Sheridan Lake North Cove Campground, RR1 (See Map Below)

Welcome to the Hills BBQ

Summer Creek Inn

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Social Hour

Reception

Our Wedding

Episode I

A long, long time ago in a Land of Enchantment far, far away...Jackie was returning to start junior year at UNM in Albuquerque after spending a semester in Spain and a summer at home in South Dakota. After a long drive in her packed Honda, Jackie stepped out into the parking lot of the sorority house to find her friend, Kelly, and a fraternity boy there to help her unload.&#160;He was quiet and cute, but not much came from that first encounter. In fact, over the next year they saw each other at sorority and fraternity events and hung out around each other with mutual friends, but they didn't form a close friendship until the next year.
 
Fast forward a year to the summer of 2008. Jeff and Jackie had texted over the summer and decided to hang out when Jackie got back into town before starting classes. Though they hadn't hung out much alone, binging episodes of the Office, making donut and ice cream runs, and attending ZPA meetings solidified their friendship. Over the course of Jackie's last year in Albuquerque, the two spent a lot of time together and made a connection that would keep them in touch for years. Jeff even visited Jackie in Rapid City just a month before she would move to China.

Episode II

Over the course of the next 6 years, Jackie lived in China, St Louis, England, and Greece but the two kept in touch. Jeff flew out to St Louis to spend a (very cold) weekend with Jackie. Despite the weather they had a great time ice skating, seeing zoo animals, and getting lost in City Museum.
 
In November 2015, Jackie moved to Denver only to find Jeff had tickets to an outdoor hockey game and would be coming to town in a couple of months. While not (yet) a hockey fan, Jackie accepted his invitation to go to a couple of games. Not having seen each other in a couple of years, Jackie and Jeff enjoyed catching up at the Friday night game and had dinner and drinks after. Saturday, Jackie met back up with Jeff and some friends, who had spent the morning at brunch and exploring downtown Denver's robust game day experience. That night's game wasn't quite as enjoyable, but that's another story (which Jackie loves to tell anyone who will listen). The two spent Sunday together having breakfast at Snooze, perusing books at Tattered Cover (Jeff's first of many visits), and strolling around City Park. Jeff flew home to Albuquerque that night, the two not knowing when they would see each other again.

Episode III

It wouldn't be long.
 
Jackie &amp; Jeff kept in touch and soon started talking about taking a spontaneous trip. Jeff had the idea to go to a train station, flip a coin, and get on a train to somewhere unknown...only problem is: trains from Denver and Albuquerque don't go very far. Instead, a road trip to the Grand Canyon came to be.
 
In June 2016, Jackie drove down to Albuquerque and the adventure began. Before she could even settle herself from the drive down, the two jumped in Jeff's car and headed West. They made it to the Grand Canyon just in time for the sunset and a beer (Elevated IPA) with an amazing view (see pictures that don't do it justice). Jackie and Jeff woke up early the next morning to hike down into the Canyon before it got too hot. Finishing up around mid-day, they jumped back into the car and headed down to Sedona for dinner and wine with another beautiful sunset view. The following day they would head back to New Mexico to revisit the UNM campus, visit friends, and make an afternoon/evening trip to Santa Fe (which they now celebrate as the start of their relationship). Jackie would head back to Colorado but the two were already talking about when they'd see each other again and would spend the next few months (and eventually years) travelling to see each other. In Spring 2017, Jeff finnnaally told Nanny (his spunky grandmother) that she could stop referring to Jackie as his "friend" and call her his girlfriend.
 
Fast forward to Fall 2018, Jeff sold his house and started making plans to move north. On Jackie's birthday the following spring, Jeff made the move to Denver. That summer, they bought a townhouse and adopted their puppy, Luna.

Epilogue

After having to cancel a trip to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo with their friends Rich and Rebecca, J&amp;J decided to take a few days off to spend some time in Southern Colorado.
 
They started the trip with a night in Alamosa so they could visit the Great Sand Dunes. On their way to the dunes, J&amp;J took a slight detour to hike to Zapata Falls, where they climbed rocks and trekked through freezing cold water to see the falls. On the way down, they could see their next stop off in the distance. A 10 minute drive would take them to the base of the sand dunes where they gathered their things and headed up.
 
