Purgatory Resort Wedding Photos in Durango Colorado

Purgatory Resort Wedding Photos by Shea McGrath Photography | Colorado Wedding Photographers

Katie + Joey

How They Met (Their Story is SO Sweet!)

Katie and Joey were both active runners prior to meeting. After moving to the area, they both joined the Durango Running Club. After each run, group members usually head to a local pub for drinks and socializing, and it was at one such after-run social (Katie‘s first one, in fact) that they ended up seated next to each other at Animas City Brewery. A few months after that initial meeting after the group run, Joey asked Katie if she wanted to go on a morning hike with him. She told him that she was running her first marathon the day before, so she wasn’t sure how far she would be able to hike. Although they hadn’t spent much time together, Joey CALLED her after her race to ask how it had gone. She said she was so impressed that he called; he definitely caught her interest!

Their First Date

Early that morning, they met at the gas station across from Kennebec Cafe. (This is where their future wedding dinner would later be!) Katie remembers being surprised by Joey‘s quick sense of humor, the depth of the questions he asked her, and his ability to name every wildflower they saw along the way. They found a comfortable place to sit, pulled out some snacks, and sat for a while enjoying the sunshine. Katie noticed Joey looking at her, and when she met his eyes, he asked if he could kiss her. They ended up hiking 10 miles out that day before they realized how far they had gone. After their 20 mile hike, they drove to Cortez for a late lunch at La Casita, followed by ice cream at Moose & More (still two of their favorite local places.)

How He Proposed

Joey proposed on New Year’s Eve, 2018. He had taken Katie ring shopping over Thanksgiving. Katie’s best friend owns a jewelry store, so she knew it was coming. But her friend had secretly told her that he hadn’t ordered the ring yet! She said he probably wouldn’t have it until February.

After spending Christmas together, Katie had flown home to Illinois for a few days to spend time with family. She flew back into Albuquerque on the tail end of a particularly bad winter storm. As she gingerly made her way back to Cortez on icy roads, she called Joey frequently to check in, see if she should pick up something for dinner, etc., and he assured her that she could just come home. Katie pulled up in front of their house and hauled her suitcase up to the front door, trying not to slip in the snow. As she got closer, she noticed a series of post-it notes stuck on the door. They read, “Since we probably won’t make it to midnight, let’s start our new year’s celebration early… 3….2….1….” Happy to play the game, I threw open the door, and started to scream “Happy New Year!” but stopped mid-syllable when I saw Joey down on one knee in the entryway, holding up the most gorgeous ring.

Their Purgatory Resort Wedding Photos in Durango Colorado

Purgatory Resort Wedding Photos — I don’t even know where to begin with Katie and Joey’s wedding day! This was by far one of my all time favorite wedding days to photograph. I reached out to them a couple months beforehand to ask if they thought they’d still have their wedding or postpone. (Since Covid had just started.) They said they were holding out and hoping it would happen. Fast forward to 2 weeks before their wedding day, Katie called me and excitedly reported that they would in fact be getting married still! They had to reduce their guest count by 100 people, but they were still able to have their ceremony at Purgatory Resort.

We started the day at the condos at Purgatory Resort. Then we drove up to Dante’s at Purgatory for their First Look. Katie and Joey had a private vow exchange before the ceremony and we took a few more pictures before the rain started coming down. The rain let up for their ceremony to be held outside and it was the most perfect, beautiful setting! Their friends and family shared some readings, they had a ring warming blessing, a Facebook Live stream for their other guests to watch, and sealed it all with a kiss!

Afterwards, we had so much fun taking lots of pictures, then headed down the mountain for dinner. Kennebec Cafe had a private room with one large table for all of their guests to share dinner and drinks together. Several of their friends and family members gave toasts, and they used the restaurant’s outdoor patio for their first dances. We ended the night by taking a few sunset pictures on the somewhat famous road by the restaurant (which has been filmed in a few movies!)

Vendors

A very big thank you to the following vendors for making Katie and Joey’s wedding day so special! (Especially during Covid!)

Ceremony Venue: Purgatory Resort

Reception Venue: Kennebec Cafe

Officiant: BJ Haeck

Hair: Kandy Cruzan

Makeup: Patti Cobian

Florist: April’s Garden

Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal

Ring Jeweler: Bremer Jewelry

Videographer: Hank Blum

Photographer: Shea McGrath Photography

Are you getting married at Purgatory Resort or in the Durango area? We would love to chat with you about your wedding! Click here to get in touch!