Black Canyon Inn

Serena & Nicholas's Wedding

To our family and friends, We are so excited to celebrate with our favorite people surrounded by the mountains we love so much. Thank you for being part of our story, cheering us on, and making this day even more special. Your love, support, and encouragement (and willingness to travel) have meant so much to us throughout our journey. We feel so blessed to have you by our side as we begin this next adventure together. We can't wait to soak in the views, the happy tears, and all of the cherished memories with you in Estes Park! Love,Serena &amp; Nicholas

Our Wedding

The truth about how Nick and Serena met is not one of those cinematic moments with fireworks or slow-motion glances. It started simply and somehow more magical. What began during a yoga class at their local climbing gym turned into two best friends who found true love. While everyone else was trying hard not to fall over, Nick proved he was surprisingly flexible. Casual conversation after class slowly turned into months of friendship. One adventure led to another: paddling off on kayaking adventures, camping under the stars, hiking every trail they could find, laughing through game nights, and tackling climbing trips together. Somewhere between the campfires and climbing ropes, they had found their counterpart in the other.One snowy evening, as Nick gave Serena a ride home, he finally admitted that he was completely in love with her. On the "First Kiss" bridge in Bronxville, NY, he politely asked for a kiss; proving that sometimes the shortest bridge leads to the biggest leap.From trail mates to soulmates, their adventures only grew- hikes across the Northeast and the Rockies, wandering the streets of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and learning to dive side by side beneath turquoise water. After a spontaneous weekend in Germany for a Taylor Swift concert, Serena knew she’d found the man of her dreams. Wherever they traveled, every map seemed to point to the same place—toward each other.Life, like any trail, brought rocky sections. Through a freak accident, the loss of loved ones, and seasons of sickness and healing, their bond deepened. Faith, family, and friendship steadied them. They stood by one another through hardship, grateful for a love rooted in trust and grace, with Nick literally being Serena’s right-hand man.After earning their advanced scuba certification overlooking Jamaica’s crystal-blue waters, Nick got down on one knee and asked his best friend to spend forever with him. Serena’s “yes” came easily, followed by happy tears and a private dinner on the beach as the sun set. The sunset was beautiful- but not nearly as beautiful as the future they were dreaming about.Today their home is full of laughter, loving family and friends, suitcases ready by the door, hiking boots waiting for the next trail, and two wonderfully spoiled cats—Antonio and Bailey—who insist everything includes them. Looking back, the greatest climb wasn’t up a mountain but the journey from friends to forever. Their story has taught them that life is always better when they keep choosing each other, one adventure at a time.

Our Story

Photos

Maritza Rodriguez

Zane Shatz

Samantha Van Wormer

Chris Ahern

Morgan Tausz

Andrew Tausz

Victoria DuBon

Haoran Jiang

Emily Giacchi

Karnav Trivedi

Timothy Tausz 

Dale Van Wormer

Linda Tausz

Dawn Jennings

Rita Mazzella

James Kressman (Uncle Jim)

Wedding Party

Mountain weddings are great- the view takes your breath away and so does the altitude. We ask that you please stay well hydrated, pace yourself, and rest as needed so you can fully enjoy the celebration and the scenery.

Q + A

Black&nbsp;Canyon&nbsp;Inn&nbsp;is&nbsp;an&nbsp;elevated&nbsp;mountain&nbsp;vacation&nbsp;rental&nbsp;property&nbsp;with&nbsp;sweeping&nbsp;views&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;unique&nbsp;blend&nbsp;of&nbsp;accommodations&nbsp;with&nbsp;condos&nbsp;and&nbsp;suites&nbsp;all&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;tucked-away&nbsp;setting.&nbsp;Just&nbsp;minutes&nbsp;from&nbsp;downtown&nbsp;Estes&nbsp;Park&nbsp;and&nbsp;Rocky&nbsp;Mountain&nbsp;National&nbsp;Park.&nbsp;These&nbsp;suites&nbsp;are&nbsp;located&nbsp;about&nbsp;a&nbsp;1-2&nbsp;minute&nbsp;walk&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;wedding&nbsp;ceremony&nbsp;and&nbsp;reception&nbsp;location.&nbsp;

Travel

Places to eat

Village Bagels

Kind Coffee

Notchtop Bakery & Cafe

Claire's Restaurant and Bar

The Taffy Shop

Activities 

Out &amp; Back hike. Moderate hike, 4 miles, 741 ft elevation gain. Bear Lake Trailhead is a popular starting point for hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and pristine lakes. The trailhead provides access to numerous trails, including the scenic loop around Bear Lake, which showcases impressive views and unique alpine scenery. Visitors are often captivated by the diverse plant life and occasional wildlife sightings. Bear Lake Loop: ~0.5 mi RT, very easy, mostly flat; excellent acclimation walk and scenic lake views.Bear Lake Nature Trail: ~0.8 mi RT, easy interpretive-style stroll.Nymph Lake: ~1.2 mi RT, ~262 ft gain; short climb but generally very manageable.Dream Lake: ~2.2 mi RT, ~426 ft gain; a classic “first bigger hike” with strong payoff.

Alpine Lake Hike 

Old Fall River Road is an incredible 9.4-mile scenic drive. This unpaved road begins next to Endovalley Picnic Area and follows the steep slope of Mount Chapin's south face. The road ends at the summit of Fall River Pass and the parking area for the Alpine Visitor Center at an elevation of 11,796 feet.

Old Fall River Road Scenic Drive

Local artisan shop. Pottery, glasswork, paintings, handmade jewelry, etc.

Mystic Mountain Gallery

The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, inspired Stephen King’s 1977 novel The Shining after he stayed there in 1974, captivated by its isolated setting and eerie atmosphere.

The Stanley Hotel

The Estes Park Aerial Tram offers visitors an unforgettable experience with breathtaking 360° views from an elevation of 8,708 feet. Nestled in the heart of Estes Park, CO, this iconic tramway provides a unique opportunity to explore the stunning Rocky Mountain landscape from a bird's-eye perspective. As guests ascend, they are treated to panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, lush forests, and the charming town below, making it a perfect outing for families, couples, and adventure seekers alike.

Estes Park Aerial Tramway

Things to Do

Registry

nickandserena2027.com