The Hollern Family Ranch

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Story

Our Wedding

"Every love story is beautiful, but ours is my favorite!"

Our Love Story!

Day 1- December 14th, 2014On this fateful winter night at the San Diego Boat Parade our good friends, Ivan and Maria introduced us for the first time… the funny thing is that neither of us were going to go, but Ivan told Chris I was going to be there and Maria told me Chris was going to be there, so we both ended up going… I was pretty excited to meet him after hearing so many good things about him and I think he was just looking for a girl to show him around San Diego, but whatever the reasons that brought us there that night, I am glad we both showed up!After a couple awkward first moments of me trying to parallel park with people watching (something I CANNOT do!) and them laughing at me, we were introduced and started talking… I knew there was something special about him, however as the evening came to a close I kept hoping he would ask for my number so we could start getting to know each other better… but it never happened… He got in the car with Ivan and Maria, and I got in my car and off we went on our separate ways- leaving me thinking that I would never see him again… until 5 minutes later Maria texted me to ask if it was ok if Chris got my number from her. CH Note: I loved watching her try to parallel park it was truly a great first impression. I'll never forget her getting out of the car with that cute embarrassed look on her face. She was so beautiful and took it in strides joking with me about it. I was really nervous around her and I missed my opportunity to ask for her number… Thankfully though I got over it and got her number from Maria.Day 98 - March 21st , 2015The first time you told me he loved me on his couch, which was good because I was not sure that I could wait any longer to say it back! CH Note: = DDay 121 – April 13th, 2015The first time he met my parents… in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and without me! I gave Chris suggestions for things to do in Mexico while he was down there so I suggested this great restaurant, Daiquiri Dick's, however I told him that my parents would be there for lunch on Monday afternoon (and I have the email I sent as evidence!). So when does Mr. Chris decide to take up my suggestion for trying it? Yes, you guessed it… Monday afternoon! Now, sitting at my desk in San Diego, I knew they were both in the same restaurant (I was getting texts from both of the involved parties), but I was not going to interfere, knowing that they were both with friends and I was not there to make introductions. Finally, I got a text from my mom saying she saw Chris, so I called her wanting to know the story. It turns out she meant she saw his ship, but her curiosity was piqued, so I confessed that I knew he was eating in the same restaurant. She looked around again and recognized him from the pictures I had showed them. Well, my mom being herself went over to him and asked which one was Chris Hilliard… when he said it was him, she handed him the phone and told him he had a call! There was an awkward introduction, a shared mojito and photo evidence of the occasion! Looking back I wonder if he planned it… either way it is a great story and left no time for him to be nervous about meeting time! CH Note: Mexico was my first foreign country and I was really excited to go. I ended up using a lot of Erica's suggestions for what to do. Sadly the military wouldn't let me go zip lining through the jungle where predator was filmed (high risk or some such nonsense, since being in the military is low risk I guess), but I did end up going to this restaurant called Daiquiri Dicks. Despite whatever Erica says to this day I have no recollection of her email and question its authenticity. I remember sitting there with some of my fellow officers when, from behind, some lady says "Is there a Chris Hilliard here? I have a phone call for you." I turned around to see Erica's mom who I knew from some photos, and that was the first time I met her parents. In a foreign country without her…Day 165- May 27th, 2015 First Trip together… Home to Alabama! I was so excited to take our first trip together and meet his entire family… we had some bumps in the road on the way to Alabama, such our 18-hour (unplanned) layover in Dallas. And bumps in Alabama, like me getting a root canal, but I think overall it was amazing to meet your sweet family and amazing friends from college. CH Note: Wow what a trip. We started out missing an entire day of my leave right before my best friends wedding because of an 18-hour layover in Dallas. Then when we get to Alabama Erica wasn't doing so hot because of her tooth. I felt so bad for her but she was a champion and we made it through the week and still managed to have a great time. One of my favorite moments from the trip was when she got to meet my dog Lacey. Lacey is very, very protective of me and she warmed up to Erica instantly. Ill never forget when Erica and Lacey falling asleep on the couch together after we came back from my child hood dentist. Day 387 – January 4th, 2016The day he asked me to spend forever together… Overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge standing next to a bunker in Battery Spencer Park we were talking about the future, when all of the sudden I realized his heart was beating out of control… I asked him what was wrong and he got down on one knee and asked me if I would marry him… and guess what? I said YES! CH Note: I knew I had wanted to ask Erica to marry me for a very long time, but given how much she loves the outdoors I was going to try and do it in the Muir Woods National Forest on our vacation; however, a tree had recently fallen down blocking off the path overlooking the canopy where I was going to ask. So I didn't ask and thought I would find a better opportunity later. We ended up at the spot overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge (close to the spot where the picture in her living room was taken), and I realized it wasn't the place that would make my proposal perfect… She would. So I asked her to marry me.Day 630 – September 3rd, 2016The day that I get to say "I Do" to the man that I love and want to spend the rest of my life with!

