© Red Scarf Shots

Advantage Design

April’s Garden

Durango Mountain Resort

Gateway Reservations

Groove U

Lemon Head Hair Salon

Occasions Bridal &Events Boutique

Red Scarf Shots

Rochester Hotel

Signature Salon & Spa

Sorrel Sky Gallery

Strater Hotel

Sue Benton

introduction & contents

distinguished durango 2014 service · style · design 1 2

Red Scarf Shots“McCarson Jones with Red Scarf Shots is THE photographer for your wedding day! Her energy, positivityand creativeness will make your wedding pictures exactly what you always dreamed of. She did just thatfor ours. McCarson instantly ‘clicked’ with our friends and family and made our wedding day perfect!'

~ Sarah and Chris Flower.

Occasions Event Planning“…Th ank you sooo much for an amazing job sooo well done!! We enjoyed our wedding so much. We have

you to thank for the ease of it all! You are amazing at your job! I have never been so relaxed on such an important day! Th ank you for managing all the details and the stress! You made it the most amazing day!

Th ank you!” ~ Karen

Durango Mountain Resort“I cannot say enough good things about the DMR team. Th e team was working 24/7 for us. Th eir hard work

paid off , and it was a fabulous event. We are grateful to everyone for the tireless, selfl ess eff ort for our day.While a “thank you” is not adequate, it will have to do. Th ank you, thank you, thank you!” ~ Kanon M.

Strater Hotel & CateringWe absolutely loved staying at the historic Strater Hotel during our wedding week! Th is beautiful and very historic hotel located in the heart of Durango exceeded all my expectations. Th e front desk was welcoming,

the staff was accommodating at all times, the food was outstanding, the bars and entertainment were awesome, and the rooms were exceptionally clean. Th e Strater truly made us, and all our guests, feel like family— it

was a perfect home away from home during the most important and fun week of our lives. ~ Meredith

Sue BentonWe want to tell you that your coordination and presentation of our recent wedding ceremony was a beautiful and memorable milepost in our new life. Your radiant personality certainly put us at easy while reciting our

vows. We wish you the best in all of your future endeavors. Many thanks for “making” our day. Looking forward to visiting with you next year on our fi rst anniversary. ~ Gene & Charlene

Lemon Head Hair SalonAlayna is the best stylist in Durango. She has a ton of experience and has trained/studied hair & make up in

New York, Florida, Colorado & Delaware. I highly recommend Alayna and her team! ~ Cheryl

Rochester Hotel“Th e Rochester is quintessential

Durango with the added benefi t of modern amenities and fl awless service.”

~ TG

“Th e staff continues to amaze us. Five Star Excellence and Consistency!”

~ FFR

Occasions Bridal“Th e gals at Occasions made my experience extremely memorable.

Th anks for helping make the search for my dress stress free and most importantly, FUN!”

~Kelsey S.

April’s Garden“My wedding day dreams came

true and all the fl owers you provided were stunning. Th e

bouquets were so delicate and colorful and phenomenal! Th ank

you is not enough... Love, Mrs. Baker.”

testimonials

Whatever your inspiration, Distinguished Durango can make your dream a reality. We are a collective group of Wedding and Event Specialists off ering the best advice, products and services in Southwest Colorado and beyond.

Allow us to spark your imagination as you begin planning your big event. From large decisions to the smallest of details let Distinguished Durango be your guide.

Welcome!

att ireOccasions Bridal & Events Boutique . . . . 9

cateringStrater Events & Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

dance instructionGroove U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

engagement ringsSorrel Sky Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

flowersApril’s Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

hair & makeupLemon Head Hair Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

invitationsAdvantage Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Occasions Bridal & Events Boutique . . . . 9

offi ciantSue Benton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

photographyRed Scarf Shots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

reservations & servicesDurango Reservations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

spaSignature Salon & Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

venuesDurango Mountain Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Strater Hotel & Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Rochester Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

wedding planning & coordinationOccasions Bridal & Events Boutique . . . . 9

Table of Contents

© Red Scarf Shots© Red Scarf Shots

the perfect palette flowers as art

service · style · design distinguished durango 20143 4

With a reputation for excellence and a passion for creating custom products, Advantage Design can help style your event with a truly personalized statement. We are dedicated to offering distinctive stationery by combining bold images with beautiful type, gorgeous embellishments and rich papers. At Advantage Design we delight in every detail of creating memorable save-the-dates and invitations for your special day.

For our wedding clients, it has always been our goal to enable a couple’s personality to shine through with sophis-tication, distinction and wit by creating invitations that are beautiful and unique. Since no two occasions are alike, the same is true of our invitations.

