Two Hearts Wedding Expo T
he Two Hearts Wedding Expo is Durango and Farmington’s premiere bridal fair. With over 45 vendors at the January 2015 expo, brides can easily see what our area has to offer. You can save time by making initial deposits, or sign confirmation contracts on the spot. The Two Hearts Wedding Expo is definitely your one-stop shop, where brides can plan their day in a day. Not only can you find venues, photographers, attire and more, but brides will also have plenty of opportunities to participate in giveaways. On Sunday, November 8, Farmington expo attendees will have a chance to enter a Carnival 5-day/4-night cruise to Mexico. On Saturday, January 9, 2016, the Durango expo attendees will be able to enter for a Carnival 5-day/4-night cruise to the Bahamas. Both honeymoon giveaways, sponsored by Dinner 4 Two, include food and entertainment, but winners are responsible for taxes and port fees.
Two Hearts Wedding Expo Farmington Civic Center Sunday, November 8 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
More details about the giveaway can be found online. In addition to the honeymoon vacation, Garcia & Co. will be giving away a $500 gift certificate at both expos, along with a $25 bracelet to each bride in attendance. Orthodontics, Inc. will be giving away a $200 gift card from Symbolize It, a company that specializes in unique wedding ideas for personalizing photography. Of course, the expo wouldn’t be complete without a wedding dress giveaway, brought to you by Occasions Bridal & Event Boutique. They will also bring you fashion shows to highlight the most trendy, classy and elegant styles their boutique has to offer. Don’t miss the Farmington expo, located at the Farmington Civic Center on November 8, 2015, and Durango expo, located at the La Plata County Fairgrounds on January 9, 2016.
Two Hearts Wedding Expo La Plata County Fairgrounds Saturday, January 9 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Brought to you by Four Corners Expos and these sponsors:
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Two Hearts Wedding Expo • October 25, 2015
Table of Contents 4
River Bend Ranch expands bridal and event services with more plans for the future
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Kelly Miranda Photography offers great tips for brides to consider when choosing a photographer
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Two Hearts wedding expo Durango and Farmington business listings
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
DOUGLAS BENNETT VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS
BOB GANLEY VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING
DAVID HABRAT CREATIVE SERVICES PRODUCTION MANAGER
SUZANNE DUKE
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8 Wedding Films give advice on opting for videography
SHARON HERMES ADVERTISING DESIGN/ PREPRESS
JIM DODSON OLIVIA DOMBACH LANEY LONGWELL MICHELLE MARTIN LINDA MCDARBY JUSTIN MEEK ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
TODD BARTZ
LAURA MILLER JUAN AYALA SHAWNA LONG KAROLANN LATIMER
RACHEL SEGURA
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FOUR CORNERS EXPOS EVENT MANAGER
SENIOR MANAGER OF DESIGN
ASSISTANT EDITOR/DESIGNER
2015/16 wedding and bridesmaid gown trends are vintage and whimsical
The Durango Herald uses reasonable effort to include accurate and up-to-date information for its special magazine publications. However, all information comes from a variety of sources and may change at any time for any reason. To verify specific information, refer to the organization or business noted. To view the online version of this guide, visit: www.durangoherald.com
October 25, 2015 • Two Hearts Wedding Expo 3
River Bend Ranch Newest stage for Durango weddings
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By Rachel Segura
here are a few key components to an outdoor wedding that will help set it apart from the rest. A magical backdrop that will leave guests speechless is always nice. A spot of water for a whimsical ceremony will make any bride swoon. A reception hall that will flatter any theme or décor is, of course, helpful to a wedding party. River Bend Ranch checks all of these components off their list, and that’s why it’s one of the top spots to get married in Durango. “This location is so magical,” said Jesslyn Hunnicutt, site coordinator for River Bend Ranch. “We’re just north of Durango, right off the highway. When most people drive by they have no idea there’s a lake behind the facility. It feels completely separate from town, and you feel transported.” A mere 10 minutes from town, River Bend Ranch is nestled in the Animas River Valley and hugged by gorgeous red rock mountains. Previously named Sleeping Beauty Ranch, the property switched ownership and has made a number of improvements to their wedding facility. “Last year, we did our first winter wedding,” Hunnicutt said. “We insulated the 3,000-square-foot reception hall and added a winter package. We can now hold weddings year-round.”