Being a popular place, they had to hike a few dunes until they could find one they could have to themselves. They put out a blanket as the sun started to set. Here Jeff told Jackie that he loved watching sunsets and stars with her and wanted to keep doing it for the rest of their lives. This is when he pulled out a box of Cracker Jack (which was used when both of their dads proposed to their moms) and told her to open it. After struggling to get into the box, Jackie discovered the prize inside: a sticker. She looked to Jeff with clear confusion. He told her since the prize in the Cracker Jack box was lame she could have this one instead, if she would marry him and he pulled out the ring. 'Absolutely, I will,' she replied.
J&amp;J spent the rest of the night laying on the blanket watching the stars and meteor shower in the sky above them.

And thus begins the rest of their lives...together.

Our Story

Info

There are many places to stay near our venue in the Black Hills. Hill City is the closest town (11 miles), and there are a few different hotels and motels. There are also other fun options, such as cabins, lodges, bed and breakfasts, VRBOs, and campgrounds. Here are some ideas: https://visithillcitysd.com/stay/Rapid City is 21 miles from the venue and the Hills, and it has many hotel options: https://www.visitrapidcity.com/where-to-stayCell reception and wifi can be spotty in the Hills, so be sure to see what's available when looking for lodging. It will also be tourist season, and it's important to book early.

Transportation

Locations are a bit spread out, so if you plan on doing any touring and site-seeing, you will probably want to rent a car if you are flying in.

Uber and Lyft are available. Since wifi and cell service are not great in the Hills, you may want to schedule your rides ahead of time when you have service.

Ride Shares

Hill City Taxi

Accomodation

We have a room block at this hotel! It is closed for the winter, from November through April, but you can still book your room by calling and leaving a voicemail. They still check voicemail once per week and will call you back. Book before June 11th to get the group rate.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hill City-Mt. Rushmore Area

This hotel is in Hill City, central to activities in the Hills and the wedding venue.

Best Western Golden Spike Inn & Suites

This quaint bed and breakfast is right across the highway from the venue.

Black Forest Inn Bed & Breakfast

These vacation home rentals are near the wedding venue and in the heart of the Hills.

Edelweiss Mountain Lodging

This is another group of vacation home rentals that are close to both the wedding venue and Hill City.

Double Diamond Ranch

Travel

Towns

The city where Jackie grew up! The biggest city on the west side of the state has a cute downtown complete with Main Street Square, Art Alley (full of artistic graffiti), and the Presidents on every corner. It also has some great breweries, restaurants, coffee shops, parks, and trails. If you visit this city and want more specific recommendations check out the city's website, or ask the bride or groom! 

Rapid City

This is the closest town to the wedding venue and has plenty of breweries and wineries to pass the time. It's also home to the 1880 train, the Alpine Inn, and a cute main street.  

Hill City

Home of the popular HBO show that shares it's name, Deadwood is the epitome of the Wild West gold rush town. Whether you prefer gunslinging in the streets, gambling, finding a local watering hole, or taking a hike around the cemetery (where you can find graves of Wild Bill, Calamity Jane, and Seth Bullock) there's plenty to do on an afternoon or evening in Deadwood.  

Deadwood

This small town is right below Mt. Rushmore and runs on tourist traffic. Take a break from touring the Hills to stroll main street, get ice cream, fudge, and taffy, window shop, and have an old-time photo taken. You can also board the 1880 train from here.

Keystone

Home of the infamous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally held every August. It's pretty dead the rest of the year, but if you make it to the town, we recommend visiting the Sturgis Coffee Co. (owned by family members of Jeff's uncle Todd).

Sturgis

This town is east of the Hills and Rapid City and on the way to the Badlands.  The small main street is well-known for it's kitschy art and antiques, along with free ice water, 5 cent coffee, and donuts.

Wall Drug

Lakes

This is Jackie’s family’s favorite lake and where they keep their boat in the summer. It’s also the location of the Welcome BBQ on Friday. Perfect location for renting boats, paddle boards, kayaks, and other water toys, but you can also camp, hang at the beach, and fish. If you’re brave enough, you can also cliff jump off of Dakota Point. Bring your swimming suits and sunscreen!

Sheridan Lake

Movie buffs may mistake this lake for the top of Mount Rushmore (as seen in National Treasure 2) but the two are actually a miles apart. Spend time kayaking on the lake, scrambling on the rocks, or hiking the Sunday Gulch trail. Black Elk Peak and Little Devil's Tower trailheads are near the lake. It is also within Custer State Park, and you will need to buy a state park pass to enter.

