Rehearsal & Dinner to Follow 

Welcome Party 

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Mackenzie and I initially met back in 2018 at Oklahoma State University when I was a senior and she was a sophomore. I was helping teach an intro accounting course that all business school students were required to take. Lucky for me, Mackenzie was in one of the classes. I vividly remember the first time I saw her. I did not know her at the time, but I immediately thought she was beautiful. Our interactions in that class were brief, however. We talked here and there over the course of the semester, but once the class ended, we both went our separate ways, unaware of the fact that we were both interested in getting to know the other person more. But, throughout the remainder of our time at Oklahoma State, we did not see each other much. Upon graduating, we both moved to Oklahoma City. We both started our careers and fully embraced becoming working adults. Then, in 2022, we reconnected for the first time since that class. We were at a mutual friends’ wedding and were seated at tables next to each other. After that, we saw each other Summer Moon coffee, then at an Oklahoma State tailgate, and then finally, after running into each other one more time at Trader Joes, I knew I had to ask her out on a date. She agreed to dinner. We both had an amazing time and wound up spending more time together over the next two days. After our first date, I knew that I would ask her to marry me one day. We started dating officially about a month later, then on July 5th, 2024, I asked her to marry me. I am extremely thankful to have met Mack all those years ago at Oklahoma State. After talking to her only a few times, I thought to myself: “That is the type of woman you marry. She is going to make someone extremely happy one day.” Now, all these years later, the person that she makes happy is me. We are extremely excited to be in this new chapter of our lives. We cannot wait to be married and to celebrate with you all.

Our Story

Photos

Our Best Gals

Ally Wolfenkoehler 

Julia Chancelor

Sayde Saunders

Mallory Newell

Ally Kuykendall

Bailee Clemmons

Kamry Kargl

Kamryn Fisher

Courtney Bisson

Maddie McQuirk

Our Best Guys

Connor Williams

Chris Hand

Daniel Parker

Nolan Malloy

Nolan Steffes

JT Zerby

Braxton Noble

Chase Calvert

Zac Bland

Wedding Party

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the dress code?We'd love to see our family and friends get dressed up for our big day! Dress to impress in your best semi formal cocktail attire. Bright summer-time colors are encouraged. Please note: the wedding will be outdoors. In the evenings, CB can get quite chilly. Can I bring a guest/date?Due to limited space, we are only able to accommodate those guests formally invited on your wedding invitation. If you received a plus one they will appear under your name when you RSVP. Are kids allowed?Invitations will be specific and will include the names of the children who are invited. However, we do have options for CB babysitters if needed. https://www.cbbabysitters.com/

What's the weather like in the summer?Summer in Crested Butte is typically mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 70°F to 80°F. Evenings can be cool, so it's advisable to bring layers.&nbsp; Are there any local festivals or events during the summer?Yes, Crested Butte hosts various events, including the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, music concerts, and art fairs. Check the local events calendar for specific dates.<a href="https://crestedbuttearts.org/performing-arts/alpenglow-concert-series/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Alpenglow Music Festival, Monday evenings</a><a href="https://mtcbmusic.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mountain Music, Wednesday evenings</a><a href="https://travelcrestedbutte.com/crested-butte-summer-activities/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Crested Butte Event Calendar</a>&nbsp; Is Crested Butte pet-friendly?Yes, Crested Butte is a pet-friendly destination with several accommodations, and outdoor areas welcoming furry friends.&nbsp; How will the altitude affect me?The town of Crested Butte sits at an altitude of 8,885 ft and if you are coming up in elevation, you will likely feel it. Take it easy particularly if this is your first time at high altitude, it is best to arrive early and give yourself 24-48 hours to acclimate. If you don't have this luxury of time, beware of certain things such as alcohol intake, or physical exercise that may affect you differently. Alcohol 2-3 drinks at sea level = 1 drink at altitude. Hydrate like crazy to avoid altitude sickness!&nbsp; Do I have to pay to park? Free two-hour parking is available throughout the downtown and free long-term parking is available in public parking lots.&nbsp; What's the brief history of Crested Butte?Crested Butte was first occupied by the Ute people who were driven out by European trappers and surveyors. In the 1860s and '70s, coal and silver mines opened in the surrounding areas. Crested Butte survived because it acted as a supply town to many of the mines. Ranching was the other industry in the valley, and it is still prominent today. Now Crested Butte is called "The Last Great Colorado Ski Town”! The ski resort, which opened in 1960, is known for its extreme terrain. It is one of the birthplaces of freeskiing and has helped revolutionize it by holding annual Freeski and telemark extreme skiing competitions. The town also claims to be the birthplace of mountain biking and was home to the Mountain Biking Hall of Fame until 2014. It is the official Wildflower Capital of Colorado, and the nearby Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory studies the valley's rich and diverse ecology. The town, itself, has a fun and funky vibe all its own.&nbsp; Local Tip: Now you know all the about Crested Butte, the locals call it "CB".