In addition to the winter package, the venue also added a footbridge and a pond that lead to a secluded area closer to the mountainside for smaller, intimate wedding parties. It cannot be seen from the main reception area and can only be accessed by foot or by horse-drawn carriage. “We are also working on building a few tiny houses on the property to be used as rentals for bridal party suites. We have one on site now that will be ready to utilize this Christmas.” Wedding planning is still available. Brides can choose detailed coordinator services where Hunnicutt will attend tastings, contact vendors and even put together centerpieces; or they can have her take care of the smaller details the day of the ceremony. “I am definitely a hands-on planner,” she said. “I like coordinating events and organizing details. I’m very enthusiastic about event coordination.” Along with choosing a venue, brides should carefully consider their wedding date. Sometimes those dream dates may be unavailable, especially if you are seeking a midsummer outdoor wedding.
River Bend Ranch, located on Hwy 550, has recently expanded their bridal options to include winter weddings at their gorgeous Animas Valley venue. Photos by Jerry McBride 4
Two Hearts Wedding Expo • October 25, 2015
They don’t currently have Hunnicutt advised that wedding décor on hand when picking the location it’s important to begin a year for rental purposes, but their reception facility is classy, in advance, since outdoor elegant and able to accomvenues will book quickly. modate any type of event. In her opinion, the end For the Durango expo in of May or August are nice November, times to book River Bend at River Bend “This location is Ranch will be Ranch for both so magical...It feels showcasing a the weather and the completely separate new wedding package landscape. from town and June is the you feel transported.” including a Durango most popular - Jesslyn Hunnicutt, Silverton month for River Bend Ranch Narrow Gauge wedding dates event coordinator Railroad and is the busioption. They est time for will have a booth at both their location. Winter wedexpo locations. dings have less turnaround, For information on River so brides can choose a date at least six weeks in advance. Bend Ranch, visit their website riverbendranchdurango. Hunnicutt said the main com or call (970) 335-8877. thing brides should know is You may also e-mail any that wedding packages and inquiries to info@riverbenplanning services have not dranchdurango.com. changed.
An outside view of the reception hall used for various parties and events. For bridal receptions, the venue is now open all year-round.
DECADENT CAKES AND DESSERTS FOR ALL OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS.
(970)335-8877 info@riverbendranchdurango.com
skillfullydecadent.com
970.946.1622 • DURANGO, CO October 25, 2015 • Two Hearts Wedding Expo 5
Image by Kelly Miranda Photography
5 tips for choosing a photographer By Kelly MacNiven
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lanning a wedding in modern times can be easy with Pinterest boards, blogs and ideas readily available to brides and grooms on the Internet. However, all of this planning can seem overwhelming and exhausting – especially when it comes to choosing a wedding photographer. That’s why we’ve created a list of ideas that will make your life easier, when it comes to choosing one of the most important vendors for your wedding day. Here are five tips to help you choose a wedding photographer. Have a budget, but be flexible It’s always a great idea to come to a photographer with a budget in mind so you know what ballpark figure you’d like to stick to. This will help your photographer come up with what kind of coverage and products he/she can offer you within that price range. Photographers will then use this as a tool to build you a collection within your means. However, being flexible when it comes to your budget will ensure you get the photographer you really want. 6
Two Hearts Wedding Expo • October 25, 2015
If the photographer you want is $1,000 over your budget, it may seem like a lot of money at the time, but remember that 10, 20 or even 50 years down the road that $1000 will seem very insignificant compared to the beautiful and lasting images you’ll have to pass down for many generations. Get to know your photographer Choosing a photographer is not strictly about choosing someone who is in your budget and whose work you like. It’s about finding someone whose personality you can mesh well with on your big day. The photographer is the vendor you will spend the most time with and he/she will be with you each moment on your wedding day. Read testimonials about the photographer, find out from other couples what their experience was like, meet the photographer for a consultation, and even consider hiring him/her for an engagement session to see how you, your groom and the photographer work together.
