FAQs

Question

Our high-risk guests and other COVID-19 Considerations

Answer

We will be providing cloth facial coverings and hand sanitizer for all guests, and plan to have extra seating outside to help ensure social distancing (and more time for you to enjoy Colorado's beautiful Chalk Canyon!). For the sake of everyone's health and safety, it's very important for our circles to maintain best practices leading up to and during the event. CDPHE recommends you engage in 65% fewer interactions with people than you would have had prior to COVID-19, avoid the highest risk environments (bars, nightclubs, gyms, mass transit, etc.), wear your masks fully over your mouth *and nose*, and wash your hands frequently. If you are uncomfortable coming to a group gathering - and especially if you feel sick, have recently tested positive for COVID-19, or spent time with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 - please stay home. We won't be offended, we promise! (Plus, we will absolutely hold a more traditional reception when it's safe to do so!)

Question

What are the best practices to stay COVID safe before and after the event?

Answer

Ugh, I know. You all know the best practices already, but our group size will exceed 10 people (especially Sunday night) and the reality is that our collective health relies on the best practices of those in our little bubble. So just in case, here's a refresher on what our guests can do to help keep everyone safe: 1. Stay home if you feel unwell in the days leading up to 9/20 2. Limit unnecessary contacts with others in the two weeks prior to and following 9/20 (looking at you, Labor Day weekend) 3. Use the sanitizing products, masks, etc., we'll provide for your use 4. Keep distanced! And here's what we're doing: 1. Monitoring the Rt value in Buena Vista ahead of the event 2. Setting up chairs/tables in bubbles at Bighorn Lodge 3. Providing lots of hand sanitizer, disinfectant, cloth facial coverings, etc. Anything missing? Let us know! We're not joking when we say your health and safety is our priority, so please let us know how we can support your needs to achieve that goal.

Question

How can we expect to spend our time in Buena Vista?

Answer

Friends and family are welcome to join us for some or all of the main events detailed on our Schedule page. We recognize some are traveling from out of state, while others are just driving up the road from Colorado Springs or Denver, and that likely extends or limits the amount of time you'll be spending in town with us. Loosely structured, we expect our schedule to look something like this: SATURDAY 9/19: Arrive in Buena Vista late afternoon for check-in at Bighorn Lodge after 4 PM. Dinner at the house that evening with friends and family, tentatively followed by a soak under the stars at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs. SUNDAY 9/20: Private ceremony Sunday morning (Haley, Darren, and photographer only). After party at Bighorn Lodge Sunday afternoon and evening, and potentially another visit to Mt. Princeton Hot Springs. MONDAY 9/21: Late morning brunch at Bighorn, mid-day hike, relaxing evening - probably some hot springs again. TUESDAY 9/22: Check out at Bighorn Lodge is 9 AM.

Question

What should I wear?

Answer

We're a fan of Rocky Mountain Formal: Anything goes, from sundresses and sandals to jeans and flannels. (We do plan on taking photos, so please balance your comfort with what you’ll be comfortable seeing captured on film in perpetuity!) Prioritize your comfort first, and your comfort with your outfit being photographed second. If it helps to know, you can expect high temperatures in the low-to-mid 70s and overnight lows in the high 30s or low 40s. Unfortunately it's a bit too early for snow (but it's Colorado - anything can happen!)

Question

I've been told I have a place to stay in the Super Cool Young Kids Party House. What does that even mean?

Answer

*** If you're staying with us at the house, please know we won't arrive to let you in until after 4 PM on Saturday afternoon! *** We've rented the Bighorn Lodge, a newly built custom log home, from the afternoon of 9/19 through the morning of 9/22. The property has 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, 2 kitchens, outdoor fire pits, and more! Sleeping arrangements include 4 queen beds, 2 queen sofa beds, and 1 double sofa bed. We also intend to bring some air mattresses. Sleeping arrangements are essentially first come, first served - so please let us know ASAP if you're able to join us!

Question

What should I bring? Is there anything I can do to help?

Answer

This weekend is about enjoying yourself while we enjoy your company. Other than sorting out getting to BV and having a place to stay, we’re really just hoping everyone can have a nice, relaxing weekend, filled with celebration and opportunities for our most favorite people to spend time together. Consider packing a swimsuit and towel for hot springs and good shoes for hiking, and know we plan to take photos Sunday evening - and while you’re free to dress how you’d like, we’re fans of a Rocky Mountain Formal baseline: jeans and flannels. Ultimately, balance your comfort with something you’ll be happy seeing being captured in photos. Finally: the most helpful thing you can do is be considerate of COVID in the days leading up to our time together. Remember, the virus can spread before symptoms appear, and does so most easily through five P’s: people in prolonged, poorly ventilated, protection-free proximity.

Question

Wait... So there's no ceremony?

Answer

Nope! At least, not a traditional one with an audience. We will have a private ceremony together in the mountains on Sunday, September 20th. Think of it like an elopement... followed by a small after party for immediate family (and family-like friends) that evening!

Question

What about a reception?

Answer

Due to COVID-19, a more traditional reception will occur sometime in 2022. While this delay is less than ideal, it will allow all our friends and family to gather for a large celebration safely - while giving special consideration to the health and safety of our high-risk loved ones. Plus, it should make it much easier for our family and friends abroad to navigate any travel restrictions and join us in Colorado! Details coming soon...

Question

What about a bridal shower? Bachelor party? Is there a maid of honor and best man?

Answer

Nope - at least not in 2020. All still TBD but possibly something we can fold into our official reception in 2022 as COVID clears up. Stay tuned!

Question

Will Argos and Aspen be there?

Answer

Of course - the party can't start without them! (We had to get special permission to add them to the rental though, so we have to ask you please leave your furry companions at home.)