Q + A

How to Travel to Crested Butte:

Gunnison, Colorado (GUC) Gunnison to Crested Butte is approximately a 30-minute drive. There is a shuttle service available from Gunnison to Crested Butte, or multiple rental car options at the airport. Recommended: Alpine Express for shuttle service from Airport.   Montrose, Colorado (MTJ)  Montrose to Crested Butte is approximately a 2-hour drive.  Grand Junction, Colorado (GJT)  Grand Junction to Crested Butte is approximately a 3-hour drive. Expect a few delays due to construction on bridge to Crested Butte.    Denver, Colorado (DEN) Denver to Crested Butte is approximately a 4.5-hour drive.   Colorado Springs, Colorado (COS) Colorado Springs to Crested Butte is approximately a 4-hour drive.

Where to Stay:

Stay closer to the Mountains. Nestled up against Crested Butte Mountain, Elevation provides a newly renovated stay with unprecedented year-round access to world-class recreation. Guests can also go to our website at www.elevationresort.com and enter this promo code: 2506BISSRD

Elevation Hotel & Spa

A luxurious mountain retreat offering stunning views and personalized services.

Eleven Scarp Ridge Lodge

Located in the heart of the Crested Butte Mountain Resort base area – just steps from the ski lifts, hiking and biking as well as shopping, ski area services and restaurants – Mountaineer Square is an excellent “base camp” for your winter ski vacation or summer mountain getaway.

The Lodge at Mountaineer Square

An intimate, 10-room house that offers different-sized rooms. In the town of Crested Butte and close to the bus route.

Vaquera House

West Wall offers luxury condos right on the mountain.

Westwall Lodge

Charming rooms, homemade breakfast, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Purple Mountain Bed and Breakfast

A historic inn offering comfortable rooms and easy access to downtown Crested Butte

Elk Mountain Lodge

How to Travel around Crested Butte:

Free Shuttle Service: Mountain Express is a free public transportation service to get you around Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. The bus goes between the two towns, as well as condo loop buses that serve the major condominiums in parts of Mt. Crested Butte. It runs every 20 minutes from 7:35 am to midnight every day during the summer months.<a href="https://www.mtnexp.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bus Schedule</a> Biking: Crested Butte is a bike-friendly town, and renting bicycles is a popular way to get around and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Travel

Explore the scenic trails of Crested Butte and witness stunning vistas while hiking. A few of our favorites are Brush Creek, Whetstone Vista, Oh be Joyful, Long Lake, and so many more

Hiking

Explore the scenic trails of Crested Butte and witness stunning vistas while hiking or biking. Rent your bike from Alpineer or Big Al's Bicycle

Mountain Biking

In the summer, Crested Butte is known for its vibrant wildflowers. Take a guided tour to witness the colorful display.

Wildflower Viewing

Experience world-class fly fishing in the nearby rivers and lakes, guided by experienced local anglers.

Fly Fishing 

Let Fantasy Ranch take you high into the Crested Butte mountains for a breathtaking view on horseback.

Horseback Riding

Crested Butte whitewater rafting is the best way to experience the area's extensive network of mountain rivers slicing through gorgeous wilderness areas.

White Water Rafting

(bike park, kids adventure center, chairlift ride, hiking, disk golf): There are a number of activities to partake in through Mount Crested Butte.