Sylvan Lake

This is a bigger lake just north of the venue. A beautiful place to boat, fish, swim, picnic!

Pactola Lake

Outdoors

The George S. Michelson Trail was an old rail trail turned recreation (biking/walking/running) trail that extends more than 100 miles through the hills, from Deadwood to Edgemont, SD. There are many trailheads, including in Deadwood and Hill City. This is a wonderful way to see the Black Hills and enjoy nature! There is a nominal trail fee that you can pay with cash or check at the trailhead.

Michelson Trail

Black Elk (Harney) Peak is the highest point in the US east of the Rocky Mountains and has one of the best views of the Black Hills. The 7 mile round-trip hike starts at Sylvan Lake, winds through the forest, and ends at an old fire lookout tower. Mountain goats and chipmunks will often accompany you while taking in the view at the summit. The trail isn’t difficult (it’s well-worn) but gets steep near the summit, so bring water and snacks. This is located within the state park, so you will need to pay for a state park pass.

Black Elk Peak Trailhead

The Spring Creek trail is in the Black Hills National Forest near Sheridan Lake. It’s a fairly easy trail that runs along and crosses the creek. You’ll see historic, gold-mining tunnels and Sheridan Lake on this 3.6 mile loop trail. If you want, you can go cliff jumping into Sheridan Lake at Dakota Point mid-way through your hike.

Spring Creek and the Centennial-Flume Trailhead

This state park encompasses Sylvan Lake, the Needles Highway, and the Cathedral Spires, various small fishing lakes, and campsites. Take the Custer State Park Wildlife loop to see wild bison and burros. You will need to pay for a state park pass to enter.

Custer State Park

If you want to get a taste of the Hills but don’t want to do the 7 mile Black Elk Peak hike, this is a great, moderate option! This trail is about 3.5 miles out and back and has beautiful views of the Cathedral Spires rock formations. This trailhead is just east of Sylvan Lake, and you will need to pay for a state park pass.

Little Devil's Tower Trailhead

The Needles are needle-like rock formations within Custer State Park, and this highway passes by them and through them. It also gives great views of the Cathedral Spires formations. These are also popular rock climbing spots, so you can do that too, or marvel at those that make it to the top! This is located within the state park, so you will need to pay to enter.

Needles Highway

Outside of Spearfish and Lead/Deadwood, you can wind through this beautiful canyon and visit Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Falls, and Roughlock Falls. It also happens to be a perfect location for engagement photos.

Spearfish Canyon State Nature Area

This location is known for its unique formations and there are hiking/walking trails and camp sites. This park is east of Rapid City and the Black Hills, near Wall Drug, and full of prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets. You will need to pay for a national park pass to enter.

Badlands National Park

Wineries/Breweries

One of the first wineries in the Black Hills! Go for lunch or a wine tasting.

Prairie Berry Winery

Owned and located by Prairie Berry Winery. Great craft beer!

Miner Brewing Company

This is the same company as the Firehouse SmokeJumper Station restaurant in Hill City, but this is their main location in Rapid City. Good food and beer. Their artichoke dip and beer bread is delicious! Visit their Wine Cellars next door too.

Firehouse Brewing Company

A favorite local craft brewery in Rapid City.

Lost Cabin Beer Co.

Local winery located in what the couple fondly call, “Guzzler’s Gulch”.

Naked Winery South Dakota

Food

An absolute favorite and must-eat for steak lovers! This restaurant is in an old Bavarian style inn that serves lunch and dinner. Dinner is either prime rib or spaetzle (the vegetarian option), but it’s really the prime rib that you go for. Wash it down with German wine or beer and finish it off with some Bavarian desserts! Be warned, they do not take reservations and there is often a wait since it’s a popular spot. It’s completely worth the wait though!

Alpine Inn

This is the same company as the Firehouse restaurant in Rapid City, and sells most of the same items. Go here for food and/or local wine and beer. Their artichoke dip and beer bread is delicious!

Firehouse SmokeJumper Station

Great spot for burgers after a hike or touring Custer State Park.

Black Hills Burger and Bun Co

Great Indian food in downtown Rapid City. Vegetable Korma and Palak Paneer are the bride’s favorite dishes.

Everest Cuisine

Great place in Rapid City for coffee, breakfast, or lunch. Try a local King's Pastie if you go!