Every photographer has a different energy and style. Some prefer a person who is hyper and gets the laughs going while other couples prefer someone who will be a fly on the wall and capture the day’s emotions. Getting a feel for your photographer will help you make a decision. Ask to see a full wedding Photographers will put their best work on their websites and portfolios. It’s a good idea to ask a potential wedding photographer to show you a full wedding they’ve shot. This way, you can get an idea of the entirety of what he/she captures throughout the day. When couples ask me to see a full wedding, I’m happy to show them the full gallery that my clients have received so they can see how many images are delivered and what types of shots I like to take. Know what you want before you call Sometimes it’s hard to know what you want from a wedding photographer. After all, this isn’t something you’ve necessarily done before. If you do your research, you should be able to get an idea of what you want covered for your wedding day. Do you think you’ll want two photographers for maximum coverage, variety of angles and to make sure nothing is missed? Do you want a copy of the digital images afterwards or is an album most important to you? It’s crucial to consider the end result of your images and think about what you’ll do with them after the wedding. There’s no point in investing thousands of dollars on photography if you are going to share some photos on Facebook and throw the USB drive in your drawer. Consider what prints you’ll want, where you want to put them and what kind of album you’ll want from the day as these are the memories that you’ll enjoy seeing long after your wedding has passed.
Elegant. Timeless. Unique.
Let us capture the most special day of your lives through creative and stunning photographs.
www.kellymirandaphotography.com ~ info@kellymirandaphotography.com ~ 970.946.7279
Go with your gut When all is said and done, and you’ve met a few of your favorite photographers, compared packages and seen their work, don’t make your decision entirely based on price. The money will come and go and years later what you’ve spent won’t matter. An extra $500 could be the difference between an elegant, professionally designed album versus an off color, DIY book that falls apart within the year. An extra $1,000 could be the difference between the calm and collected photographer with an artistic touch and years of experience, versus the new-to-the-industry photographer who didn’t bring a back up camera and has equipment failure. What’s important is that your wedding is as fun as it can possibly be and that you choose someone you love to capture your wedding day. Go with what feels right to you and choose a photographer that you can trust. Kelly MacNiven is a family, baby and wedding photographer. Located in Durango, MacNiven has a passion for the Southwest and capturing those important life moments. She will consider free travel to several U.S. and out of country destinations. For inquiries call (970) 946-7279 or email info@kellymirandaphotography.com. Visit kellymirandaphotography.com to see more images. October 25, 2015 • Two Hearts Wedding Expo 7
DJs Cakes & Catering 939 CO-3 • Durango 970.385-5577 hottomatoescafe.com Norton’s Catering 955 State Hwy 3 • Durango 970.247.4702 www.nortonscatering.com Skillfully Decadent Desserts 3701 N. Main Ave, Suite 109 Durango • 970.946-1622 www.skillfullydecadent.com
Churches Fellowship of Spirit 2009 E 13th St. • Farmington, NM 505.326.5103 www.fellowshipofspirit.co
Cosmetics Younique 3-D Lashes Karolann Latimer 970.799.3527 www.youniqueproducts.com/ KarolannLatimer
Dentistry & Orthodontics 2401 E 30th ST Farmington, NM 505.592.0477 www.thedentalstudio.com 4760 N. Butler Ave., Suite A Farmington, NM 505.333.4332 www.orthoinc.com
Aiko Aiko Sound 195 Ball Lane • Durango 970.259.3693 aikoaikosound@bresnan.net Serving the Four Corners Region for over 25 years. 505.860.7879 steve1@southwestdj.com www.southwestdj.com