About Christopher

Christopher Lee Hilliard

I was born and raised in New Hope, Alabama the only child to two parents, Clyde and Debra, who I made sure earned their sleep every night. I like the outdoor but not quite as much as Erica. I swear that woman is solar powered. My favorite hobby is Alabama Football… Roll Tide! I am very grateful that I found someone that I can be outside with and on the rainy days curl and read a book, play a game, or watch a movie with.

About Erica

Erica Anne Hollern

Born and raised in Colorado, to Kevin and Susan. I am a true outdoorsy girl… I love to hike, bike, scuba dive and pretty much anything else that involves being outside in nature! I also totally have a nerdy side that likes to sneak out when I am learning about muscles or reading a good book! I absolutely adore my two siblings, Chris and Katie. And am so glad that I get to marry my soul mate this year!

About US

Photos

Information About Visiting a High Altitude State

High Altitude Tips! 

I am sure that most of you have heard Denver called the "Mile High City", but it is hard to understand how this difference in altitude will affect you until you have been here... in an effort to have the most fun as possible during the wedding weekend, here are a couple of tips!DRINK LOTS AND LOTS OF WATER Colorado is a very dry climate, it is extremely important to stay hydrated- you will need to have about twice as much water here. Drink water before you come and while you are traveling to prepare your body. MONITOR YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKEIn Denver's rarified air, golf balls go ten percent farther... and so do cocktails. Alcoholic drinks pack more of a wallop than at sea level. It is recommended that you go easier on the alcohol, as its effects will feel stronger here.EAT FOODS HIGH IN POTASSIUMFoods such as broccoli, bananas, avocado, cantaloupe, celery, greens, bran, chocolate, granola, dates, dried fruit, potatoes and tomatoes will help you replenish electrolytes by balancing salt intake.WATCH YOUR PHYSICAL ACTIVITYThe effects of exercise are more intense here. If you normally run 10 miles a day at home, you might try 6 miles in Denver.PACK FOR SUNWith less water vapor in the air at this altitude, the sky really is bluer in Colorado. But there's 25 percent less protection from the sun, so sunscreen is a must. Denver receives over 300 days of sunshine each year (more than San Diego or Miami). Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm!DRESS IN LAYERSTwo days before your trip to Denver, check the weather and use this information to pack appropriately. Because Denver is closer to the sun, it can feel much warmer than the actual temperature during the daytime, but then become very chilly after sundown, particularly in the Spring and Fall. It is best to layer your clothing.

Details

Wedding Party

The Lovely Ladies

Katherine Hollern

Maid of Honor! For those of you who do not know, Katie is my sister. I honestly could not ask for a better sister and genuine person in my life! I am so incredibly blessed to have her in my life and it means the world to me that she will be standing next to me on this special day!

Samantha Mattei

Bridesmaid! Sam is my best friend from college... We met freshman year of college, she lived on the floor below me in our dorm. The first night before classes she asked me if I wanted to go to a party with her, since I was new and super shy I said no, but later on that semester she moved into the room next to mine, and since then she has been continuing to bring me out of my shell! I could not be more excited to haver her standing with me on my wedding day!

Gwendolyn Holdgreiwe

Bridesmaid! Gwen and I met on Craigslist... she moved into the house that I was living in for her first year at USD law school. I was a little nervous because I had never met or talked to her before she came to live with us, however, the minute I walked in the door she came over, gave me a huge hug and introduced herself. I thought to myself, she and I are going to be good friends... anyone that hugs a complete stranger is a good person in my book! Four years later, and now living on opposite sides of the country, she is definitely one of my closest friends! I am so grateful she will be standing with me on my wedding day!

