In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’d like to share the love stories of Elva Orton, whose life changed forever during a magical summer at Utah’s picturesque Bryce Canyon National Park, and her granddaughter, Paige, who recreated her grandmother’s memory 63 years later.
![](https://thejewelerblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/bryce1.jpg?w=575)
Throughout 2023, Bryce Canyon is celebrating its centennial year by encouraging visitors to share experiences that define the past, present and future of this special place. In fact, this is how the Orton’s story came to light.
The park is famous for its unique hoodoos — tall, thin spires of rock that rise up to 200 feet. The red, orange, and white colors of the rocks provide spectacular views for park visitors. The beautiful, otherworldly atmosphere of the park has made it a romantic destination. The park’s official slogan is “Hoodoo You Love” (a fun take on Bo Diddley’s 1956 classic).
Which brings us back to the story of a Salt Lake City girl named Elva and of small-town teenager named Steve Orton in the summer of 1959.
According to a Facebook post by the National Park Service, Elva first saw Steve while gazing out the window of a Utah Parks Company employee bus bound for a summer working at Bryce. The girl sitting beside her happened to know Steve, so Elva wished aloud, “I want him to ask me to go on a date.”
When the friend told Steve of Elva’s interest in him, he could hardly believe his luck. Why would a cheerleader from the big city be interested in him? Nevertheless, the timid Steve asked her to attend a Sunday fireside program and less than a week later they shared their first kiss.
She worked at the park as a waitress and he was a bellhop/assistant manager. Together they’d discover the park was full of romantic venues.
“We could walk straight out in front of the lodge to the rim,” she said. “There was a great place to make out. So we did that quite frequently. What can I say? We were madly in love.”
By the end of the summer, they were certain they would marry, but Steve was already scheduled to leave on a two-year church mission to Australia. They exchanged many letters and vowed to reunite at their beloved Bryce Canyon.
Two summers later, Elva was now working at Grand Canyon when she got word that Steve was back at Bryce. She caught the first bus available and remembered that the “gearjammer” announced to all the passengers that she was returning to Bryce to meet her sweetheart.
She said, “As soon as we got close to the lodge, he started honking the horn and they were all clapping for me… and [Steve] was standing there.”
The couple soon wed and during their 55 years of marriage often shared their romantic Bryce Canyon origin story with family and friends.
Steve sadly passed away in 2017, but in celebration of what would have been their 60th wedding anniversary, Elva returned to Bryce to be interviewed by the park staff and share some photos from her past.
She was accompanied by many of her children and grandchildren, including her granddaughter, Paige.
They toured the lodge deluxe cabins and a linen cabin where past employees have covered the walls and rafters with signatures. To the astonishment of all present, Steve Orton’s signature from 1957 was discovered near the door.
The next morning would bring even more amazement and tears.
Paige’s boyfriend, Garrett, drove through the night and surprised her with a sunrise marriage proposal along the canyon rim (She said, “Yes”).
In homage to Paige’s grandparents, they then recreated a photo taken of Elva and Steve at Bryce Point in 1959.
As Paige would tell her grandmother, “Growing up, this has been the most romantic place in the world to me because of your story.”
Said Elva, “Bryce Canyon has been in my life and my love for generations.”
Credits: Photos of Elva and Steve’s signature courtesy of the National Park Service; Photos of Elva and Steve, Paige and Garrett courtesy of the Orton family.
📅 Experience elegance and history at Elliott's Jewelers Estate Jewelry Event, August 22-24! Explore timeless pieces ready to tell their next story. Preview and select your favorites (like this dazzling ring) here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories& and book a private appointment to see them in person. Your journey through time awaits! ✨
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
Browse our shop online at www.elliottsjewelers.com/ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Great event. Thank you Huntsville ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
💎 Step back in time with Elliott's Jewelers at our August Estate Jewelry Event! From August 22nd to 24th, explore exquisite, historical pieces from our collection. Preview our treasures here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories& and reserve your private viewing appointment between 9:30 am and 5:00 pm. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of history! 👑 🕰️
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
Browse our shop online at www.elliottsjewelers.com/ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Picture this: an 'Anniversary Diamond' that sparkles with brilliance and the memories of years together. Why not consider upgrading the diamond in your wedding ring this upcoming milestone anniversary?