Whether you know what you want or need guidance and direction for your printed materials we can mold your ideas into extraordinary visuals. We look forward to assisting you with a day to remember.

970.903.5539 ~ Durango, COwww.DurangoAdvantageDesign.com www.durangoflorist.com

2075 Main Avenue, Durango, CO970.247.1633 ~ 800.247.1634

April’s Garden is Durango’s premier wedding and special event florist. We love flowers and we love weddings, and our goal is to design your wedding flowers to reflect your personal style perfectly! Whether you know exactly what you want, or you would like us to design it all to reflect your vision, rest assured that you’ll have the highest quality flowers available with unmatched design and service. Our team of talented designers is here to provide exceptional service and to create a picture perfect wedding or event.

High quality design is a trademark of April’s Garden, our floral artist participate in design training and competitions whenever possible to make sure we’re on top of our game and ahead of the curve with current floral trends. We strive to provide sustainably grown flowers year round from US farms, in addition to sourcing exotic flowers from around the world as they are seasonally available. We feature locally grown flowers from several local farms in the summer months.

We thank you for your interest in April’s Garden and look forward to being part of your special event! Call to schedule your complimentary initial consultation today!

© Red Scarf Shots

© Red Scarf Shots

© Red Scarf Shots

location, location, location destination... wedding

DurangoMountainResort.com/weddings ~ 970.385.2164 ~ /Durango Mountain Weddings

distinguished durango 2014 service · style · design 5 6

Durango Mountain Resort weddings offer:

• Small,intimateweddingstolargegroupsof 300 guests

• Discountedlodgingandactivities

• Space fees include ceremony and reception site. Reception site includes linens, napkins, full setup of reception site, wait staff and bartender

• Locationstohostrehearsaldinnerandpost- wedding brunch

• Amenitiesincludefunactivities,concierge services, valet parking, transportation, day spa, and winter horse drawn sleigh rides.

• Dayofweddingfulfillmentassistant

Create the Wedding of Your Dreams!

3 Breathtaking Ceremony Sites5 Unique Reception Venues

© Red Scarf Shots© Red Scarf Shots© Red Scarf Shots

don’t skip a beat

distinguished durango 2014 service · style · design

Call 970.799.8832By appointment only ~ 26369 Hwy 160

/groove.udurango

7 8

The music starts, and the room stands still. All eyes are gazing upon the two of you as you make your entrance onto the dance floor, and begin the synchronized steps that set the tone for this moment and many to come.

Your wedding dance not only celebrates your beginning, it also shares the joy of this important day with all who are there to witness the beauty of your union - “your first dance”- as husband and wife. Make this special moment one that you will treasure, with personalized dance choreography and instruction that captures the essence of your life’s dance together to perfection.

Dance instruction and consultation for weddings and events which includes:

•Musicselection

• Sitevisitanddancefloormapping

• Dancechoreography–fromsimpleto elaborate and romantic to humorous

• IndividualizedinstructionforBrideand Groom dance, as well as Father/Bride and Mother/Groom dances

Leslie Carlson offers more than 20 years of professional dance instruction and expertise, teaching a large variety of diverse dance styles to create the perfect mood, tone and experience for your wedding or event.

Private Dance Instruction with Groove U.

beauty defined

service · style · design

spotlight your stylewedding & event essentials

distinguished durango 20149 10

At The Place He Proposed: Aft er all, what better way to capture an engagement photo session, than the place where it all started!

Scouting Your Location: When looking for a location to marry, remember your photos will be best with light support. Extra fl ashes may be necessary.

Reminding Family: When sending all those emails out about details, don’t forget to make a plan on photography. Make a timeline with your photographer and your family to make sure you capture everything.

Your Style: Make a collection of images that you love. When you see something in a magazine or online, don’t hesitate to start a style fi le. I encourage all of my clients to do this.

Special Moments: Is it impor-tant for your mother to assist you with the dress or for your father to have a special moment with you before you walk down the aisle? Th ink about these moments and if you want them captured.

Your Specialty Items: Documenting family heirlooms or your wedding rings is a must. Make sure you have those handy!

Images With Your Pet: Almost everyone has a pet child. Please think about how to incorporate them in to your photography.

Photos With a Mouthful: I always keep the camera close by, but don’t worry, I don’t take pho-tos of you eating or of your family and guests enjoying their meal. Who wants to be photographed during this time? NO ONE.

Important People: On each questionnaire I give my clients, I always ask who is important; ag-ing grandparents, new babies, etc?

Setting the Scene: With each photo session, the scene is important. Th ink about how the room is set up: Is it clean, will your dress and shoes stand out? Clean images make good ones!