Financing All Your Financing Needs 679 East Second Ave. Suites A & B • Durango 970.375.1100 • fswb.com
Florists Near Mercy and Three Springs 60 East Owens Rd. • Durango 970.247.0757 ajsgreenhouse.com 1715 CR 526 • Bayfield, CO 970.884.0616 www.bayfieldgardens.com Durango’s Premier Wedding Florist for Over 18 Years. WildwoodFineFlowers.com Durango • 970.259.0033
Formal Wear Jae-Geo’s Bridal & TUXEDO 302 W. Main St . Farmington, NM 87401 505-326-5240 1185 S Camino Del Rio Suite 150 • Durango 970.764.4939 www.OccasionsDurango.com
Hair Care Monat Fabuluscioushair.mymonat.com Christine.shack.harris@gmail.com 505.716.7809
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Two Hearts Wedding Expo • October 25, 2015
Invitations & Signage Wedding Invitations, Banners, Posters, Design & More
1437 E 2nd Ave • Durango 970.247.5212 • basinprinting.com
Custom Invitations See before you buy! 970.759.4432 www.customcreationsdgo.com
Jewelers 4540 E. Main Street Farmington, NM • 505.326.7353 www.garciajewelers.com
Med. Spas 2901 Main Ave, Suite A Durango, CO 81301 970.385.1745 www.durangolaser.com
Photographers & Videographers 970.759.4640 Durango, Colorado eppichphotos@gmail.com
970.884.5292 karen@karenskellyphoto.com www.karenskellyphoto.com
Kelly Miranda Photography www.kellymirandaphotography.com info@kellymirandaphotography.com
970.946.7279
Red Scarf Shots Durango, CO 970.759.8404 www.redscarfshots.com PHOTOGRAPHY • VIDEO • PHOTOBOOTH 505.860.9901 • info@shutterfreek.com www.shutterfreek.com facebook.com/shutterfreekmedia
Shoes Registries Dillard’s Wedding Registry 4601 E. Main Street Farmington, NM 87402 505.326.2681, ext. 5739 Do your wedding registry with us! 865 Main Avenue Durango • 970.259.0472
Rentals 67 Suttle Street • Durango 970-259-6009 info@durangopartyrental.com www.durangopartyrental.com
Reservation Services Wedding Guest Reservation Services 800.828.4228 GatewayReservations.com/Weddings
Salons Bella Vie Hair Studio 125 E 32nd St, #2 Durango • 970.259.2832
150 West 10th Street Durango • 970.259.0188 hairfusiondurango.com Experts For Bridal Parties and Special Events 736-½ Main Avenue • Durango 970.385.8938
A fabulous selection of fall and winter shoes! 871 Main Ave • Durango 970.247.5542 www.brownsdurangoshoes.com
Skincare
People Will Stare ~ Make It Worth Their While Laura Miller ♥ 970.317.1172 For Products: LauraAnnMiller.myrandf.com
Anti aging for mind, body and face Brandy Sabo • 505.486.2650 www.brandysabo.nerium.com
Spas dinner4two.com facebook.com/dinner4two 845.497.7726 rpcustomerservice@hotmail.com
5920 E Main St Farmington, NM 505.326.1623 www.pellespa.com 1185 S. Camino del Rio Suite 140 • Durango 970.946.7229 www.durangowax.com
Spirits 695 Camino Del Rio Durango • 970.259.0144 durangoliquorworld.com
Transportation Services The four corners finest stretch limousines 970.247.4005 www.durangolimo.com
Venues 7758 CR 203 • Durango 1.800.426.0751 info@appleorchardinn.com appleorchardinn.com Echo Basin Ranch Southwest Colorado www.echobasin.com 970.533.7000 Venue, Coordinating, Horse Drawn Carriage 970.759.0748 www.leplattspond.com Affordable and Beautiful! Ceremonial patio & reception space
970.626.3304 slong@ouraycountyco.gov
16000 Highway 140 Hesperus, Colorado 81326 (970) 385-4537 info@ridgewoodevents.com 27846 Hwy 550 • Durango 970.335.8877 www.riverbendranchdurango.com info@riverbendranchdurango.com 726 E 2nd Ave. Durango 970.385.1920 www.rochesterhotel.com
699 Main Avenue • Durango 970.375.7124 • espencer@strater.com www.strater.com/catering/weddings
39 Rd 5568 Farmington, NM 87401 505.566.1200 www.sunraygaming.com
Wedding Favors Honeyville Wedding Favors 33633 US-550 • Durango 800.676.7690 www.honeyvillecolorado.com
Prairie Fire Percherons 75 Sundial Ln. • Ignacio, CO 970.903.4060
facebook.com/PrairieFirePercherons
October 25, 2015 • Two Hearts Wedding Expo 9
Aiko Aiko Sound Mobile Disc Jockey
Photos by Allison Ragsdale Photography and Elegant Images & Photographs.