The Dashing Men

Mitchell Ray

Best Man! Fall of freshman year we rushed the same fraternity, Alpha Kappa Lambda - some how we survived and lived to tell the tale. Now living on opposite sides of the country I am so grateful that he can fly out to stand next to me on my wedding day.

Benjamin Alfaro

Groomsman! Another pledge brother with me in the Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity, we spent most of college trying to plan the best parties, go to all the Alabama football games and somehow pass our classes. Looking forward to having him in the wedding.

Christopher Hollern

Groomsman! Christopher is Erica's brother... I am looking forward to having my future brother-in-law in my wedding.

The Wedding Party

Registry

Q + A

The most convent airport to fly into is Denver International Airport (DIA) ... it is approximately 40 minutes from the hotel with the room block and about an hour away from the ranch. I would recommend getting a rental car to save on transportation and to give you the freedom to explore the area! See the "Things to do around Colorado" section. If you have any questions regarding transportation or accommodations, please contact erica at erica.hollern@gmail.com

Denver International Airport

Please call to make your reservation!! There is a room block for the Hollern/ Hilliard Wedding at a rate of $139/ night which includes transportation for TWO adults round trip to and from the wedding venue (The Hollern's Ranch in Sedalia). PLEASE NOTE: this is about $15 more than what is currently listed on their website, however, if you do not CALL you will not be put in for the transportation and it is about 45 minutes away so other transportation (uber, taxi) will cost more than this. Children under the age of 5 are free and any additional guest is $30 for the round trip transportation. Please let them know that you are part of the wedding party and would like transportation. Transportation is only provided the night of the wedding, which means that you are more than welcome to book the cheaper rate for any other night! Please contact me or my mom if you have any questions regarding the booking! Additionally, this is NOT the closest town to the ranch, so if you are planning to drive yourself or would like another option... please look in Castle Rock, Colorado.

Marriott Denver South at Park Meadows

Travel

-Denver Museum of Nature and Science (<a href="http://www.dmns.org">http://www.dmns.org</a>)- Denver Zoo (http://www.denverzoo.org)- Coors Field (<a href="http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/col/ballpark/">http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/col/ballpark/</a>)- Denver Botanic Gardens (www.botanicgardens.org/)- Downtown Aquarium (<a href="http://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumdenver/default.asp">http://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariu...</a>)- Children's Museum (<a href="https://www.mychildsmuseum.org">https://www.mychildsmuseum.org</a>)- Molly Brown House (<a href="http://www.mollybrown.org">http://www.mollybrown.org</a>)-Elitch Gardens (<a href="https://www.elitchgardens.com">https://www.elitchgardens.com</a>)-The Denver Mint (http://www.usmint.gov/mint_tours/?action=startreservation --&gt;need to make a reservation ahead of time) -Denver Microbrew Tour (http://www.denvermicrobrewtour.com)-New Belgium Tour in Fort Collins (http://www.newbelgium.com)- Visit Boulder - Hike Flatirons (https://bouldercolorado.gov/visitors)

Things To Do Around Denver!

- Pikes Peak (<a href="http://www.cograilway.com/pikes-peak.asp">http://www.cograilway.com/pikes-peak.asp</a>)- Garden of the gods (<a href="http://www.gardenofgods.com">http://www.gardenofgods.com</a>)-The Broadmoor Hotel (<a href="https://www.broadmoor.com">https://www.broadmoor.com</a>)-Air Force Academy (<a href="http://www.academyadmissions.com/visit-the-academy/">http://www.academyadmissions.com/visit-the-academy...</a>)- Cave of the Winds (http://caveofthewinds.com)

Things To Do in Colorado Springs!

-Breckenridge (<a href="http://www.breckenridge.com/info/summer.aspx#">http://www.breckenridge.com/info/summer.aspx#</a>/Activities)-Estes park (<a href="http://www.visitestespark.com">http://www.visitestespark.com</a>)-Rocky Mountain National Park (http://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm)

Erica & Christopher

Erica & Christopher

Travel

Denver International Airport

Marriott Denver South at Park Meadows