FAQs

Question

I think Colorado sounds like too much for me, but I still want to celebrate with y'all, what should I do?

Answer

Do not fear! We recognize that this is a huge ask of time, money and planning! We will be hosting a Chicago potluck-reception August 30th 2025 in Dundee, Illinois. We will also be hosting a California bachlor/ette party TBD. Please do not stress over joining us if you cannot make the Colorado event - we completely understand and hope to celebrate with you at a more convenient event for you.

Question

Where/When is the Chicago Reception?

Answer

We are so excited to hang out, eat and celebrate midwest style with you all! The Chicago Reception is at Potawatomi Woods Dam No. 1. The pavilion is on the south side of the woods. There is easy parking, bathrooms, food and beverages, music, games and a rocking good time. Potawatomi Woods features delightful hiking trails through prairie and woodlands, as well as the Des Plaines river. You can find us at the forest preserve on Saturday August 30th 2025 from 12:00-6:00pm. Dam No. 1 Woods-East Dundee Rd, east of Milwaukee Ave Wheeling, IL 60090 (Fun fact - the prairie here is one of Lizz's first restoration field work sites!)

Question

Where is "The Cabin at Trout Lake"?

Answer

WHOOPS! Not quite sure how that slipped by us during the draft phase of the invites!! Here you go - 302 Old Water Tank Ln, Ophir, CO 81320

Question

What amenities will we find at the Cabin?

Answer

The Cabin is a rustic homestead sitting in a beautiful alpine meadow with tremendous views of the San Miguel Mountain Range. We do not recommend wearing high heels, If you wouldn't take an uneven gravel hike in it please leave it at home. We will set up a lawn with seating, games, a tent with tables, chairs and entertainment, and of course a modest stage! Please understand that we are increasing the number of guests typically at the Cabin and surrounding land and that there will a temporary bathroom set up (porta-potty) to accommodate our numbers. If for health or safety reasons you require the use of the indoor facilities do not hesitate to make use of them. Outdoor Shower ( Hot water ) Filtered Stream Potable Water 1 Gas Grill likely in constant demand 1 large shelter tent with propane heaters 18 hole disc golf course First aid station ***If there are enough interested parties in getting a hotel room in Mountain Village we will get a hotel block, so please let us know if this is your preferred option so we can try and get better rates for everyone! If this happens we will also provide a shuttle on the special day from Mountain Village.**

Question

How do I get to the Cabin?

Answer

On our Special Day we will help provide a shuttle from the Mountain Lodge Hotel block to the Cabin. Other that that you will enter on Trout Lake Road until you see a sign on the left for Old Water Tower Road, where there will be a walk-talkie valet station to get you up the road to the Cabin. PLEASE have your GPS directions pulled up on your phone before you leave Telluride, Norwood, Cortez/Dolores, Salida, once you leave these towns there will be NO CELL SERVICE. If you have a Garmin In-Reach (Satellite messaging here is my Garmin number - ) this number will be monitored throughout the week.

Question

What is the Colorado weather like?

Answer

The weather in Southwest Colorado can change at any time. During July it is typical to have an afternoon shower. Please come prepared for 40s - 70s and weather changes - we recommend a bringing a coat/windbreaker/rain-jacket, comfortable and durable shoes, a hat, sunglasses and perhaps a bag to carry everything with. We will have tents with heating, snacks, entertainment and so much more!

Question

Can I camp at the Cabin?

Answer

YES PLEASE! We encourage anyone who can camp to please camp so you do not have to drive all week!

Question

Is there Cell Phone Service at Trout Lake?

Answer

NO! Expect NO CELL SERVICE once you leave Telluride or Mountain Village. You will get service until Dolores and then nothing the 1 hour drive up the mountain.

Question

It doesn't look like there are a lot of food options in the Trout Lake area, any suggestions?

Answer

There are not! We have added potluck food RSVPs to 7/25, 7/26 and 7/27, please reply with the number of guests that will be eating, if you would like to help cook, if you would like to help with the cost, or cleaning up. This is a rustic venue and we are trying hard to ensure that no one goes hungry, but it will be a community effort! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE come willing to help chip in some way for dining. Again that help can be helping at the grocery store, assisting in cooking meals, cleaning up or if none of that strikes you, monetary help is fabulous!

Question

Is the Colorado event kid friendly?

Answer

Being as this event is at 10,000 feet we really recommend only bringing your children if they are comfortable being uncomfortable. We especially do not recommend bringing children if they are unable to communicate their discomfort (ie- if your kids are non-verbal), again being at 10,000 feet can be difficult on even adults. Please contact us if you are interested in bringing your children so we can make sure this event is compatible for them.

Question

Is the Colorado event dog-friendly?

Answer

Please only bring well behaved dogs, this means that your dog will come when called, be kind to all other guests and NOT chase the wildlife. You will be responsible for your dog/s behavior, and if your dog is disruptive you will be asked to take your dog away from the event.

Question

I am overwhelmed by all this information and I don't know where I should stay/what I need to to!?

Answer

Call us! We are beyond grateful and excited that you are considering coming to celebrate with us! We adore planning trips and would love to help you plan and decide what is best for you, but please do so before the RSVP date as after that we will have our own planning to do.