Experienced ~ Professional ~ Personable American Disc Jockey Association Colorado Disc Jockey Association Durango Chamber of Commerce
970.259.3693
aikoaikosound@bresnan.net ~ www.aikoaikosound.com
211932
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Two Hearts Wedding Expo • October 25, 2015
PERFECTLY MEMORABLE EVENTS START HERE For over a decade, Durango Party Rental has helped brides, businesses and planners host extraordinary events.
Photo: IlluminArts Photography
One-stop convenience: Weddings, conferences, festivals and other special events Expert event planning and personal service • Elegant, festive tents for all-weather comfort • Largest selection of party items to make the event your own • Every detail for every occasion • •
Proud supporter of BuildingHomesforHeroes.org
DurangoPartyRental.com We put it all together perfectly.
970.259.6009
67 Suttle St.
•
Durango
209444
October 25, 2015 • Two Hearts Wedding Expo 11
Modern lace Trends in wedding, bridesmaid gowns
By Rachel Segura
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Images courtesy Occasions Bridal & Event Boutique
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Two Hearts Wedding Expo • October 25, 2015
e’ve all heard the saying – it’s all about the dress – and we all know brides can take as long as one year to find the perfect gown. Locating the “one,” may seem harder than landing a husband, but zeroing in on silhouette and style will ensure there are no wedding gown disasters leading up to your big day. Donna Lynas, owner of Occasions Bridal & Events Boutique in Durango, said any bridal appointment begins with silhouette of which there are four basic styles – ball gown, A-line, mermaid and sheath. A bride who thinks she is looking for that princess ball gown, may discover her curves in a form-fitting mermaid. “A sheath or an A-line gown are very elegant and look good on every body type,” Lynas said. As for style, brides are modernizing the vintage appeal of lace and ivory. “Right now lace is everything from full-lace bodices to lace appliqués or illusion tops. With color, coffees and taupes are gaining popularity. Brides want a vintage look without seeming too oldfashioned – and believe me there is a difference.” Another big trend for brides is illusion necklines and backs, or plunging backless dresses. Lynas loves the new trend of necklines. “Designers are able to do more with the design of a dress when they begin to alter a neckline.” Illusion backs are also a lovely way to show a little skin but keep it mysterious. These particular styles are still customizable with embellished, or appliqué belts – also an easy way to add a splash of color. The most important aspect of picking a gown: no limitations. “Never limit your options based on ceremony or cheat yourself out of a dress,” Lynas said. “If you are outdoors it will get dirty, but it can be cleaned.” For bridesmaids, new styles such as chiffon convertible gowns are rising in the ranks. With the ability to create various styles of gowns by simply altering necklines, straps or belts, these gowns allow bridesmaids to look unique but remain a solid component of the wedding party. They are available in long and short styles, chiffon or tulle and also limited ombre colors. Since the fabric of the dress is the same, there should be no color issues for brides, something that happens often when bridesmaids are given the OK to choose their own dress. For more information on gowns or bridal appointments visit occasionsdurango.com. Visit the expos in both Durango and Farmington for a chance to win a wedding dress provided by Occasions.