Harriet and Oak

Locally owned spot to get a cup of joe and donuts. Get there early as donuts can go fast. It’s also a good place to get wedding cakes ;)

Jerry's Cakes & Donuts

Good bagels and cream cheese for breakfast, or try their bagel sandwiches for lunch.

Black Hills Bagels

Jackie's favorite spot for ice cream in the summer!

Armadillos Ice Cream Shoppe

Tourist Attractions

You know this one, but you probably didn't know this is where it was located. Walk the path to look up George's nose and get some ice cream and fudge in the restaurant. You will need to pay to enter and to park.

Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore may get all of the fame but Crazy Horse will dwarf it in size when (and if) it's finished. Commissioned by members of the Lakota tribe it's been under construction for 72 years. You will need to pay to enter.

Crazy Horse Memorial

Take this vintage steam train for a 2 hour tour of the Black Hills from Hill City to Keystone, or vice versa.

1880 Train - Hill City Depot

While visiting the tourist town of Keystone, try one of the adventures here! They have an alpine slide, an aerial adventure park, a scenic chairlift, and a 800 ft. zip line.

Rushmore Tramway Adventures

This is a gorgeous road tour in the hills that includes old wooden “pigtail bridges” and one-way tunnels that highlight Mt. Rushmore like a picture frame. This is one of the bride’s favorite locations to take visitors!

Iron Mountain Road

One of the many caves in the Black Hills, and a National Park. You can take a cave tour or sign up to go spelunking.

Wind Cave National Park

If you’re not a fan of reptiles, this is not your tourist attraction! This is basically a zoo of reptiles and birds of prey, including alligators, crocodiles, all kinds of snakes, and huge Galapagos Tortoises. Attend the various shows where the employees talk about the reptiles and you can get an up-close look. You can even see them “wrestle a gator”!

Reptile Gardens

Take a drive through tour of this park and drive amongst big wildlife, including elk and bears. Afterward, you can get out of your car and look at the baby bears, fox, and other critters, in the enclosures.

Bear Country USA

This little tourist trap makes you question the laws of nature. Balls roll uphill and cabins tilt...or do they....

Cosmos Mystery Area

Goats crossing bridges, petting zoo, train rides, and pony rides...a perfect visit for kids!

Old MacDonald's Farm

Things to Do

Bailey is Jackie's Big Sister from the Alpha Chi Omega  Sorority at UNM, but she's so much more. Even though Bailey spelled Jackie's name wrong in the beginning (Jacqui), they immediately bonded over being from remote, more northern states (South Dakota and Wyoming), their lack of crafting skills,  and their love of green chile and cheese. 
Jeff and Bailey shared a love of UNM Lobo sports and were usually the last fans at the football games. Jackie often went to the games with one of them, and though she would have left early, she was forced to wait until the end of the  game when Jeff and Bailey were ready to leave.
Jackie doesn't get to see Bailey as much as she'd like, but she is successful and lives a fun and active lifestyle as a PA in Wyoming.

Bailey Snyder

Nick and Jeff met in 1st grade (go Fatima Falcons!) and have remained great friends over the years.

From the days of getting hyped up on Mountain Dew to being roommates for much of their adult lives, they've shared a love of the Dallas Cowboys, books, movies, video games, and more.

Nick met Jackie in college when she decided to join a ZPA meeting only to find she was neither fully prepared nor aware.

Nick Chiado

Jenna is Jeff's younger sister and the best little brother he could have ever asked for. Being just a year and a half younger than Jeff, the two have been close their whole lives.  Jenna loved to follow Jeff around playing with Ninja Turtles and watching Disney movies. Growing up they shared a love of sports and games (except Monopoly). Jenna is a 4th grade teacher in Albuquerque, married to Will, and has two beautiful children (see below).

Jenna Minner

Will and Jeff were introduced when Will began dating Jenna in 2007. While they didn't really hit it off at first (Will was a Redskins fan so that about says it all) they've grown closer over the years and have become brothers. Will's an amazing father and a firefighter for the Bernalillo County  Fire Department.

William Minner

Kelsey has been part of the Zvejnieks family for many years now, but it became official when she married Jackie's little brother, Nathan, in 2018. She's a great sport who deals with an abundance of sarcasm and repetition. Jackie and Kelsey share a love of wine, cooking, and doggos!

