and explore downtown Estes on Elkhorn Avenue. The main part of town is specifically designed for pedestrian traffic. The streets are lined with quaint shops and plenty of personality. Many shops have two entrances and can be accessed from Elkhorn Avenue or the Riverwalk. Enjoy an icecream cone from one of the many candy shops as you meander through the numerous stores for that perfect keepsake to commemorate the weekend.

Dowtown Estes & Riverwalk

Lake Estes is a scenic lake in town with a marina. Kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, and other rentals are available. You can also rent bikes to ride the path that circles around the lake. It's right next to Estes Park Resort which is an option for dining or lodging. <a href="https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/evrpd/fees-and-rentals">https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/evrpd/fees-and-re...</a>

Lake Estes

Hop aboard the famous tramway for aerial views of all surrounding mountain ranges! It takes you to the summit of Prospect Mountain where you can linger for a while or ride right back down. <a href="http://www.estestram.com/">http://www.estestram.com/</a>

Estes Park Aerial Tramway

Book an on or off-road tour or 4x4 rental to explore the Rocky Mountains. Many different styles and types of tours available - check out their website! This is the top rated company in Estes for this sort of adventure. <a href="http://www.rockymountainrush.com/index.html">http://www.rockymountainrush.com/index.html</a>

Rocky Mountain Rush Tours

Visit Estes Angler for a fly fishing trip. They can work with any experience level and regularly provide memorable &amp; educational fly fishing experiences! <a href="http://estesangler.com/trips/">http://estesangler.com/trips/</a> If you're an experienced fisherman looking to go out without a guide, see this link for rules and license needs:<a href="https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fishing.htm">https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fishing.htm</a>

Kristin + Charlie

Kristin + Charlie

Photos