It's a beautiful way to renew your commitment and add an extra chapter to your love story. 💖💍
We carry ONLY Natural Gemological Institute of America Certified diamonds. All shapes and sizes are available. All colors and clarities.
1.00 carat and larger diamonds are our specialty. Set your new diamond in some of our most beautiful and unique settings or custom design your dream ring.
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online: www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
Browse online at www.elliottsjewelers.com/shop/ ... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Mark your milestone anniversary with a special upgrade from Elliott's Jewelers.💕 Can I make this ring for you?
As your love grows, so should your diamond. Let us craft a custom ring that celebrates your journey together. Start your timeless upgrade today.💍✨
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
Browse our shop online at www.elliottsjewelers.com/ ... See MoreSee Less
Shop Now
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
That is a very beautiful ring! What would something like this cost?
That’s a Beautiful ring WOW!
I no longer have anniversary’s, but it’s very pretty. Thanks for sharing. JS
View more comments
🌟 Uncover the history and beauty of estate jewelry at Elliott's Jewelers this August! Join us for our exclusive Estate Jewelry Event from August 22nd-24th. Dive into our vault here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories& and select pieces to view at your private appointment. Book now to secure a spot from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm each day and make history part of your style! 🕰️✨
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/ Browse online at www.elliottsjewelers.com/shop/ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Make your old jewelry work for you! 🌟 At Elliott's Jewelers, every piece holds value. Trade in your unworn treasures for funds or upgrade to something new and sparkling. Refresh your collection today. See how far your jewelry can take you with us! 💍 Find out more: www.elliottsjewelers.com/sell-your-jewelry/
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/ Browse online at www.elliottsjewelers.com/shop/ ... See MoreSee Less
Learn More
Book an Appointment - Elliott's Jewelers
www.elliottsjewelers.com
Book an Appointment At Elliott’s Jewelers, you can be sure that you are getting the best possible appraisal for your jewelry. Our jewelry experts are trained and certified in jewelry appraisal, and ...1 CommentComment on Facebook
I have sent you pictures twice but never received a response.
🌟 Step into a world of timeless elegance with our August Estate Jewelry Event at Elliott's Jewelers! 📅 Mark your calendars: August 22nd-24th. Immerse yourself in the stories of exquisite pieces from our vault. To make this experience truly personal, we are scheduling exclusive appointments from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm each day.
Spaces are limited to ensure privacy and dedicated attention. 🕒 Book your appointment now and let us help you find a piece that not only enhances your collection but enriches your story.
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/ ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Gorgeous
💎 Discover timeless treasures at our August Estate Jewelry Event! Join us from August 22nd-24th at Elliott's Jewelers. Each piece has a unique story waiting to be part of yours.
Explore our exclusive collection here and book your private appointment from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm daily. Spaces are limited to ensure personalized attention. ✨ Find your next jewel with us! See more here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories&
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/ ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Very pretty.
Elliott’s Jewelers Huntsville,TX www.elliottsjewelers.com ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Photos from Huntsville Independent School District's post ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Beautiful 😍
Well done!
Thank you so much for your support & for such a beautiful piece!
Elliott's Jewelers wishes you and your family a Happy 4th of July! We will be closed on Thursday, July 4th. Elliott's Jewelers was thrilled to be part of Mitch and Lauren Fussell's love story. Do you have an Elliott's Jewelers story too? Let's celebrate by sharing it with us so we can continue making history together! Your stories inspire us every day. 🎆
Share Your Elliott's Jewelers Story: www.elliottsjewelers.com/share-your-story/ ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Wish I could click the “Love” and “Wow” Buttons at the same time.