On Labor Day weekend, Chris and Rachel made their family official, paw prints and all. With 75 of their closest family and friends gathered, their celebration at The Fort in Morrison felt heartfelt, laid-back, and classy. Most importantly, it included all the things that mattered most to them: Colorado’s natural beauty, a relaxed vibe and their three pups Charlie, Sophia, and Zosi.
A Love Rooted in Adventure
Rachel and Chris share a love of camping, mountain biking, and exploring the outdoors in their truck with their dogs along for the ride. Mud, snow, or even a blizzard never keeps them from chasing fresh mountain air. While campouts and muddy adventures shaped much of their love story, it was in Tuscany, surrounded by vineyards and history, where Chris asked Rachel to marry him.
Just as they balanced rugged weekends in the mountains with travels abroad, they planned a wedding that captured their spirit, blending the down-to-earth with the elegant.
Getting Ready at the Fort
The Fort’s rustic charm and Colorado history set the perfect stage for their day. Rachel arrived mid-afternoon, getting ready with friends and family in Bent’s Quarters. Chris followed shortly thereafter, arriving in time for a private first look with Rachel in the shaded courtyard. The couple then exchanged private, personally written vows there, sharing a heartfelt moment before the full ceremony and festivities began.
Next came one of the most memorable details. Their three pups, Charlie (Pup of Honor), Sophia (Flower Girl), and Zosi (Best Pup), joined them to stamp their paw prints on their marriage certificate. Charlie and Zosi sported wedding bandanas, while Sophia stole the show in a special wedding dress. Together, they proved that four-legged family members can steal the spotlight on a wedding day.
Ceremony on the Patio
With the personal vows and certificate signed, the focus shifted to the guests. The ceremony had been planned for The Fort’s helipad, but Colorado weather shifted the plans. Gusty winds and a few splotchy raindrops rolled in just before everyone sat down. Rather than wait out the storm, Rachel and Chris chose to move the ceremony to the covered patio.
Even with the last-minute change in location, the ceremony felt personal. Chris’s best friend, Brandon, officiated, and both Rachel and Chris walked down the aisle with their parents. During the ceremony, Rachel’s brother read a heartfelt message from her grandfather which he followed as he watched the ceremony through a livestream. Afterward, Rachel and Chris FaceTimed him to share the joy more personally. It was a meaningful connection that kept him close, even from afar.
Cocktails, Toasts & Dancing
As the sun dipped lower behind the red rocks in the area, guests gathered on the East Outdoor Patio for cocktails, charcuterie and a colorful veggie platter. Guests could choose from Hadley’s Signature Drinks which included a Prickly Pear Margarita, Gin and Tonic, and Old Fashioned. When the social hour came to a close, Rachel’s dad opened the evening with warm words, followed by the couple’s thank you to all attending.
After the toasts came the dances. Rachel shared a moment with her dad, then Chris danced with his mom. Finally, Rachel and Chris came together for their first dance as a couple to Banks by NEEDTOBREATHE. The lyric “I wanna be the banks for your river” echoes through the patio, a line about love, strength, and freedom. It was a perfect fit for two people who find so much joy in nature and in supporting each other.
The Reception
The evening unfolded with a relaxed and lively feel. Guests enjoyed buffet-style dining, savoring signature dishes like Cha Cha Chicken, NY Strip and The Fort’s green chile mac and cheese.
Dessert brought playful variety. Bundt cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes and a s’mores station gave everyone sweet options. Rachel and Chris cut and enjoyed a petite gluten-free wedding cake from Rheinlander Bakery. They took turns feeding each other bites, relishing the sweet frosting that ended up on their faces.
The energy surged again when the hora began. The patio cover was too low for the traditional lifts, so friends and family carried the celebration outdoors under the stars. Rachel and Chris rose high above the crowd, laughing and reaching for each other as music, clapping, and cheering filled the night.
A Wedding that Felt Like Us
After an evening of food, laughter, and dancing under the Colorado stars, the celebration still felt grounded in what mattered most to Rachel and Chris. The day reflected their love of Colorado, their easygoing spirit, and their joy in gathering people and families, including furry ones, together. It was a celebration they will remember not only for the big moments but for the little ones that revealed the heart of their relationship.
Rachel and Chris, thank you for inviting me to capture your story. Your day at The Fort reflected you so perfectly, and I look forward to seeing the life you continue to build. May it be full of adventure with the girls always nearby, kitty Tango keeping watch at home, and a glass of Blanton’s to cheer the milestones ahead.