On Mountain Activities

Rent Paddle Boards from Wheelies and Waves:Can float the slate river or head up to Irwin lake

Paddleboarding

Places to Eat

Sunflower: Hands down one of the greatest meals and coziest evenings you can find in CB (or maybe anywhere) Secret Stash: Unique pizza joint, casual and quirky, like Crested Butte Teocalli Tamale: All about good eats and mountain vibes. Famous for their fresh burritos, tasty tacos, mouthwatering tamales, and killer margaritas, their cozy spot perfectly captures the laid-back Crested Butte spirit. Breadery: A sourdough and vegetable forward eatery, bar, and bakehouse in Crested Butte, Colorado. Ryce: Seriously good Asian bistro&nbsp; Two Twelve: A fresh take on live-fire cooking. 10/10 experience. Slogar: Possibly the best skillet-fried chicken paired with comfort-food sides you'll ever have. Dogwood: If you need a very tasty cocktail, this is the spot. Montanya's: A local rum distillery, which you will love if you love rum and ambiance. You will only find rum drinks on the menu. The Hideout: One of CB's new restaurants serving casual favorites for the whole family. Camp 4 Coffee: A local coffee shop with an exterior wall covered in license plates. The coffee is good too!&nbsp;

Things to Do

Registry

Dress Attire

Cocktail Attire : suits & bright summer-time colors encouraged for the women.   Please note that the venue has some uneven ground, so we kindly recommend avoiding pointy heels for your comfort. We want everyone to enjoy the celebration, so please plan accordingly. Thank you!

Transportation

We will have Transportation for all guests to venue.   Shuttles will be available to transport guests to the venue. You will be assigned a shuttle departing from the 4-way stop in downtown crested butte at 3:35 PM or 4:10 PM.

The Day of Details

3 years ago Mack, Kathy and I were driving in the Gunnison valley socked between Teocalli and Whetstone mountains on a dirt road in my 1981 jeep scrambler. It was actually on Mack’s birthday and she flew in to spend the long Memorial Day weekend with us. It was your normal fabulous sunset drive in what I considered to be the prettiest place on the planet. Mack and I have done hundreds of sunset drives together in Kerrville Texas but this one just hit different. We drove 5 miles down brush creek road and turned around to go back home and Mack was propped up in back of jeep and said “dad, I want to get married right here in that pasture”. My response was “well, don’t you have to be dating someone first”. We smiled and laughed and kept driving. What was unique about that pasture it is one of the only small working cattle ranches left in the valley called cold springs ranch and one of the only places that never has anyone but cattle and the old rancher working on it. This happened to be a year before Ricky had come into her life. Well time moves fast and Mack and Ricky’s relationship just blossomed into something so special. Fast forward a year Mack has only brought 1 boy to our Texas ranch and just turns out to be the man she is marrying. So engagement happens and instead of Texas they both land on Crested Butte. Wedding planning starts and we rent out local park in town for venue. For some reason “dad, I want to get married in that pasture” statement I couldn’t shake from my mind. Last August, 2 months into planning on a random whim Kathy and I jumped into the old jeep and drove down brush creek for a quick glimpse of the sunset. As luck and good salesmanship has it the old rancher was working with a friend baling the last cut of hay for the season on that fortunate drive. We drove by and I did a hard u turn with Kathy looking at me and said “ well Mr Sales guru go take your shot and we will see how good you really are at your craft”. Challenge accepted I get NO’s every day. One more ain’t going to kill me. So, jumped out of jeep in shorts and flip flops and walked 100 yards into freshly cut hay and address the 2 ranchers. First words I could think of “sir I know this is a long shot, but my daughter and I think this is the most beautiful place on earth and she wants to get married right here”. They both looked me up and down and said “you aren’t from around here are you”. My response “well have a home 2 miles down, but 5th generation cattle ranchers from Texas”. Old Ranchers buddy says “well we don’t like Texans with a smile….what part of Texas?” Long story long he actually knew my grandparents neighbors of 40 years because he too was from same area of Texas. This conversation lasted 10 minutes longer than Kathy ever thought I was going to get into, so she comes walking across the pasture because I didn’t get a 30 second NO. Only 1 other wedding has ever been hosted by Mr. Veltri and the Cold Springs Ranch in 50 years so can say I closed the deal. We are so excited about sharing this slice of beauty with all of you for our baby girls wish “dad, I want to get marrried right here!”     Kathy and Marc

https://1percentforopenspace.org/portfolio_page/cold-spring-ranch/  https://crestedbuttenews.com/2011/02/prime-brush-creek-land-will-remain-a-working-ranch/

Mackenzie & Ricky