Dreaming of a beautiful future together with Dillard’s Wedding Registry: Dillard’s Animas Valley Mall 4601 E. Main Street Farmington, NM 87402 (505) 326-2681, ext. 5739
212627
OUTSTANDING SERVICE ~ UNIQUE DESIGNS ~ EXTRAORDINARY STYLE
Designer Wedding Gowns Bridesmaid Dresses Couture Prom Dresses Tuxedo Rental Gown Cleaning & Preservation 1185 S. Camino Del Rio, #150 ~ Durango, CO (970) 764-4939 www.OccasionsDurango.com 210223
October 25, 2015 • Two Hearts Wedding Expo 13
Let’s get reel... hiring a wedding videographer By Austin Hatala for you, here are some common questions and concerns to consider. Is there a subtle rivalry between the photographer and videographer? Absolutely not. In fact, because they will be working closely to capture their individual shots, they often feed off each other’s creativity. How much equipment will the videographer be hauling around? Forget about that cliché: a videographer hauling around clunky equipment inevitably disrupting your charming outdoor wedding. New advances in technology, over the last few years, have made wedding videography less obtrusive than ever. Cameras can shoot great in low light, and videographers often make use of tiny wireless microphones to capture audio. In fact, because of this more couples are hiring videographers to travel with them to their destination or adventure wedding.
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hen the words “video” and “wedding” are combined, the stigma of a painfully long video comes to mind. Thankfully, things have changed. Wedding videographers are combining documentary and cinematic styles to give you a condensed video that our friends and family might actually want to watch. Hiring a wedding photographer is an indisputable staple of a wedding. So, will hiring a videographer really add much to preserving your special day? When the wedding day concludes, no doubt the photographer will have captured gorgeous photos that will be treasured for years to come. A wedding video captures an entirely different aspect of the day, like the spontaneous, subtle emotions of everyone involved. Imagine your dad, glasses raised, delivering the toast that leaves guests reaching for the tissues – all captured on film. If you decide a wedding video is
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Two Hearts Wedding Expo • October 25, 2015
How do I make sure the videographer captures what I want? Based on their portfolio, you should have a pretty good idea as to what they will film. Giving them their own creative freedom will help them deliver a more quality product. With that being said, it’s very helpful if you can give the videographer advance notice as to whom to pay special attention to, i.e. Grandma, or any unique wedding details that you would like included in the final product. How do I know I picked the right one? Portfolio is everything. In addition to different levels of skill, every videographer will have their own style. Find the style that speaks to you. 8 Wedding Films is owned by Austin Hatala, who makes use of the nostalgia and romanticism of motion film by delivering a one-of-a-kind quality film that is artistically crafted using vintage elements, and the natural surroundings. For more information, visit 8weddingfilms.com or call (928) 592-2402 for any inquiries.
Jae-Geo’s Bridal & Tuxedo Layaway your Dress Today!
Reserve your Tuxedo today!
Ask about our Ring Bearer Savings! We Fit Everyone. Big and tall to very small… we have a Tux for you! OPEN SAT 10am-2pm / M-F 10am-5pm Summer Hours: M-F 10am-5:30pm Owner – Jeannette Vigil (505) 326-5240 ~ www.jaegeosformalwear.com 302 W. Main St., Farmington Downtown
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Southwest Colorado’s favorite wedding venue A spectacular private estate with mountain, meadow, and river views surrounded by towering old-growth cottonwoods, groomed lawns, and fields of heirloom flowers. Built with pine timbers, beams and floors, the Ridgewood includes high end tables, chairs, linens, glassware, silverware, and china and staff to set up and clean. Accommodates up to 250 guests with the addition of the center’s large high-peak tent. Ask us about day-of-event planning and site-grown flowers.
15 minutes from Durango | 45 minutes from Farmington Now reserving April to November weddings.
ridgewoodevents.com 970 385 4537
213006
October 25, 2015 • Two Hearts Wedding Expo 15
Get your body wedding-ready! FREE 30-day Bridal Boot Camp fitness program (with personal training!)
when you purchase your wedding flowers from AJ’s!
(Boot Camp value $249. $500 min flower purchase).
Should have called Durango Limo Service. • The 4 Corners finest stretch limousines • Rates starting at just $199 • Book the day of the expo and save $50! WWW.DURANGOLIMO.COM • 970-264-4005
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Two Hearts Wedding Expo • October 25, 2015
Durango’s Largest Greenhouse Best Selection in Durango. Come Visit Your Hometown Grower.
ajsgreenhouse.com
East Owen rd. 970.247.0757 60 GRANDVIEW
Near Mercy and Three Springs