Kelsey Zvejnieks

Jackie's lil bro is a beer connoisseur and a man of many quips and wits (he is a doctor, don't you know). Though Jackie and Nathan used to bicker when they were kids, they're now close and try to match each other's sarcastic comments. They both like to be active in the outdoors and may be a bit competitive when it comes to running.

They don't get to see each other as often as they'd like now since Nathan is in his 3rd year of residency in Portland. He lives there with his wife, Kelsey, and their dog, Arya.

Nathan Zvejnieks

Jackie and Mikala have run in the same circles since elementary school, though they didn't become great friends until high school and college summers. They played soccer together, danced together, and spent many summers at home in Rapid City and at Sheridan Lake with Vanessa. 
They became even closer when, in 2015, Jackie moved to Denver and lived with Mikala and her husband, Nate.  The two kept Jackie sane and encouraged for the over 2.5 years of Jackie and Jeff's long distance relationship. Now, Jackie and Jeff live only a short distance from the couple in Aurora, CO.

Mikala Gibbs

Jackie's older brother is a master of contemplative thinking, a maker of video and creative projects, and a lover of ice cream and all things butter. Kyle and Jackie were close from the very beginning, since they're only about a year and a half apart. Jackie followed Kyle around and loved what he loved, including Ninja Turtles. To this day they remain close, but now Jackie follows Kyle around to good ice cream and coffee shops.

Kyle Zvejnieks

Jackie and Vanessa knew each other in elementary school, but not well. Vanessa moved to Texas but luckily moved back to Rapid City freshman year of high school. The two went skiing one day and were inseparable the rest of their high school years. 
They stayed close throughout college and spent summers in the Black Hills causing mischief with Mikala. The three still love seeing each other, but Dr. Mahoney was busy being a Fulbright Scholar in Montenegro last year and is currently living in Austin and working as a consultant for IBM.

Vanessa Mahoney

Rich and Jeff met in college at UNM when they pledged Sigma Chi together. They became friends when Rich attempted to kidnap Jeff near Johnson field (Stockholm syndrome maybe?). They've remained great friends over the years and (along with his wife, Rebecca) have spent every New Years Eve together and travelled to Ireland in 2013. Rich and Rebecca live in Albuquerque and love to travel the world.

Rich Griego

Kelly and Jackie met freshman year of college in their honors class and bonded over their unique last names, Gilmore Girls, and dance.  Kelly also introduced Jackie to the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority freshman year, and after a year of trying, she (and Dani) got Jackie to rush their sophomore year.

Kelly made another important introduction- Jeff and Jackie!

Jackie is able to see Kelly on her visits to D.C. (where Kelly lives with her husband, Kyle), and when they both happen to be in Albuquerque.

Kelly Rzendzian

Keenan and Jeff are cousins on the Phillip's side and have known each other their whole lives (well most of Keenan's). They've spent many years playing canasta (not cheating like their sisters), trying to invent instant cures to mosquito bites, and playing walkie talkie hide 'n seek in Pendaries. 

Keenan Phillips

Jackie and Dani were roommates freshman year of college at UNM, and Jackie was so lucky to have been paired with her! Jackie didn't know anyone in New Mexico, and Dani took her under her wing, drove her around everywhere, fostered her love for green chile, and introduced her to people and places in Albuquerque. They became so close that Jackie followed in her footsteps and joined the same sorority (with Kelly).

When Jeff and Jackie visit Albuquerque now, Jackie tries to make sure she meets up with Dani, her husband, Rob, and her cute little girl, Mila (see picture)! 

Dani Faithe

Bubz and Jeff met freshman year of high school and became instant friends upon a shared sack of the Taos QB. 

They've remained friends over the years and share a love (and many years of heartbreak) of the Dallas Cowboys, video games, tomaccoooo, and the soon to be hit movie Raptor Mountain (coming to a future theater near you).

Miguel 'Bubz' Lujan

Kenny and Jeff met at UNM as brothers of Sigma Chi.
Their love for Assassin's, Vikings, and Ice and Fire overshadow Kenny's horrible taste in sports teams. While Kenny can never be trusted to be on time, he can certainly be counted on to be a great friend.

Kenny Feria

Niece and goddaughter to the happy couple. Fearless and adventurous, she's definitely her Mama's (Jenna) daughter.

Briella Minner

Nephew to the bride and groom. Avid Paw Patrol and Spiderman fan. Just like his uncle, he loves books and dislikes tomatoes.

Jackie & Jeff