Lauren & Porter’s Elopement at Pine Creek Cookhouse, Aspen

Some love stories take years to come together and when they do, the timing feels just right. That’s exactly how it was for Lauren and Porter, whose paths first crossed back in 2013 at The Rustic in Dallas during a Tacky Christmas Sweater Party. They danced that night, but it wasn’t until 2025 that they reconnected and discovered they were meant to be each other’s best friend forever.

Their Story

Porter had asked Lauren out a few times over the years, but the stars didn’t align until April 22, 2025. Their official first date was a picnic at the Sailing Club on White Rock Lake — simple, romantic, and the start of something truly beautiful.

By the end of that date, they both felt it: this was forever.

A few months later, Porter planned a proposal at the Dallas Arboretum on July 26th. He picked out the perfect spot, got down on one knee, and asked Lauren to marry him. Even though keeping the secret was impossible (Lauren knew something was coming!), the moment was still full of joy. They celebrated with champagne in a nearby gazebo, marking the start of their next chapter.

Eloping in Aspen

When it came to planning their wedding day, Lauren and Porter knew they wanted something intimate, surrounded by nature, and full of adventure. Aspen, with its breathtaking mountain views and wild beauty, was the perfect choice.

They chose to elope at Pine Creek Cookhouse, one of Aspen’s most iconic and romantic venues. Nestled in the Castle Creek Valley, Pine Creek Cookhouse feels like stepping into a postcard — with sweeping peaks, alpine meadows, and a cozy mountain lodge tucked away in the trees.

The Ceremony

The couple exchanged vows with the mountains towering behind them, the valley stretching endlessly around, and the soft mountain breeze carrying their words. It was quiet, intimate, and deeply personal — everything they had envisioned for their elopement.

Lauren looked radiant against the alpine backdrop, her joy shining brighter than the Aspen sun. Porter couldn’t take his eyes off her, and every look they shared was full of love, laughter, and gratitude that their story had finally brought them here.

Portraits at Pine Creek Cookhouse

After the ceremony, we explored the meadows and trails around Pine Creek Cookhouse, capturing portraits that felt both epic and intimate. From wildflower fields to sweeping mountain views, every frame reflected the balance of adventure and romance that defines Aspen.

The Cookhouse itself added a cozy, rustic touch to their gallery — the perfect contrast to the grandeur of the peaks.

A Love Story Worth the Wait

For Lauren and Porter, this day was years in the making. From dancing at a Christmas party in 2013, to saying yes at the Arboretum in 2025, to eloping in Aspen’s mountains — their journey proves that timing really is everything.

Their elopement at Pine Creek Cookhouse was more than a wedding day; it was the celebration of patience, friendship, and love that only grows stronger with time.

For couples dreaming of a mountain elopement, Aspen offers a mix of stunning scenery, intimate settings, and unforgettable experiences. And just like Lauren and Porter, your love story deserves a backdrop as extraordinary as the journey that brought you together.

Vendors
Photography | MaggShots Photography
Venue | Pine Creek Cookhouse
Hair | RAKxa Wellness Spa at The St. Regis Aspen Resort
Floral | Tindallskye Designs
Officiant | Dan Bosko
Dress | Unbridaled
Tux | Waring Tuxedos
Ring | Eco Estate