Props vs. Nature: Whatever your style and set up for the day... I can help you capture some stun-ning artistic images. Prior to your date we will discuss what you would like to create.

Dance Time: Some of the most fun shots will be taken on the dance fl oor when everyone starts to let their hair down, but a good photographer also knows when to shoot and when to keep the camerainthebag–noonewantsto end up in a “blackmail shot”!

Complete Your Event With A Photographer - Consult with Red Scarf Shots

Red Scarf Shots

970.759.8404 ~ 862 Main Avenue, Suite 219 ~ Durango, COwww.redscarfshotswedding.blogspot.com ~ www.redscarfshots.com

Boutique

Designer Wedding Gowns

Bridesmaid Dresses

Tuxedos & Suits

Couture Prom Dresses

Gown Cleaning & Preservation

Invitations

Veils, Bridal Belts & Jewelry

Wedding & Event Planning & Coordination

Save time, money and stress by utilizing our experienced wedding and event planners. Our event designers and decor assistants will transform your celebration into an event radiating with innovation and undeniable style.

970.764.4939 1021 Main Avenue ~ Durango, CO

www.OccasionsDurango.com

© Red Scarf Shots© Red Scarf Shots© Red Scarf Shots

service · style · design distinguished durango 201411 12

pamper yourselfsecret garden

www.SignatureDurango.com970.247.7769 ~ info@signaturedurango.com

1521 Main Avenue ~ Durango, CO

From bridal showers to pre-wedding pampering, Signature Salon.Spa.Med Spa has what you need for your special day. Our unique roof-top event venue overlooks the calming Animas River and is a wonderful place to hold a bridal shower or just relax in between services on your spa day. Whether it’s the day of, day before, or weeks in advance, our spa professionals will come together to create a pre-wedding experience you and your bridal party will remember as a highlight of the whole affair.

Conveniently located in historic downtown, Signature Salon.Spa.Med Spa is Durango’s premier spa experience! Our relaxing spa environment provides a tranquil respite and with a wide array of services, delivered by trained professionals, you’re sure to find just what you need. Our spa menu includes beautifying facials, relaxing massages, rejuvenating body treatments for glowing skin, dramatic make-up and lash extensions as well as fabulous nail services for beautiful hands and feet.

Call today to speak with our special events coordinator and learn how we can create a picture-perfect spa day for you and your party!

Signature Med Spa Plan ahead for the big day. Call or stop by for a free consultation with Durango’s most respected Botox, FotoFacial and Dermal Filler medical aesthetic professionals. Our team of registered nurses work under the medical directorship of Dr. Randy Rice, M.D.

Love Your LookBook your bridal shower, pre-wedding

parties, and more at our Roof-top Venue overlooking the Animas River. Signature has everything you, your bridal party, your guest,

and your groom need to celebrate the start of your wedding.

Hours:Tuesday–Saturday9am-6pmandbyspecial appointment for your wedding needs.

service · style · design distinguished durango 201413 14

begin your journey

Photo: Red Scarf Shots

historic elegance

Creating Memorable Events from Our Corner of the World

Nestled in the heart of the rugged San Juan Mountains and picturesque town of Durango, the historic Strater Hotel is one of Southwest Colorado’s premiere wedding venues. Draped in its original white stone cornices and ornamental brickwork, decorated with lavish crystal

chandeliers, Victorian antiques, and its central location on Main Avenue, all make this 126-year-old hotel an ideal location to step back in time for your magical wedding.

Th e Strater Catering & Events Company is dedicated to the fi ne art of wedding planning and creating memorable events. Th ere are a variety of sophisticated banquet rooms to choose from within the hotel including the elegant Henry Strater Th eatre. Parties of up to 275 can be accommodated with a large variety of enchanting guestrooms to choose from.

Culinary artists create fresh and unique menus from a palette loaded with local color and fl avor. Th e wait staff provides impeccable service with an attention to detail that surpasses all others. With years of experience, the Strater Catering & Events team works diligently to customize a unique experience for you and your guests.

800.247.4431 | 970.375.7124 | 699 Main Avenue | Durango, CO 81301Strater.com | StraterCateringAndEvents.com | Emily Spencer | espencer@strater.com

© Red Scarf Shots

© Red Scarf Shots

service · style · design distinguished durango 201415 16

Flowers Come to your wedding consultation with

lots of photos of fl owers and bouquets that you like as well as color swatches of

your bridesmaids dresses. Share your inspirations with us and we’ll make your

vision a reality!

Dance Your fi rst dance is a symbol of starting

your life together, adds elegance to your reception and creates a beautiful memory. Start well in advance and be patient while learning. Give yourselves plenty of time to feel confi dent and comfortable when you take that fi rst turn around the dance fl oor

as husband and wife.

