While attending the University of Texas, Lauren Maguire and Christopher “Barrett” Mize knew each other only in passing. They had no idea that their paths probably crossed during their families’ frequent trips to Crested Butte, Colorado. In hindsight, Lauren admits, “We’re convinced we were in summer camps and ski school together for years.” The two became friends when they studied together in a summer program at the London School of Economics. And after graduation, when they were both in NYC, the pair started dating.
Four years later, Lauren took a trip to Crested Butte, Colorado with her mother, sister, aunt, her cousin, and her cousin’s two children. The night before, Lauren’s father flew in and effectively crashed the girls’ trip. He claimed to be there to help cook and care for the children, so the ladies could relax. Barrett stayed in Texas to play golf with friends—or so Lauren thought.
The next morning her father asked Lauren and her sister to walk their dog, Indie. When they headed down the trail, Lauren discovered it was covered with white rose petals. Barrett waited in the valley at the end with a bottle of champagne, an engagement ring, and a proposal. She said, “Yes!” When the couple returned to the house, both of their families were already there, ready to celebrate.
For Barrett and Lauren, there could be no better place to marry than Crested Butte. “As far as aesthetic goes, we wanted something that felt like it belonged in Colorado but was elevated and beautiful,” Lauren describes of their wedding style. “Lots of wood, watercolors, natural elements paired with modern, clean ones.” Sara Fay Egan Events brought their vision to life.
“I wanted something that felt like me, felt fresh, young, pretty, and made me feel confident,” Lauren shares of what she was looking for in a wedding dress. “I tend to opt for things that are trendy, or edgy, or different, and I wanted my wedding dress to feel like that while also being timeless.” She tried on every dress silhouette and material possible before finally putting on a Mira Zwillinger gown at Neiman Marcus. She knew immediately it was “the one.” Lauren’s cousin wore Mira Zwillinger on her wedding day and generously gave Lauren the same veil to pair with the dress.
Lauren also worked closely with her stylist, Cynthia Cook Smith, to tailor every bridal outfit. Lauren’s Friend & Company diamond earrings were the perfect sparkling addition to every outfit that whole weekend. Jewelry was purposefully kept to a minimum, allowing the outfits to make a singular statement. Lauren’s hair and makeup artist, Lana Adams, made her look timeless, beautiful, and just like herself on her wedding day.
Cynthia introduced Lauren to Patricia Voto, founder and designer of One/Of, to create the bridal luncheon and after-party looks. “Patricia was an absolute dream to work with,” Lauren divulges. “Especially as a bride, she made all of my visions come to life!” For the after-party, Voto even designed Lauren’s dream dress, inspired by a reflective floor-length gown Diana Ross wore once. Cynthia also connected Lauren with Alexandra O’Neill of Markarian. O’Neill designed Lauren’s brocade rehearsal dinner gown and the maid and matron of honor outfits using existing silhouettes.
The Crested Butte weekend kicked off with a welcome party catered by Divvy Ghost Kitchen and florals from Misty Mountain Floral. Guests drank drinks from the Irwin Brewing Co. beer truck, while the Floodgate Operators played bluegrass hits. Lauren’s aunt and two grandmothers hosted the bridal luncheon at the Sunflower. Every guest arrived dressed in sunflower yellows. The rehearsal dinner at the best steakhouse in town, Elk Avenue Prime. Bramble & Bloom Floral decorated the space with lush flowers. Photographer Liz Banfield captured the weekend’s many special moments with her camera.
On July 23, 2022, guests gathered in a field directly in front of the Crested Butte Mountain. Lauren’s mother and Barrett worked tirelessly with Mike Sandone to line the aisle with the peak of the mountain.
Before Lauren walked down that carefully placed aisle, a gust of wind knocked down a few glasses and Three Branches Floral’s beautiful arrangements. But as soon as the bride began her procession, the entire valley stilled. Barrett donned a custom Canali tuxedo and black Tecovas cowboy boots. Their officiant, Tova Sido, made the ceremony deeply personal, relatable, and joyous. Thunderstorms lurked throughout the valley, but the ceremony avoided the heavier bouts of rain until a light sprinkle started during the vows. Right after the couple said their I dos, a rainbow spread out across the sky.
Lauren’s father delivered a toast before the seated dinner by Epicurean Catering. The menu consisted of a tomato and burrata salad, short rib, and wedding cake, of course. The newlyweds shared their first dance to “All Your’n” by Tyler Childers. The band, Jessie’s Girls, brought high-voltage energy to the reception tent. Once the dancing began, it did not stop.
That revelry continued into the Cowboy Disco-themed after-party. After Jessie’s Girls finished their set, the horns led guests through the tent and into the barn. Light-up cowboy hats reflected on the disco balls and mylar balloons that lined the ceiling. Guests sipped espresso martinis served in disco cups. A deejay spun the couple’s favorite tracks, and the horse stalls were even transformed into “VIP club lounges.” Mr. and Mrs. Mize could not imagine a better send-off for their French honeymoon.