Hair & Makeup Be sure to have a hair and makeup trial at least two weeks before your wedding.

Th is will give you peace of mind to know exactly how you will look and give you the opportunity to change things in advance if necessary. Make sure to bring your veil,

headpiece and jewelry.

Photographer Outside events are fabulous, and as you plan

your celebration, give thought to the light that you will have as the sun goes down.

Your photographer will be so grateful for ambient light or enough light so that they don’t have to use their fl ash for all

your images.

AlterationsSchedule a fi tting appointment for gown alterations at least 6 weeks before your wedding date. Don’t forget to bring the

shoes and foundation garments you will wear with the dress to your appointment.

Helpful hints from professionals.tips & tricksI do...

SUE BENTONO F F I C I A N T

619-964-3977loveties@gmail.com

Love is a miraculous gift , and a wedding is a

celebration of that magic.

We wish for you a love that makes both of you better people; that continues to give you joy, and a zest for living.

It is the promise of possibilities, the expectation of joyful surprise.

Th ose who take the vows of marriage (civil, interfaith, non-denominational or alternative) are brought into the closest and most sacred of human relationships. It is one of the most important steps one takes in their life time.

Because of the importance of this day,

I commit myself to creating a BEAUTIFUL, JOYOUS, and INSPIRATIONAL

ceremony that will make YOUR day

the special occasion that it is!

“

”

© Red Scarf Shots

© Red Scarf Shots

© Red Scarf Shots

service · style · design 17 18

distinguished durango 2014

Planning your wedding: Remember that this day is for you and your fiancé. There is no “right way” to plan your

day, so create it unique to you.

Know that all your hard work is going to an amazing day that you will remember forever.

It can seem overwhelming as you are spending time to put the details together.

On the big day it will all come together and will be well worth your time and effort.

Choose the few things that are really important to you, like the photographer and venue, and then go from there. Be flexible on the other details and remember to have fun.

Begin Early and CommunicateThe most successful and stress free events

are those where information is relayed to the venue early and communication regarding

caterers, linens, flowers, photographers, etc. is consistent and open. When all the

pieces can be placed together before the special day, the event itself is seamless.

Welcome Bags for Guests Putting together welcome bags for those

coming for your special event should reflect you. Have fun and be creative. Let

the front desk staff of the hotel where your guests are staying know you’ll be dropping

off gift bags for your friends and family. And if you have time, label them…it is

greatly appreciated by the hospitality staff.

Bride & Groom:Make sure you do hair & color designs two

weeks before the wedding. This goes for all skin treatments as well as waxing. This insures if something goes wrong there is

time to fix the problem. Under stress skin treatments and waxing can sometimes cause

skin irritation.

Make sure you use a professional hair and makeup artist to maximize your special day.

It’s important to do trial hair and makeup prior to your wedding day. Make sure to

bring your veil and/or any accessories you are thinking of wearing. Hair extensions, false lashes or lash extensions should be

discussed also.

AccommodationsWhen choosing locations for your guests to

stay, consider hotels that has character, charm, and a offer a great location to the many amenities that downtown Durango

has to offer.

CateringConsider all dietary needs when picking a menu. Buffets can be a great option to accommodate everyone including

vegetarians as well as any gluten free guests or those with allergy restrictions.

OfficiantThe Officiant is the one who ties your

hearts together with the words you choose to have spoken on this most important day. Your ceremony should reflect the unique essence of your commitment to

one another! Your feelings, dreams, hopes and love that have lead to this day, are what

an Officiant helps radiate to your guests, and will be remembered by you when you

recall your Wedding Day.

Getting your guests to your destination wedding:

Durango’s idyllic setting combined with unique lodging and activity options make

it the perfect place for a destination wedding. However, many guests have a hard time finding rates and availability to fit their needs during Durango’s busy

season. Make sure to plan ahead and reserve or “block” space for your party at

your choice of lodging and activity options well in advance. You will typically also

want to plan on a variety of options to help respect your guests’ varying budgets.

Need help comparing lodging options and blocking space? Use a reservation service

to help you shop, plan and block all of your lodging and activity options, from start

to finish.

tips & trickstips & tricks

and planning for the unexpected!Helpful hints for your special day�

Photos © Red Scarf Shots

We are...a collective of Wedding & Event Specialists who have come together to off er our clients creativity, convenience and the highest level of service for your special event or gathering.

w w w . D i s t i n g u i s h e d D u r a n g o . c o m

SUE BENTONSUE

© Red Scarf Shots